If pet hair and fibres embedded in rugs or carpets are your main concern, choose a cylinder vacuum with a brush suited to these surfaces, then look for test results on carpet fibres. A cordless stick vacuum is better suited to frequent, easy-to-manoeuvre clean-ups: Which? describes it more as a supplementary appliance. Which? also finds that bagged cylinder vacuums offer better suction and less exposure to dust than bagless models. However, you’ll still need to replace the bags and check the accessories in either case.
The surfaces you need to clean matter just as much as having pets: a floorhead, an upholstery tool and the type of vacuum each suit different needs.
If pet hair gets embedded in textile flooring, look for test results on carpet fibres rather than relying on a single ‘pet’ label on the product page. For this criterion, Which? uses synthetic fibres designed to mimic pet hair in its test.
For cushions, sofas or carpeted steps, check that there’s a suitable tool for smaller surfaces and that it’s compatible with your chosen vacuum.
An easy-to-manoeuvre stick vacuum can be handy for frequent clean-ups. If deep-cleaning carpets is a priority, compare it with a cylinder vacuum too: Which? describes rechargeable stick vacuums more as supplementary appliances.
Start with the surfaces you need to clean and the accessories you’ll need. Then choose the vacuum type and dust collection system you’re happy to maintain.
| Criterion | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Fibres on carpets | Check test results on carpet fibres, if available for the exact model. Check which floorhead is supplied and whether it’s designed for rugs or carpets. | Pet hair gets caught in my carpets: I want to know how the vacuum performs on this surface, not just read its advertised power rating. |
| Furniture and smaller surfaces | Look for a tool designed for upholstery and check whether it’s included. If you’re buying one separately, check the compatible product code. | I also need to remove pet hair from cushions, the sofa or stairs where the floorhead doesn’t fit easily. |
| Type and battery life | For a cordless stick vacuum, check the battery life at the setting you’ll need for your surfaces. If carpets are a priority, compare it with a cylinder vacuum; Which? describes stick vacuums more as supplementary appliances. | I want to do quick clean-ups, but I don’t want to run out of battery halfway through a deeper clean. |
| Bag, bin and maintenance | Check how to replace the bags or empty the bin and clean the filters, and how easy it is to access the brush to remove hair. For cylinder vacuums, Which? reports better suction and less exposure to dust from bagged models than bagless ones. | I’d rather decide upfront between replacing bags and regularly emptying a bin, without forgetting to untangle the brush. |
A power rating alone doesn’t tell you how well a vacuum removes fibres embedded in a carpet. Which? assesses how well vacuums pick up fibres from carpets as part of its testing.
Look for results on this type of surface and check the supplied brush before comparing the advertised figures.
Fittings vary. For example, Rowenta’s ZR901701 turbo brush is only suitable for cylinder vacuums with the ‘Lock System’.
Before ordering, compare the accessory’s exact product code with the compatibility list for your vacuum.
If it isn’t compatible, you may need to choose a different, suitable accessory.
Its manoeuvrability makes regular clean-ups easier, but Which? sees rechargeable stick vacuums more as a supplementary option. Battery life at the setting you use also matters if you have a large carpeted area.
Before relying on one as your only vacuum, compare its battery life and carpet test results with how long you spend cleaning and how a cylinder vacuum performs.
You’ll need to empty the bin, and the filters and brushes need attention too. Which? highlights the need to untangle rotating brushes in particular.
Check how easy it is to access the roller and what cleaning the model requires. With a bagged vacuum, you’ll need to replace the bags instead.
Emptying the bin, cleaning the filters and untangling the brush all take time; bags are consumables that need replacing.
These examples can help you compare specific configurations, but a range name is no substitute for test results on the exact model and surface you’re interested in.
The ProAnimal range includes both bagged and bagless cylinder vacuums, so you can compare the two dust collection systems.
The Guard L1 Cat & Dog Flex is a bagged cylinder vacuum supplied with a turbo brush for textile flooring.
Rowenta offers accessories for carpets and smaller textile surfaces. Choose one that’s compatible with your vacuum model.
These four cordless stick vacuums are aimed at cleaning carpets and hard floors in homes with pets. Their advertised features may help you shortlist a type of vacuum or accessory. For deep-cleaning carpets, compare your options with a cylinder vacuum and look for test results on carpet fibres too.
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The hose and pet brush mentioned in the product name are worth considering if pet hair also collects on your furniture. For carpets, check how well it picks up fibres and how long the battery lasts at the setting you plan to use; its advertised 55 kPa rating alone doesn’t establish how well it performs.
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The advertised anti-tangle brush could help with a common problem caused by pet hair and human hair, but check how easy it is to access for cleaning. The stated battery life is up to 65 minutes. For carpets, check how long it lasts at the setting you need and look for test results on carpet fibres rather than assuming performance from the advertised 60 000 Pa.
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The flexible tube could come in handy if you often clean under furniture, while the anti-tangle brush is designed for pet hair. Compare the stated 60-minute battery life with the setting you’ll use on your carpets. If you’re interested in the mopping function, check exactly what’s included with this variant before buying.
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The advertised removable battery and anti-tangle brush are worth considering if you switch between hard floors and carpets. The stated 60 minutes is a maximum: check the battery life at the setting you plan to use on carpets, and see which accessories are included for upholstery.
Look for a test that specifically measures how well the model you’re considering removes fibres from carpets. Which? uses synthetic fibres designed to mimic pet hair for this purpose. Motor power or a ‘pet’ label alone won’t tell you how well it performs.
A mini turbo brush or upholstery tool may suit areas that are too small for a floorhead. Check whether it’s included and compatible with the exact model of your vacuum; accessories aren’t universal.
Yes, if suction and reduced exposure to dust when collecting it are priorities: Which? reports these benefits for bagged cylinder vacuums compared with bagless models. You’ll still need to replace the bags and choose a head suited to carpets; the bag can’t do the brush’s job.
It’s worth comparing your options if pet hair is embedded in the carpet and you clean it thoroughly often. Which? describes rechargeable stick vacuums more as a supplementary option. Before relying on one as your only vacuum, check its carpet test results and battery life at the setting you need, then compare it with a cylinder vacuum.