Who is this guide for?

Homes with rugs or carpets

If you clean these surfaces regularly, look for results from tests on flooring similar to yours and check which brush was used. UFC-Que Choisir assesses performance on different types of flooring.

People who want to minimise contact with dust when emptying

If you want to minimise contact with dust when disposing of dirt, compare changing a bag with emptying a bin. Also check which consumables are compatible with the model you choose.

Homes looking for a handy secondary cleaner

A stick vacuum can be useful for occasional cleaning. If you also need to clean for longer periods or tackle thick carpets, check its performance on these surfaces and its runtime at the setting you plan to use.

What should you look for first?

Cylinder vacuum with a bag

Consider this if: you clean thoroughly often and want to minimise contact with dust when disposing of dirt.

Bear in mind: you’ll need to replace the bags regularly, and move and store a corded appliance.

Bagless cylinder vacuum

Consider this if: you’d prefer a corded cleaner that doesn’t need replacement bags.

Bear in mind: you’ll need to empty the bin, which may bring you into contact with dust, and maintain the filters.

Stick vacuum as a secondary cleaner

Consider this if: you need to clean small areas quickly and have another solution for more thorough cleaning.

Bear in mind: runtime is limited, and you’ll need to check performance carefully on rugs and thick carpets.

What to consider What to check Who it matters to
Performance on your floors Look for tests on rugs or carpets similar to yours, and check which brush is supplied or compatible. If my rugs trap dust and fibres, I want to know how well a model cleans them before I look at the wattage: around 36% of consumers put this first.
Contact with dust Check how the bag is sealed or how the bin is emptied, as well as the filter maintenance required. When disposing of dirt, I’d rather minimise contact with dust; this is a priority for around 29% of consumers.
Maintenance and consumables Note the reference numbers for compatible bags, filters and brushes, then check that they’re available. To use my cleaner regularly, I need to be able to find its consumables and maintain its accessories; around 21% of consumers make this a priority.
Moving and storage Compare the weight, reach and storage space required. For a stick vacuum, check the runtime at the setting you need. If I need to carry the cleaner or store it in a small space, ease of use matters more to me: around 14% of consumers put this first.

Mistakes to avoid before you buy

  • Choosing based on wattage alone

    The stated electrical power doesn’t, by itself, tell you how well a vacuum will clean a carpet or rug. UFC-Que Choisir tests appliances on several types of flooring.

    Look for tests on surfaces similar to those in your home, and check which brush comes with the model you’re considering.

  • Assuming “bagless” means “maintenance-free”

    You’ll need to empty the bin and maintain the filters according to the instructions; brushes also need cleaning. A model with a bag, on the other hand, needs compatible replacement bags.

    Check the reference numbers for filters, bags and brushes before choosing a cleaner, then read the maintenance instructions for that specific model.

  • Relying on a stick vacuum as your only cleaner for thick carpets

    UFC-Que Choisir points out that a stick vacuum’s suction and runtime can limit how useful it is on these surfaces, particularly during longer cleaning sessions.

    Check the model’s performance on carpet and its runtime at the required setting. Otherwise, keep it for quick touch-ups.

Brands to consider by model

These examples highlight features to compare on a specific model. They don’t indicate how other models from the same brand perform or whether they’re available on Joybuy.

Miele

Worth considering if you’re looking at a cylinder vacuum with a bag and want to check which consumables are compatible.

  • Miele France says its GN XL HyClean Pure bags are suitable for certain Complete, Classic and S models.
  • Check compatibility with the exact vacuum model before choosing bags and filters.

Bosch

Compare its cylinder vacuums with bags if the brush for rugs and carpets is an important factor in your choice.

  • Bosch Electroménager France lists an AirTurbo Pro brush for the BGL8POW3A model.
  • Having a particular brush doesn’t replace checking how well the model performs on your flooring.

Rowenta

Worth considering among bagless cylinder vacuums if you’re interested in the bin capacity and features of a specific model.

  • Rowenta France lists a 2.5 L bin for the Silence Force Cyclonic Effitech RO7935EA.
  • The bin needs emptying and the filters need maintaining. The specifications for this model don’t apply to every Rowenta vacuum.

Philips

Compare its bagless cylinder vacuums by checking the brush and performance on the floors you need to clean.

  • Philips France lists a 2 L bin and a 10 m operating radius for the FC9747/09.
  • These specifications apply to the FC9747/09 and shouldn’t be attributed to the FC9556/09 or any other model.

Cylinder vacuum cleaners available on Joybuy

These models cover the two options explored here: cylinder vacuums with bags and a bagless cylinder vacuum. For each one, compare the brush and its performance on your rugs or carpets with your needs before deciding.

Electrolux 600 EB61C4OG cylinder vacuum cleaner with bag

Electrolux 600 EB61C4OG cylinder vacuum cleaner with bag

Worth considering for regular cleaning if you prefer to collect dust in a bag. Check which brush is supplied, how it performs on your rugs and which bags are compatible.

View on Joybuy
Blue Philips FC9556/09 5000 Series LED bagless vacuum cleaner

Philips FC9556/09 5000 Series LED, bagless, blue, 900 W

Worth considering if you’d rather empty a bin than replace bags. Its stated electrical power is 900 W; check its performance on your flooring, the brush supplied and filter maintenance separately.

View on Joybuy
Black Electrolux EB61C2GRN cylinder vacuum cleaner with bag

Electrolux EB61C2GRN cylinder vacuum cleaner with bag, black, 550 W

Worth considering if you’re looking for a cylinder vacuum with a bag for different types of flooring. Its stated electrical power is 550 W; check its performance on your rugs, the brush supplied and which bags are compatible.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Is wattage enough to choose a vacuum cleaner for carpet?

No. Wattage indicates electrical power, but it doesn’t tell you how well a vacuum will clean carpet. Look for test results on a surface similar to yours, and check which brush is used or supplied with the model.

Bagged or bagless: which keeps dust contact to a minimum?

A cylinder vacuum with a bag is the better choice for this: UFC-Que Choisir says it exposes users to less dust when disposing of dirt. However, check the closure system and which bags are compatible with the model you choose.

Can a stick vacuum replace a cylinder vacuum on thick rugs?

Not without checking the model and how you plan to use it. UFC-Que Choisir notes that stick vacuums may have limitations when it comes to cleaning thick rugs and carpets. Also check the runtime at the setting you need to finish the job.

What maintenance should I expect after buying?

You’ll need to replace the bag or empty the bin, and maintain the filters and brushes according to the instructions. With a bagless model, check exactly which filters can be washed and which need replacing.