Suction (kPa or air watts)
Actual pulling force, unlike motor watts which is only power drawn.
Why it matters
Hard floors need 8–15 kPa; mattresses and sofas want 15 kPa+.
What to check
If only motor watts are quoted, ask for kPa or air watts.
Home appliances
Vacuum Cleaner
Indian homes have fine dust, not carpet fluff. That makes sealed filtration and suction in kPa far more important than the motor wattage printed on the box.
Find your fit
A few questions about your situation, not about the product.
Answer all 3 questions to see the spec sheet to shop with.
The spec sheet, decoded
Filtration (HEPA, sealed system)
How fine the exhaust filter is and whether air leaks around it.
Why it matters
A vacuum without a sealed HEPA path throws the finest dust back into the room — worst for asthma.
What to check
'HEPA filter' is meaningless without 'fully sealed system'.
Corded vs cordless runtime
Battery minutes at usable suction.
Why it matters
Cordless sticks quote runtime at low power; on max suction expect 8–12 minutes.
What to check
Ask for runtime on max mode and whether the battery is swappable.
Wet & dry capability
Can it pick up spills, not just dust.
Why it matters
Useful for Indian kitchens and balconies; needs a separate filter/bag setup.
What to check
Never use a dry-only vacuum on liquids — it kills the motor.
Bagged vs bagless
Disposable dust bag vs washable bin.
Why it matters
Bagless is cheaper to run but dumps dust in your face; bagged is cleaner for allergy homes.
What to check
Check bag price and availability if you go bagged.
Attachments
Crevice tool, upholstery brush, motorised head.
Why it matters
The motorised head matters for mattresses and rugs; crevice tool for sofa gaps and car interiors.
What to check
Robot vacuums can't do sofas, curtains or stairs at all.
Before you pay
- ✓Ask for suction in kPa and the max-mode runtime if cordless.
- ✓Confirm sealed HEPA filtration if anyone at home has dust allergy or asthma.
- ✓Check the filter is washable, and how often it must be replaced.
- ✓Match the tool kit to your real jobs: sofa, mattress, car, balcony.
Common traps
- !1800W marketing on a machine with weak actual suction.
- !Robot vacuums bought as the only vacuum — they miss edges, sofas and stairs.
- !Cordless runtime quoted in eco mode, useless for real cleaning.
Handheld and canister units to cordless stick vacuums and robot cleaners.