When cleaning several rooms with different floor types, choose a cylinder vacuum based on how well it performs on your floors, how easy it is to move around and which brushes are included – not just the motor’s wattage. A bag can reduce contact with dust when disposing of it, while a bagless model avoids the cost of replacement bags but means you’ll need to empty the bin. For carpets and upholstery, also check the accessories included with the specific model.
You move from hard floors to a rug, then on to the sofa or bedding. The main floorhead and nozzles should suit the surfaces you clean. Que Choisir’s test procedure assesses performance on different floor types, among other things.
If how you dispose of dust matters to you, compare replacing a bag with emptying a bin. Que Choisir’s guide says bagged models expose users to less dust during this task.
If pet hair clings to rugs, cushions or seats, check whether a turbo brush or mini turbo brush is included and how to maintain it. Que Choisir’s test procedure specifically assesses fibre removal from carpets.
Choose this if: minimising contact with dust when disposing of it matters most to you.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to buy compatible bags and replace them. Que Choisir’s guide notes that bagged models expose users to less dust, although the vacuum still needs regular maintenance.
Choose this if: you want to avoid the ongoing cost of bags and are happy to empty the bin.
Bear in mind: you may come into contact with dust when emptying the bin and maintaining the filters. Check how this works on the specific model.
Choosing between a bagged and bagless model doesn’t replace the need to consider your floors, how easy the vacuum is to move around and which accessories it includes for upholstery.
| Feature | What to check | Who should consider it? |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning different floor types | Test results for your floor coverings; included floorhead and settings. | I want to clean hard floors and carpets without assuming the same brush will work equally well everywhere. Around 33% of consumers concerned would prioritise performance across different floor types. |
| Manoeuvrability | Operating radius, weight to move and ease of handling over thresholds or on stairs. | When I’m cleaning several rooms, changing sockets and carrying the vacuum could get in the way. Around 25% of consumers concerned would make manoeuvrability their top priority. |
| Maintenance and dust | Replacing the bag or emptying the bin; access to filters and brushes. | I’d rather choose a maintenance routine I can stick to, taking into account contact with dust when emptying the vacuum. Around 25% of consumers concerned would prioritise this aspect. |
| Pet hair on carpets and upholstery | A compatible turbo brush or mini turbo brush that is actually included; how to clean the brush. | Pet hair clings to my carpets or cushions, so I’m mainly looking for an accessory suited to those surfaces. Around 17% of consumers concerned would put this need first. |
Motor wattage alone doesn’t tell you how well a vacuum will clean parquet, rugs or carpets. Que Choisir’s test procedure assesses performance on different floor coverings.
Compare available test results for your floors, and check the floorhead and settings on the model you’re considering.
Brushes and nozzles vary by model and kit. A product name won’t tell you which accessories for carpets or upholstery are included.
Check the list of included accessories, their compatibility and the instructions for cleaning the brush.
If an accessory isn’t included in the kit, you’ll need to buy it separately for that task.
You’ll need to replace the bag, or empty the bin on a bagless model. Either way, the filters and brushes need attention.
Before choosing, check which bags are compatible or how easy the bin is to empty, then look at access to the filters and brushes.
The range includes bagged and bagless cylinder vacuums, with different capacity and accessory configurations.
Bosch offers ProAnimal cylinder vacuums, both bagged and bagless, for homes looking for accessories designed for carpets and upholstery.
The bagged cylinder vacuum range includes models designed for different floor types and upholstery-cleaning needs.
Philips also offers bagless cylinder vacuums in its PowerPro range.
These two bagged Electrolux models are worth considering if you’re looking for a cylinder vacuum to clean several rooms. If carpets, upholstery or manoeuvrability are important to you, compare their exact features and how well they’ll clean the floors in your home.
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Worth considering if you prefer a bagged vacuum for cleaning several rooms. For carpets or upholstery, check which brushes are included and compare cleaning results on those surfaces. You’ll also need compatible bags.
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Worth a look if you want a bagged cylinder vacuum for several rooms and different floor types. Its stated motor power of 550 W isn’t enough to judge its cleaning performance: compare results on your floor coverings and check which upholstery accessories are included if you need them.
No. Motor wattage alone can’t predict how well a vacuum will clean each type of floor. Que Choisir highlights the importance of the floorhead, so look for test results on the floors in your home and check which brush is included.
A bagged model is worth considering: Que Choisir’s guide says it exposes users to less dust when disposing of it. However, you’ll still need to replace the bags and maintain the filters and brushes. With a bagless model, pay particular attention to how the bin is emptied.
Check that the model you choose includes a suitable turbo brush or mini turbo brush, as well as an upholstery nozzle if you need one. Que Choisir’s test procedure treats fibre removal from carpets as a separate criterion. Also consider how easy it is to remove hair wrapped around the brush.