Miele manufactures three lines of canister vacuums: C1, C2, and C3. The C2 series consists of budget-friendly units that come with immense suction power and various other features to enhance efficiency. Two Miele C2 models, the Compact C2 Electro+ power line and the Complete C2 Hardfloor, stand out for their specialized functions and cleaning ability. The two vacuums are almost similar, save for a few differences that make each suitable for specific cleaning needs. To get a view of how the two models are identical or different, I will take you through a review of both. We will look at the specifications in detail, special features and the pros and cons of each. I will also compare the two at the end of the review to give you a clearer picture of how each is superior or inferior to the other.
Before proceeding with this review, I would also like to acknowledge that there are more C2 versions than the 2 presented above (which are the only ones available today). I am speaking about the C2 Compact HomeCare, Compact C2 Jasper, Compact C2 Onyx, Compact C2 Quartz, Compact C2 Topaz and Complete C2 Limited Edition. All of these have either rebranded or completely dissipated from the market.
Contents

Miele Compact C2 Electro+ vs Miele Complete C2 Hard Floor
Head-to-head outline
To speed things up, here’s the outline of the specs:
Vacuum | Miele Compact C2 Electro+ | Miele Complete C2 Hard Floor |
---|---|---|
Input power | 1200W / 9.5 amps | 1140 watts / 9.5 amps |
Dust bag | 0.9 gallons | 1.19 gallons |
Filter | HEPA AirClean | HEPA AirClean |
Dimensions | 16.7" x 9" x 9" | 19" x 10" x 8.5 |
Weight | 9.39 lbs | 13.5 lbs |
Warranty | 5 years (10 years for motor, electrobrush and casing) | 1 year (7 years for motor and casing) |
Nozzles | - Miele SEB 228 Electro Plus Floorhead - Miele SBB Parquet-3 Small Parquet Floorhead | - Miele SBD285-3 Combination Rug and Floor - Miele SBB400-3 Parquet Twister XL Floor Brush |
Price | $339.29 |
Miele Compact C2 Electro+ PowerLine

Miele C2 Electro+
Suction Power/Cleaning Efficiency
A 1200W engine operates it. With this amount of electrical power, you can expect the Electro+ PowerLine to create suction that’s powerful enough to dislodge the most stubborn of dirt. On top of that, it has an electro brush. This consists of a floor head which houses a motor to rotate a brush roll. The attachment is specialized to vacuum carpets and capable of cleaning different levels of carpet pile, materials, fiber densities, and more. The vacuum also comes with a Parquet brush to use on delicate hard floors. Several other tools enhance its ability to clean challenging surfaces and spots. With this arsenal of attachments and strong suction, the Electro+ handles any surface in your home and with impressive results.

ElectroPlus brush roll
Here’s a video presenting this brush roll in detail:
Input Power
It’s a corded vacuum that plugs into a 110-120V power outlet. The motor requires 9.5 amps to work which translates into a power consumption of 1140 watts. The vacuum requires this amount of wattage since it has to create suction that’s strong enough to clean carpets. The cord that connects the vacuum to the power source auto retracts and offers easy rewinding as well as storage.
Dust Capacity
Being a bagged vacuum, its dust capacity is considerably large. The bag can store up to 0.9 gallons or 3.5 liters of dirt. Unless your home is large and heavy traffic, this space for vacuumed dirt is large enough to see you clean for weeks before it fills up. To ensure safe disposal, the dust bag is properly sealed with an automatic shut mechanism. Because the bag is placed inside the unit away from your view, Miele included a warning mechanism to alert you when suction reduces as a result of a filled up bag. This allows you to make times replacements and maintain suction at its optimum.
Filtration Efficiency
Miele C2 vacuums feature what the company calls AirClean technology. It involves uniquely designed filters and a fully sealed unit to ensure no air escapes unfiltered. The dust bag itself is an efficient filter material that consists of a layered and electrostatically charged material. There are the pre-motor filter and an AirClean filter for the exhaust air. The post-motor filter is HEPA which means you can use the vacuum even if you allergic to dust and other allergens. The company gives you the option to upgrade the exhaust filter to an odor-eliminating one. One notable attribute of the models in the Miele C2 series is that they’re fully sealed, which assures you that the air coming out is 100 percent filtered. That is why Miele vacuums always end up on my list of top vacuums for allergies.
Weight and Dimensions
Just as its name says, the ElectroPlus is a compact vacuum. It measures 16.7″ height, and 9″ for both width and depth. It’s the kind of gadget that fits into small spaces and makes storage easier. It’s also a lightweight cleaning machine that weighs 9.39 pounds only. With this amount of weight, carrying the unit upstairs, shouldn’t present any challenge. The increased portability makes it usable by the different members of your family, from the young to the elderly.
Warranty
Miele backs this vacuum cleaner with a 5-years warranty for workmanship and the various non-replaceable parts. You also get a 10-year warranty for the vacuum’s motor and casing, as well as the electrical brush. All Miele C2 ElectroPlus vacuums carry this warranty arrangement which the manufacturer warns can be voided by the use of non-manufacturer components. The warranty is also only valid if you’re the owner of the product.
Accessories
In the box is a collection of accessories; an electrobrush nozzle for the cleaning of carpets, a Parquet tool for hard floors, a telescopic wand that’s made from stainless steel, a crush-proof hose, an upholstery nozzle, a crevice tool, a natural bristles dusting brush, and a clip to hold the tools. Also in the box is a dust bag and the instructions booklet.
Special Features
The Compact Electro+ is meant to clean all carpet pile heights from low, mid to high. For this, it makes use of a specialized cleaning nozzle Miele calls an Electrobrush. This unique floorhead consists of spinning brush roll with stiff bristles. The brush is powered by its own motor, separate from the main one that runs the whole unit. The action of the brush roll and the powerful suction are so efficient that the C2 Electro+ is capable of removing dirt that’s deeply embedded in the fibers. To clean different types of carpets, the vacuum comes with a height adjustment mechanism that sets the electrobrush to 5 different levels. The vacuum doesn’t clean carpets only, it works wonders on hard floors too. To vacuum smooth surfaces such as tile, hardwood, laminate, and others, it comes with a Parquet Floorhead. The tool is a gentle nozzle that sucks up dirt from these floors without damaging them. The brush roll can also be turned off to allow to clean delicate surfaces, both hard floors and carpeted ones.
The airflow of this vacuum is superb. It’s created by Miele’s 1200 watt Vortex motor. The suction is controllable via a 6-setting rotor on the unit. By rotating the dial, you get to set the motor’s speed to match the surface. It makes the vacuum a versatile machine you can use for all types of cleaning tasks in your home. Being a canister vacuum it comes with a hose. The hose is collapse-proof and you need not to worry about causing damage when you accidentally step or drop an object on it. It also has a durable wand made of stainless steel. With the hose and the wand attached, the total cleaning radius of the vacuum is 33 feet. The length is sufficient for the cleaning needs of the average home, and you won’t be needing to change outlets often.

Miele C2 Electro+ rotary radial
The Electro+ is a bagged vacuum whose filtration system is efficient. Apart from the dust bag’s acting as a filtration material, there’s a filter to protect the motor and another one to remove tiny particles from the exhaust air. The post-motor filter is Miele’s own HEPA AirClean which assures you of an allergen-free home during vacuuming activities. The dust bag features a spring shut-off mechanism that prevents any dust from escaping during the process to take it out of the unit. There’s also a full-bag indicator on the unit that turns orange to alert you that you need to put in a new bag. With it, you never have to check the bag manually.
The vacuum is a small-sized vacuum that cannot fit an onboard storage for the various accessories it comes with. Instead, the manufacturer offers clip storage. A Vario clip that can hold all the tools attaches to the hose and allows you to hang your accessories there for convenient access. Though not as pleasant as storage that’s inside the unit and enclosed, the clip serves to keep the accessories within reach. The unit rolls on three casters that have a 360-degree swivel. It makes controlling the unit easy and cleaning activities quicker. The casters are safe for all types of floors, from hardwood, laminate to carpeting. Other features that make this Miele C2 vacuum outstanding include the low level of noise it produces. Despite having a powerful motor running it, the vacuum features Miele’s unique insulation that ensures vibrations are muffled for quieter operation.
Usability
A new Miele C2 Electro+ does not present any challenge to assemble. The various parts feature click mechanisms to attach onto the unit and you’re done in a couple of minutes. The controls are few and conveniently placed. A 6-point dial lets you change the strength of suction to suit the various surfaces while the floorhead’s height settings allow you to adjust the nozzle level to match the height of a carpet’s pile. The maneuverability of this vacuum is excellent. Apart from the swivel casters, it comes with a floor head that can turn sideways to make guiding the unit around obstacles a breeze.

Miele C2 Electro+ ergonomic handle
The wand is telescopic which allows you to adjust the height to a level you’re most comfortable with. As a result, the vacuum can be used by people of different statures. The reach the vacuum achieves when cleaning is also commendable. The combined length of the cord, the hose, and the wand is 33 feet. It means you can clean large areas without having to keep plugging and unplugging the cord. Various tools attach to the wand to give the vacuum different cleaning capabilities. On carpets, you use the electrobrush while the Parquet nozzle suits smooth floors. You also have the upholstery tool, a dusting brush, and a crevice accessory to clean challenging areas that cannot be vacuumed by the main floor head.
Pro reviews
- Powerful suction that picks up dirt efficiently
- Different nozzles for different floors that make the vacuum highly versatile
- Powered brush roll for efficient cleaning of all carpet piles
- Easy-moving casters that turn 360 degrees for improved maneuverability
- Floor head that rotates and makes guiding the vacuum around furniture and appliances easy
- Low lying Parquet tool that goes under furniture without difficulty
- A fully sealed unit that ensures only filtered air comes out of the vacuum
- Large dirt capacity to allow for many vacuuming sessions before replacing the dust bag
- HEPA exhaust filter that makes the vacuum safe for use by allergy sufferer
- 6 different power setting to allow specialized cleaning
- Compact design, low weight, and an ergonomic handle
- Quiet operation for a peaceful home (working at 62-66 dB)
- On/off switch for the brush roll to allow the vacuum to clean even the sensitive carpets and hard floors
- Adequate cleaning radius and auto rewind cord for comfortable vacuuming
- Adjustable wand and crush-proof hose for comfortable use and for durability
Con reviews
- The Electrobrush makes the vacuum’s head to feel somewhat heavy
- The hose is a bit stiff, and that makes vacuuming the sides a bit difficult
The Miele C2 Electro+ is a powerful and versatile vacuum that cleans virtually any surface. It works great on both carpets and hard floors which makes it a one-stop vacuuming device. Allowing you 6 different motor speeds, you can use it to clean any dirt from any surface efficiently. Compact and lightweight, it’s a perfect pick if looking for a family vacuum that everyone in your home can use. Featuring HEPA filtration, the vacuum is suitable if allergens cause respiratory complications to anyone in your family. It has a few drawbacks though, but which only slightly affect its usability. The hose is stiff, and the carpet floor head makes the unit head heavy when attached.
Miele C2 Complete Hard floor

Miele C2 Complete Hard floor
Suction/Cleaning Efficiency
It’s run by a powerful 9.5 amp Miele Vortex motor that produces powerful suction. It makes the C2 Complete an efficient cleaning machine that performs impressively on a variety of floors. Two different nozzles serve to make the vacuum specialized to clean low pile carpets and smooth floors while vacuuming difficult areas is made possible by three different accessories. The two full-size nozzles are the Combo Floorhead and the Parquet Twister. The attachments to clean challenging areas are the upholstery tool, the dusting nozzle, and the crevice tool.
Input Power
The unit requires a 110-120V outlet and consumes 1140 watts. Most of this power goes into creating suction and is what make this vacuum such a powerful and efficient cleaning machine. The cord that takes power to the vacuum is a retractable one and of sufficient length to allow you to use a single power source to clean rooms.
Dust Capacity
The dust bag of this Miele C2 model is adequately large. Capable of holding up to 1.19 gallons of vacuumed dirt, the capacity allows you to clean for quite sometime before the bag fills up. The capacity is suitable if you have kids or pets and your vacuuming activities end up picking a lot of debris each day. The vacuum features an automatic indicator for a full bag. As soon as the dirt reaches a point where it causes suction to drop, the indicator lights up as an alert that you need to replace the bag.
Filtration Efficiency
It uses Miele’s AirClean system to ensure dust and other particles don’t re-enter the air after being picked up. In addition to the pre-motor and post-motor filters, the unit is fully sealed. This is characteristic of all Miele C2 vacuums and serves to prevent dust and other allergens from finding other routes through which to escape. The bag features a spring seal that closes tightly when you remove the bag from the unit and prevents dust from coming out. The filters on the vacuum need to be replaced once they clog with dirt which is mostly once or twice every year. Miele offers you a choice to change the filtration to HEPA if allergens cause you or a family member to develop respiratory problems. It means you can still use the vacuum even if you suffer from allergen-induced complications. The HEPA filters for this model are sold separately, and you also get to choose if you want the filter to be the type that eliminates odor from the exhaust air.
Weight and Dimensions
The unit measures 19 inches in height, 10 inches for the width and 8.5 inches depth. It weighs 13.5 pounds. It’s not too heavy as to be a machine that you have to drag about, and you will find it highly usable and not too difficult to carry upstairs. Although it provides convenient access to the vacuum’s tools, the onboard storage space makes its size bigger than necessary.
Warranty
The vacuums in the Miele C2 series feature a similar warranty; 1 year for parts and workmanship, and 7 years for the motor and casing. The 1-year warranty isn’t too bad considering the durability of the products from this German company. The quality is good, and your C2 Complete Hardfloor vacuum is not likely to develop problems soon or even come with defective parts. There are owners of these vacuums who have held them for years without encountering any serious breakdowns which show how reliable the vacuums in the Miele C2 series are.
Accessories
You get a Combination nozzle that cleans both hard floors and low pile carpets, a Parquet Twister nozzle to vacuum smooth floors, and 3 accessories; a crevice tool, an upholstery nozzle, and a dusting brush. Also in the box is the vacuum’s hose, the wand, and a users instructions manual.

Onboard storage
Special Features
The vacuum uses a 9.5 amp motor to create the airflow that picks up dirt. It’s a powerful motor that produces suction that not many vacuums can. Because different surfaces require different levels of suction power, Miele allows you to adjust that through a 6-setting rotary switch. It means you can use the vacuum on many different surfaces, all the while achieving impressive cleaning results. The power revamps slowly when you rotate the dial to increase suction, a feature that helps to prevent cases of the power source overloading. Still on the protective features, a thermal sensor protects the vacuum from overheating by shutting off the motor when it detects a dangerous rise of temperature.

Miele Complete C2 rotary radial
Designed to mainly clean hard floors, this Miele C2 vacuum comes with the necessary attachments and features for the task at hand. Its combination tool allows you to clean a variety of hard floors such as tile, hardwood, laminate, and others. The nozzle also cleans low-pile carpeting and area rugs. Because it doesn’t have a motorized brush roll, the floor head cannot remove dirt from high pile carpets efficiently. You also have the Parquet Twister nozzle that cleans the areas that the combination nozzle would find challenging. The places include the spots under furniture, along baseboard edges and so on. The various tools further enhance the vacuum’s cleaning versatility it comes with. There’s the dusting brush, crevice tool, and the upholstery nozzle. The three suit different surfaces and spots and you only need to attach them when necessary.
The main floor head gives you a 12-inch cleaning path which allows you to finish tasks quickly. The cleaning radius achieved by this vacuum is also sufficient. Put together, the total length of the cord, hose, and the wand comes to 33 feet, enough to allow you to clean large rooms without having to switch outlets. The cord is the auto-rewind type, and a button on the unit rewinds it instantly when pressed. Three wheels carry the vacuum around. The wheels are gentle on the floors in addition to swiveling up to 360 degrees. The swivel enables you to maneuver the vacuum in all directions and makes cleaning tasks both comfortable and effortless. The vacuum’s capacity to hold dirt is adequate, with the ability to keep 1.19 gallons of dust and debris. With this amount of space, you’re assured of many vacuuming sessions before you need to change the bag. Apart from offering you smooth and uninterrupted cleaning for days, it means you won’t replace many bags in the lifetime of the vacuum, and you end up saving on maintenance costs.
Miele C2 vacuums are known to run quiet, and the Complete Hardfloor is one of them. Featuring unique insulation for the motor, the unit produces minimal noise, and your vacuuming activities are peaceful and non-invasive. Other features worth mentioning include the wand that’s telescopic to allow you different cleaning heights. The wand is made of stainless steel. Miele is fond of using this material for the wands of their vacuum cleaners. The material makes the attachment lightweight, clean-looking, and durable. The hose is crush-proof, a feature you need if you don’t want to end up with broken part of your vacuum. Few vacuum cleaners feature an onboard way to store tools and accessories. The Miele C2 Complete comes with one. You won’t have to go searching for an accessory when you need to use it and neither will you misplace them anymore.
Usability
On unboxing this Miele C2 vacuum, you won’t find many parts to fit together and the whole process doesn’t take long. The assembled unit features few controls and even fewer indicators. The handle is ergonomic and it won’t tire you out or make your hand go numb when you’ve been vacuuming for extended hours. Rolling on three casters that can move in all direction, the unit is effortless to guide around when cleaning. The Complete Hardfloor is comfortable to use. In addition to the excellent maneuverability, its cleaning radius is large enough to assure you of continuous vacuuming without having to switch outlets. With a 33-foot reach all round, you can clean large rooms from a single power source. The power cord retracts automatically when you press a foot button which relieves you of the hassle of having to do the rewinding manually. It also makes the vacuum less bulky and easy too store since the cord goes into the unit.

Retractable power cord
The attachments are easy to use, too. The wand is stainless steel and lightweight. It’s telescopic and you can change its length to suit your height. The hose resists crushing which makes it long lasting. The Parquet Twister can turn sideways and goes around obstacles without any difficulty. It’s also low profile which makes vacuuming the parts of the floor that are under furniture a breeze.
Pro reviews
- Two different full-size nozzles and various attachments that make the vacuum versatile and effective at cleaning different surfaces and areas
- Excellent suction that makes the vacuum highly efficient
- Gentle nozzles that make the vacuum safe for the cleaning of many different types of hard floors, even hardwood
- Ergonomic handle that allows you to use the vacuum for extended periods
- 360 degrees Swivel wheels for enhanced maneuverability
- A low profile Twister Floorhead that turns sideways to clean the areas around and underneath furniture
- 6-point suction settings to allow for the cleaning of different surfaces
- Adequate insulation for a quiet vacuum
- A wand that adjusts to suit the user’s height and a hose that resists crushing
- Large cleaning radius for comfortable and uninterrupted cleaning
- Onboard storage that provides for convenience
- Low price that makes it an excellent choice when shopping on a budget
Con reviews
- Cannot clean high-pile carpets
- Heavier than the Compact line
Although not efficient on carpets, the Miele C2 Complete Hardfloor cleans hard surfaces and low pile carpets so well. The suction it achieves is impressive, plus you have the choice to set it to the level that suits the specific surface. It’s a gentle vacuum that doesn’t damage hard floors and can be used of a wide variety of them. The two full-size hard floor nozzles it comes with make it pretty versatile and versatile. The combo nozzle allows you to use the vacuum on both carpeted and bare floors while the Parquet tool allows you to vacuum mainly hard floors. Overall, its a nice choice if your home does not feature carpets.
A Comparison of the Miele C2 Electro+ vs the Miele C2 Complete
Both are powered by 9.5 amp motors which makes them pretty powerful when it comes to suction. However, the Electro+ Powerline is more optimized to clean carpets. Featuring a powered floor head that houses a stiff-bristled brush roll, the vacuum is capable of cleaning carpets of all pile sizes and densities. It can also clean hard floors by means of the Parquet nozzle it comes with. These features make this vacuum more versatile and a cleaning machine that can handle every kind of vacuuming task. I would advise you to go for the Miele C2 Electro+ if your home is heavily carpeted. The Miele C2 Complete is, on the other hand, mostly suited to clean hard floors. It lacks the spinning brush roll, mainly depending on suction to remove dirt from surfaces. As a result, it doesn’t perform well on carpets that are medium and high pile. Go for it if your home is mostly smooth floors and the carpeted areas only feature low pile carpets.
Another significant difference between the two vacuums is in the dust capacity. The C2 Complete model holds slightly more dirt than the Electro+, which makes it suitable if your home is a high-traffic one. I would advise that you pick this one if your floors are mainly bare and you have pets and kids. The vacuum will allow you a few more vacuuming sessions before the full-bin indicator lights up. Are you ever misplacing your vacuum’s accessories? Or do you use them frequently and you need to have then within reach all the time? The Complete Hard floor should make a good choice for you. It offers convenient onboard storage, and you can grab the accessory you want to use within a second. The Electro+ comes with clip storage, of course, but I find it not as convenient as the one on the Complete Hardfloor. If you’re into compact devices or if you’re looking for a vacuum that’s easy to store, I would recommend the Electro+. It’s a bit more compact and requires a smaller space to store. It’s also lighter and more portable.
And finally, there’s the price talk. The Electro+ is around $200 more expensive, and that is mainly due to the electrobrush head, which is really expensive. However, you can’t do without one of these, if you have thick carpets.
Conclusion
To conclude, the two Miele C2 vacuums are both great cleaning machines. They provide powerful suction for efficient cleaning and come with a variety of handy attachments to increase versatility. They’re also fairly priced, with the Complete Hardfloor model being a highly pocket-friendly option. The Electro+ model is more suited for carpeted floors, while the Complete Hardfloor best cleans hard floors and carpets that are smooth or low pile. Based on the type of surface in your home, you can choose which of the two models is most suitable. Either way, you stand to benefit from the efficiency and power of Miele vacuums. From the durability, too, as Miele is known for making appliances that last for long. These 2 vacuums have a life expectancy of 15-20 years.
Jason Roberts
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