For a thorough clean in a large home, choose a cylinder vacuum cleaner based on how well it performs on your flooring and whether it comes with the right attachments for furniture and fabrics, rather than focusing on the wattage shown. Que Choisir reports that bagged models vacuum more effectively and release less dust when emptied. A bagless model could still suit you if you’re happy to empty the bin and maintain the filters. Either way, check how easy it is to manoeuvre and how far it can reach as you move from room to room.
If you move between hard floors, rugs and carpets in several rooms, look for test results for each type of flooring. Reach and how easy the vacuum is to move also matter during a longer cleaning session.
For sofas, cushions, furniture and awkward corners, check which attachments actually come with the model. A parquet brush, upholstery tool and crevice tool each have different uses.
If you’re concerned about coming into contact with dust when emptying the vacuum, compare bagged and bagless models. Que Choisir notes that bagged models expose you to less dust; with a bagless model, you’ll need to empty the bin and follow the filter maintenance instructions.
Choosing between a bag and a bin comes down first to how you prefer to empty the vacuum. Then compare performance on your floors, the attachments included and how easy the cleaner is to move.
Worth considering: if you want to limit your exposure to dust when emptying the vacuum. Que Choisir notes this benefit, as well as better suction performance from bagged models.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to replace the bags regularly, and the bag reference must match your chosen model.
Worth considering: if you’d rather empty a bin than replace bags.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to maintain the bin and filters. Rowenta says that non-washable filters must be replaced.
| Feature | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Suction on different surfaces | Look for tests on the hard floors, rugs and carpets in your home, and on the types of dirt you need to tackle. Que Choisir assesses the suction performance of cylinder vacuums, rather than relying solely on the stated motor wattage. | I want to pick up dust, crumbs or pet hair from my own flooring, not just compare wattage. |
| Attachments included | Check what’s in the box: the main floorhead, parquet brush, upholstery tool or soft brush, and a crevice tool for the surfaces you need to clean. | My sofas, furniture or delicate floors need suitable attachments, and I want to know which ones are included. |
| Emptying and filters | Compare bags and bins when it comes to emptying the vacuum. For a bagless model, find out which filters are washable and which need replacing, following the model’s instructions. | Limiting contact with dust matters to me, or I’d prefer a bin I can maintain myself. |
| Long-term maintenance | Check the reference and availability of compatible bags or filters, along with the model’s repair and spare parts information. | I plan to use the appliance regularly and want to be able to find the consumables and parts I need. |
| Moving it around | Check the reach, weight, wheels and accessory storage, especially if you often move between rooms or need to tackle stairs. | In a large home, I want to move the vacuum around and reach the areas I need to clean without too many interruptions. |
This figure alone doesn’t tell you how well the vacuum will pick up dirt from a carpet, hard floor or fabric. Que Choisir includes suction performance in its cylinder vacuum tests.
Look for results that match your flooring and the dirt you need to remove, then check which floorhead and attachments are included.
You’ll need to empty the bin, and filter care varies by model. Rowenta says that some filters are washable, while non-washable filters need to be replaced.
Check the instructions to identify each filter and find out how to maintain it.
Emptying the bin and maintaining the filters take time too.
A bagged vacuum needs new bags regularly, and not every bag fits every model.
Make a note of the exact bag reference and check that it’s available before choosing your vacuum.
The accessories vary from model to model: a floorhead won’t necessarily replace an upholstery tool or crevice tool.
Make a list of the surfaces you need to clean, then compare it with the exact contents of the box.
These examples show features to compare on specific models; they don’t cover every model from each brand.
The BGB41BA1 is an example of a bagged cylinder vacuum to consider if you clean both floors and fabrics.
The FC9331/09 and FC9747/09 are two examples of bagless cylinder vacuums with different bin capacities and reaches.
The GN HyClean Pure bag range shows why it’s important to check consumables for a bagged cylinder vacuum.
These two bagged models are options to consider if you’re looking for a cylinder vacuum for a thorough clean. To choose between them, compare their suction performance on your floors and check which upholstery attachments and compatible bags are included.
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If you need to clean different floors as well as surfaces above floor level, compare the EB61C4OG’s suction performance on your flooring. Check which attachments are included for furniture and fabrics, then find the reference for compatible bags.
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The stated motor power is 550 W, but this alone doesn’t tell you how well it will vacuum your floors. If your cleaning routine includes furniture or fabrics, check which attachments are in the box and find the reference for bags compatible with the EB61C2GRN.
No. The stated motor power alone doesn’t tell you how well the appliance will pick up dust or pet hair from your floors. Look for tests by flooring and type of dirt; Que Choisir assesses the suction performance of cylinder vacuums, among other things.
You’ll need to empty the bin and maintain the filters as instructed for your model. Rowenta says that many filters are washable, but non-washable filters need to be replaced. Check the filter reference before you buy.
No. You’ll need to replace the compatible bags and follow the appliance’s maintenance instructions. Que Choisir notes that bagged models expose you to less dust when emptied, but you’ll still need to keep spare bags on hand.
The French ministry responsible for the environment says that an electrical appliance can be taken to a collection point or recycling centre, returned to a retailer, or given to a social and solidarity economy organisation.