Homes with a mix of floors and furnishings
If you need to clean several rooms, hard floors, rugs, a sofa and furniture, check that the brushes and nozzles are suitable for each surface.
Who is this type of vacuum for?
People who want to handle less dust
If emptying the vacuum is a concern, look at how it collects dust, which filters it uses and how to maintain or replace them. Don’t assume that a filter name alone tells you how the whole appliance performs.
Homes with rugs and pet hair
If fibres and pet hair get caught in rugs, cushions or sofas, look for an accessory designed for those surfaces and check that it comes with the version you’re buying.
Which features should you prioritise?
For a larger home, start with the surfaces you need to clean. Then compare canister vacuums based on how they collect dust and how easy they are to move from room to room.
| Feature | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Floors and furnishings | The brush for delicate floors and the nozzles supplied for rugs, furniture and awkward corners. | I move from parquet to rugs and then to the sofa, so I need accessories suited to each surface. Around 33% of consumers prioritise this coverage of different surfaces. |
| Dust and maintenance | How to remove the bag or empty the bin, as well as the filter type and how to maintain it. | I want to get rid of dust without neglecting appliance maintenance. This is the main consideration for around 27% of consumers. |
| Pet hair and fibres | Whether it comes with a turbo brush or a suitable upholstery nozzle, and whether it works with your rugs. | When pet hair gets caught in rugs or cushions, I mainly look for a tool designed to remove it. This is a priority for around 20% of consumers. |
| Movement and noise | The operating radius in metres, the stated noise level in dB(A) and how easy it is to move around. | To clean several rooms without constantly interrupting my flow, I look at the reach and ease of movement. Around 20% of consumers make this their priority. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing based on motor power alone
The stated electrical power rating alone doesn’t tell you how well a vacuum will clean parquet, rugs or crevices. Que Choisir recommends considering suction power and the design of the floorhead.
Compare test results for the surfaces that matter in your home, and check which floorhead comes with the model.
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Assuming a HEPA label tells you everything about dust
The filter type alone doesn’t tell you how dust is collected or what maintenance the appliance needs.
Check the instruction manual to find out whether the filter can be washed or needs replacing. If it’s washable, follow the drying instructions.
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Choosing a bagged model without checking which consumables it needs
Being able to remove dust in the bag also depends on whether you can get compatible replacements when it needs changing.
Check the exact reference for the compatible bags and filters before choosing a model.
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Counting the accessories without checking what they’re for
A parquet brush, a turbo brush and a furniture nozzle are designed for different surfaces. What’s included can also vary by version.
Make a list of your floors and furnishings, then check which accessories come with the exact version you’re considering.
Brands to consider by model
Electrolux
The bagged Pure D8 range is worth considering if noise, reach and accessories for different floor types are important to you.
- Electrolux lists a noise level of 57 dB(A), an operating radius of 12 m and a parquet brush for the Pure D8 PD82-4ST.
- Check the accessories and bags for the exact version on offer.
Bosch
Two ProAnimal models let you compare different dust collection systems for homes with rugs and upholstered furnishings.
- Bosch describes the BGB41PET1 as a bagged model with a turbo brush, and the bagless BGS41PET1 as having a 2,4 L bin and a washable HEPA filter.
- These models differ in how you empty them and maintain them; their features aren’t interchangeable.
Rowenta
You can compare this brand’s bagged models based on their stated noise levels and the accessories suited to your surfaces.
- Rowenta lists a noise level of 64 dB(A) for the G-Force Silence and offers separate parts and accessories for its models.
- The accessories included with Green Force Effitech packs vary by reference, so check which brushes and nozzles are included.
Miele
The bagged Complete C3 versions let you look for a configuration that suits your needs, including filtration or delicate floors.
- Miele offers a Complete C3 Allergy version with a HEPA filter and a Complete C3 125 Gala Edition with a parquet brush.
- Check the bags, filters and brushes for the exact reference: features listed for one version don’t apply to every Complete C3.
A canister vacuum on Joybuy
This bagged model could be a good option for cleaning several rooms. Check that the brushes and nozzles supplied suit the floors and furnishings in your home.
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Electrolux 600 EB61C4OG bagged canister vacuum cleaner
For a home with a mix of floor types, check that this version comes with brushes suited to your parquet and rugs.
Bagged canister vacuum cleaner. Also check the reference for compatible bags and whether it comes with nozzles for furniture, upholstery and crevices.
Frequently asked questions
Which accessories should I look for to clean parquet, rugs and a sofa?
Look for a brush designed for delicate floors, an accessory suited to rug fibres and a nozzle for upholstery. Add a long crevice tool if you need to clean skirting boards and gaps. Check that each accessory is included with the version you choose.
Is motor power enough to compare two canister vacuums?
No. According to Que Choisir, the stated motor power alone isn’t enough to judge cleaning performance. For your floors and rugs, check the floorhead supplied and, if available, test results for the same types of surfaces.
Should I choose a bagged or bagless canister vacuum?
Choose based on how you want to dispose of dust and maintain the appliance. A bagged model needs compatible bags; with a bagless model, you’ll need to empty the bin and follow the filter maintenance instructions.
What maintenance is needed to clean several rooms regularly?
Follow the instruction manual for changing the bag or emptying the bin, maintaining the filters and removing fibres caught in the brushes. Que Choisir takes the loss of performance caused by dirt build-up into account in its tests, so check what’s involved for the exact model you choose.