Who is this choice for?

Households with large spaces and a mix of flooring

If you clean several rooms in a row and move from hard floors to rugs, consider the cleaning radius, dust capacity and attachments suited to your flooring.

People who clean rugs, fitted carpets and upholstery

It’s worth looking at performance on these surfaces separately. Que Choisir’s testing protocol includes separate tests on fitted carpet, tiles and parquet. The advertised power rating alone doesn’t tell you how well a vacuum picks up dirt.

People who pay attention to maintenance

Whether it’s replacing bags, emptying the dust container or maintaining the filters, choose a routine you can keep up with. Also consider the noise level, weight and space you have for storing the appliance.

What should you look for?

Bagged cylinder vacuum cleaner

Worth considering: if you want to limit contact with dust when changing the dust container. Que Choisir also notes that this type of vacuum generally offers better suction.

Bear in mind: you’ll need to replace the bags as you use them and make sure they’re compatible. Performance can vary from one model to another and across different floor types.

Bagless cylinder vacuum cleaner

Worth considering: if you’d rather not use bags and don’t mind emptying the dust container.

The trade-off: you’ll still need to maintain the filters and brushes. Check how the exact model performs on your floors.

Stick vacuum or robot as a supplementary cleaner

For quick clean-ups: a stick vacuum can be handy when manoeuvrability is the priority. If you’re considering a robot, check separately how well it handles rugs and cluttered areas.

Limitations: Que Choisir notes that stick vacuums often have lower suction on some challenging floor types and limited battery life at high power. Don’t assume a supplementary cleaner will be up to the job of your main vacuum.

What to consider What to check Who it matters to
Rugs and upholstery Compare test results for the exact model on rugs, fitted carpet and different fibres. Check which attachment is designed for the fabrics you need to clean. If I regularly clean rugs or cushions, I want to know whether the vacuum picks up fibres as well as dust from hard floors. Around 31% of consumers would make this their top priority.
Different floor types Look at results for hard floors, parquet with gaps and rugs separately, and check which brushes are included. When I have several types of flooring at home, I want good results on each one, rather than assuming that a test on tiles reflects performance on parquet. Around 25% of consumers would put this versatility first.
Bags, dust container and filters Check the bag reference and availability, or how to empty the dust container and maintain the filters. I’d rather decide upfront whether I prefer changing a bag or regularly emptying a dust container, while taking contact with dust into account. Around 25% of consumers would put ease of maintenance first.
Moving and storage Measure your storage space and compare the weight, cleaning radius and noise level of the exact model. In a large home, I want to be able to move and store the vacuum without making every cleaning session more difficult. Around 19% of consumers would put manoeuvrability, noise or storage space first.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Choosing based on motor wattage alone

    Electrical power alone doesn’t tell you how much dust a vacuum picks up from a rug or from the gaps in parquet flooring. Que Choisir’s testing protocol assesses different surfaces separately.

    Look for test results for the exact model on your floors, and check which brushes you’ll need for rugs and upholstery.

  • Assuming ‘bagless’ means ‘maintenance-free’

    You’ll need to empty the dust container and maintain the filters and brushes. The exact steps depend on the model.

    Check how to empty the container and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning or replacing the filter.

  • Forgetting to check bag availability

    A bagged cylinder vacuum is only practical for everyday use if you can find bags that fit its model reference.

    Make a note of the compatible bag reference and check that the bags are available before choosing your vacuum.

  • Overlooking storage and cleaning radius

    You’ll need to move a corded cylinder vacuum between rooms and store it once you’ve finished cleaning. Weight and overall size matter in a large home, too.

    Measure your storage space, then compare the dimensions, weight and cleaning radius of the models you’re considering.

Cylinder vacuum cleaner brands to consider

Electrolux

The bagged Pure D8 range may appeal if you’re comparing noise levels, cleaning radius and brushes for different floor types.

  • For the PD82-4ST, Electrolux quotes 57 dB(A), a 12 m cleaning radius and a 3.5 L bag.
  • These specifications don’t tell you how it performs on rugs, fitted carpet and upholstery. Check test results for this exact model.

Rowenta

The bagged Green Force and Silence Force Effitech cylinder vacuums offer configurations worth considering if capacity and cleaning radius matter to you.

  • For the Silence Force Effitech RO7473EA, Rowenta quotes 57 dB(A), a 12 m cleaning radius and a 4.5 L bag.
  • Having a mini turbo brush doesn’t, by itself, prove how well the vacuum will perform on your rugs or upholstery. Check test results for the exact model.

Bosch

The bagless BGS41PET1 ProAnimal is worth considering if you want to avoid bags but still clean rugs.

  • Bosch lists a 2.4 L dust container, a 10 m cleaning radius and a net weight of 9.3 kg for this model.
  • Check how it performs on your flooring, as well as what’s involved in emptying the container and maintaining the filter.

Miele

The bagged Guard L1 series is worth a look if adjustable settings and accessories are among your priorities.

  • Miele lists four power settings and a 2-in-1 attachment for upholstery and crevices on the Guard L1 Performance.
  • These features don’t compare its performance with other models or prove how well it will work on every floor type.

Related Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

How do you assess a cylinder vacuum for rugs and hard floors?

Compare test results for the exact model on each type of flooring in your home, rather than relying on the advertised wattage alone. Que Choisir’s testing protocol includes separate tests on fitted carpet, tiles and parquet. If picking up fibres matters to you, look for a test that assesses this too.

What consumables do you need for bagged and bagless models?

A bagged model needs compatible bags, while a bagless one needs its dust container emptied and filters maintained. In either case, check the care instructions and make sure the right replacement items are available for the model you choose.

Should you check a vacuum cleaner’s repairability index in France?

Yes. This index is useful for comparing how repairable eligible models are: France’s Ministry for the Ecological Transition includes vacuum cleaners among the categories covered. Check the index for the model you’re considering, and find out which parts you’ll need to maintain it.

What should you do with your old vacuum cleaner if you replace it?

If it still works, consider having it repaired, giving it away or selling it. If it’s no longer working, ADEME recommends taking it to an appropriate electrical equipment collection point rather than putting it in your general household waste.