In a recent corded versus cordless car vac experiment, we found that corded vacuums were superior in terms of price, robustness, power, and performance. It was a one-sided affair, like the Lancia Delta Group A rally car in WRC during the late eighties and early nineties.
In pursuing this line of champions, we've focused solely on corded vacuums and recommended our top five for car cleaning. This isn't to say that these are vacuum cleaners that are only any good for car cleaning. Most of our favourites are wet and dry units that can be used in the garage, garden shed, and patio too.
Related: How to properly vacuum your car
The best corded vacuum cleaners for car cleaning
Best overall
Description
Pros
- Uses single filter
- Powerful and robust
- Long suction hose
- Compact yet decent capacity
- Has blower function
Cons
- Short power cord
- Hook for power cord isn't great
Best value
Description
Draper offers lots of power and capacity with its wet and dry vacuum. When we tested it against
Pros
- Great value
- Powerful motor
- Compact
- Large capacity
- Has blower function
Cons
- Filter change needed for wet
- Karcher and Charles more robust
Best Henry for car cleaning
Description
Charles is larger and heavier than the Karcher and Draper. It's also got much more reach, thanks
Pros
- Long reach
- Powerful
- Full accessory kit
- Seriously robust
Cons
- Large and relatively heavy
- 9-litre wet capacity
- No blower function
Best for large jobs
Description
If you are likely to need a vacuum for larger, more demanding tasks in addition to car cleaning,
Pros
- Stainless steel container
- Powerful motor
- Blower function
- Large capacity
Cons
- Filter change needed for wet
- Suction hose only 1.5m
Best for home and car
Description
A chunky wet and dry vacuum may not be necessary for you, and you desire a vacuum cleaner that is
Pros
- Quiet and powerful
- Long power cord
- Energy efficient
- Miele build quality
- Variable power control
Cons
- Dry vacuuming only
- Smaller bag capacity
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