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Looking for an affordable stick vacuum that tackles quick cleanups on hard floors? The Dirt Devil Simpli-Stik SD20000RED shines at under $40 with its lightweight design, but how does it stack up on carpets? We tested it thoroughly—discover scores, pros, cons, and better alternatives for deeper cleans.
Quick Pick: Dyson V15 Detect Cordless Vacuum Cleaner For superior suction on all surfaces, go cordless with laser dust detection. Perfect upgrade from budget sticks. Check current price
The Dirt Devil Simpli-Stik SD20000RED is a corded stick vacuum designed for everyday quick pickups, especially in small spaces like apartments or dorms. Weighing just 3.5 pounds, it's a breeze to handle for fast cleanups on bare floors. Priced around $30-$40, it offers unbeatable value for basic needs—but it falls short on thicker carpets and pet hair. In our hands-on tests, it earned an overall score of 46/100, excelling on hard surfaces (65/100) while struggling on rugs (29/100). Pet hair pickup averaged 3.0/5 stars.
If you're on a tight budget and mostly deal with tile, hardwood, or laminate, this could be your go-to. But for homes with mixed flooring, consider upgrades like cordless sticks or robots. Let's dive into the details, comparisons, and real-world advice.
We pitted the Simpli-Stik against premium stick and robot vacs to highlight where it shines (and where it doesn't). All scores based on standardized debris pickup tests (sand, rice, pet hair) across 100 sq ft areas.
| Model | Weight | Bare Floors Score | Carpet Score | Pet Hair Pickup | Price Range | Cordless? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dirt Devil Simpli-Stik SD20000RED | 3.5 lbs | 65/100 (Good) | 29/100 (Poor) | 3.0/5 (Avg) | $30-$40 | No |
| Dyson V15 Detect | 6.8 lbs | 95/100 (Excellent) | 92/100 (Excellent) | 4.8/5 (Great) | $600-$700 | Yes |
| Yeedi C12 Robot | 8.4 lbs | 88/100 (Very Good) | 85/100 (Very Good) | 4.5/5 (Great) | $300-$400 | Yes (Robot) |
| Samsung Jet Bot+ | 13.2 lbs | 90/100 (Excellent) | 87/100 (Very Good) | 4.7/5 (Great) | $800-$1000 | Yes (Robot) |
See Dyson V15 on our full review for why it's our top stick vac pick.
On kitchen tiles or entryway laminate, the Simpli-Stik picked up 65% of mixed debris (fine sand, cereal, hair) in one pass. Its 10.3-inch nozzle width covers ground efficiently, and the bagless dirt cup empties with a simple button—holding about 0.5 liters before needing a dump. No clogs in our 30-minute test session. Ideal for apartments under 800 sq ft.
Pro Tip: Use the included crevice tool for baseboards; it reaches 2-3 inches into tight spots without tipping.
Low-pile area rugs saw only 29% pickup, dropping to under 20% on medium-pile. No brushroll means it skips agitation—debris just gets pushed around. Edge cleaning scored poor (40/100), leaving 1-inch borders uncleaned.
Average 3.0/5: It grabs long hair decently on hard floors but tangles on carpet fibers. No HEPA filter means some dust recirculates—fine for non-allergic users, but skip if pollen is an issue.
Upgrade to Yeedi C12 for ZeroTangle tech and 8000Pa suction that handles pet messes effortlessly.
Pros:
Cons:
Maneuverability is a highlight—swivels smoothly, converts to handheld in seconds for shelves or cars. Runtime? Unlimited with the cord, but you'll unplug/replug in larger homes. Cleaning takes 2 minutes: rinse filter under water (dries in 24 hours), empty cup over trash.
Real-User Angle: College students and empty-nesters love it for spot cleans. One tester noted, "Perfect for my 400 sq ft studio—beats lugging a full upright."
For deeper cleans, pair with a steam mop like the Dirt Devil Steam Mop—ready in 30 seconds for grout and tiles.
Budget Alternative? At $30, it's a steal—but invest $300+ in cordless for long-term satisfaction.
Check Samsung Jet Bot+ for set-it-and-forget-it cleaning with auto-empty.
Elevate your home routine:
It's average (3/5), handling light shedding on hard floors but struggling on carpets. For heavy pets, opt for models with tangle-free brushes like the Yeedi C12.
Best for small spaces (<800 sq ft). The 20-ft cord limits range; robots like Samsung Jet Bot+ excel in bigger areas.
No, it uses a standard washable filter. Dust recirculation is minimal but not ideal for allergies.
Empty the cup after each use, rinse the filter weekly. Stores upright in closets—under 4 inches wide.
Typically 1-2 years; check retailer for details. Reliable for light use but not heavy-duty.
Ready for powerful suction? See the Dyson V15 today.
