Best vacuum cleaner - the ultimate guide - Clean smartly

Your 2018 ultimate guide to home cleaning

What is the best vacuum cleaner?

There are 1000’s of models of vacuum cleaners out there, so I guess that you are here to see which of them is best for you. If you need an expert in the cleaning field, you get one here, for free. I’m Jason and I’ve built this site to help you get the most suitable vacuum cleaner for you and your home. There is really no need to look any further; I’ve covered here hundreds of models that I reviewed personally. I’ve spent countless hours testing these products, building comparison charts, quantifying the pros and the cons of each model, marking each vacuum cleaner with my personal rate (on a 0-100 scale) based on several characteristics such as suction power, maneuverability, accessories, and several other things I find fundamental. Moreover, I do this on a daily basis, so rest assured that this is the most updated and most complete guide to choosing your vacuum cleaner.

So, what is the best vacuum cleaner? Just the other day, I was reading an article that was saying people clean on average around 1-2h per day. Considering this, I believe every household should be equipped with a device that enhances this activity. A great vacuum cleaner makes boring activities such as house cleaning if not pleasant, at least bearable. Anyways, nobody wants to buy a product that will utterly prove to be not worthy. You can try to search yourself for all the little things, all the tiny details that fit together into making a great vacuum cleaner, or you could take my advice and save hours of unnecessary browsing. Why trust me? Because I like what I do and because I do it well.

A lot of people waste their money on products they see in TV informercials. They just buy vacuum cleaners without even looking for a review. Another way of getting a bad appliance is by joining MLM scheme. Even door-to-door salesmen are not to be trusted, as the quality of the products they are selling is highly questionable. Just think that all these marketing techniques cost money, money that you will utterly pay from your own pocket. And what is worse, you could end up with a discontinued old vacuum cleaner that you buy for new. Other danger consists in buying a product from an US established brand that is actually produced in China. If there would be no quality loss, I wouldn’t mind this practice, but in most cases, you will get an inferior product.  Although there is a feeling of frustration that gets to you when clicking on Google results, online media is cheap (almost free, I might say) and in the case of this site, sincere.

Now, let’s not lose any more time and get started. Here is the latest version of the 2018 comparison chart, containing the best vacuum cleaners and cleaning systems out there. IMO, this is the single piece of information you’ll need to make a quick and smart choice when buying a vacuum:

Top picks

Why I’ve built this site

You now may think: “This guy is crazy! Who in his right mind would focus on becoming an expert in vacuums?” It may be so, but just remember, I do not sell any of these products, nor do I have any affiliation with any vacuum cleaner producer. So what does that make me? An impartial entity that you can trust. And boy, I’ve done the hard work for you. You’ll find on this site the most bought and the best rated vacuum cleaners classified by type, price tag, filtering options, lifetime estimates, warranty time frame and so on. I’ve chosen to give most of my reviews for Amazon products, since this company is the number one online retailer, selling appliances since 1998. Most importantly, you can find on this site the widest selection of vacuum cleaners. There are literally thousands of models available to be shipped immediately.

Another thing to remember: I do not do only product reviews. In fact, product reviews are not even the most important thing that is happening here. Think of this site as a domestic cleaning portal. You can find here definitive guides for virtually any cleaning aspect, how-to articles, interviews with cleaning experts or cleaning companies, round-ups and monthly giveaways. I talk about brands, I talk about accessories, detergents, cleaning hacks and so on. All under one roof: VacuumsGuide.com.

My rating system

I give marks to vacuum cleaners from 0 to 100. Here are the main variables that I take into account when rating a vacuum cleaner:

  • Suction power
  • Input power
  • Dust capacity
  • Filtration system efficiency
  • Weight and dimensions
  • Warranty
  • Accessories
  • Special features (cordless, bagless)
  • Usability
  • Price

Naturally, handheld, hybrid and robotic vacs have much smaller grades, but I am using a compensation factor to establish the true value of their grade on a 0-100 scale.

Still unsure which vacuum cleaner to buy?

As you may already know, price isn’t everything. Unless you’re a rock star, you’ll make your choice based on your budget. But just before you rush into things, hear me out for a few seconds. The most expensive vacuum cleaner is not necessarily the best, nor the best for your, for that matter. The latest advances in materials and the continuous design improvements allow you to choose among a wide range of gadgets above average, many of them delivering a good price/value ratio. If you feel you need to see more products before making up your mind, you could get a good start by checking out my tops (still working on these, so no live links yet):

  1. Best vacuum cleaners under $100,
  2. Best vacuum cleaners under $200,
  3. Top 5 deluxe vacuum cleaners

Or, if you are set up to buy a certain brand, you could check out my brand reviews (top menu). Every producer adds a personal touch to their products, making each vacuum cleaner model unique. Some producers focus entirely on building mostly vacuums (such as Bissell, Dyson or Hoover), whereas others are long established companies that build other home appliances as well (i.e. Panasonic or Electrolux).
Just as a side note, learn which one I’ve bought in the end, for my personal use.

What to look for in the best vacuum cleaner?

When buying a vacuum cleaner, people always seem to be searching for the product that delivers the best “suck for the buck”, as we say in our branch. So, let’s cover the main features.

Types of vacuum cleaners

Upright Vacuums
Small logoThis kind of vacuum cleaners is used mostly in US/UK. Basically, upright vacuums are based on a single segment stick that supports the handle and the recipient that will hold all the dirt. They are usually equipped with a rotating brush-roll that swipes away the surfaces and collects all the dust. There are 2 types of upright vacuums, considering their structural design: direct fan cleaners and fan-bypass cleaners. The main difference between these is that direct-fan uprights use less power, but have less cleaning power as well, while fan-bypass uprights require two times more power, but are suitable to be used in both carpet and floor cleaning activities. Models come with a single drive belt that is used for both the main suction motor and the rotating brush-roll, or may have separate drive-belts, in order to allow you to turn off the brush-roll if needed.

Canister Vacuums
Small logoCanister vacuum cleaners are more common in Europe, Russia and China. Their bag or compartment that holds the dust is clearly delimited from the motor. The product comes as a single unit usually mounted on 2 wheels. The main feature of this type of vacuum is the possibility to attach different heads, suitable for different jobs. Latest models usually come with special heads for furniture dust, different types of surfaces such as hardwood floors, carpets, hone and so on.

Handheld Vacuums
Small logoThe 2 types of vacuum cleaners presented above may cover most of your needs, but handheld vacuums bring usability required i.e. when cleaning up your car, complex furniture pieces, between sofa cushions or even clothing. I bet in every home there is a narrow space you simply can’t reach with an upright or a canister vacuum cleaner. Well, with handheld vacuums, you can easily remove pet hair, various stains, spills and other stuff you want gone.

Robotic Vacuums
Small logoA nice trend in the industry is the emergence of robotic vacuums. The main feature of this kind of product is the movement algorithm. Most robotic vacuums use a combination of fuzzy logic with reinforcement learning (i.e. Q-learning), neural networks, potential field or similar artificial intelligence methods to achieve a homogenous cleaning of the entire floor space and to return safely to the docking station for battery recharge. The great thing about these it the “set it and forget it” approach. In order to reach to tight corners, many robotic vacuums use spinning brushes or variable air flows. And some models even deploy UV sterilization or possess mopping capabilities. Just don’t expect to jump over stairs any time soon.

Wet-Dry Vacuums
Small logoAlso called Shop-Vacs, these vacuum cleaners look like a cylinder and are usually used to clean liquid/wet stains. Shop-Vacs are suitable for both indoor and outdoor usage, and their main feature is that you can reverse the airflow, in order to blow garbage and dust, instead of sucking it. You can thus gather all the dirt into a corner and get it out easy. You can even use this function to unclog the hose. And what’s nice: they are relatively cheap and ready to do a lot of tasks.

Additional cleaning tools

There are some special cleaning tools worth mentioning that don’t fit in any of the categories above. These are either meant for specific tasks, such as carpet cleaning or hard floor cleaning, or are hybrid machines that incorporate several features from the classes above and along with vacuuming, they may include steaming capabilities, sweeping attachments, they may shampoo, scrub, and even paint your floors.

Carpet cleaners
Small logoCarpet cleaners, also called deep cleaners some times, are designed especially to help you clean your carpets. They usually are equipped with a hot water heater and with special power brushes that reach deeper into your carpets and rugs, removing more dust and stains than common vacuum cleaners. Some of them are aiming to replace professional rental units: by purchasing one of your own, you will never have to pay to rent one and further more, you may not need to use similar services provided by cleaning specialists. There are 2 producers particularly specialized in manufacturing these appliances: Hoover and Bissell.

Steam mops
Small logoIf carpets are handled by deep cleaners, bare floors may be cleaned with specialized tools called steam mops. The idea of steam sanitation is not new, but manufacturers have created incredible appliances that put it in practice. There are steam mops which sanitize hard floors in under 5 seconds, using just tap water. Most of them require just under a minute to start. Some of them are even battery operated, in order to offer you maximum flexibility.

Hybrids
Small logoAlthough people love specialized tools, most of us are also avid to use complex appliances, that can help with a large set of cleaning jobs. I.e. you may need to vacuum your home, but you may also need to remove the dust, sanitize your hardwood floors, scrub the kitchen tiles, get the insides of your car cleaned and so on. To this desideratum, manufacturers built hybrid cleaning tools, such as the ones listed bellow.

Price tag

I know most of you guys consider this as the main indicator. No matter how much money you have, you most likely want to buy the best product for your budget. As people tend to categorize, so will I: you can either buy a cheap product that will get you through the next couple of years, or you could invest in a vacuum cleaner that can last the next 25 years. Both approaches are perfectly valid IMO. Want to pay around $100 for an upright? You can, and you’ll get a basic model that will do the job just fine. Want to buy a serious tool at $400-$500? You’ll get a cleaner you’ll use with pleasure, warranty, accessories, great filtration systems and so on. Want to buy a handheld vacuum? They are cheaper, you’ll spend anywhere between $30 and $150.

Suction and power

The suction power refers to the pressure difference created by the pump of the vacuum. A common vacuum cleaner has a suction power of 20kPa. The pump actually lowers the pressure inside the vacuum from 100kPa (the normal atmospheric pressure) to 80kPa. As you can expect, higher suction equals more power. Usually, producers only state the input power in watts or amps which refers to how much electricity is consumed by the product (and has little to do with the actual suction power, which depends on the product design, filtration system and so on).

Filters

One of the biggest issues that appear when using vacuum cleaners is dust circulation. The air exhausted by the pump contains small dust particles that are sent directly to the lungs of the user. No matter how good the filtration system, ultra-fine dust particles and potential harmful microorganisms such as mites still pass along into the air. This happens not because of technical drawbacks, but because a perfect filtration system will clog up immediately and become ineffective. Over the recent years, manufactures have been trying to make a better compromise between the filtering effectiveness and guaranteeing optimal airflow, by building the following filtration options:

  • Disposable filters. These need to be replaced every few months. Main con is the high upkeep.
  • Washable filters. Lately, producers are featuring filters made out of foam-like materials, which can last for years. You can use your dishwasher or your washing machine to get these cleaned, wait for them to dry (very important!!!) and them place them back into the vacuum.
  • Cyclonic separation. The air sucked into the vacuum is cycled so fast that the dust particles are forced by the centrifugal force to fall into the dirt recipient.
  • Water filtration. The air sucked in passes through a water layer, wetting the dust particles which become heavy and cannot fly any more. The main disadvantage is that you have to clean the water compartment after each use, for sanitary reasons.
  • HEPA filtration. Designed especially for sensible allergic people, HEPA filtering traps most of the ultra-fine particles and releases virtually no amount of dust. HEPA filters 99.97% of dust particles – all particles with 0.3 microns in diameter and higher are filtered.
  • Odor filters. Made out of active coils, these try to eliminate dust along with any funny smell.

Check out my ultimate guide to commercial vacuum cleaner filters to find out more.

Other considerations

Weight

I’m the type of person that likes things to be as simple and neat as possible. Applying my lifestyle to vacuums, I enjoy products under 10 pounds. However, you can definitely find very good vacs that weight around 20 pounds. The trick is to buy one that has the self-propelled feature, which will come handy especially if you have to vacuum large surfaces. If weight is an issue to you (i.e. if you have back problems or you’re simply a comfy person), you may focus on the stick versions most manufacturers produce at the moment. You can find vacuum cleaners that weight as low as 4-5 pounds, but be careful, these models don’t work so well on deep rugs of carpets, and you’ll end up pushing hard to get at the root of the fibers. As for handheld vacs, weight is an issue. Buyers expect these to be light, flexible, so, here’s a top I’ve made based on my rating system, or better yet, here’s one that weighs around a staggering 4 pounds.

Cordless vs. Corded

One of the latest trends in the vacuum cleaning industry is to produce cordless devices. However, if you own a large to average home, cordless vacuums may not be the solution for you, as even the top rated models last around 30 minutes before they need to be recharged. There’s also a suction power decrease that is trivial for cordless appliances.

With/without a bag

Bagged vacs need a new bag every couple of months, depending on your cleaning frequency. If you don’t like the idea of buying bags and replacing them every once in a while, you can opt for a bagless model, an eco-friendly approach some people embrace with pleasure. The downside is that you have to clean the dust container and remove the stuck hair. Some popular vacuum cleaners enhance this process by using better structural designs that allow easier access to the dust cup.

Warranty

Most vacuum cleaners come with a warranty that lasts anywhere between 1 to 5 years. Just like any other appliance, most common vacuum cleaners have 1 year warranty, which includes both parts and labor costs. Almost all retail stores require you to register the product for warranty. As a side note, a 5 year warranty (offered by i.e. by Dyson) is a great indicator of the quality of the product.

Conclusions

Thank God we’re at conclusions, my back hurts from all this time spent in front of my laptop. I believe I got most of the basic things covered; hopefully, you’ve already put an eye on what vac you want. If you’re still unsure what to choose, or you want to buy a product I haven’t covered, send me an email, or comment here, I’ll reply as soon as possible. Be sure to check my site occasionally, as I’m updating it almost every week.
Have a great day!

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Jason Roberts

Founder and executive reviewer at Vacuums Guide
I'm Jason Moe Roberts, an appliances expert and blogger. I've worked at Walmart for more than 15 years, in the house appliance department. I love to use home equipment and I spend a lot of time testing the best products and reviewing them. My family and friends also recommend me as a caring person, a great dad and a loving husband.

Comments

  1. Hi Jason. I stumbled upon your site as I was searching reviews on vacuums. I live in the Caribbean with tiled floors, occasional rugs and lots of dust from opened windows. I must admit that this is my first vacuum purchase and I am totally confused. I need to be able to deal with dust and cobwebs, keep my tiles clean, and also use as a car vac. Too many to choose from though I did consider the Bissel Symphony. Help!

    Reply

  2. I stumbled across your website. I work for ITAC and we are currently conducting research on local manufactures.
    Please advise are any vacuum cleaners manufactured locally in SA

    Reply

  3. Hi I stumbled on your site… We just put frieze carpet in our home… Please direct me to a vacuum that will easily glide over it and clean into the long fibers without fuzzing it?? HELP!! PLEASE!! Thank you!
    Gwen

    Reply

  4. 11-21-15 4:20 pm
    Hi Jason, Martina here again. I appreciate your response and followed your suggestions and choices – i purchased the Shark Rocket HV300. I need a reality check. Does it take everyone long time to clean out the dust cup? … or is it just me? I am such a slow poke, but wondered if there are other vacuum cleaners that are much quicker to clean up after vacuuming. It takes me about an hour to clean the dust cup and getting hair out of the bottom of floor nozzle. In the dust cup, i use a screw driver (flat) to push the damp paper towel between the …… plastic .. where dirt/dust is caught in between the two “plastics”. Its time consuming for me to do that each time i finished vacuuming. The vacuum itself is great! and great suction! but lots of work on “maintenance” (or again, is it just me, being the slowpoke?) – Thanks in advance.

    Reply

    • It matters a lot what exactly are you vacuuming. Regular dust can be emptied pretty fast. With long hair, things are a bit different. This “issue” however has been improved with the HV320, and now, with the Rocket Powerhead, it should be even easier to get rid of all the debris, no matter if it’s common, sticky or tangling.

      Reply

      • Sorry to butt in … i don’t know what URL means, so am resorting to reply. I am looking at handheld vacuum that can vacuum ceiling, blinds, couch and especially suck the air out of the space bags. I returned a good vacuum Shark Rocket HV300 and purchased a Shark Rocket Powerhead AH452 and am happy with it, but no attachments. So, need attachments for this handheld vacuum. Which vacuum do you suggest? Thanks in advance.

        Reply

        • I guess you need a unit cheaper than the AH452, since you bought that as your main vacuum cleaner. If that’s the case, there aren’t really many options. Shark i.e. includes in its Powerhead offer a portable vacuum called the Power Pod. You could get the 20V BLACK+DECKER BDH2020FLFH or the Shark Pet Perfect SV780. Otherwise, if money is not an issue, I would recommend the Dyson V6, perhaps the Motorhead version.

          Reply

  5. Hi Jason. I think there is one more important thing you didn’t say. Noise level. For me, it’s crucial. I’m thinking these days of buying one of the Electrolux models which says it is “ultra-silence”, which, I guess, means it produces noise of about 60 or so Decibels. Usually, vacs make around 80dB of noise which makes me feel as if I live next to the airport. What do you think of these “ultra-silence” models? I heard they do not have much of a suction power. I live in a regular flat, so I need just a common vac. Maybe Miele is a best choice, but again, Decibels worries me. I think Miele doesn’t have a “silence” model. Thank you for your very helpful site and sorry for my imperfect English. Best regards from Milosh, Belgrade, Serbia.

    Reply

  6. Hi Jason,
    Thanks for all the helpful info on your site! I have a 4 month old and I’m looking for a good vacuum to keep my floors clean in preparation for when she’s crawling. I would love your suggestion what’s best for my needs. I would like a vacuum that works for both my hardwood floors and rugs, can handle pet hair and is relatively compact (I think a canister?). Also, not necessary, but preferably easy to maneuver, light and not too noisy. My budget is in the $200-$400 range. Also, wondering if a hybrid vac and steam model is a good option instead? thank you in advance! Sunny

    Reply

    • It depends a lot on the type of floors you have installed in your home. If you have bare floors, check out my hardwood list. If you have carpets, check out my carpet list. If you have mixed floors, you need a versatile vacuum such as the Miele Olympus which happens to be relatively light, not too noisy and within your budget.

      Reply

  8. Jason, I am getting ready to put hardwoods in my main living areas, but will keep carpet in my bedrooms, plus I will have rugs on some of the hardwoods. I have allergies. I just want a really good vacuum that I can use on both the carpet and hardwoods; is versatile and has a good filtration system. I do not care whether it is bagged or bagless, as long as it does a good job. I do find that I like an upright better as I use to bump my furniture to death with my old canister.

    Reply

    • A good option would be the Shark Rotator. Another good option would be the Dynamic U1. Both are well-balanced, with Shark being a bit more versatile, and Miele having a better filtration system. Given that you have allergies, you should choose the latter. Check out my reviews on these, and read the comments too!

      Reply

  9. Hi,
    I am looking a economical Vacuum Cleaner for my apartments which has 80% Frieze Carpet Area. No Stairs
    No pets.
    In Range till $200.Got confused after seeing different options.

    Reply

  10. Unfortunately, the more I read the more confused I get. Help! Want to purchase a single, primary vacuum cleaner for our house. The house has hardwood and tile flooring throughout with sisal rugs and thick, short pile oriental style rugs. And we have two short haired cats. No stairs! I prefer a bagless cleaner but I am not that choosy. Not interested in a robotic vacuum cleaner.

    Reply

    • You need an all-in-one unit for mixed floors. There are a few ones which I always recommend, such as the Shark NV752, the Miele Dynamic U1 or the Dyson Cinetic. If you want a short black & white comparison, the Shark is the most versatile, Miele has the best filtration and Dyson, the best suction power. All have their pros and cons, read my reviews to get a better grasp of what’s going on.

      Reply

        • Not really. There are cases when you could benefit from their direct offers, but most of the times, I recommend buying for big online retailers such as Amazon, because of their better customer service, their outstanding no-questions-asked return policies and their efficient loyalty programs (i.e. Amazon Prime).

          Reply

  11. Hi Jason,

    I’ve perused your site and have found a lot of helpful information! Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge.
    We purchased a 8 x 10 100% Wool rug that currently sheds quite a bit every time we vacuum it.
    We have a Bissel Cleanview Helix and use the ‘High Carpet’ setting to vacuum this rug.
    I’ve done some research to identify the best vacuum cleaner that would give a deep clean without excessive shedding.
    I suffer from allergies so I’m hoping to purchase a vacuum cleaner that would eliminate dust and allergens as well.
    We do not have any pets.
    Which vacuum cleaner would you recommend for us?

    Thank you so much for your insight.

    Reply

    • Victoria, all wool carpets shed a little when they’re brand new. That being said, the Miele Dynamic U1 would be a good choice for your home, because the filtration system is great, and the brushroll is sensitive enough to care for your carpet’s fibers. Other models which might work for you are the Oreck Magnesium RS and the Sebo X5 Automatic.

      Reply

  12. HI .. First of all thanks for writing such an informative blog… i am currently in Europe and would like to buy a vacuum to work in India. we have carpet and bare floor of marble and tiles…. dust is for sure in bundle.. and main issue is fluctuation of electricity. i want to invest in something good and long last. could u advice me what should i go for

    Thanks you

    Reply

    • India residents use Type D power outlets, which are not considered by many manufacturers. You can try to use an adapter, but it will be on your own risk, and since the electricity fluctuates, you will need a quality motor, produced by companies such as Dyson or Miele.

      Reply

        • Jason can you recommend a commercial vacuum upright that can pick up rock salt without getting ruined? I clean apt. Building common areas in central NY and need something that can go with our weather. It has to be commercial as I use it almost every day for long periods of time so I need a motor that won’t burn out. A long cord would be awesome as well.

          Reply

          • The Hoover Commercial CH54013 should work in your case. If you’re not keen on uprights, you could also try some backpacks, such as the Hoover Commercial C2401 or the Rubbermaid Commercial Executive Series.

  14. Hi Jason
    Im looking at purchasing a Genesis Hausmeister – Aqua 7 stage filtration.
    We have wooden parquet floors and soem loose carpets and cats and dogs.
    What do you think of the Hausmeister and are Dyson or Miele better?
    If so, which models?
    Best wishes and thanks

    Reply

    • I haven’t used this model (or brand for that matter) before, so I’m not able to compare it with a Dyson/Miele. However, it looks very similar to the Rainbow system (it has water filtration), and I’ve heard it can also wash/shampoo carpets. Unfortunately, I don’t think it’s being sold in US.

      Reply

  15. Hi Jason, I used to have a Rainbow years back, loved it, and have been meaning to get another one ever since. I am surprised it has not even entered your article. Would you tell me your feedback on it please?

    Reply

  16. I have now had the Dyson DC 55 Animal for about 5 years, and looking for the next one. We have four dogs and a cat. I am also allergic to the cat (another story…). I have been reading up on the new Cinetic but it does not seem to come in the Animal. We also have hardwood, carpet, And ceramic, so the addition of the Multi Floor is assisting my confusion. Which one would you say would be best? Thank you and happy holidays!

    Reply

    • The Dyson Cinetic Big Ball Animal Plus Allergy is the latest upright from Dyson, and it’s definitely an improvement over the DC55 which is comparable to the DC65. As its name says, it may be an option for you. Make sure you also check out my list of vacuum cleaners recommended for allergy sufferers.

      Reply

  17. Jason,
    I have a Dirt Devil EG 1200 Elecroglde central vac. I was looking at the Mohawk SmartStrand carpets. Is this an appropriate vacuum for this type of carpet?
    Thank you

    Reply

  18. I live in a log cabin in Alaska with very rustic wood floors; I mean unfinished boards with gaps and nails. Do you think a steam vac would work? I also have a huge problem with glacial silt. This type of dust is as fine as volcanic ash. I have no-pile throw rugs all over so I’m not looking for a serious carpet vacuum. I thought about a shop vac but my tiny cabin is 3 stories and I don’t want to lug it up and down. I have a very long haired cat so between the silt and cat hair, I need good filtration. And I’m pretty cheap so price is a factor too. What would you recommend?

    Reply

    • A steam vac will definitely not work. Since you have 3 stories, I think you’ll be happy with a canister. The Miele C1 Olympus is not particularly expensive, but if you’re looking for an even cheaper unit, you should also consider the Shark Rotator NR96 or a stick such as the Shark Rocket Truepet. If you have a budget under $100, check out the Bissell Zing Bagged 4122.

      Reply

    • Hi Jason

      How is Bosch wet and dry black and blue vacuum cleaner for home use?
      Is it worth buying?

      Like to know your expert comments.

      Reply

      • I’ve seen those black and blue extractors, they look pretty sturdy, but I haven’t touched one yet. Until recently, although Bosch is a well renowned company in Europe, it has neglected the US market (at least in the vacuum cleaner area). I hope that things will change in the future.

        Reply

  20. Hi Jason,
    We are building a new house and have a choice to go with a central vacuum Kirkwood dirt devil..We already have a Dyson. Which is the better one? You have gone to a great length to make this most accurate vacuum comparison I have found. Any advice would be great thanks!

    Reply

    • You’ll have to be more specific about the power unit. For starters, it should have an water lift over 125″. From Dirt Devil, I recommend the CV2600 Pro 990 799e unit, it is also pretty quiet.

      Reply

  21. Hi Jason thanks for all your hard work compiling the information on this site. My husband and I have been married for 5 years and have owned 7 vacuums during this time ranging from $20-90 ALL of which have broken in less than a year with only ordinary if not less than ordinary use. We don’t even have pets. I am so fed up with wasting our money on cheap vacuums that don’t even work well and then break. My husband is very frugal however, and refuses to pay more than $90 for a vacuum cleaner. The one we have now is $20 and I am literally scraping cat hair from around the baseboards in our rental home (my first time vacuuming up pet hair) because the vacuum won’t suck up anything within 5 inches of the walls and I am about to cry over this. My husband wants to buy a $500 tv but won’t buy us a decent vacuum because he says we can just rent a rug Doctor, but I don’t understand how a carpet cleaner is going to help me vacuum cat hair from along the baseboards. I have asthma and have been having a very hard time breathing and sleeping in this home. I added up all of the money we have wasted on the seven vacuums we have owned and it totals $326.34. I want to buy a Dyson and would be unsatisfied wasting money on any inferior vacuum or really any other brand at this point. I’ve owned all the other brands and I’m jaded. I don’t know what else I can do to convince my husband how important this is. What would you recommend? Tia!!

    Reply

    • Given your budget, my recommendations are a Kenmore Elite or a Hoover Commercial HushTone Hard-Bagged. These 2 are reliable, filter air well and are more than decent at sucking up debris.

      Reply

  22. Hi Jason, i just wanted to check if the Bissell Symphony is still the best performing hybrid out there as you scored some newer products slightly higher. Our priority is to find something to clean our hardwood floor before our baby starts crawling all over the place. Unfortunately the Symphony Pet isnt available in Canada yet but is there a significant improvement between the 2 that would justify waiting and paying a higher price? Thanks for your hard work!

    Reply

    • The pet version has a bit more suction, allows you to use Swiffer disposable pads which some may find quite comfy and last but not least, it has an improved process of emptying the dirt bin (thanks to a new system called Drop-IT). Overall, I would say the Symphony Pet is one of the best vac-steam hybrids out there.

      Reply

  23. You need a pay-rise and a huge pat on the back!
    This is a great blog and recent, up-to dat and you are giving free instant advise to people all over the world! Impressive!
    It’s technical and easy to understand and follow. Not to mention detailed!

    Reply

  24. Jason, my question is similar to some others but I wanted to verify for sure what you recommend. I have two dogs that shed terribly. One is a beagle with shorter hair, the other is a longer haired white mixed breed. Her hair is about 2 inches long and since it’s white is shows up on everything that is not white. I have Frieze carpet in my living room. I had a Dyson vacuum that I loved, until we put in the Frieze carpet and it wouldn’t budge on the carpet. Even my husband tried and it took all his strength to move it just a little. So I sold the Dyson to my kids, and bought a Eureka Air Speed Gold. This vacuum was much less expensive than the Dyson, but it works on the carpet, well, I can vacuum with it. My concern is that it doesn’t pick up as much as I would like it to. I have to go over and over to get it to pick up some small pieces and it doesn’t get the dog hair well. I have been considering the Shark NV752. Will it work on my Frieze carpet? I find it interesting that in looking up sites about Frieze carpets, many people have expressed the same problem of finding a vacuum that works with the Frieze, but when we purchased our carpet, no dealer or sales person (and we talked to four or five) mentioned the vacuuming problem. Anyway, for the price, is the NV752 my best option for the carpet I have and the pet hair?

    Reply

    • The NV750 could be an option, but I’m not really sure it is the best solution for high pile carpet. You need a vacuum cleaner with big wheels that doesn’t tangle with long hair. Some units that fit this profile are Hoover Windtunnel 3 UH70931PC, Bissell Heavy-Duty 93Z6W or Eureka AirSpeed AS1092A.

      Reply

  25. Jason, we have a dust issue inside since we have pets and would like to control it better. Seems like the water filtration is the best for this. Can you recommend the best vacuum in this category for the most reasonable price? I know the rainbow is incredible, but also out of the budget price range. Thanks!!!

    Reply

    • Water filtration may be working at some level, but it’s not my cup of cake. Mostly, I don’t like that water filtration preserves odors, and units are hard to maintain if water is involved. That being said, I understand the need of such appliances in some cases. Sirena System is very similar to Rainbow. Phillips has a model called AquaAction which uses this technology. Samsung also tried to enter this market with a canister (SD9400 with Aqua Multi Chamber). I don’t think these are available though.

      Reply

  26. Just a thought… given it’s 2016 and not 1916, “housewives” are no long the sole individual responsible for cleaning.
    Your information is quite valuble, but your presentation is a bit archaic.

    Reply

    • I’m not sure what you mean. My blog addresses both women and men, equally. I’ve never said vacuuming is an exclusive housewife job :). On the contrary, I think men should handle vacuuming. I should do a round-up on this subject.

      Reply

  27. While I have a Hoover Wind Tunnel, I need a vacuum that will go under our king-sized bed with carpeting. The floor to bed is six inches. Any recommendations? Thanks for all your hard work.

    Reply

    • First of all, most canisters can do this, so I guess you’re still referring to an upright. Unfortunately, there aren’t many which can do this. Even with the Shark Rocket Powerhead, you’ll probably have a hard time fitting it in 6 inches. One upright which should go under 6 inches is the Sebo X5 Automatic. You might also want to consider a robot vacuum – i.e. Roomba 980 has a 4 inch height.

      Reply

  29. Hi Jason –
    Fantastic article! I appreciate all of your insight and your recommendations seem to be well grounded and sensible.

    Our basic upright Regina with auto height adjustment vacuum died after 10+ yrs. I routinely vacuum “baking soda” and “long hair” (tangled in the rotating brush head). I cleaned it faithfully after each use, but it wasn’t enough and finally smoked the motor. Suction-wise, it did an OK job, but it would break my back because it was a hard push. It never cleaned along the walls sufficiently.

    We have two floors of deep, cheap carpet that holds on to dirt. We have central air and a LOT of dust.

    I prefer bagless, upright and will continue to use baking soda for spills and there’s no avoiding long hair. We have “mostly” carpet, but I do vacuum some linoleum. Looking to spend less than $150.

    Thanks so much for your help.

    Reply

  30. I recently had new carpet installed in my house and it’s wool. I’m having a hard time finding information on the best vacuum for wool carpet that won’t damage the fibers. From what I can tell I need a suction only vacuum cleaner. Do you have any recommendations? I would love this carpet to last a lifetime. Thank you

    Reply

    • You need an upright with an on/off switch for the brushroll, height adjustment and good suction. Or a canister with a simple nozzle. Hoover UH70931PC and Eureka AS1092A are suitable.

      Reply

  31. Hi Jason,
    I really need help in figuring out the best mid range priced vaccuum for my house. It’s a very old house 2 story house with old maple wood floors, various depth of pile in floor rugs, and I have 2 dogs that shed a lot. Also, seems like a lot of dust and dirt gets tracked in the house as well, and I’d like attachments or whatever to clean crevises, furniture and draperies. A good filtration and less noisy options would be wonderful too.
    Thank you very much for your help.
    ~ Lila.

    Reply

    • Shark Rotator NV652 is a good option in your case. If you want a better filtration, you can choose a Miele canister. They are easier to move up and down the stairs.

      Reply

  33. I love your site and we almost did purchase the Bissell Symphony Pet for our industrial sized messy house based on the reviews. Kids and pets and an old house make cleaning a long daily process. Especially when it seemed I had to switch between different types of cleaning devices to get around cages and on couches and for different types of messes. We have mostly hardwood floors with a couple area rugs so I really wanted something easier to use with a long cord (no battery can last long enough to clean all our messes!). And then I came across something I had never even seen as an option before…a backpack vac! I guess they are popular for businesses and cleaning services and are built for industrial sized messes…which is perfect for our house! I thought I’d throw this option out there for you in case you wanted to let other people know about them. I got one and I absolutely love it. I was a bit worried because I do have back problems but it is so light that I barely even feel the weight on my back. Switching between tools is quick and easy (they are all right on the belt) and lets me get everything cleaned in one pass without having to go back and forth with different type of machines or tools. And it is extremely powerful which is the best part! I can see debris actually moving toward it which is fun to watch. I haven’t had anything get stuck yet either, other than in the crevice tool when something has been too big to fit through it. It does have bags which I was concerned about because I hate the idea of having to replace them but they are hepa filter type ones and actually hold quite a bit. I was surprised when I pulled the hose off and the bag was actually full because there was no loss of power or suction at all and zero vacuum or dirt smell which I have noticed from every other type vac I have ever used. I have also found myself using it more and more for dusting with the brush attachment and even getting ceilings and above drapes and cobwebs and things because it is so quick and easy and it even gets all the bunny fur off the cage bars! I got it from one of our local vacuum stores and the thing that sold me on it was that it is the one that our school district uses and they keep buying more of them to use at more and more schools because they like them so well. It was expensive…just under $400, but well worth it to me. It has a nice long cord and a carry handle on it so it doesn’t have to be worn as a backpack when used for small areas or a quick clean up. I would be happy to get you all the details on it if you’d like, but I am very happy with it so I wanted to let you know in case there are others out there who would appreciate knowing that this option exists. I haven’t had it very long yet so I can’t speak to it’s durability or longevity, but being as that it is used a lot more often in business and cleaning service settings, I am pretty confident that it will hold up pretty well to my daily cleaning routine. 🙂

    Reply

  34. I need to purchase a new vaccum, as my Kenmore Progressive is on its last leg. The floor can look like it needs to be vacuumed again right after vacuuming!

    I generally have to vacuum daily to keep up with the pet hair (golden and a cat) and daily dust with 4 people always coming and going. I have bamboo floors in part of the downstairs so I need a vacuum that will not scratch the wood. However, I have carpet in the remainder of the house. I do not mind having to change bags. What can you recommend? Costco currently has a whole display of vacuums but there are so many out there it is becoming confusing.

    Reply

    • If you liked the Kenmore and want to stick with this brand, the new Elite is a very good unit, although a bit heavy. If you want something lighter for those wood floors, check out the Shark Powerhead. It’s a great unit if you don’t need above the floor cleaning.

      Reply

  35. I have read many reviews as I am trying to find the “right” vacuum and thought the Shark Rotator Powered Lift-Away would be ideal. I really wanted to like it but, unfortunately, I did not. I was impressed with the suction on my carpet but it was only okay on the hardwood and tile. I really did like all the features and the design but I found it heavy and difficult to maneuver. Then after trying it out for the first time, I noticed my hands were kind of numb, I’m assuming from the vibration in the handle. I contacted the company and found them to be very frustrating and unprofessional to deal with. I was basically told that because it was purchased from a retailer, they were unable to help me. Thankfully the retailer returned it as “defective”. I was still sold on the positive reviews for the Shark vacuums so I decided to try the Shark Navigator Pro Lift-Away, hopeful that the vibration was a random flaw. Again disappointed, I had the same problem with that vacuum. Now I feel at a loss, not sure which one to try and I can’t keep returning them! I think I am opting more towards a vacuum under $300 and generally would prefer a bagless canister style but have not been able to find any with decent reviews. I am open to an upright but it needs to be lightweight and I do have stairs to contend with. Do you have any thoughts on the Hoover Air Cordless Lift Upright? By the way, your website here is great!

    Reply

    • Check out my review of the Hoover Air Cordless. Basically, if you want a do-it-all kind of unit, I would advise for a different model. A good bagless canister is the ElectroLux UltraFlex. Panasonic MC-CL935 Jet Force is another good unit. If you’re willing to stretch that budget, you can also opt in for a Dyson Cinetic. All are very good vacuums, very maneuverable.

      Reply

  36. Have you studied and/or mentioned the Carpet and Rug Institute (https://www.carpet-rug.org/) and their evaluations, ratings for home and professional vacuums, green vacuums and the like. I used their suggestions before I made a recent vacuum purchase.

    I also learned through the CRI and some links, that vacuuming wool carpet should be done using suction only; no “beater” brush treatment. That news was an eye opener!

    I am also interested in your suggestions for easy to use, efficient vacuums for those of us who are getting older and less flexible! The upright vacuum I bought (Hoover something or another) does allow me to clean under furniture without changing parts around. I returned a Shark Rotator because it was too big a pain to dismantle it for a run under the bed! The vacuum I did buy features 99.3% efficiency (little “blow back”), strong suction without lifting the carpets up, a way to turn off the roller when vacuuming a wool Oriental Rug, self-propelled if needed and attachments with a long hose. The parts could be more thoughtfully assembled, but it meets my current needs and it was most affordable. It is the future that concerns me.

    I also have an Oreck Housekeeper Handheld Vacuum that I picked up brand new with all the parts at a Goodwill store! It is nowhere near as thorough as the backpak vacuum that Kristi mentions, but it is quite efficient at covering the places the Hoover misses. Maybe a backpak IS a way to go for the future since I can’t afford to hire anyone!

    The Oreck does have one funny attribute. While researching this attribute, I found your site! The oddity is that there is an open hole on the end opposite the hose that blows a strong volume of air. If I fail to hold it away from where I am vacuuming, the air blows my dirt all over the place. I wonder if this hole was supposed to have a removable cover should I want to blow up a mattress or some such thing. Do you know anything about this hole?

    Thank You for your work and open minded responses!

    Reply

    • If the hole is on the hose, it shouldn’t be there. If it’s on the plastic connector, I think it is thought as a coupling mechanism with the other attachments. As for the backpacks, stay tuned, I’ll soon do a list with my top 5 favorites.

      Reply

      • Sorry for the lack of clarity about the Oreck and its blower hole. This unit is rectangular shaped and hangs on a shoulder or in the hand. The kinked vacuum tube can be pushed into a round hole on either end of the rectangular shape. One end contains the sucking in hole and the other end contains the blowing out hole (for inflating mattresses or blowing small bits around). What bothers me is that the blowing out hole is blowing air while the other end is vacuuming/sucking in. On my old canister vac, the blowing out area had a sliding cover. I have also sent a query to Oreck and am awaiting a reply.

        Reply

  37. Sorry for the delay in my response! The funny thing about this vac is that it’s not a brand name…at least that I can see. It may be a local company but all it says on the front is Everett Vacuum 6-Qt HEPA Backpack Vacuum 90 degree Slip Fit. And then it has a Seal of Approval/Green Label Certified Vacuums Label on it that says Certified GOLD (Certification #83648) by carpet-rug.org if that means anything to you? Also says this in the ad about the vac (which is on CL in our area)

    Weight: 11 lbs. Airflow: 150 CFM Static Lift: 100 in. Power: 1188W Amperage: 9.9amp Decibel: 64dB Filtration: Quad/w HEPA

    It sure doesn’t feel like 11 lbs! I’m not sure if they have this particular one made exclusively for their shop or just re-brand it, but it seems pretty similar to the other backpack vacs I saw online. I honestly didn’t even care what the brand was after playing around with it in their store! They do have it listed on their website too (everettvacuum.com). Let me know if you’d like any other info and again…thanks for the awesome site! 🙂

    Reply

    • I mentioned the Carpet and Rug Insitute and their vacuum cleaner ratings in my comment that posted just before yours this morning, Kristi. Their website is highlighted in my March 27, 2016 post. Anyway, I have been impressed by their research and conclusions, so if you have a Gold Certified vacuum, you have their highest rating for various categories of cleaning and the environment. However, as Jason has pointed out here, he is evaluating subjectively as well as practically. CRI is another value guide with no discussion available as there is here. Old joke: That’s why Baskin Robbins (can substitute other ice cream companies) has so many flavors! Something for everyone!

      Reply

      • Ah yes I see that now. Sorry, I didn’t have time to read through everything earlier! That’s a good thing to know…I hadn’t heard of CRI before I saw the sticker this morning. I’m just happy to have a vac that can handle my renovating messes, 3 kids (1 is over 40 but who’s counting), a parrot, 2 cats, 1 dog, 2 chinchillas and a bunny. Well and a fish too, but at least his mess is contained! 🙂

        Reply

  38. Hi there

    I purchased a Delphin L-lamella vaccum 8 months ago and I absolutely love it. My whole family swears by it and I have seen my 2 sons’ severe allergies greatly improve( well at least in the mornings when it used to be most severe). I use it to clean my air every single night and it does seem like as if my air is cleaner. Of cos its price is hefty in the USD $3000 region but I bought it by a 36 month interest free instalment so I am not feeling the pinch. In any case, I justify it by it being completely german made. You mentioned that you have heard about the L-lamella technology which delphin uses but you haven’t tried it yet. Can you provide some thoughts, comments and reviews for the delphin? I have met a few people that swear by it too but I would love to have some input from you

    Reply

  39. My Shark Navigator canister stays very dusty after emptying it. Is there ay harm in rinsing it out and letting it air dry between uses?

    Reply

  40. I’m looking to buy a handheld vacuum mainly for sucking up a small pile of pebbles/dust/etc that is left from my Swiffer, and for my rugs as I have all hardwood floors with rugs that collect mainly little rocks. What couple handhelds would you suggest that would have adequate suction for picking up what i need? Ps I’ve never bought a vacuum ever so this would help immensely! Thank you!

    Reply

  41. Hi! I am trying to decide between the Shark 320 and the Shark 681 vacuum. Could you please tell me which is better for suction capability and ease of use. I have both carpeting and hard floors and I also have a cat that I would want it to pick up the spills from the litter box. If you could, I would like to know an answer today (5/4) via e-mail if possible. Thank you!

    Reply

  42. Hi Jason:

    Absolutely love your site and am so thankful I came across your site as who knew vacuum cleaner so tedious! I have a brand new house with hardwood floors in the entire house with a couple of area rugs, and carpet in 3 of the four bedrooms so I am looking for ONE vacuum cleaner that can vacuum for both. I already have the Bissell Power Fresh steam mop for the hardwood floors so I just need a good vacuum cleaner that can vacuum up the dirt. My current vacuum cleaner blows the dirt around on the floor so just need a good sturdy vacuum. I would prefer a bag less/upright vacuum and I think you have me sold on a Shark but just wanted to get your advice on which model would be best. I would also be open to any other brand you suggest as well. I am definitely willing to invest in a good product to preserve my floors but would prefer not to spend more than $250. Thank you so much in advance for your advice!!

    Sincerely,

    Mary

    Reply

  43. Electrolux canisters and uprights used to be tops in quality. 25 years of service in my case. Purchased my last one in 1986 which just bit the dust (June 2016) . Now that I am in the market for a new upright, I notice the Electrolux does not even make the top ten. What’s up.

    Reply

    • My same thoughts. Electrolux has lost ground due to the savage competition in this industry. They still make good products, check out their latest UltraFlex and UltraSilencer models. I would say they’re out of top 10. It’s just that today, there are a lot more options to choose from.

      Reply

  44. Hi Jason, My Electrolux ultra silencer deepclean vacuum just died. I have dogs and allergies to dust. I have carpets in bedrooms and tile downstairs. ( Am seriously considering pulling carpet out) I can’t really afford to spend over $500. on a new vacuum. I like canister style because allows me under furniture access but am willing to switch to upright if they do substantially better on carpets and also keep dust contained. Please make a recommendation based on the information I have provided. The best picks on your page were over my budget.

    Reply

    • I went back and read some of the other comments and notice you mentioned Kenmore vacuums. I went to Sears and then tried to find reviews on the Kenmore but really found no useful information. I guess I am concerned with 3 main things. 1) Need something good on carpets that can reach under my king size bed. 2) I want a system that doesn’t just move dust around, so I guess that means good filtration. 3) I need to keep it under $500.00 when it’s all said and done. Can I find a Kenmore that fits those 3 needs? I like the Meile vacuum after reading many positive reviews but the ones that fit my needs are over my budget. Please help! I’m sleeping on couch to avoid the allergies and need to make a choice today. Your site was the best I’ve seen on the subject but after looking at so many reviews I feel more confused. Thanks in advance!

      Reply

    • For $500, you can get a Miele Complete C3 Limited Edition and upgrade its filters to HEPA. My golden rule for a good life – you are allowed to only have 2 out of these 3: allergies, carpets or pets.

      Reply

  45. Jason,
    Just found your site, love it. I would like to know what vacuum you own?
    Also, I would like to replace my old dyson due to high maintenance cost and dust issues. I’m thinking Meile pet? Unless you have another/better dustless suggestion.
    Thank you.
    Laura

    Reply

    • At the moment, I use a Miele C3 Brilliant, but as you can imagine, I change them a lot. It really depends on how much space you want to vacuum, and on what type of flooring you have installed. If you’re referring to Miele C3 Cat&Dog, that’s one of my favorite recommendations.

      Reply

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