Homes with several types of flooring
You move from hard floors to carpets, then on to furniture and higher-up areas. You’ll need the right tools for each surface, as well as a vacuum that’s easy to move from room to room.
Who is this choice for?
Homes with pets or lots of soft furnishings
Pet hair and fibres on carpets, sofas or bedding make your choice of accessories especially important. Check whether the exact model you’re considering comes with the turbo brush or Animal kit you want.
People mindful of dust and maintenance
Choosing between a bag and a bin changes how you empty the vacuum. Before settling on a model, also check how easy it is to access the filters and which compatible consumables are available.
What should you look for?
Start by comparing vacuums based on your flooring and the dirt you need to pick up. Then narrow down your options by choosing between a bag and a bin, and considering how easy the vacuum is to move around.
Bagged
Choose this if: you want to minimise contact with dust when emptying the vacuum. UFC-Que Choisir highlights this as an advantage of bagged models.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to replace the bags and check they’re compatible with the model you choose.
Bagless
Choose this if: you’d rather empty a bin than replace bags.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to empty the bin and clean or replace the filters as instructed in the manual. UFC-Que Choisir notes that filters in bagless models can clog more quickly.
| Feature | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Hard floors and carpets | A brush suited to each surface; cleaning tests on the types of flooring you have. | If I move from parquet or tiled floors to carpets, I want to know how well the vacuum cleans each surface. Around 33 % of consumers rank this ability to clean multiple surfaces as a priority. |
| Soft furnishings and pet hair | A crevice nozzle, an upholstery brush and, if needed, a turbo brush that’s actually included. | If I have pet hair on the sofa or fibres on the carpets, accessories designed for those surfaces matter most to me. This is the main priority for around 27 % of consumers. |
| Dust and maintenance | Emptying the bag or bin; access to the filters and maintenance instructions in the manual. | If I mainly want to manage contact with dust and keep maintenance simple, the collection system will guide my choice. Around 20 % of consumers prioritise this. |
| Moving around and noise | Cleaning radius, weight when carrying and the noise level stated for the exact model. | When cleaning several rooms, especially if there are stairs, I need to be able to move the vacuum around without too much effort. Manoeuvrability and noise come first for around 20 % of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing based on wattage alone
The quoted motor power doesn’t tell you everything about how well a vacuum will clean carpets or hard floors. UFC-Que Choisir particularly highlights the importance of the vacuum head.
Look at separate test results for different surfaces and types of dirt, then check which brushes come with the model on sale.
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Forgetting about filters on a bagless model
A bin means you don’t need bags, but the filters still need looking after. UFC-Que Choisir says they can clog more quickly on bagless models.
Check the manual to see how to access the filters, whether they can be washed or need replacing, and which filter is compatible with the vacuum.
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Confusing compatible accessories with included accessories
A turbo brush or parquet brush may be available for a range without being included with every version.
Check what’s in the box for the exact model, especially if you’re choosing it for pet hair, soft furnishings or delicate parquet flooring.
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Overlooking parts and consumables
Access to bags, filters and spare parts matters if you want to maintain your vacuum over time. According to ADEME, parts availability and how easy it is to dismantle a product are among the criteria used to calculate its repairability index.
Compare the index shown for the exact model, and look for compatible consumables and maintenance instructions.
Cylinder vacuum brands to consider
Bosch
The range includes bagged and bagless cylinder vacuums, including ProAnimal models designed for homes with pets.
- Bosch lists accessories for pet hair and soft furnishings with the BGB41PET1, as well as a washable HEPA filter on the bagless BGS41PET1.
- Check which accessories come with the model you choose and look for test results on your flooring. These features alone don’t tell you how well it will perform in your home.
Miele
The bagged Complete C3 range includes versions designed for homes with pets, parquet flooring or a mix of surfaces.
- Miele describes the Complete C3 Cat & Dog as featuring a turbo brush and an odour-neutralising filter. The brand lists a parquet brush and a turbo brush for the Complete C3 Special Flex.
- Choose a version based on its specific accessories, and compare manoeuvrability, maintenance and cleaning performance separately.
Rowenta
The Green Force range includes bagged and bagless models with different features and equipment.
- Depending on the model, Rowenta lists HEPA-level filtration and features relating to noise or repairability.
- Don’t assume a feature of one Green Force model applies to the whole range. Check the product details and test results for the exact model.
Electrolux
The Clean 600 range includes bagged and bagless cylinder vacuums, as well as versions with different accessories or filters.
- Electrolux describes the bagless Clean 600 EL61A4UG as including an Animal kit, and the EL61H4SW as having an Allergy Plus filter.
- Check the exact model, included accessories and maintenance instructions before comparing these versions.
Bagged cylinder vacuums on Joybuy
These two bagged Electrolux models are designed for cleaning several rooms and types of flooring. If soft furnishings or pet hair are your priority, pay particular attention to the accessories included with the version you choose.
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Electrolux 600 EB61C4OG bagged vacuum
Worth considering if you clean different types of flooring and also need to tackle pet hair or fibres. Check whether this version comes with a turbo brush and the other accessories you need, then compare test results for the surfaces in your home. You should also check which bags are compatible and how to maintain the filter.
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Electrolux EB61C2GRN 550 W bagged vacuum, black
Worth considering for bagged cleaning across several types of flooring, provided the brushes included are suited to your floors. If sofas, bedding or pet hair are part of your decision, check whether it comes with an upholstery tool or turbo brush. The motor power stated in the name is no substitute for cleaning test results. Also check which bags are compatible and read the filter instructions.
Frequently asked questions
Is wattage enough to choose a cylinder vacuum?
No. The quoted motor power alone doesn’t measure how well a vacuum cleans. UFC-Que Choisir highlights the importance of the vacuum head’s design. Compare test results for your flooring and check which accessories are included.
Which needs less maintenance: a bagged or bagless vacuum?
The maintenance is different: with a bagged model, you need to replace the compatible bag; with a bagless one, you need to empty the bin and maintain the filters according to the manual. UFC-Que Choisir says bagged models expose you to less dust when emptying them, while filters in bagless models can clog more quickly.
Which accessories do you need for sofas and bedding?
Look for a brush designed for upholstery and a nozzle for narrow spaces. If pet hair is your main concern, check that the version on sale includes a turbo brush or Animal kit, then look at test results for the types of soft furnishings you need to clean.
What is the repairability index for a new vacuum in France?
It helps you assess how easy it is to repair a particular model, but doesn’t guarantee how long it will last. According to ADEME, vacuum cleaners are among the product categories covered in France. The criteria include parts availability, how easy the product is to dismantle and the documentation provided. Compare the index shown for the model on sale.
How do you maintain a cylinder vacuum?
Follow your model’s manual when emptying the bag or bin, cleaning the filters according to their type and replacing any parts as needed. ADEME points out that maintaining the filters and being able to replace parts help extend the useful life of a vacuum.