Vacuum cleaners are essential in maintaining a clean and healthy home environment. A high-quality vacuum not only saves time but also ensures a deep clean, reducing allergens and dust.
We’ll explore top vacuum cleaner options to help you find your ideal match for a cleaner, healthier home environment.
Our Top Picks
Upright Vacuum Cleaners: Best Strong Suction Power and Efficient Models
Upright vacuum cleaners are a popular choice for their strong suction power and efficient cleaning on carpets. They often come with rotating brushes that lift dirt and debris, making them highly effective on thicker rugs. Some top-rated models include:
Reasons to buy:
- Has an upholstery perfect for pet hair pickup
- With multi-surface powerful suction best for deep cleaning carpets
- Comes with HEPA filter to trap dust and allergens
- With brushroll shutoff allowing you to switch from deep to gentle cleaning
- Comes with a detachable pod
2. Shark AZ4002 POWERDETECT Heavy Duty Upright Vacuum Cleaner with DuoClean Technology and HEPA Filter
Reasons to buy:
- Has an Odor Neutralizer Technology that guards against bad odors inside your vacuum
- Has Intelli-Sense ultra-sonic sensor that detects the type of floor it’s on
- POWERDETECT for optimal performance on all surfaces
- With two-brushroll system and four automatic Intelli-Sense sensors
- Recognises vacuum direction and automatically direct power suction for maximum cleaning
- With HEPA Filter that traps hidden dust and debris inside the vacuum
Canister Vacuum Cleaners: Best for Better Control and Reach
Canister vacuums provide flexibility and maneuvarability, allowing you to clean under furniture, stairs, and hard-to-reach areas with ease. These models separate the canister from the handle, giving you a better control and reach.
Below are our standout options if you’re looking to handle both hardwood and carpeted areas without heavy lifting:
(i) Miele Complete C3 Marin Canister Vacuum Cleaner with SEB236 Powerhead Bundle
Reasons to buy:
- Comes with Miele SEB-236 Powerhead – Great For deep cleaning and restoring crushed carpet nap on all types of carpeting
- Comes With 16 Genuine Miele GN Airclean FilterBags, 1 Genuine Miele HEPA Air Clean Filter AH-50 and 4 Pre-Motor Protection Filters
- With its Miele SBB300-3 Parquet Floor Brush, It can go flat under baseboards, low under furniture, tight up against kick jams and around chair legs
- It has the AirClean Sealed System Construction, Perfect for any Allergy or Asthma Sufferer
- It’s quiet, lightweight, and a 20-year average life-span
(ii)BISSELL Hard Floor 2306A Crosswave Pet Pro All in One Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner and Mop
Reasons to Buy:
- CrossWave Pet Pro multi-surface cleaner comes with a Tangle-Free Brush Roll, Pet Hair Strainer and PET Multi-Surface Formula with Febreze Freshness
- Comes with two Tangle-Free Brush Rolls, two 8 oz PET Multi-Surface Formulas with Febreze Freshness, and a Rinse & Clean Out Storage Tray
- Safe and effective for use on tile, sealed wood floors, laminate, linoleum, vinyl, rubber floor mats, pressed wood floors, area rugs, and more.
Stick Vacuum Cleaners: Best Portable and Lightweight Stick Vacuums
Stick vacuums are lightweight and highly portable, ideal for quick clean-ups and small living spaces. They can easily transition from hardwood to carpet and are especially convenient for apartment dwellers. Leading models, like the Dyson V11 Torque Drive and Tineco A11 Hero, provide cordless freedom with impressive battery life, making daily cleaning a breeze.
Robot Vacuum Cleaners: Best Models for Cleaning Floors
Robot vacuums simplify daily cleaning by navigating and cleaning floors autonomously. Many models come equipped with advanced sensors, room mapping, and customizable cleaning schedules. The iRobot Roomba i3+ and Eufy RoboVac 11S are top choices if you’re looking for a hands-free cleaning solution that handles everyday dust and dirt.
Handheld Vacuum Cleaners: Perfect Models for Quick Clean-Ups
Handheld vacuums are compact and convenient, perfect for quick clean-ups on furniture, in vehicles, and on staircases. These models are easy to use and ideal for pet owners who need to tackle fur and small messes frequently. Popular options like the BLACK+DECKER Dustbuster and Shark WandVac are powerful enough for minor spills and pet hair without needing much storage space.
Specialised Vacuum Cleaners for Pet Owners
For pet owners, vacuums with specialised features are essential for tackling pet hair and dander. Models like the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser and Dyson Ball Animal 2 include features specifically designed to pick up pet hair and reduce allergens. These vacuums often come with strong suction, tangle-free brushes, and HEPA filters that capture pet dander and improve air quality.
Vacuum Cleaners for Allergies and Air Quality
Vacuums with HEPA filtration systems are particularly valuable for those with allergies, as they capture over 99% of allergens, dust, and particles. Models like the Shark APEX and Miele Blizzard CX1 Cat & Dog Bagless excel in capturing fine particles, which is beneficial for improving indoor air quality. Investing in a HEPA-filter vacuum can significantly reduce allergy symptoms by keeping your home’s air cleaner.
Corded vs. Cordless Vacuum Cleaners
Corded vacuums offer more consistent power, as they don’t rely on battery life. These are ideal for extensive cleaning sessions in larger areas. On the other hand, cordless vacuums provide ease of movement and flexibility, perfect for quick clean-ups. The Dyson V15 Detect (cordless) and Hoover WindTunnel 2 (corded) are examples of top-performing models in each category, catering to different cleaning needs.
Bagged vs. Bagless Vacuum Cleaners
Bagged vacuums require you to replace bags but offer cleaner disposal, making them a hygienic choice for allergy sufferers. Bagless vacuums save you money on replacement bags and allow you to see when the dustbin needs emptying. Leading models like the Kenmore Elite (bagged) and Dyson Cyclone V10 (bagless) are popular for their efficient dust containment and easy maintenance.
Eco-Friendly and Energy-Efficient Vacuum Options
Eco-friendly vacuums use energy-efficient motors that consume less electricity and often incorporate recycled materials. Models like the Ecovacs Deebot X1 and Electrolux UltraSilencer are energy-saving options with reduced environmental impact. Choosing an energy-efficient vacuum contributes to a greener household without sacrificing performance.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Vacuum Cleaner
1. Suction Power
Suction power is one of the most critical factors in a vacuum’s cleaning efficiency. A higher suction power ensures effective dirt and debris removal, especially on thick carpets and rugs. Strong suction is particularly important for households with pets, as it helps in capturing fur and dander. Vacuums with powerful motors tend to deliver better suction, although the exact requirements depend on the floor type.
2. Filtration System
A good filtration system, like a HEPA filter, is essential for reducing allergens and keeping indoor air clean. HEPA filters trap fine particles such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander, making them ideal for allergy sufferers. High-quality filtration systems ensure that the vacuum doesn’t just clean floors but also improves air quality.
3. Noise Level
Noise level can be a deciding factor if you prefer quieter appliances, especially for shared living spaces or apartments. Vacuum models with sound-reducing insulation and low decibel ratings are more comfortable for prolonged use. Stick and canister vacuums often have lower noise levels compared to traditional upright models.
4. Power Source
Vacuums come in both corded and cordless options. Corded vacuums offer consistent power, ideal for larger cleaning areas, while cordless vacuums offer the convenience of unrestricted movement, great for smaller or multi-level homes. When choosing a cordless model, battery life and recharging time are also important considerations.
5. Portability and Weight
If your vacuum will be used in multi-level homes or for frequent, quick clean-ups, consider its weight and portability. Lightweight and portable models are easier to carry around the house and store, making them practical for everyday use and stairs. Stick and handheld vacuums often offer the highest level of portability.
6. Lifespan
Vacuum lifespan depends on build quality, maintenance, and usage. Higher-end models often last longer, sometimes up to a decade or more, with proper maintenance. Checking warranty length can also indicate expected longevity. Models from reputable brands with durable construction tend to offer a longer operational life.
7. Attachments and Accessories
Attachments and accessories add versatility to a vacuum by allowing it to clean various surfaces and hard-to-reach areas. Common attachments include crevice tools, upholstery brushes, and pet hair tools. Versatile vacuums with a range of attachments cater to different cleaning needs, from sofas to car interiors.