Homes with different types of flooring
If your home has several rooms with, for example, tiles and rugs, compare how the vacuum performs on each surface. Que Choisir’s test procedure assesses suction on different types of flooring.
Who is this choice for?
Homes with a range of fabrics
If you also want to vacuum your sofa and bedding, check which nozzles are actually included and whether they’re suitable for those surfaces, as well as the main brush. Que Choisir notes that accessories let you clean different surfaces.
People who are mindful of dust
If emptying and maintenance matter to you, compare the bag and dust container, then check which consumables are compatible with the exact model. Que Choisir points out that emptying bagged models exposes you to less dust.
What should you look for in a larger home?
Start by checking how the vacuum performs on your flooring and which accessories are available for fabrics. Then compare its reach and ease of moving between rooms, before choosing a collection system based on how you prefer to empty and maintain it.
| Criterion | What to check before buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Performance on floors | Look for comparable tests on the flooring in your home, and check which brush is included. | If my home has a mix of hard floors and rugs, I want to compare how well the vacuum picks up dirt on each, rather than relying on the motor’s wattage. Around 33% of consumers prioritise different types of flooring. |
| Sofa and bedding | Check which nozzles are included with the exact variant and whether they’re suitable for fabrics. | If I also want to clean my sofa and bedding, I check the included accessories rather than assuming they come with the vacuum. Around 27% of consumers put fabrics first. |
| Moving between rooms | Compare the stated operating radius and weight for the model; consider power sockets, stairs and storage. | When I need to move from room to room, I look for a reach and ease of carrying that suit my home. Around 20% of consumers prioritise manoeuvrability. |
| Emptying and maintenance | Check how the vacuum is emptied and which bags or filters are compatible. | If I want to reduce contact with dust when emptying the vacuum, I compare the bag and dust container, as well as their maintenance requirements. Around 20% of consumers prioritise dust management. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming motor wattage tells you how well a vacuum cleans
Electrical power alone doesn’t tell you how well a vacuum picks up dirt from rugs, parquet or hard floors.
Look for tests carried out using a comparable procedure on the flooring in your home, and check which brush is included.
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Assuming every model in a range comes with the same nozzle
A brush shown for a range isn’t necessarily included with every variant. Sofas and bedding may also need suitable accessories.
Check the list of accessories included with the exact model, and distinguish these from compatible accessories sold separately.
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Forgetting about consumables when choosing a collection system
Bagged and bagless models need different consumables and require different maintenance.
Before choosing, check which bags or filters are compatible and how to empty or maintain the appliance.
Brands to consider by vacuum type
Miele
According to Miele France, the Complete C3 125 Edition is a bagged cylinder vacuum cleaner with a telescopic tube.
- This model may be worth considering if you’re looking for a bagged vacuum.
- Check which nozzles are included and which consumables are compatible with the exact model.
Philips
The PowerPro Expert FC9747/09 is an example of the brand’s bagless cylinder vacuum range.
- Philips lists a 2 L dust container and a 10 m operating radius for this model.
- The brand sells a filter kit for the PowerPro Expert 7000 Series. Check that it’s compatible with the variant you choose.
Bosch
The Series 4 BGC21POW1 is an example of a bagless cylinder vacuum cleaner. Bosch’s product details list a turbo brush for rugs and carpets.
- Bosch lists a 2 L dust container and a 10 m operating radius for this model.
- Bosch’s service team asks for the E-Nr model number when you search for a part. Check that the part you need is available.
Rowenta
Rowenta offers accessory catalogues for its bagged and bagless vacuum cleaners.
- You can use the catalogues to search for parts and accessories by product reference.
- A brush or filter appearing in a catalogue doesn’t mean it’s included with every variant.
Cylinder vacuum cleaners to consider for floors and fabrics
This selection includes bagged and bagless cylinder vacuum cleaners for cleaning several rooms and different surfaces. Check which accessories are included and which consumables are compatible with each model.
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Hoover H-ENERGY 300 HE330ALG 011 bagged vacuum cleaner
A bagged option for cleaning several rooms. Check which nozzles come with the variant you choose for your sofa and floors.
The model name indicates a power rating of 850 W, a 4 L bag, a HEPA filter and a 9,5 m operating radius. The bag needs replacing depending on the model, so check which reference is compatible.
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Hoover H-POWER 300 HP322PET 011 bagless vacuum cleaner
A bagless option if you’d rather not buy bags. Check that the accessories included with your chosen variant are suitable for the floors and fabrics you need to clean.
The model name indicates a power rating of 850 W, a 2 L dust container and a washable EPA filter. Empty the container and maintain the filter as instructed for the model.
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Electrolux 600 EB61C4OG bagged cylinder vacuum cleaner
A bagged option for a thorough clean. Check the stated operating radius for the model and which nozzles are included for your floors and fabrics.
The bag needs replacing depending on the model. Check which reference is compatible before choosing your consumables.
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Electrolux EB61C2GRN bagged cylinder vacuum cleaner
A bagged option to consider for a home with several rooms. Check which accessories are included for your floors and fabrics.
The model name indicates a power rating of 550 W. The bag needs replacing depending on the model, so check which reference is compatible.
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Philips FC9556/09 5000 Series bagless vacuum cleaner
A bagless option to consider for different types of surfaces. Check that the accessories listed for your chosen variant suit your needs for floors and furniture.
The model name indicates a power rating of 900 W and LED lighting. Empty the dust container and maintain the filters as instructed for the model.
Frequently asked questions
How do you compare two vacuum cleaners with different motor wattages?
Compare tests carried out using the same procedure on the surfaces in question. Que Choisir measures suction on hard floors, parquet with gaps and rugs, among other things. Motor wattage alone isn’t enough to establish how well a vacuum cleans.
What should you maintain after vacuuming?
Depending on the model, replace the bag or empty the dust container, then clean or replace the filters and brushes as directed in the manual. For example, Bosch asks for the E-Nr model number when you search for a part, so check that the part you need is compatible.
What warranty applies to a new vacuum cleaner bought from a professional seller in France?
For a new product sold by a professional to a consumer in France, the legal guarantee of conformity applies for two years, subject to the conditions set out by the Ministry for the Economy and Finance. A commercial warranty offered by a brand is separate and comes with its own terms and conditions.
Does the repairability index apply to vacuum cleaners sold in France?
Yes, the repairability index applies to vacuum cleaners. Check the score and its details for the model you choose. The index doesn’t guarantee that every bag, filter or part will remain available for the same length of time.