A vacuum cleaner should suit the floors, stairs and storage in your home. Start with the surfaces you clean and how often you want the cleaner ready to use, then compare weight, tools and maintenance.
Choose the form and dust system
- Upright: keeps the cleaner in one unit and can be convenient for larger carpeted areas. Check its weight and whether it is practical on stairs.
- Cylinder: has a separate body and hose, which can make it easier to reach stairs, upholstery and around furniture. Consider storage and carrying weight.
- Cordless: is easy to pick up for short jobs, but compare the stated runtime, charging time, battery options and the power mode used for that stated runtime.
- Bagged: retains dust in a replaceable bag, reducing contact when emptying. Factor in the specified replacement bags.
- Bagless: avoids replacement bags but needs the bin and filters maintained as specified. Consider whether you are comfortable emptying the container.
Make it fit your routine
Check the supplied floorhead and tools for carpet, hard floor, edges, upholstery or pet hair needs. An accessory in a photo may be optional, so use the exact product list. Keep the model's stated filter and brush-roll care routine in mind, because blocked filters or tangled rollers can affect performance. Use only the consumables specified for that exact cleaner.
Compare our vacuum cleaners.
Frequently asked questions
Does bagless mean no maintenance?
No. It removes the need for bags, but the bin and filters still need the stated care.
Is cordless always easier?
It can be convenient, but charging location and stated runtime must suit the work you want it to do.
Which type is best for stairs?
Compare carrying weight, hose reach and supplied tools against your own staircase.