Homes with several types of flooring
You regularly clean tiles, parquet, rugs or fitted carpet. The operating radius and brushes suited to each floor type deserve as much attention as the appliance’s design.
Who is this choice for?
In a large home, cleaning the floors is only part of the job: furniture, skirting boards and appliance maintenance matter too.
People who clean furniture and awkward spots too
To reach skirting boards, shelves, upholstery and tight spaces, check which nozzles and brushes come with the exact model you’re considering.
Buyers who consider maintenance important
Choosing between a bag and a dust container changes how you dispose of dust. Before buying, also check the repairability rating and the availability of compatible filters, accessories and parts.
What should you look for?
First decide what role the appliance will play in your home, then compare models on the floors and in the areas you actually clean.
Bagged cylinder vacuum
Consider this: for the main cleaning of a large home if you’d rather replace a bag than empty a dust container.
Bear in mind: you’ll need bags compatible with the exact model, as well as space to store and move a cylinder vacuum.
Bagless cylinder vacuum
Consider this: if you want a corded main vacuum without replacement bags.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to empty the dust container and maintain the filters according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Stick vacuum as a secondary option
Consider this: for quick clean-ups between thorough cleans, if you already have a suitable solution for the whole home.
Limitation: being easy to store isn’t enough to show that it’s suitable on its own for deep-cleaning every surface.
| What to consider | What to check | My needs |
|---|---|---|
| Floor types and coverage | Compare test results for your floor types rather than looking only at the motor’s wattage. Check which brushes are included and the stated operating radius. | I want to clean hard floors, parquet and rugs throughout my home, without basing my choice on a general claim about power. |
| Awkward spots and furniture | Check whether it comes with a long or crevice nozzle and accessories suited to furniture and upholstery. Also consider how easy the accessories are to reach while you’re using the vacuum. | Skirting boards, tight spaces and furniture are part of my cleaning routine, not just the floors. |
| Dust collection and maintenance | For a bagged model, check the bag reference. For a bagless model, look at how easy it is to access the dust container and check the filter maintenance instructions. | I’d rather decide in advance whether to replace a bag or empty a dust container regularly. |
| Repairability and parts | Check the repairability rating and search for filters, brushes and parts using the appliance’s exact model reference. ADEME lists vacuum cleaners among the appliances covered by this rating. | I want to be able to identify the right consumables and parts for my model if it needs maintenance or repair. |
What pitfalls should you avoid?
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Looking only at the motor’s wattage
This figure alone doesn’t tell you how well the vacuum will clean tiles, parquet with gaps or rugs. Que Choisir assesses suction on different floor types separately as part of its testing process.
Look for results on the floors in your home and check which brush comes with the model.
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Forgetting about emptying and filters
A bagged model needs a replacement bag; a bagless model needs its dust container emptied. Filters also need to be maintained in line with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Choose the dust collection method that suits you, then check the bag or filter references for the exact model.
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Assuming every accessory in a range is compatible
Compatibility can depend on the exact variant. For example, Electrolux asks for the PNC number to identify parts for its Pure D8 PD82-4ST.
Note down the full model reference before looking for a brush, filter, hose or part in the manufacturer’s catalogue.
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Confusing repairability with cleaning performance
The repairability rating tells you about aspects related to repairs; it doesn’t measure how well the vacuum cleans your floors.
Check the rating, the parts available for your chosen model and suction test results for different floor types separately.
A look at selected ranges
These models show examples of bagged and bagless designs. A model’s features don’t automatically apply to the rest of its range.
Electrolux
The Pure D8 PD82-4ST is an example of a bagged cylinder vacuum worth considering for a large home.
- Electrolux France lists a 12 m operating radius, a 3,5 L bag, a parquet brush and a 3-in-1 accessory for this model.
- To identify compatible parts and accessories, Electrolux asks you to check the PNC number.
Rowenta
The Silence Force Cyclonic Effitech Modèle Animal RO7941EA is an example of a bagless cylinder vacuum for larger spaces.
- Rowenta France lists a 12 m operating radius, a 2,5 L dust container and a repairability rating of 9,8/10 for this model.
- Check which accessories are included and look for parts using the reference of the model you actually buy.
Bosch
The Série 6 ProAnimal BGS41PET1 is another example of a bagless model to compare based on your floor types and the layout of your home.
- Bosch Électroménager France lists a 2,4 L dust container, a 10 m operating radius and a washable HEPA filter for the BGS41PET1.
- Check that the brushes and accessories included with the variant on offer are suited to your floor types and awkward spots.
Vacuum cleaners available on Joybuy
These two options illustrate the choice between a bagged and a bagless vacuum for cleaning a large home. Check their exact design and accessories to make sure they suit the role you have in mind.
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Electrolux 600 EB61C4OG bagged vacuum cleaner
If you plan to use it as the main vacuum in a large home, check that the brushes and nozzles on offer can reach all your floors and awkward spots.
The product name identifies it as a bagged cylinder vacuum. Before choosing, check which bags, filters and accessories are compatible with the EB61C4OG model.
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Philips 5000 Series FC9556/09 bagless vacuum cleaner, blue
If you’re considering this model for a large home, compare its accessories, operating radius and dust container capacity with your cleaning routine.
The product name indicates a 900 W LED version. Check its design if you’re specifically looking for a cylinder vacuum, then check which parts and filters are compatible with the FC9556/09.
Frequently asked questions
Is a cylinder vacuum better than a stick vacuum for cleaning a large home thoroughly?
A cylinder vacuum is a good place to start for this purpose: Que Choisir describes it as particularly well suited to large spaces, but heavier and less manoeuvrable than a stick vacuum. Then compare the results and accessories of the models you’re considering on the floor types in your home.
What should I check for cleaning hard floors, parquet and rugs?
Check which brushes are included and look for test results by floor type rather than relying on the motor’s wattage alone. Que Choisir’s testing process distinguishes between hard floors, parquet with gaps, rugs and fitted carpet. If you have delicate parquet, also check whether a suitable brush is included.
What maintenance is needed for bagged and bagless models?
A bagged vacuum needs a compatible replacement bag; a bagless model needs its dust container emptied. For both types, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the filters and clean the brushes when needed.
How can I check parts and consumables before buying?
Note down the full model reference, then look for the matching bags, filters, brushes and parts in the manufacturer’s catalogue. For example, Electrolux asks for the PNC number to identify parts compatible with its Pure D8 PD82-4ST, so the range name alone may not be enough.