People with larger homes
If you clean several rooms in one go, the operating range, dust container capacity and ease of manoeuvring matter particularly.
Who is this choice for?
Homes with a mix of floors and furnishings
If you move between hard floors, rugs, the sofa and bedding, check which brushes and nozzles come with the version you’ve chosen.
Shoppers mindful of dust and maintenance
The dust collection system, filters, compatible consumables and repairability information may matter more to your choice than dust container capacity alone.
What sets the models apart?
Start by choosing the dust collection system that suits you, then check the reach and accessories for the exact model.
Bagged cylinder vacuum
Worth considering: if you want to minimise contact with dust when emptying the vacuum. Que Choisir notes this advantage in its tests of bagged cylinder vacuums, though it may not apply to every model.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to find bags that are compatible with your chosen model.
Bagless cylinder vacuum
Worth considering: if you’d rather empty a dust container than replace bags.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to empty the container and maintain the filter. According to Que Choisir’s tests, the bagged models tested expose users to less dust.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Reach and uninterrupted cleaning | Compare the stated operating range, rather than just the cable length, as well as the bag or dust container capacity and how easy the vacuum is to manoeuvre around your rooms. | If I want to clean every room without stopping repeatedly, I look for a suitable reach and dust container; around 40% of consumers prioritise uninterrupted cleaning. |
| Floors and furnishings | Check which brushes and nozzles are actually included for your floors, rugs and furnishings, and whether any additional accessories you might want are compatible. | If I move from wooden floors to rugs and then to the sofa, I need tools suited to each surface; versatility is the priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Dust collection and maintenance | Identify bags, filters and parts by model or PNC. If you’re buying a new vacuum covered by the scheme in France, also check its repairability index, scored out of 10. | If I’m concerned about contact with dust, I also want to be able to identify the parts needed for maintenance; around 30% of consumers prioritise dust collection and looking after the appliance. |
What not to overlook
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Choosing based on motor power alone
The stated power rating doesn’t, by itself, tell you how well a vacuum will clean your different surfaces or how easy it is to use. Que Choisir also assesses suction, noise, durability, ease of use and maintenance.
Compare the floorhead, included accessories, operating range and manoeuvrability for the route you’ll need to clean.
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Assuming “all floors” includes furnishings too
A floor brush doesn’t necessarily mean that a nozzle for the sofa or awkward corners is included; accessories vary between versions.
Check the accessories listed for the exact version and confirm the part number of anything you’d like to add.
You may need to source a compatible brush or nozzle separately.
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Overlooking bags, filters and parts
A brand’s catalogue doesn’t guarantee that every consumable will fit every appliance in its range. Miele offers a model search, while Rowenta and Electrolux have catalogues of parts and accessories.
Note down the full model name or PNC, then check that it matches the bag, filter or part you need.
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Confusing repairability with the guarantee
According to France’s Ministry for the Ecological Transition, the repairability index, scored out of 10 for products covered by the scheme in France, indicates how repairable they are. It doesn’t promise free repairs or an extended guarantee.
Check the index and parts information for your chosen model. Keep your proof of purchase in case you need to make a claim under an applicable guarantee.
Brands to know
Rowenta
The range includes bagged cylinder vacuums and versions equipped for wooden floors and upholstery.
- According to Rowenta France, the Power XXL RO3126EA has a 4,5 L bag, an operating range of 8,8 m and nozzles for crevices and upholstery.
- Check which bags and accessories are compatible with the exact model; these features aren’t available across every version.
Miele
The bagged cylinder vacuum range includes models for hard floors, as well as others with different accessories.
- Miele France recommends the Guard L1 Parquet XL for larger areas with hard floors and offers a model search for bags and filters.
- Brushes, filters and consumables depend on the version you choose.
Electrolux
The brand offers bagless cylinder vacuums, including the Pure C9 range.
- Electrolux France lists a 1,7 L dust container, HEPA filtration and an additional parquet brush for the Pure C9 PC91-6MG.
- To choose a filter, brush or part, confirm compatibility using the exact PNC.
Philips
The bagless cylinder vacuum range includes models with different capacities and accessories.
- Philips France lists a 2 L dust container and an operating range of 10 m for the FC9747/09.
- These specifications apply to this model only. If you’re concerned about emptying the dust container, also compare its dust collection system with that of a bagged model.
Joybuy products
Related products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
Bagged or bagless for cleaning a large home?
Choose a bagged model if minimising contact with dust when emptying the vacuum is your priority. Choose a bagless model if you’d rather empty a dust container than replace bags. In its tests, Que Choisir found that bagged cylinder vacuums had an advantage in terms of suction and dust exposure, although this finding doesn’t describe every model. Also compare the operating range, capacity and accessories of the model you’re considering.
Which accessories should I check for rugs, the sofa and bedding?
Check that the vacuum has a brush suited to your floors and nozzles for furnishings and awkward corners. If necessary, also check whether a dedicated rug brush is compatible. The list of accessories should match the version you’re ordering, not just the product range.
How can I check which bags, filters and parts are compatible?
Note down the full model name or PNC and look up the reference in the manufacturer’s selector or catalogue. Miele, for example, offers a model selector for bags and filters. Rowenta and Electrolux have catalogues of accessories and parts; check that the item matches your chosen appliance.
Does the repairability index replace the guarantee?
No. The index indicates how repairable a product covered by the scheme is, while the statutory guarantee of conformity is a separate right you can exercise with the retailer. For a new vacuum sold in France, check the index that applies to the model. France’s Ministry of the Economy states that the statutory guarantee of conformity can be claimed for two years, subject to the conditions set out by law.