Making a Solid Case for the Corded Vacuum

Why I reluctantly said goodbye to my cordless stick vacuum.

When I first got my cordless stick vacuum nearly eight years ago, I was in heaven. We lived in a small apartment with wood floors and a few rugs—it was perfect for our space, was small enough to store in our miniature closet and worked like a dream.

Fast forward to today: we’ve moved into a bigger house, my kids are older (and somehow messier), and my trusty stick vacuum just wasn’t cutting it anymore.

After much internal debate—do I buy a new, high-tech stick vacuum or go back to a standard one?—I decided to go old school and try a corded vacuum again. And maybe this sounds dramatic, but it’s been life-changing for how clean our home feels.

I’m a mom with two little boys, a dog, and a husband, which means vacuuming isn’t a once-a-week chore—it’s every couple of days, sometimes daily. Sure, a cordless vacuum is easier to grab on a whim, but I was constantly frustrated by how poorly it cleaned. I needed something with real power that wouldn’t die halfway through the job.

So I did my research (thank you, Amazon reviews) and landed on this corded vacuum that was highly rated and reasonably priced. And wow—what a difference.

I know there are some cordless vacuums out there that perform beautifully, but many of them come with hefty price tags. Mine, while lightweight and convenient would have been very expensive to replace, and there’s several other projects I’d like to save that cash for.

On top of the price tag, it just wasn’t getting the job done. I’d vacuum the kitchen, walk across it barefoot, and still feel crumbs underfoot. Not ideal.

So, if your cordless vacuum isn’t living up to the hype anymore, hear me out—a corded vacuum might be exactly what you need.

Corded vs Cordless Vacuum Debate

If you’ve been wondering whether a corded vacuum is really worth it, here are a few reasons why I’m firmly back on Team Cord.

1. Convenience Factor

We used to keep our cordless vacuum in a hallway closet for easy access, so yes, pulling out a corded vacuum feels slightly less convenient—but honestly, not by much. Plus, I love that it tucks neatly away in the closet when I’m done. No more staring at the vacuum parked in the hallway all day.

2. Ease of Use

Corded vacuums are a bit heavier, but that’s because they have larger motors—which means more suction power and better cleaning results. It’s not so heavy that it’s hard to push, either. The only time I really have to put in effort is on our high-pile rug, but then I quickly realized that there’s a handy feature to reduce the amount of suction for high-pile rugs—problem solved! My cordless vacuum didn’t even make a dent in that thing.

When it comes to smooth surfaces like wood and tile, it’s a dream. Under the table crumbs are no match for this vacuum.

3. No Battery Issues

This was my biggest pain point before. I’d start vacuuming, get through one room, maybe half of another, and the battery would die. When I’m in cleaning mode, I just want to finish the job. With my corded vacuum, I can clean the entire house in one go—no waiting, no recharging, no frustration.

4. Serious Cleaning Power

I wasn’t expecting that big of a difference, but wow—it’s powerful. From wood floors to carpets, it picks up dust, dirt, crumbs, dog hair, and whatever else my kids have left behind. The suction is just next level. When I need my space to feel calm, having clean floors is the icing on the cake and this gets the job done perfectly.

5. Great for Dog Hair

We have a Shiba Inu who sheds a fair amount, and this vacuum handles it like a champ. The attachments make it easy to clean the couch where he naps, and I can even lift the cushions to get all the hidden fur and crumbs.

6. Works on All Surfaces

This vacuum does it all—tile, wood, rugs, carpet, even the stairs. The smaller attachments are perfect for corners, pantry crevices, and that annoying spot under the kitchen toe kick that’s impossible to reach. The one I bought has two settings—one for smooth floors like wood and tile, and another for rugs and carpets.

7. Longer Lifespan

Cordless vacuums often wear out faster because the batteries degrade over time and replacements can be pricey or hard to find. Corded vacuums can last a decade or more if well maintained, making them a smarter long-term investment. I remember the vacuum we had growing up and I’m pretty sure it was 20 years old, but it still worked like a dream.

A longer lifespan also means less waste, so if you’re into eco-friendly options, a corded one is easily the way to go.

Best Corded Vacuums

Budget-Friendly Option: The Shark Upright vacuum cleaner is a number one seller for a reason—it’s reasonably priced, not too heavy and comes with all the attachments and bells and whistles I needed. It cleans effectively and overall is a great pick.

For Pet Hair: Bissel’s Pet Hair Eraser is a top pick if you’ve got pets that shed. Great suction, a tangle-free brush that’s designed for getting rid of hair and fur and won’t get jammed up. Also, a HEPA-sealed allergen system so you don’t get dust and bits of hair floating around the house making everyone sneeze.

My Final Thoughts: Corded vs Cordless Vacuum

Whether you have kids, pets, or just love a clean home, it might be time to trade in your cordless vacuum—or at least add a corded one to your cleaning arsenal. Cordless models are great for quick messes, but when you want serious cleaning power, there’s really no comparison.