Homes with mixed floors, rugs or carpets
If you regularly switch between hard floors and rugs, check how well the vacuum performs on each surface and see which brush comes with the model you’re considering.
Who is this choice for?
Homes where you also vacuum soft furnishings
For sofas, cushions and other soft furnishings, check that the exact model comes with an upholstery nozzle or a suitable small brush.
Homes where dust disposal matters
A bagged cylinder vacuum is worth considering if you want to handle dust less directly. Que Choisir says in its guide that bagged models expose you to less dust than bagless ones.
What should you check?
First choose the dust collection system that suits you, then check that the supplied brush and vacuuming performance are right for the surfaces in your home.
Bagged cylinder vacuum
Worth considering: as your main vacuum if how much dust you handle when emptying it matters to you.
Bear in mind: check that compatible bags are available for the model you choose.
Bagless cylinder vacuum
Worth considering: if you prefer a reusable bin and are happy to empty it.
The trade-off: emptying the bin and maintaining the filters are part of using the vacuum.
Cordless stick vacuum as an extra
Worth considering: for quick clean-ups between more thorough sessions.
Check: Que Choisir highlights the common limitations of cordless stick vacuums when it comes to battery life and power.
| Criteria | What to check | What to consider for your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Performance on different floors | Compare tests of the exact model on hard floors, rugs and carpets. Note which brush was used for each result: the stated power alone doesn’t show how well it vacuums these surfaces. | I switch between different floor types and want to know how the vacuum performs on each one, rather than just read about its motor power. |
| Dust collection | Consider changing the bag or emptying the bin, maintaining the filters and the availability of compatible consumables. Que Choisir says that bagged models expose you to less dust than bagless ones. | I’d rather handle dust less directly, or I’m happy to empty a reusable bin regularly. |
| Brushes and soft furnishings | Check the accessories supplied with the exact model: a multi-surface floorhead, parquet brush, turbo brush or small upholstery brush, depending on your surfaces. | My rugs or sofas collect hair and fibres; I want to know which brush I can use on each one. |
| Cleaning session | For a cylinder vacuum, compare the stated operating radius with the locations of your accessible sockets. For a stick vacuum, check the battery life for the mode you’ll use and the charging time. Compare noise levels too, using results measured under similar conditions. | I want to clean several rooms in one go, with fewer interruptions and an appliance that’s easy to move around. |
What should you look out for?
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Choosing based only on the stated power
A figure in watts or Air Watts doesn’t tell you on its own how well a vacuum will perform on rugs, hard floors or soft furnishings. Que Choisir’s testing method assesses performance under different vacuuming conditions.
For the models you’re considering, look for results on your floor types and check which brush was used during testing.
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Assuming a turbo brush is included
A brush shown as part of a range may not come with every version. This can affect how you use the vacuum on rugs, carpets or soft furnishings.
Compare the accessories included with the exact model against the surfaces you plan to vacuum.
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Relying on a stick vacuum’s maximum battery life for a session on rugs
Stated battery life depends on the mode you use. Que Choisir notes that cordless stick vacuums often have limited battery life and power.
Check which mode the stated battery life applies to, then compare it with the length of your cleaning session and the surfaces you need to clean.
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Overlooking maintenance of the dust collection system
A bag needs to be replaced with a compatible model; a bagless vacuum’s bin needs emptying and its filters need maintaining. These tasks don’t involve handling dust to the same extent.
Before choosing, check which bags or filters are compatible and how to maintain the exact model.
A guide to the brands
Rowenta
The range includes the bagged Silence Force Effitech cylinder vacuum and the cordless X-Force Flex stick vacuum, two formats to consider for different needs.
- Rowenta states that the Silence Force Effitech has a noise level of 57 dB(A) at maximum power, a 4,5 L bag and a mini turbo brush.
- Check the features of the version you choose; the specifications of a cordless stick vacuum don’t prove that it can replace this cylinder vacuum for a longer cleaning session.
Miele
The Complete C3 Special Flex is a bagged model worth considering if your home has delicate parquet, rugs and soft furnishings.
- Miele lists a soft brush for delicate parquet and a turbo brush for hair, pet hair and fluff with this model.
- These accessories are supplied with the Special Flex; don’t assume they’re included with another Complete C3 configuration.
Bosch
The BGC21POW1 is a bagless option for households happy to empty a bin.
- Bosch states that this model has a 2,0 L bin and a turbo brush designed for rugs and carpets.
- Even if a turbo brush is included, check how well the model performs on your floors.
Philips
The PowerGo FC8243/09 is a bagged vacuum cleaner; check its accessories against the floors and soft furnishings you need to clean.
- Its bagged design makes it easy to compare this model with the other cylinder vacuums you’re considering.
- Check which brushes come with the FC8243/09 before choosing it for rugs or soft furnishings.
Bagged cylinder vacuums available on Joybuy
These two Electrolux models are bagged cylinder vacuums to consider as your main appliance for mixed floors. Check the supplied brushes and their performance on your floor types before choosing.
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Electrolux 600 EB61C4OG bagged vacuum cleaner
This bagged cylinder vacuum is designed to be your main appliance for cleaning floors. If you also need to vacuum rugs or soft furnishings, check which brushes are included and look for test results specific to the EB61C4OG on these surfaces.
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Electrolux EB61C2GRN bagged vacuum cleaner, 550 W, black
This bagged cylinder vacuum is worth considering for regular floor cleaning. Its stated power of 550 W alone doesn’t show how well it performs on rugs or carpets: check which brushes are included and look for test results for the EB61C2GRN on your floor types.
Frequently asked questions
Should you choose a bagged cylinder vacuum rather than a bagless one for a thorough clean?
Start by considering a bagged cylinder vacuum if vacuuming performance and dust handling are your main priorities: Que Choisir says in its guide that bagged models vacuum more effectively than bagless ones and expose you to less dust. A bagless model may still suit you if you prefer a reusable bin and are happy to empty and maintain it. Then compare specific models on your floors.
Which brushes should you check for a rug, parquet floor and sofa?
Check what comes with the exact model: a floorhead suited to different surfaces, a brush for delicate parquet if needed, and a turbo brush or small brush for rugs and soft furnishings that collect fibres. Don’t assume that an accessory listed for another version is included.
Can a cordless stick vacuum replace a cylinder vacuum for a long cleaning session?
Not without checking the model and how you plan to use it. Que Choisir highlights the common limitations of cordless stick vacuums when it comes to battery life and power. If you’re considering replacing your cylinder vacuum, compare the model’s results on your floors and rugs with the actual length of your cleaning session, using the relevant mode.