If you’re shopping for the best vacuum with a retractable cord, there’s a good chance that you’re trying to cut down on clutter in your home. Whether you’re tired of tripping over cords or simply dislike having to wrangle one after you’re done cleaning, a retractable cord can be an attractive feature for a vacuum to have.
When shopping for this type of vacuum, you’ll want to consider the total cord length, as this will affect your total vacuuming radius when you clean. Similarly, you’ll want to check for a vacuum with a smooth retraction speed. This ensures that the cord doesn’t accidentally knock into you or other items as it’s being pulled towards the vacuum. Of course, other key factors like suction power, vacuum head height, and whether or not attachments are included will also be critical to pick the right vacuum for your home.
Keep reading our best vacuum with a retractable cord buying guide to learn more. And to figure out which vacuum style is best for you, check out our comprehensive best vacuum cleaner buying guide.
Top Vacuums with Retractable Cords
#1 Kenmore BC3005 Vacuum Cleaner
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: This incredibly light model is easy to transport, making it a perfect choice for those with a lot of ground to cover and clean. It also has extra accessories to get a deeper clean without additional expense.
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- Aluminum telescope design
- Easily portable model
- Extra accessories included
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- Some stiffness in the hose
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You’ll love how light and maneuverable this option is. This means that you won’t have to struggle to lug around a hefty vacuum cleaner, and you’ll be done cleaning far more quickly. It weighs less than twenty pounds, and it has swivel steering to make it even easier to use. Unfortunately, there are some consumers who have said the vacuum hose on this model is a little bit stiff. This might make that specific part of the vacuum more challenging to maneuver.
There’s plenty of reach because it’s a canister option, so you’ll be able to reach every nook and cranny. The 26’ cord means you won’t have to worry about unplugging your vacuum to plug it back into a socket closer to you. It’ll reach every room with ease. The included accessories have handy storage built into the body of the vacuum. There are three cleaning accessories: brush tool, bare floor tool, and crevice tool.
#2 BISSELL Cleanview Rewind 2489 Vacuum Cleaner
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: You’ll appreciate this vacuum cleaner’s automatic cord rewind feature. This means you don’t have to deal with a messy cord yourself. It also has edge-to-edge cleaning and a triple action brush roll.
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- Triple action brush roll
- Edge-to-edge cleaning
- Automatic cord rewind
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- Might struggle with dust
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If you’re looking for an option to get your carpets clean, this vacuum cleaner is a great fit. You’ll have access to this brand’s innovative Triple Action brush roll. It lifts even deeply embedded dirt, bringing it to the surface so you can vacuum it away. If you have allergies or asthma, it is essential to note that this vacuum cleaner doesn’t seem to handle dust as well as some competitors. If you have sensitivities to dust, this is not a good fit.
You’ll also appreciate their inclusion of Scatter-Free technology. This advanced feature ensures that you won’t have to deal with scattering dust, dirt, and other debris while vacuuming hard floors. The 25’ power cord offers a considerable amount of range for this vacuum cleaner. You’ll be able to reach every corner of the room with ease. It’s also fully retractable, so wrapping the cord by hand is a thing of the past. It also has edge-to-edge cleaning, so you know that every edge is more thoroughly cleaned.
#3 Hoover WindTunnel 2 UH71250 Vacuum Cleaner
Award: BEST FOR ASTHMA AND ALLERGIES
WHY WE LIKE IT: If you struggle with allergies or asthma, this model’s advanced allergen block technology will help remove potential allergens. It also has an extended cleaning reach due and a multi-floor brush roll.
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- Has a multi-floor brush roll
- Features an extended cleaning reach
- Advanced allergen block technology
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- Not as great with pet hair
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The hassle-free cord on this model offers 25’ of length. This is enough for you to have to worry about switching outlets to continue cleaning rarely. It also provides two different channels for suction using WindTunnel 2 technology. This allows you to clean out even deeply embedded dirt and debris thoroughly. However, those with pets should probably choose a different model for their vacuum cleaner. This option doesn’t handle pet hair quite as well as competitors in the same class.
The deep cleaning power of this vacuum cleaner cannot be understated. It offers an optimized experience even for the most challenging jobs. This model provides a multi-floor brush roll. You can immediately switch between floor types and know that you’ll still get a thorough clean. It’s great for cleaning debris out of carpets, but it can also quickly suck up debris from hard floors, too. It has a dirt cup with 1.29 liters of capacity, so you won’t have to worry about continuously dumping it out while performing a deep cleaning session.
#4 eureka WhirlWind Vacuum Cleaner
Award: BEST FOR LONG REACH
WHY WE LIKE IT: You’ll love how easy it is to use this vacuum cleaner, especially with its extra-long reach. It has a high-capacity 2.5-liter dust container, so you don’t have to worry about constantly emptying it.
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- 2.5-liter dust container
- 2-in-1 integrated crevice tool
- Easy-to-use design
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- Not great on high pile carpet
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This is an innovative model that offers a slew of features that make your cleaning experience so much easier. One of these features is the integrated airflow control, which is located on the handle and can be easily switched using just your fingertips. Unfortunately, this is not going to be an excellent choice for those who have high-pile carpets that need to be cleaned. The suction power is fantastic, but it isn’t enough for thick carpeting.
You’ll have access to three different settings, including carpet, upholstery, and hard floors. This allows you to optimize the cleaning experience based on the type of flooring you’re trying to vacuum. It’s also a highly lightweight model that weighs less than eight pounds. You won’t grow tired from lugging it around like with bulkier models. The high-capacity 2.5-liter dust cup will ensure you can vacuum quite a bit before emptying it.
#5 Shark NV752 Vacuum Cleaner
Award: BEST FOR POWERFUL SUCTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: This extremely powerful model will be able to tackle any floor you need to be cleaned with ease. It uses light-emitting diodes in the design so you can see what you’re trying to clean, even when going underneath furniture.
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- Extremely powerful model
- Uses light emitting diodes
- Anti-allergen complete seal
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- Might be hard to maneuver
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You’ll enjoy the 2-in-1 powered lift-away technology. This means that you have more than one vacuum built into this model. The “pod” on the vacuum will separate from the body, allowing you to clean even the hard-to-reach areas. The brush roll will continue to spin even as you use the vacuum this way. Unfortunately, the robust nature of this vacuum does come at a price, and it can be a little too difficult to maneuver for some consumers.
It also has a 0.88-quart high-capacity dust cup. This is a lot of room to store debris, so you don’t constantly have to run to the trash. The LED headlights on the nozzle will allow you to see better what you’re trying to clean, including dust and pet hair. Those headlights are crucial for being able to see fine particles you might otherwise miss. It also has fingertip controls, allowing you to switch between the two modes of this vacuum: hard floor and carpet.
#6 BISSELL 27909 Vacuum Cleaner
Award: BEST FOR ANIMAL FUR
WHY WE LIKE IT: You’ll appreciate the inclusion of bright lights on the front of this vacuum, allowing you to see messes clearly while you’re cleaning. There are also multiple useful accessories included in your purchase.
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- Features bright lights
- Multiple accessories included
- Eliminates annoying hair wrap
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- Might be a little bulky
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Those with pets will be able to rely on this vacuum for a thorough clean, regardless of how much fur collects in your carpets and on your floors. This vacuum cleaner is made specifically to ensure that those with pets in their household will be able to enjoy a clean home. However, you’ll want to keep in mind that this is a rather bulky model. That means that it might be more challenging for you to maneuver, especially if you have a ton of different rooms to clean.
This is also a fantastic vacuum cleaner for those who struggle with allergies. It has a SmartSeal allergen system to ensure that dust, mold, pollen, and other allergens don’t escape while you vacuum. This keeps symptoms to a minimum if you regularly vacuum. Beyond this, you’ll enjoy the inclusion of headlights in your vacuum cleaner’s hood. This allows you to easily see where you’re cleaning, even underneath furniture or in a little cranny.
Beginner’s Guide to Vacuums with Retractable Cords
What is a Vacuum with a Retractable Cord?
A vacuum cleaner with a retractable cord is exactly how it sounds — a vacuum cleaner that has a cord that’s stored internally. Usually, these types of vacuums are designed to automatically retract the cord as soon as it’s unplugged from a power source. This can be incredibly helpful for people who struggle to wind cords on traditional vacuum cleaners.
For example, seniors who might have trouble properly gripping the cord can benefit from a vacuum with a retractable cord. Likewise, anyone who simply dislikes having to wind a cord manually will also appreciate this critical feature. And people who prefer a sleeker appliance will appreciate that the cord is hidden in an internal compartment.
Vacuum with a Retractable Cord vs Other Vacuums
The biggest difference between a retractable cord vacuum and a corded vacuum cleaner is the retractable component. Most standard vacuums that are corded require that you manually wind the cord around the exterior of the appliance. And the only way to get around this was to opt for a cordless vacuum.
But retractable cord vacuum cleaners usually have an internal storage compartment where the vacuum cord is stored when the appliance isn’t in use. While some vacuums with this feature are designed to retract the cord automatically when it’s unplugged from a power outlet, other models have a push-button mechanism that controls this action.
Aside from the automatic cord feature, retractable cord vacuums can come with the same functionality as any other traditional vacuum. This means that you can find this nice function on many types of vacuum cleaners, including canister vacuums and upright vacuum cleaners. Note that you can’t find this feature on stick vacuums, as a cordless stick vacuum is battery powered. The one main drawback of a retractable cord vacuum is that they tend to be heavier versus the lightweight designs you’ll find with standard corded models.
Likewise, features such as powerful suction, the ability to clean hardwood floors, pet hair, and deep cleaning functionality are all common — leading to a better cleaning experience. Upright retractable cord vacuums can also feature swivel steering, similar to a leading corded stick vacuum cleaner. But they may also feature attachments to reach hard-to-reach areas, a pet tool for removing hair, or an adjustable vacuum head for high-pile carpets.
How Vacuums with Retractable Cords Work
Retractable cord vacuums function like their traditional counterparts. The internal motor works to provide suction power that draws dirt, dust, and other debris from the floor where it’s either stored in a bag or internal compartment that must be emptied later. Similar to other vacuums, they can come with washable filters, a height setting, a brush roll, a floor nozzle, or even a swivel head. Likewise, depending on the floor surface in your home, you can find retractable cord vacuums customized to those needs.
You may also want to consider whether it’s a top bagged vacuum or bagless vacuum cleaner — and the size of the container. The size will directly impact whether it must undergo frequent emptying. Similarly, consider whether extra attachments are included as these can make cleaning other surfaces significantly easier.
The key feature is the self-winding cord which retracts with the push of a button. Once the mechanism is triggered, an internal winding device draws the cord into an inner storage chamber. Likewise, pulling on the cord allows you to bring out the exact length that you need when you’re vacuuming. Usually, there are internal ratchets that prevent the cord from being automatically retracted until you push the retracting button.
Why You Should Buy a Vacuum with a Retractable Cord
While not a necessity for everyone, a vacuum with a retractable cord can be a convenient feature that can quickly grow on you. However, some people, in particular, may benefit from this option.
Is a Vacuum with a Retractable Cord Worth Having?
- You Have Trouble with Dexterity: Whether you suffer from carpal tunnel or arthritis, joint pain in your hands can make struggling to wind a cord manually a difficult task. An automated retractable cord can make daily cleaning an easier task.
- You Dislike Fighting with Cords: Even if you’ve got plenty of hand strength, not everyone enjoys fighting with cords — especially if the cord length isn’t quite compatible with the built-in external storage space. A retractable cord can be easier to manage.
- You Like the Convenience: Sometimes you don’t like getting bogged down in the details — like winding a cord after you finish vacuuming. A push-button retractable feature on a vacuum can be a nice option instead.
Why a Vacuum with a Retractable Cord May Not Be for You
- You Prefer Cordless Vacuums: If you’re committed to cutting the cord, even the convenience of a retractable cord might not be enough to win your heart.
- You Want a Stick Vacuum: Some people prefer the sleek nature of a stick vacuum design. If this sounds familiar, a vacuum with a retractable cord won’t make sense.
- You Want a Lighter Vacuum: While retractable cords are a pleasant feature, many vacuums that offer it can be heavy. Most times, the lightest option is still 10 pounds. This can be a deal-breaker for some people.
How Long Will a Vacuum with a Retractable Cord Last?
In most cases, a good vacuum cleaner should be able to last around eight years before you need to consider replacing them. However, your individual experience can vary depending on multiple factors.
The most obvious caveat is going to be how frequently you use your vacuum, and how long you’re operating it per cleaning session. Cleaning one room per session versus the entire house can make a difference. People with smaller homes or less floor space to vacuum will find that their vacuums may even exceed eight years. Meanwhile, larger homes or people who vacuum frequently every day may not make it to eight years.
Whether you engage in routine vacuum maintenance, how frequently you clean the filters, and how you treat your vacuum will also affect whether your appliance makes it to eight years.
How to Choose a Vacuum with a Retractable Cord
If you’re shopping for a vacuum with a retractable cord, you’ll definitely want to consider how easily you can manage that feature. But at its core, a vacuum is a cleaning appliance, so you’ll want to prioritize those factors, as well as noise levels when running, before fixating on a retractable cord.
Best Vacuum with a Retractable Cord Factors to Consider
1. What kind of filter is included?
The last thing you want is a vacuum that flings dirt and debris back into the air as you clean the floor. This is especially true for smaller particles that can often escape inferior filters. To avoid this, you’ll want to confirm that the vacuum you want has a True HEPA filter. True HEPA filters catch 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns.
Specifically, they can filter out dust, dirt, pollen, and mold. Alternatively, some of the best water filtration vacuums can also trap dirt and particles through the water rather than relying on a traditional filter. But if you’re focused on reducing allergens, look for models that promote anti-allergen seal technology. Also, consider whether you want reusable filters that must be routinely washed. This can save money.
2. How strong is the suction power?
Along with guaranteeing that your vacuum won’t simply fling dirt around through exhaust vents, you’ll also want to check for strong suction power. Even if you enjoy cleaning, a vacuum with poor suction means you’ll spend more time passing over the same areas because the motor isn’t strong enough to draw in dirt, animal hair, and dust. For a great vacuum with strong suction power, check out our Bissell 9595A cleanview bagless vacuum review.
3. What type of flooring do you have?
While pretty much every vacuum operates in the same manner, they’re not all designed to be universal for all flooring types. This means that you’ll want to pay attention to the brush design and consider whether a brush roller is even necessary. For example, someone with only hard flooring in their home won’t need a vacuum with a beater bar, but needs a model with a head that sits low to the ground.
In contrast, someone with high-pile carpeting like Berber or shag would want a vacuum with a head that sits higher so that the appliance can effectively draw dirt from the floor. But they might prefer the best vacuum with no beater bar to prevent prematurely damaging the carpeting.
Make sure that your vacuum matches the flooring in your home. And if you have carpet and hard floor styles in your home, you might be better off with a vacuum that has an adjustable height option for a versatile cleaning solution. Alternatively, consider whether you can adjust the cleaning cycle for a customized clean.
4. What vacuum style do you prefer?
With a retractable cord vacuum, you’re going to be limited to either a canister or upright model. This is because stick and robot vacuums are, by default, cordless models. You can also find cord retraction with a pet vacuum cleaner.
But you’ll need to remember that retractable cord vacuums can be heavier. So, if your home has multiple levels and you plan on using this vacuum on every floor, try to find one that’s easier to transport around your home.
5. Are there any attachments?
Your floors aren’t the only surfaces in your home that can benefit from a vacuum. Whether you need to get into couch cushion crevices or want to clean the dust off of blinds or curtains efficiently, vacuum attachments can make those tasks significantly easier. While this isn’t a prerequisite for a vacuum cleaner, it can be a nice value-added feature.
6. Do you prefer bagged or bagless vacuums?
There’s no right or wrong answer to this question. It comes down to a mix of preferences and whether you have allergies or a respiratory condition. If you do, experts usually agree that bagged vacuums are better, as you’re less likely to come into contact with common irritants like pollen or dust when you’re changing the bags. However, you’ll want to pay attention to the total dust capacity as a larger capacity means you can achieve more cleaning cycles between emptying your canister or replacing a bag.
