Who is this choice for?

Homes with a mix of hard floors and carpets

If your regular cleaning includes wooden floors, tiles, rugs or fitted carpets, look for a main vacuum cleaner that suits each surface. Que Choisir tests these surfaces separately as part of its testing process.

People who want to minimise contact with dust

Disposing of vacuumed-up dirt matters just as much as the cleaning itself. According to Que Choisir, removing a bag exposes you to less dust than emptying and cleaning a bagless dust container.

Homes where furniture and upholstery need cleaning too

Sofas, cushions, bedding and awkward corners call for more than just a floor head. Check whether your chosen model comes with an upholstery or crevice tool and, if needed, a suitable mini turbo brush.

Which criteria should you consider first?

For regular cleaning of floors and upholstery, first decide how you want to deal with dust, then check suction on your flooring and what’s included in the kit. An upholstery brush is a feature to look for whatever you choose, bagged or bagless.

Bagged cylinder vacuum

Choose this if : minimising contact with dust when disposing of vacuumed-up dirt is especially important to you. Que Choisir also reports better suction than bagless cylinder vacuums in the situations covered by its guide.

Bear in mind : you’ll need to replace compatible bags and maintain the filters and brushes.

Bagless cylinder vacuum

Consider this if : avoiding the use of bags matters more to you than handling dust.

Bear in mind : you’ll need to empty and clean the dust container, which exposes you to more dust according to Que Choisir.

Criterion What to check before buying Who is it for?
Cleaning performance on different surfaces Check performance results for different flooring, particularly wooden floors and carpets, then see which brushes and tools are included. When wooden floors, carpets and upholstery share my home, I want to clean each one without assuming that a good result on hard floors also means good performance on fitted carpet; around 42 % of consumers would prioritise this ability to clean different surfaces.
Contact with dust Compare removing a bag with the process for emptying and cleaning the dust container. If handling vacuumed-up dirt concerns me, I want to minimise contact with dust during maintenance. Around 33 % of consumers would make this a priority.
Everyday maintenance Check the capacity, operating radius, filter maintenance and availability of compatible consumables. When cleaning several rooms, I’d rather avoid interruptions and be able to maintain the appliance easily; around 25 % of consumers would put this convenience first.

Mistakes to avoid before buying

  • Choosing based on motor wattage alone

    The power rating alone doesn’t tell you how well a vacuum cleaner will pick up dirt from wooden floors, carpets or crevices. Que Choisir tests different flooring types separately and highlights the importance of the vacuum head.

    Compare results for the floors in your home and check the main brush before making a decision based on wattage.

  • Assuming a bagless model means no maintenance

    Going bagless means you’ll need to empty and clean the dust container. According to Que Choisir, this exposes you to more dust than using a bagged model.

    Choose between these two options based on your priorities, then check the maintenance instructions for the filter and brushes on the model you’re considering.

  • Assuming every model in a range comes with the same accessories

    A wooden-floor brush, upholstery tool or mini turbo brush may depend on the specific model and kit. The configurations described by Rowenta and Miele apply to particular models.

    Check the list of accessories included with the version you’re buying and make sure they’re suitable for your surfaces.

    If the kit doesn’t include an accessory you need, check whether a compatible version is available before considering buying one separately.

  • Forgetting about maintenance after buying

    Whether it has a bag or dust container, the filter and brushes need attention to keep the appliance working as intended.

    Before choosing, check how easy it is to access these parts, find compatible consumables and arrange repairs for the exact model.

Brands to consider for different setups

Rowenta

The bagged cylinder vacuum RO7473EA is one configuration to consider if wooden floors and upholstery are part of your regular cleaning routine.

  • For this model, Rowenta lists a 4,5 L bag, a 12 m operating radius, a wooden-floor brush, a mini turbo brush, and crevice and upholstery tools.
  • These accessories and features are specific to the RO7473EA : check the exact kit and suction performance on your flooring.

Philips

The FC9747/09 PowerPro is an example of a bagless cylinder vacuum to consider if you’re happy to empty the dust container.

  • Philips lists a 2 L dust container, a 10 m operating radius and a TriActive+ brush for this model.
  • According to Que Choisir, cleaning a bagless dust container exposes you to more dust than removing a bag. Also check which accessories are actually included with the FC9747/09.

Bosch

The BGL38WH3H Série 4 is an example of a bagged cylinder vacuum whose product details cover maintenance and accessory storage.

  • Bosch lists a 4 L bag, a 10 m operating radius, an accessory clip and a washable, reusable HEPA filter for this model.
  • These features alone don’t tell you how well it performs on carpets or wooden floors ; look for results that match the flooring in your home.

Miele

The Complete C3 Comfort 12031700 is an example of a bagged cylinder vacuum supplied with accessories for cushions, crevices and furniture.

  • For this version, Miele lists a 4,5 L bag, a 12 m operating radius, an upholstery nozzle, a crevice nozzle and a dusting brush.
  • Miele states that this version is permanently out of stock. For another model, check which accessories are supplied rather than assuming it has the same configuration.

Vacuum cleaners to consider on Joybuy

These models suit different floor and upholstery cleaning needs : two bagged cylinder vacuums, a corded stick vacuum and a vacuum cleaner worth considering for its furniture attachments. To choose a main appliance, compare each configuration with how long you spend cleaning, your flooring and what’s included in the kit.

Electrolux 600 EB61C4OG bagged cylinder vacuum cleaner

Electrolux 600 EB61C4OG bagged

Worth considering if you’re looking for a bagged cylinder vacuum for regular cleaning. Before choosing it for a home with wooden floors, carpets and upholstery, check its performance on each surface and what the brushes in the exact kit are designed for.

View on Joybuy
MONSGA HQ1 Purple 65KPA 600W corded stick vacuum cleaner

MONSGA HQ1 Purple 65KPA 600W corded

This corded stick vacuum may appeal if you want one appliance for cleaning floors and upholstery. Check which brushes are supplied for fabrics and wooden floors, as well as how it performs on your carpets ; the stated wattage alone isn’t enough to judge its suction.

View on Joybuy
Electrolux EB61C2GRN 550W bagged cylinder vacuum cleaner

Electrolux EB61C2GRN 550W bagged

Worth considering if you’re looking for a bagged cylinder vacuum for your floors. If your cleaning routine also includes carpets, furniture and upholstery, check its performance on these surfaces and whether the kit for this model includes the tools you need.

View on Joybuy
BISSELL PowerClean vacuum cleaner

BISSELL PowerClean

Worth considering if cleaning furniture and upholstery is one of your priorities. Before making it your main vacuum cleaner, check that the floor head suits your flooring, and that its capacity and running time are right for the size of your home.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Which brushes should I check if I have wooden floors, carpets and furniture?

Check the main head on your floors and see exactly what’s included in the kit : a brush suitable for wooden floors, an upholstery tool and, if embedded fibres are a regular problem, a suitable mini turbo brush. Que Choisir tests wooden floors, tiles, fitted carpet and carpet fibres separately ; the motor’s wattage is no substitute for these results.

Is a bagless vacuum cleaner suitable if I want to minimise contact with dust?

A bagged cylinder vacuum is better suited to this priority : according to Que Choisir, emptying and cleaning the dust container of a bagless model exposes you to more dust. If you still choose a bagless model to avoid using bags, consider how it needs to be emptied and maintained.

Where should I dispose of a full vacuum bag or the dust collected?

In France, ADEME advises putting vacuum cleaner waste in your household rubbish, preferably in a sealed bag. Composting only applies in the limited case of dust made up solely of pet hair or soil ; typical vacuum waste may also contain synthetic fibres and other debris.

Is the repairability index enough to help me choose a vacuum cleaner?

No. The index can help you assess whether a model can be maintained and repaired, but it doesn’t measure how well it cleans your floors or which accessories are included. Check these points separately, along with the availability of compatible parts and consumables.