Too much power: Stock up before the new EU regulations ban the best vacuum cleaners

Under new EU regulations, powerful vacuums cleaners will be banned as of next month.

18:06 22 August 2014

If you are one of those people who prefer powerful vacuum cleaners, it’s best that you buy now as new EU regulations will ban ‘the best’ vacuum cleaners and will restrict motor sizes starting next month.

From September 1, companies will no longer be allowed to import vacuum cleaners with a motor more powerful than 1600 watts.

Consumer group Which? said that five of its seven Best Buy models named since January 2013 had motors exceeding 1,600 watts, and on average, cleaners boast an average of 1,800 watts.

“If you're in the market for a powerful vacuum, you should act quickly, before all of the models currently available sell out,” the organisation advised.

Meanwhile, the European Commission believes that the new rules will help consumers get access to better vacuum cleaners. Spokeswoman for energy Marlene Holzner said in a blog: ”As a result of the new EU eco-design and labelling regulations, consumers will also get better vacuum cleaners.

“In the past there was no legislation on vacuum cleaners and companies could sell poorly performing vacuum cleaners.”