Homepage Canstar Blue newsroom

The robots are taking over (the vacuuming)

Announcement posted by Canstar Blue 01 Aug 2014

Canstar Blue releases Vacuum Cleaners 2014 – Most Satisfied Customers Award

Robot vacuum cleaners could be helping to create a generation of lazy Australians.

That’s the upshot of a new study from consumer research company Canstar Blue, which found that more than half of young Aussies put off doing the vacuuming for as long as possible. And they also hate getting their hands dirty, with the same number refusing to empty the dust bag for as long as they can.

“With our Generation Y survey respondents the most reluctant to get up and do the vacuuming the traditional way, it’s little surprise that they are leading the way with purchasing automatic cleaners,” said Megan Doyle, Canstar Blue Business Unit Leader. “One in five of our youngest respondents have purchased a robot vacuum cleaner, compared to just 8% of Baby Boomers.

“And not only are Gen Y boys and girls the most likely to put their feet up while the robot does the vacuuming, but they are also the most likely to pay someone to tidy their home for them, with 17% preferring to employ a cleaner to do their dirty work.”

The Canstar Blue survey, of more than 1,200 Aussies who have purchased a vacuum cleaner in the last three years, also reveals that more than a third of Gen Y respondents resent their partner because they don’t pull their weight with household chores.

“According to our findings young couples are three times more likely to disagree over who does the chores than Baby Boomers are,” added Mrs Doyle. “Perhaps that’s because older couples have more established routines and know where they stand with doing the housework. Or maybe they’ve just got bored of arguing about it.

“It’s also worth noting that women seem to resent their partner’s not pulling their weight with chores more than men do. But you can draw your own conclusions with that one!”

Regardless of how much they enjoy doing the cleaning, Aussies across all generations seem to be happy to spend as little as possible on their vacuum cleaners, with two thirds unwilling to spend more than $400. Just 10% are happy to spend more than $700.

“Most people would consider them to be an essential household item, but a quarter of our respondents admit they buy cheap vacuum cleaners and just replace them when they break,” added Mrs Doyle. “That might be a reason why only a third of those we questioned said they enjoy vacuuming.”

Shark has received Canstar Blue’s Most Satisfied Customers Award – Vacuum Cleaners, with five-star ratings across all survey categories.

Shark achieved top marks from Australian consumers for ease of use, noise level, size, effectiveness, value for money and overall satisfaction.

“To pick up five-star ratings across all categories is a truly outstanding achievement and a great endorsement of the Shark brand,” said Mrs Doyle. “Congratulations to everyone involved at Shark – you are clearly keeping your customers very happy.”

Other brands rated in the survey included Dyson, Miele and Hoover. The full ratings report is available for consumers at www.canstarblue.com.au.


About Canstar Blue

Canstar Blue was launched in July 2010 by CANSTAR - Australia and New Zealand’s premier researcher of retail finance information for more than 350 institutions across the finance sector. Canstar Blue releases regular surveys to measure and track Australian consumer satisfaction to help consumers make the best purchasing decisions for their needs.

 

What are the Canstar Blue ratings?

Canstar Blue researches, compares and rates products and services according to customer satisfaction across categories including banking, telecommunications, appliances, electronics, utilities and FMCG. Results are freely available to consumers who are encouraged to use the ratings as a guide to product excellence. The full range of results can be seen on the Canstar Blue website at www.canstarblue.com.au.