Our team spent hours testing these top three cordless vacuums to identify which one makes cleaning stairs fast and easy. After considering all the key factors, SAMSUNG Jet 75 Complete Cordless Stick Vacuum clinched the best overall choice.
Stairs are often the trickiest spots in our homes to clean. Traditional vacuums, with their cumbersome cords and bulky designs, can make the task feel like an uphill battle—literally.
Our Best Cordless Vacuums for Stairs
Enter cordless vacuums: these sleek, lightweight, and incredibly efficient machines have changed the way we tackle those pesky stair corners and edges.
In this review, we’ll dive deep into the world of cordless vacuums, highlighting the best models specifically designed for stair cleaning.
Our Review Methodology
We personally test every product featured in our reviews. This is to provide accurate and tested recommendations. Read our Review Guidelines for a full understanding of how we test vacuum cleaners.
Since starting Vacuum Empire, we’ve personally tested over 40 models of vacuums which ensures reliable, unbiased recommendations. We measure cleaning ability across various surfaces and evaluate manoeuvrability in tight spaces, like navigating around a cluttered living room.
Our focus on providing honest reviews with a clear review criteria sets us apart from typical reviewers who never test any of their recommendations. We go one step further and also analyze other owner’s reviews to capture the ‘wisdom of the people’ to provide a more comprehensive review. For instance, we discovered that a popular model had battery issues after only a few months of use which would have otherwise been missed.
5 Best Cordless Vacuums for Stairs Reviewed
Whether you have carpeted steps, wooden treads, or a mix of both, there’s a perfect cordless vacuum out there for you. Our best overall choice is the SAMSUNG Jet 75 Complete Cordless Stick Vacuum, but we compiled a couple of other models that can also do the job depending on your preference.
Join us as we navigate the stairways of vacuum innovation, ensuring you make an informed decision for your home.
Highlight:
This cordless vacuum offers up to 60 minutes of run time and 5 Dyson-engineered accessories.
Our Experience – Why we liked it:
The Dyson V12 Detect Slim Cordless Vacuum Cleaner is an excellent tool for cleaning stairs. Its lightweight design made it easy to handle and maneuver, leading to a hassle-free experience while tackling various surfaces.
It comes with an intelligent illumination system that reveals hidden dust on hard floors, ensuring a thorough clean. We enjoyed the convenience of its slim design, as it allowed us to reach tight corners and edges easily. The vacuum also transforms into a handheld device, enabling versatile cleaning of stairs, cars, and upholstery.
We appreciated the LCD screen display, which provided essential information such as power mode, maintenance alerts, and remaining runtime. The vacuum intelligently adapts its power based on the debris detected, optimizing its performance for a seamless clean.
However, we did notice that the vacuum’s runtime could vary, sometimes hindering continuous usage. Additionally, the Dyson V12 Detect Slim is relatively expensive, and while its hair de-tangling feature worked well for the most part, it might struggle with larger tangles.
Who should use it:
The Dyson V12 Detect Slim Cordless Vacuum Cleaner is optimal for homeowners desiring advanced technology for thorough cleaning, particularly in tight spaces like stairs. It’s also well-suited for those who value real-time feedback via an LCD screen.
Pros
Effective illumination reveals hidden dust
Lightweight making it easy to manage on stairs
LCD screen displays essential information
Cons
Runtime may vary, affecting continuous use
Relatively expensive
Hair de-tangling feature might not be perfect
“At 80+, without a doubt, the Dyson V12 is the best. Light weight; excellent suction; good battery life; super easy to use, and also very important, super easy to empty. The on/off power button makes switching hands seamless. Every time I use it, I just can’t get over how easy it is to use.”
Highlight:
The BLACK+DECKER dustbuster features high-capacity dirt bowl and cyclonic action.
Our Experience – Why we liked it:
Upon trying the BLACK+DECKER dustbuster Cordless Handheld Vacuum (HHVI315JO42), we found it to be a handy addition to our cleaning tools. Its lightweight design allowed us to easily maneuver it on stairs and in other hard-to-reach areas, making it especially suitable for quick clean-ups.
The cyclonic action of this cordless vacuum ensures strong and consistent suction throughout the cleaning process. It was impressive how well it removed hair, dirt, and debris from various surfaces, living up to its promise of multi-surface use. Additionally, the high-capacity dirt bowl allowed us to clean a considerable area without having to empty it frequently, which was a major plus.
On the downside, the vacuum took around 4 hours to charge, which might be an inconvenience for some users. Also, while it performs well on smaller debris, it struggles with larger particles. Though useful in some instances, the brush attachment can get clogged easily, so ensuring it’s clear before each use is important.
Who should use it:
The BLACK+DECKER dustbuster Cordless Handheld Vacuum is an excellent choice for individuals in need of a lightweight tool for sporadic clean-ups and targeting hard-to-reach areas. It’s particularly beneficial for routine tasks like stair cleaning.
Pros
Lightweight and portable, great for tight spaces
Strong and consistent suction with cyclonic action
High-capacity dirt bowl that is easy to clean
Cons
Charging time of 4 hours
May struggle on larger debris
Brush attachment can get clogged
“This is indispensable! I am using it all the time for the small spills that seem to occur every where – like coffee grounds, sugar, while making hummer food, dirt while planting something, even paper shredings.. The suction is powerful for its size, easy to empty and runs for about 20 or more minutes on a charge.”
Highlight:
Mellif Cordless Vacuum offers portable and powerful suction, and plug and go feature.
Our Experience – Why we liked it:
Our experience using the Mellif Cordless Vacuum for Dewalt 20V Max Battery was quite satisfying. It’s an incredibly versatile tool that easily tackles various cleanup tasks, from removing dirt and debris from stair carpets to ensuring the cleanliness of car interiors and furniture. Its portability allows us to clean hard-to-reach areas without hassle.
The vacuum is powered by a 20V lithium battery compatible with the Dewalt 20V MAX battery lineup. This compatibility is practical if you already own DeWalt tools, as you can interchange the batteries and save some expenses. Although it’s important to note that the battery is not included with the vacuum, so you’ll need to purchase it separately if you don’t have one.
One downside we observed is its battery life, which lasts for only 20 minutes. This duration might be sufficient for quick cleanups but can be limiting for more extensive tasks. It’s also crucial to regularly empty the dust collection cup as it fills up quickly, which might be inconvenient for some users.
Who should use it:
The Mellif Cordless Vacuum, compatible with the Dewalt 20V Max Battery, is ideal for those seeking flexibility in their cleanup tasks, especially if they already have DeWalt tools in their collection.
Pros
Compatible with DeWalt 20V MAX battery
Portable design with strong suction power
Effective on multiple surfaces
Cons
Battery not included
20 minutes of battery life
Dust collection cup requires frequent cleaning
“Since I already have Dewalt batteries, it seemed like a good choice. And was it ever! The design and build quality is surprisingly good, the attachments are perfect and very high quality. Nothing feels cheap or second-rate about this vac. Oh, and it sucks good, too!”
Highlight:
SAMSUNG Jet 75 has turbo brush, digital display, and long reach crevice and combination tools.
Our Experience – Why we liked it:
Trying the SAMSUNG Jet 75 Complete Cordless Stick Vacuum was a great experience. We were impressed by its performance, lightweight design, and maneuverability, which made it easy for us to clean stairs, under furniture, and around tight corners with the 180-degree swivel head. The Turbo Brush worked exceptionally well on both carpets and other surfaces, thanks to its powerful suction of up to 200AW.
We also found the removable battery to be beneficial, allowing for flexible charging and the possibility of having a spare battery for extended cleaning sessions. With up to 120 minutes of runtime, we didn’t need to recharge often, but keep in mind that using higher settings will drain the battery quicker.
One of our favorite features was the Clean Station – with just a press of a button, the dustbin is emptied without getting our hands dirty, and the station retains 99.99% of dust and debris. This feature made the cleaning experience more enjoyable and hygienic.
However, there were a few drawbacks. The vacuum might not be the best choice for heavier carpets, as its suction can struggle with high-pile fibers. Additionally, although the vacuum is lightweight overall, it might feel a bit heavy for extended handheld use.
Who should use it:
The SAMSUNG Jet 75 Complete Cordless Stick Vacuum is ideal for those seeking a convenient and efficient cleaning solution, especially with features like the 180-degree swivel head and Clean Station.
Pros
Powerful suction up to 200AW
Removable battery for flexible charging
Clean Station for easy and hygienic dustbin emptying
Cons
Battery life could be better on high settings
Not the best choice for heavy carpets
Slightly heavy for handheld use
“My home has never been cleaner, becuase vaccuming is now an easy, quick chore, vs. something I need to plan around. This has been an A-, maybe a full A, for me. It exceeded my original expectations by a mile to become my full time vacuum.”
Highlight:
Kenmore DS4065 boasts 2-speed control, 40 minutes run time, and LED battery status meter.
Our Experience – Why we liked it:
The Kenmore DS4065 Cordless Stick Vacuum is a convenient, lightweight option for cleaning stairs. With a 40-minute runtime and a versatile 2-speed control, this vacuum is perfect for tackling various surfaces, from carpets and upholstery to hardwood floors.
The extra-large 1L dust cup capacity allows for less frequent emptying, meaning we could clean more without interruptions. Moreover, it’s HEPA filtration effectively captured 99.97% of dirt and debris. We appreciated the LED battery status meter, which clearly indicated the battery and charge levels.
Although we enjoyed using the Kenmore DS4065, there were a few downsides. Some users mentioned that the vacuum doesn’t stand alone, requiring a wall mount or other support. Additionally, the battery life may not be consistent with the advertised 40-minute runtime for every user. Lastly, a few reviewers experienced durability issues, with the vacuum breaking after minor impacts.
Who should use it:
For homeowners seeking a lightweight solution for varied surfaces, the Kenmore DS4065 Cordless Stick Vacuum excels, especially for staircases and extended cleaning sessions due to its large dust cup.
Pros
40-minute runtime
1L dust cup capacity
Lightweight at 5 pounds
Cons
May not stand alone
Battery life may vary
Potential durability concerns
“This is incredible. I tried one and was really impressed. It gets under my furniture, under my clawfoot tub, in hard to reach places easily. We are in the height of flea season and I’ve finally found a solution for keeping on top of them. I don’t have to pull out my regular vacuum or broom for quick and incredibly clean. I can’t say enough about how great this is.”
Buying Guide – How To Pick the Best Cordless Vacuums for Stairs
When selecting a cordless vacuum for stair-cleaning, important considerations include battery life and charging time, suction power and performance, the vacuum’s weight and ergonomic design, specialized attachments and tools, as well as price and warranty. Now let’s dig deeper on each factor below:
Battery Life and Charging Time
One of the most critical aspects of a cordless vacuum for stairs is its battery life. A longer battery life will enable you to clean multiple staircases without needing to recharge the unit. Look for vacuums with at least a 20-30 minute runtime. Additionally, consider the charging time – shorter charging times are generally more convenient.
Suction Power and Performance
Suction power is key for effectively cleaning stairs, especially if you have carpeted ones. Look for models that have strong suction capabilities and possibly come with multiple power settings. Also, consider a vacuum with a motorized brush head, which can help lift dirt and debris from carpets.
Weight and Ergonomics
Since you’ll be carrying the vacuum up and down the stairs, it’s essential to choose a lightweight and easy-to-maneuver model. Look for vacuums around the 3-7 pound weight range for easier handling. Additionally, check for an ergonomic grip and if the vacuum can be easily converted for handheld use, offering more flexibility for cleaning stairs.
Attachments and Tools
For effectively cleaning stairs, you may want a cordless vacuum with dedicated attachments. Some useful attachments for stairs include:
- Motorized brush head
- Crevice tool
- Upholstery brush
- Extension wand
These tools allow for more versatile cleaning of stair edges, corners, and upholstery.
Price and Warranty
Consider the price and warranty offered by the manufacturer. Keep your budget in mind and look for a vacuum that offers good value for money, without compromising on essential features. Opt for a model with a manufacturer’s warranty, as it ensures a certain level of quality and support for potential malfunctions.
Finding the best cordless vacuum for stairs is all about considering your specific needs and the features most important to you. By keeping battery life, suction power, weight and ergonomics, attachments, and price in mind, you can make an informed decision and bring home the perfect cordless vacuum for your stairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve gathered the most popular questions and answered them below.
When it comes to vacuuming stairs, using the right attachments can make a significant difference. We recommend using a crevice tool, which is designed to reach tight spaces and corners. This tool can be used to clean edges and between stair treads. Additionally, a small brush attachment can help to loosen stubborn dirt from carpeted stairs. For an even more thorough clean, consider using an upholstery tool specifically designed for stair cleaning.
Yes, cordless vacuums can effectively clean carpeted stairs. Many cordless vacuums come with powerful suction and various attachments, making them suitable for different types of surfaces, including carpets. We advise using a motorized brush roll attachment as it can help to lift dirt and debris from carpet fibers. Remember to adjust the vacuum’s settings to match the carpet thickness for optimal cleaning results.
Cordless vacuums are highly effective on hardwood stairs, as they offer strong suction and versatile cleaning options. We recommend using a soft-bristle brush attachment to avoid scratching the hardwood surface. To further protect your stairs, adjust the vacuum settings to a lower suction mode, if available. This will help to minimize the potential for damage while still providing a thorough clean.
