For manual cleaning of floors, carpets, furniture and fabrics, start by choosing a cylinder vacuum cleaner with accessories suited to your surfaces. A model with a bag is a good choice if you prefer to dispose of dust in a sealed bag and can get compatible replacements. A bagless model avoids the cost of bags, but you’ll need to empty the bin and maintain the filters. Also check the cleaning radius and how much storage space you’ll need. A stick vacuum or robot can complement your main vacuum for light cleaning.
If you move between floors, sofas, bedding and furniture, check which brushes are actually included, which tools are compatible and how far the vacuum can reach. UFC-Que Choisir lists these different surfaces among the uses for a cylinder vacuum cleaner.
The choice largely comes down to replacing a bag or emptying and cleaning a bin. Before deciding, check the product codes for bags and filters that are compatible with the model you’re considering.
Measure the space available for the vacuum body, tube and brushes. Dimensions, weight and cleaning radius also matter if you’ll need to take it out of a cupboard and move it between rooms.
For a thorough clean, first choose between a bag and a bin based on how you’d like to dispose of dust and maintain the vacuum. Then check the accessories and how much space it takes up. You could consider a stick vacuum or robot for light cleaning between sessions, rather than assuming it can replace your cylinder vacuum.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Surfaces and accessories | Check which brushes are included for your floors and carpets, then see whether a tool for furniture and fabrics is included or compatible. | When I clean sofas and carpets too, I want the right tools without assuming they’re all included. Around 31% of consumers would put surface coverage at the top of their list. |
| Dust and maintenance | Find out which bags or filters are compatible and check the instructions for replacing, emptying and cleaning the model. | I’d rather make an informed choice between throwing away a sealed bag and regularly handling a bin. Dust and maintenance would be the top priority for around 31% of consumers. |
| Ease of use and storage | Check the dimensions, weight, space needed for the tube and accessories, and cleaning radius in relation to your plug sockets. | If my cupboard is small or I often move between rooms, I don’t want getting the vacuum out and moving it around to become a chore. Around 23% of consumers would make ease of use their top priority. |
| Light cleaning between deep cleans | Decide which surfaces still need a thorough clean and, if you’re considering a cordless stick vacuum, check its stated run time. | Between big cleans, I’d like to quickly deal with crumbs or dust on the floor without expecting a secondary vacuum to clean all my fabrics. Around 15% of consumers would put planning for light cleaning first. |
The stated electrical power doesn’t tell you on its own whether the floorhead is right for your carpets, wooden floors or fabrics.
Compare the brushes included and, if you can, look for tests of the exact model on the surfaces you need to clean.
A bag or filter must fit the model you choose; compatibility with a different model isn’t enough.
Note down the vacuum’s product code, then check which bags and filters are compatible and when they need replacing.
According to Electro Dépôt’s guide, the bin on a bagless vacuum needs to be emptied and cleaned regularly.
Also check the model’s manual to find out how to access and maintain the filters.
A stick vacuum or robot can handle lighter tasks, but may not clean the carpets, sofas, furniture and high-up areas you want to tackle.
Decide which surfaces your main vacuum needs to clean before choosing an additional appliance.
A second appliance also needs storage space, and a cordless stick vacuum means keeping its battery charged.
Worth considering if you’re looking for a bagged cylinder vacuum and want to find bags, filters or accessories by product code, particularly for the Silence Force and X-trem Power ranges.
The bagged cylinder vacuums in the Guard range may appeal if you’re comparing size, cleaning radius and accessory storage.
The bagged XD3110/09 cylinder vacuum is one specific model you can look at when comparing cleaning radius and built-in accessories.
These models cover the two options discussed here: two bagged cylinder vacuums and one bagless model. Compare their accessories and maintenance requirements against the surfaces in your home.
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Worth considering if you clean both hard floors and carpets and prefer a bagged vacuum.
Check which brushes are included, then confirm the product codes for compatible bags and filters before choosing this model.
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Consider this model if you prefer a bin to bags and want to clean floors, carpets and furniture.
Allow for emptying the bin and maintaining the filter. Before you buy, confirm which accessories are included and the stated power for this model.
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Worth considering if hard floors and wooden flooring are your priority and you prefer a bagged model.
If you also want to clean fabrics, check which accessories are included or compatible, as well as the product codes for bags and filters.
Start by looking at models with bags that seal before you throw them away. This way of disposing of dirt may suit your priorities better than emptying a bin. Check how the bag for your model closes and confirm the product code for compatible consumables. Don’t assume that choosing a bagged or bagless model alone determines filtration quality.
Follow your vacuum’s manual and the guidance for its specific consumables. Replacement intervals vary by model and filter, so don’t apply the recommended frequency for a different model.
Check that a brush suited to carpets and a tool for furniture or cushions are included or compatible with your chosen model. Rowenta, for example, offers a mini turbo brush designed for fabric surfaces. Check that it’s compatible before relying on it for your vacuum.