Homes with rugs or carpets
If these floor coverings are part of your regular cleaning routine, look at suction results on carpet, not just hard floors. UFC-Que Choisir’s testing protocol includes separate tests on carpet, tiles and parquet flooring.
Who is this choice for?
Homes with pets
To remove pet hair from both carpets and floors, check the specific model’s results on fibres, the brushes supplied and how easy it is to clean the roller. A range name aimed at pet owners doesn’t tell you how well the vacuum will perform on your carpets.
Anyone concerned about emptying the vacuum
If you’re concerned about coming into contact with dust during maintenance, compare changing a bag with emptying a dust container. UFC-Que Choisir says a bagged system means less exposure during this task. Bags, filters and brushes still need looking after, though.
What should you check before buying?
Bagged cylinder vacuum
Worth considering: for your main carpet-cleaning routine, especially if you want to limit contact with dust when emptying the vacuum.
The trade-off: you’ll need to plug it in and replace the bags. UFC-Que Choisir reports that this type generally has better suction than bagless cylinder vacuums.
Bagless cylinder vacuum
Worth considering: if you want a cylinder vacuum without having to buy bags and don’t mind emptying the dust container.
Bear in mind: emptying and cleaning the dust container can mean more contact with dust. Choose based on the model’s results, rather than simply because it’s bagless.
Cordless stick vacuum
Worth considering: if easy manoeuvring and quick clean-ups matter to you, or as your main vacuum if the model’s test results show it’s suitable for your carpets.
Check this limitation: UFC-Que Choisir considers stick vacuums better suited to quick top-ups. The stated battery life doesn’t tell you how long you can clean for in the mode you need.
Once you’ve chosen a type, compare each model with the floor coverings in your home and the maintenance tasks you’re happy to do.
| Priority | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Performance on different floors | Check the model’s test results on rugs or carpets, then on the hard floors and in the crevices in your home. Check which floor head and accessories are actually included. | I want to remove dust from carpets without assuming that good results on tiles will mean equally good results on carpet. |
| Pet hair and fibres | Look for an assessment of how well it picks up fibres or pet hair from carpets. Check the brush and how easy it is to access the roller for cleaning. | With pets at home, hair caught in carpets matters just as much as visible debris on the floor. |
| Dust collection and maintenance | Compare the process for changing the bag or emptying the dust container. Check how easy it is to access the filters and brushes, and which compatible consumables are available. | I’d prefer to limit contact with dust, or I’m happy to empty and regularly maintain a bagless dust container. |
| Moving around and run time | For a cylinder vacuum, check its weight and operating radius. For a stick vacuum, check the run time in the mode you’ll use on carpets, along with the charging time and battery. | Depending on the size of my home, I want to finish cleaning without frequently changing sockets or stopping to recharge. |
| Noise | Only compare noise levels when they’ve been measured under comparable conditions. Also check the suction results in the setting you’re considering. | If noise bothers me, I want to know how loud the setting I’ll actually use on my floors is. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Choosing a vacuum based on motor wattage alone
Wattage alone doesn’t tell you how much dust a vacuum picks up from carpets, crevices or fibres. The floor head matters too.
Compare tests on the surfaces in your home and check which accessories are included with the model you’re buying.
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Assuming a stick vacuum’s maximum run time means you can clean carpets for that long
A stated run time without details of the mode used won’t tell you whether it’ll last through a demanding clean. UFC-Que Choisir also highlights that some cordless stick vacuums struggle in its suction tests.
Check the run time and carpet-cleaning results in the mode you plan to use, as well as how long it takes to recharge.
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Thinking bagless means no maintenance
You’ll still need to empty the dust container and maintain the filters. UFC-Que Choisir also notes that cleaning the container brings you into more direct contact with dust.
Before buying, check how the container and filter compartment open. If contact with dust is an important factor for you, compare emptying the container with changing a bag.
Emptying the container and cleaning the filters and brushes take time too.
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Forgetting about replacement parts
Having to replace a filter, brush or battery can affect how you use and maintain your vacuum over time.
Check that parts for your chosen model are available and find out what repair options there are. If your old vacuum no longer works, ADEME says you can take it to a shop for collection, among other options.
Which brands are worth considering?
These product-range examples can help you identify different configurations to compare. Their stated features don’t replace testing a specific model on your floor coverings.
Rowenta
The Silence Force Effitech range includes bagged cylinder vacuums worth considering if noise and operating radius influence your choice.
- Rowenta states that the Silence Force Effitech RO7473EA produces 57 dB(A) at maximum power.
- This figure alone doesn’t tell you how well it’ll clean carpets. Compare the specific model using the setting you’re interested in.
Bosch
The ProAnimal range is aimed in particular at homes looking to remove pet hair. Bosch describes the BGS41PET1 as a bagless cylinder vacuum.
- A bagless design lets you consider a cylinder vacuum without needing to replace bags.
- The ProAnimal name doesn’t prove how well it performs on thick rugs or carpets. Check the model’s test results and how to empty its dust container.
Dyson
The V11 Advanced is a cordless stick vacuum worth considering if manoeuvrability matters, particularly as a complement to a more thorough clean.
- Dyson states that the V11 Advanced offers up to 60 minutes of run time, depending on the conditions specified in its claim.
- This doesn’t guarantee that it’ll run for that long on carpets in the mode you need. Check the model’s run time and suction performance under the conditions you’ll use it in.
A bagged model to consider on Joybuy
This is a bagged cylinder vacuum option for your main cleaning routine. To see whether it’s suitable for rugs or carpets, compare the specific model with test results on these floor coverings.
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Electrolux 600 EB61C4OG, bagged cylinder vacuum cleaner
This bagged cylinder vacuum is worth considering for your main cleaning routine. Before choosing it for carpets, check the EB61C4OG’s suction results on carpet and fibres, the accessories included and the availability of compatible bags.
Frequently asked questions
Is motor wattage enough to choose a vacuum cleaner for carpets?
No. It doesn’t tell you on its own how much dust the vacuum actually picks up. To choose a vacuum for carpets, compare test results on carpets and fibres, as well as the floor head supplied. UFC-Que Choisir assesses performance on different floor coverings.
Can a cordless stick vacuum replace a cylinder vacuum for a thorough clean?
It depends on the specific stick vacuum’s results and how long you need to clean for at home. UFC-Que Choisir considers this type better suited to quick top-ups. Before making it your main vacuum, check how well it picks up dirt from carpets, fibres and crevices, then check its run time in the mode you’ll use for those tasks.
Which dust collection system should I choose to limit contact with dust?
A bagged cylinder vacuum is worth considering if you’re concerned about emptying the vacuum. UFC-Que Choisir says removing a bag exposes you to less dust than cleaning a bagless dust container. Whichever type you choose, maintain the dust collection system, filters and brushes according to the instructions. ADEME also recommends airing the room after vacuuming.
What should I do with an old vacuum cleaner in France?
First consider repairing or reusing it if it can still be used. If you need to get rid of it, ADEME says you can return it to a shop or take it to a collection point in a shop. Check the arrangements at your chosen drop-off point.