If you regularly clean different types of flooring, carpets and textiles, compare cylinder vacuum cleaners based on how well they perform on each surface, their brushes and how easy they are to move around. A bagged model can reduce contact with dust when you empty it, but you’ll need compatible bags. With a bagless model, you’ll need to empty the bin and maintain the filters. A stick vacuum or robot can be useful as a supplement, but may not perform the same way on carpets, furniture and textiles.
You move from hard floors to carpet and also want to vacuum furniture and textiles. Performance on each surface and the accessories included matter more than the wattage alone. Que Choisir covers how cylinder vacuum cleaners perform on different floors, furniture and textiles.
You care about how collected dust is disposed of and compare compatible bags, bin emptying and filter maintenance, without assuming there’s a medical benefit. Que Choisir includes maintenance requirements among the factors to consider.
You want to avoid changing plug sockets and move the vacuum around easily. Check the model’s operating radius and weight before choosing between a cylinder vacuum and a cordless supplementary cleaner. Que Choisir highlights these as factors to consider depending on how you’ll use it.
For a large home, start by considering the surfaces you actually need to clean, then compare how the vacuum is emptied, how easy it is to move and what maintenance it needs.
| What matters to you | What to check | Consumers concerned |
|---|---|---|
| Performance on different surfaces | Look at test results for each type of floor, such as Que Choisir’s testing protocol, and check which brushes and nozzles are actually included for the floors and textiles you need to clean. | When I move from hard floors to carpet and then textiles, I want the performance and accessories to suit each surface, rather than relying on the wattage alone. Around 36% of consumers concerned prioritise cleaning different floor coverings and textiles. |
| Contact with dust when emptying | Compare how the bag is sealed and removed with how the bin is taken out and emptied. Also check the filter maintenance instructions. Que Choisir notes that removing a bag involves less contact with dust. | If I want to minimise contact with dust when emptying the vacuum, I compare how it needs to be emptied and accept that I’ll need to factor in compatible bags. Around 29% of consumers concerned prioritise an emptying method that limits this contact. |
| Mobility and operating radius | Compare the stated operating radius and the model’s weight. For noise levels, look for measurements taken under comparable conditions. | When I clean several rooms, I want to avoid changing plug sockets and be able to move the vacuum around easily. Around 21% of consumers concerned prioritise easy manoeuvrability and a suitable operating radius. |
| Consumables and maintenance | Check the product codes for compatible bags or filters and the instructions for maintaining the bin. For the relevant product codes, the Ministry for the Ecological Transition states that vacuum cleaners are among the product categories covered by the repairability index. | If I want to plan for regular purchases and maintenance, I check which consumables are needed for the exact model. Around 14% of consumers concerned prioritise keeping regular purchases and maintenance requirements under control. |
The wattage alone won’t tell you how well a vacuum performs on carpet, parquet with gaps or fibres.
Look at test results for the surfaces in your home and check which brushes are supplied with the exact model.
The bin, filters and brushes all need maintenance. Emptying a bin may also expose you to more dust than removing a bag.
Compare how each model is emptied, and check the instructions and availability of filters for the exact model.
Tests assess factors such as dust pick-up on floors, fibre pick-up on carpets and how easy the brush is to manoeuvre.
Check exactly what’s in the box and look for test results that cover the surfaces and types of dirt relevant to you.
A stick vacuum’s battery life and a robot’s varying performance on different floors can limit their usefulness in a large home with carpets and textiles.
Decide what you need your main vacuum to do, then separately consider whether a supplementary cleaner would be useful.
Depending on the model, a stick vacuum’s battery may need replacing. Check the arrangements for the model you’re considering.
The bagged Pure D8 range includes the PD82-4ST, which is worth considering if you’re looking for a long operating radius and accessories for different floor types.
The bagged ProAnimal BGB41PET1 and bagless BGS41PET1 let you compare two different set-ups if carpets and pet hair are important factors in your choice.
The bagged Silence Force Effitech RO7473EA is worth considering if you’re looking for a large capacity and a range of accessories.
The bagless PowerPro Expert FC9745/09 is worth considering if you’d rather avoid buying bags regularly.
The Complete C3 range includes bagged cylinder vacuums with integrated accessories. Compare each version individually.
This selection includes bagged and bagless cylinder vacuum cleaners, so you can compare options for hard floors, carpets and textiles. Check which accessories are included with each model for the surfaces you want to clean.
Image unavailable
The description says it’s suitable for hard floors, carpets, furniture and ceilings. Check that the accessories supplied are also suitable for the textiles you want to vacuum.
Stated power: 1,200 W; bin: 2.5 l; cable: 5.5 m.
Image unavailable
If you vacuum pet hair from textiles and carpets, the description lists a mini turbo brush for these surfaces. Check which accessories are included with the version you choose.
Stated power: 850 W; bin: 2 l; washable EPA filter.
Image unavailable
If you switch between different surfaces, the description lists brushes for different floor types with this model. Check exactly what’s included in the box before choosing.
Image unavailable
If you often move between different floors, check that the brush and accessories supplied with this version are suitable for the floor coverings and textiles in your home.
Stated power: 550 W.
Image unavailable
The product information lists a brush for floors and carpets, plus a mini turbo brush for pet hair. It also states that a parquet brush isn’t included. Check whether you’ll need an additional accessory for your home.
Stated power: 850 W; bag: 4 l; HEPA filter; stated operating radius: 9.5 m.
No. Compare test results for different floor types and kinds of dirt, using the relevant brushes. The European Commission points out that a higher rated electrical input doesn’t always mean better cleaning. Que Choisir’s testing protocol distinguishes between hard floors, parquet with gaps, carpets and fibres.
Follow the instructions for your model when replacing the bag or emptying the bin, then clean or replace the filters and clear any debris from the brushes. The European Commission says that an overfilled dust container or a clogged filter can affect pick-up.
Check the product codes for compatible bags or filters, and the maintenance and repair arrangements. If you’re a private individual buying goods in France from a professional seller, you can claim under the legal guarantee of conformity through the seller. The DGCCRF states that claims must be made within two years of delivery. A manufacturer’s commercial guarantee is separate and optional.
No. The European Commission states that the EU energy labelling rules for vacuum cleaners have been annulled and these products no longer carry this label. It says that separate ecodesign requirements apply to mains-powered vacuum cleaners within their scope, while robots and cordless stick vacuums are excluded.
Yes. Vacuum cleaners are among the product categories covered by the repairability index presented by the Ministry for the Ecological Transition. Check the index shown for the model you’re considering. It covers several repair-related criteria, not vacuuming performance.