Homes with large rooms and different floor types
If you use the same appliance to clean hard floors, rugs, furniture and awkward corners, consider both the vacuum’s reach and whether its tools suit the surfaces in your home.
Who is this type of vacuum for?
People who want to clean with fewer interruptions
If you want to move from room to room without frequently changing sockets or stopping to empty the bin, compare each model’s operating radius and capacity.
Buyers who pay attention to maintenance
Choosing between a bag and a bin affects the maintenance involved. Also check the reference numbers and availability of bags, filters and parts compatible with your chosen appliance.
What should you look for?
Start by considering the vacuum’s reach and the surfaces you need to clean. Then compare models based on the maintenance you’re happy to take on and how much effort it takes to move the appliance around.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Reach and capacity | Operating radius in metres and bag or bin capacity in litres. | If I want to clean large rooms without stopping too often, changing sockets and interruptions to empty the bin matter. Around 31% of consumers would make uninterrupted cleaning their priority. |
| Floors, furniture and awkward corners | Check which brushes and nozzles are actually included with the model on sale, and whether separately purchased accessories are compatible. | If I have parquet, upholstery and narrow spaces to clean, I want tools suited to those tasks. This would be a priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Maintenance and consumables | Check the reference numbers for compatible bags or filters and the maintenance instructions in the manual. | If this is going to be my main vacuum, I want to be able to maintain its dust collector and find the right consumables. Around 25% of consumers would put this need first. |
| Moving the vacuum and noise | Weight, wheel design and noise level in dB, if stated. | In a multi-storey or heavily furnished home, carrying and manoeuvring a cylinder vacuum during a long cleaning session could influence my choice. Around 19% of consumers would prioritise manoeuvrability and noise levels. |
Mistakes to avoid
-
Choosing based on motor wattage alone
The stated wattage alone doesn’t tell you how well a vacuum will clean your floors. UFC-Que Choisir also recommends considering the vacuum head and test results.
Compare any independent test results available for the models you’re considering, then check their brushes, reach and manoeuvrability.
-
Assuming a compatible accessory is included
A brush listed for a product range or a different model isn’t necessarily supplied with the appliance you’ve chosen.
Check the list of accessories included with the exact model. Before buying an accessory separately, also check its connector or compatibility reference.
Any accessory bought separately will need to be stored and carried with the appliance when you need it.
-
Putting off thinking about maintenance
A bagged model needs compatible bags, while a bagless one needs its bin emptied. Filters and brushes also need to be maintained as instructed in the manual.
Before buying, check which consumables and parts are suitable for your chosen model, then read the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions.
Brands to consider for this type of vacuum
Rowenta
Its bagged and bagless cylinder vacuum ranges let you compare reach, capacity and accessory kits by model.
- For the Power XXL Animal Care, Rowenta lists a 12 m operating radius, a 4.5 L bag and accessories including a parquet brush and a mini turbo brush.
- These specifications apply to this model. Check which accessories and bags are compatible with the vacuum you’re considering.
Electrolux
The brand offers bagged and bagless cylinder vacuums, with specifications and accessories that should be compared model by model.
- For the bagless 600 EL61C2OG, Electrolux lists a 9 m operating radius, a 1.6 L bin and an included parquet brush.
- These specifications don’t apply to other Electrolux models. If you need a replacement part or an extra brush, check compatibility using the appliance’s model number or PNC.
Miele
Its bagged cylinder vacuum ranges include models designed for different floor types and uses.
- Miele includes parquet-focused models in its Guard range and lists spare parts for its vacuum cleaners.
- A product range’s intended use doesn’t confirm which accessories are included or whether a part is compatible with your model. Check the exact model number.
Bagged cylinder vacuum cleaners on Joybuy
These two bagged cylinder vacuums are worth considering if you’re looking for a main appliance for a large home. To compare them for your floors and rooms, check the operating radius, the brushes supplied and the bags compatible with each model. Wattage alone isn’t enough to assess suction.
Image unavailable
Electrolux 600 EB61C4OG, bagged cylinder vacuum cleaner
Worth considering if you’re looking for a bagged cylinder vacuum to clean several rooms regularly. Check that the brushes supplied suit your floor types, and find out which bags are compatible.
Image unavailable
Electrolux EB61C2GRN, bagged cylinder vacuum cleaner, 550 W, black
Worth considering if you prefer a bagged cylinder vacuum for your different floor types. Its stated power is 550 W. To choose based on your surfaces, check the brushes supplied, operating radius and compatible bags separately.
Frequently asked questions
Is wattage enough to choose a cylinder vacuum cleaner?
No. Motor wattage alone isn’t enough to judge how well a vacuum will clean your floors. UFC-Que Choisir also recommends considering the vacuum head and useful suction power. Look for independent test results for the specific models you’re interested in.
Bagged or bagless: which is best for a large home?
Choose the option that best suits how you prefer to deal with dust and maintenance. UFC-Que Choisir notes that bagged models expose you to less dust when changing the bag, although you’ll need to buy compatible replacements. A bagless model avoids this expense, but you’ll need to empty the bin and maintain the filters as instructed in the manual.
How can I tell if a parquet brush is included?
Check the list of accessories included with the exact model you’re buying. A brush that’s merely compatible or available separately won’t necessarily be in the box. If you buy one later, also check the connector and the appliance’s model number.
What maintenance does a cylinder vacuum need if it’s used regularly?
You’ll need to replace the bag or empty the bin, and maintain the filters and brushes as instructed in the manual for your model. Before choosing, check the reference numbers for any consumables and parts you might need.