Best Vacuum Cleaners

Vacuum Buyer's Guide

Vacuums are one of the most heavily marketed consumer products sold today, so it's easy to get lost in all of the manufacturer hubris. Claims such as 'Picks up 120% more dirt!' are definitely attractive, but say absolutely nothing about how the vacuum actually performs. Likewise, a boutique brand vacuum which costs $1400 may not significantly outperform a mainstream $100 model. We've isolated the vacuums from their surrounding hype in order to recommend only the best ones, but here's a more in-depth look at what you should be looking for from a quality vacuum.

Style
Vacuums come in several different styles, each with their own distinct advantages and disadvantages. The four basic styles are upright, canister, stick, and handheld. At a glance, upright vacuums tend to be better for carpeted surfaces while canisters are more suitable for bare floors and stairs. Stick vacuums are lightweight options for small, tight spaces, and handheld vacuums are even smaller still for use in confined areas like cars. Here's a more in-depth examination of each:

- Upright: This is by far the most common style of vacuum in the US, and for good reason. Upright vacuums are entirely self-contained, and require nothing more than being plugged in to operate. Because of the lack of separate parts, upright vacuums are more convenient to use on a more casual basis. The handle is usually unlatched from the 'standing' position via a simple foot switch, and the vacuum is repeatedly passed over an area until it is clean or until the vacuum reaches maximum dust capacity. Upright vacuums can vary in design and weight - some are simply designed to be used on carpeted flat surfaces, while others include an on-board hose and attachments to further expand cleaning options when needed. Regardless of their design or weight, upright vacuums are always awkward to use on stairs or similarly tight surfaces. Another drawback is that uprights tend to be more difficult to maneuver compared to the slim cleaning heads of canister vacuums, though some designs such as the Dyson 'Ball' or Miele 'SwivelNeck' have mitigated that somewhat. Still, even those vacuums are difficult to get under furniture. If the convenience and cleaning ability of uprights appeals to you, check out our best upright vacuum recommendations.

- Canister: Canister vacuums are not as popular in the US, though they are the dominant style of home vacuum across the pond. Although the two-piece design is inherently more cumbersome to use than uprights, canister vacuums are usually much more versatile. You'll find many different styles of canister vacuums, but the biggest difference (other than bagged/bagless, which is covered later) is with the brush head. More specifically, lower-end canister vacuums are not equipped with electric hoses and therefore cannot utilize powered brush heads. This relegates them to hard floor use only, though some of the more powerful models can be used on carpet in a pinch. Canister vacuums equipped with an electric hose can accept powered attachments such as a carpet brush, making them equally as good for carpet use as an upright. These models are also better for reaching carpet situated underneath sofas or beds, since an upright vacuum physically will not fit into low openings. Where a canister vacuum really shines is in its versatility - one base unit features interchangeable heads that are designed to clean various surfaces. When you're done cleaning the carpets, you can simply swap the brush head with an upholstery tool and move on to the couch or curtains. Canister vacuums are also much easier to use when cleaning stairs, as it is not necessary to haul around the entire vacuum to reach individual steps. This style of vacuum is better if you live in a tight space with little room to maneuver a cumbersome upright. For our best picks, check out the best canister vacuums list.

- Stick: This style of vacuum is designed solely to save space and maintain maneuverability. While a good upright or canister vacuum will handily outperform even the best stick vacuums, there is no ignoring the light weight and slim, low-profile design that makes these models stand out to those who live in apartments or smaller condos. Stick vacuums are also a convenient way to clean up small messes without having to drag the heavy upright or canister out of the closet, making them great 'backup' vacuums. If you're accustomed to the suction power of an upright or canister vacuum, you'll find the cleaning ability of a stick vacuum to be lacking. That's okay, though - these vacuums were never supposed to replace a full-size model. Choose a stick vacuum if your cleaning needs consist of cleaning dirt and dust off of bare floors and not much else. See our recommendations for the best stick vacuum.

- Handheld: Handheld vacuums are the smallest size of 'normal' vacuum you will find today. These vacuums are usually battery-powered, though wall outlet-powered versions exist. Handheld vacuums are designed to clean up small areas where it is impractical or impossible to use a full-size vacuum. This includes tight closets, cars, laundry rooms, bookshelves, etc. Our top picks can be found on our best hand vac list.

Bagged or Bagless?
In the vacuum world, this is a never-ending debate. Both bagged and bagless designs have their share of supporters and detractors, but one is not better than the other for all purposes.

First, let's have a look at bagged vacuums. Traditionally, vacuums were equipped with a dustbag that trapped all of the dirt, dust, and other filth. While this design has carried over modern-day vacuums, the technology is very different. The basic principle is the same - the vacuum sucks up dirt from the surface and deposits it into a bag. Today's vacuum dustbags incorporate all sorts of features from self-sealing collars to multi-layered filtration designs that trap more microparticles. This makes the dustbags very allergy- and asthma-friendly, but also drives up the cost of each individual bag. Bagged vacuums also tend to lose suction as the bags fill up, leading some users to change bags early. In a nutshell, bags eliminate direct contact or inhalation of vacuumed dust, but require spending money for regular replacements. The more premium bagged vacuums offer multi-level filtration systems which incorporate the bag as a filter. Vacuums like the Miele S7580 Tango and the Sebo Automatic X are favorites where air quality is a concern thanks to their excellent filtration capabilities.

Bagless vacuums work in a very different manner. While bagged vacuums channel the air through the bag in order to leave the dust behind, recent bagless vacuums operate on a cyclone principle pioneered by Dyson. Although the math involved to explain the action goes well beyond a simple buyer's guide, there is a watered-down explanation. When air is channeled into a tight, fast moving cyclonic chamber, the dust particles are too heavy to follow the movement and simply drop down into the collection cup. This method is extremely effective at separating air from the dirt particles, and therefore eliminates the need for constant bag replacements. The other benefit is that suction power does not decrease as the dust cup fills. All of this sounds excellent until you realize that the dust cup has to be emptied sooner or later, at which point you may potentially make a mess trying to throw out the dirt you worked so hard to clean off your carpets. Also, emptying the dust cup exposes you to airborne dust particles - not so great if you're allergic or suffer from asthma. Various emptying methods include wrapping the dust cup in a plastic bag to limit the release of dust, but this is a major inconvenience compared to throwing a bag into the trash. Aside from that, most bagless vacuums require frequent filter replacements due to the intrinsic design of the dust separation - microparticles are not physically trapped until they reach a medium such as the filter. Companies like Dyson counter this by providing a 'lifetime' filter which is 100% washable, so buying extra filters is not a concern.

Performance
When considering which vacuum to buy, be sure to have a good look at its cleaning performance. Nobody wants to end up with a vacuum that can't clean, so it definitely helps to do your homework with this category. The motor power rating is generally a good guide when rating the suction power of a particular vacuum, but keep in mind that several other aspects such as design and the distance from the motor can affect suction. Most department stores have demonstration units on hand, so it will definitely help to experience for yourself first-hand how well (or not) a certain vacuum performs. Ideally, you want the vacuum to be able to remove dirt and dust from bare floors without blowing it around all over the place. If the latter happens, you're more likely than not looking at an inferior product. A good, powerful vacuum should also take advantage of the beater brush in order to extract dirt, dust, mites, and whatever other disgusting material buried deep within carpet, whether it's low-pile or shag. If you have pets, don't consider anything other than a vacuum that can effectively remove pet hair from carpet and bare floors.

Features
Vacuums can range from bare-bones to overloaded with features. You'll find that some upright vacuums cannot accept any attachments, while others have so many that there's nowhere to put them. Here's a brief run-down of what you can expect when it comes to features.

- Attachments: Any good vacuum should have at least three basic attachments - a medium-stiffness brush, a crevice tool, and an extension wand. Better vacuums include powered hand brushes and upholstery brushes. Don't let the amount of included attachments fool you into thinking you're getting a superior vacuum, though - your focus is primarily on how powerful the vacuum is. Also, be sure that the attachments are of good quality. These days, many manufacturers include thin plastic attachments that feel cheap and flimsy, and threaten to break with moderate use.

- Ergonomics: Having a vacuum that isn't comfortable to use will mean that your floors and furniture will go more often without a cleaning. When selecting a vacuum, make sure that the controls are placed in a convenient location and that the gripping surfaces will not cause fatigue. With uprights, this includes push-button brush level controls that are mounted higher up as opposed to on the brush head, saving you the effort of having to bend down every time you encounter a new surface. With canister vacuums, the better ones include controls on the handle so you don't have to bend down to the base unit to power the vacuum on and off. Better canister vacuums will offer a dedicated grip and a telescoping wand, so you don't need to bend over to vacuum. While these may seem like small touches at first, your back will thank you down the line.

- Filtration: When you're dealing with this amount of airborne dust, you want to make sure that the vacuum you're using isn't simply redistributing it across the room. Inhaled dirt and dust particles certainly aren't good for your health either, so a good filter system is a requirement. Most vacuums sold today come with a filter element to catch the larger particles, but those sensitive to dust may want to look for a vacuum with a HEPA filter. Be aware, though, that not all HEPA vacuums are built the same. The more high-quality vacuums offer sealed systems that force all airflow to pass through filters, making sure that even the tiniest particles are captured. European high-end vacuums offer what is referred to as an 'S-class' filtration system which is extremely popular in areas like hospitals where cleanliness is a major concern.

Build Quality
You're probably not the only one who has noticed that modern-day appliances just aren't built the same anymore. Oftentimes, it is disappointing to spend a good sum of money only to find out that the piece of equipment you just bought feels downright flimsy. If you don't like replacing vacuums every year or two, look for one that's built well. It may cost more, but the better-quality product is worth it in the long run if it lasts longer. Some of the better-built vacuums include Miele and Sebo, and both brands offer unbeatable warranties as a display of confidence in their products.

Price and Value
There aren't many good vacuums priced under $100. That doesn't mean that you should go and spend over $1000 for a 'specialty' vacuum simply because the offbeat name promises superior performance and quality. It's best to balance your budget and get the best vacuum you can afford.

A vacuum which cannot extract dust and dirt from low-pile carpet is a waste of money at any price. Generally, you'll find that the best vacuums are priced above $200, with the better-performing models coming in at closer to $600. If you're on a tighter budget, it's better to give up a few features than give up an ounce of performance. Separate what you need from what you want, and you can find an excellent vacuum for a reasonable price that will perform well and last a long time.