People living in a large home
If you move from room to room, the operating range and bag or bin capacity matter just as much as the weight of the appliance you’ll be moving around.
Who is this type of vacuum for ?
A cylinder vacuum is worth considering when you need to clean several rooms and more than just the floors.
Homes with a mix of surfaces
Sofas, cushions, skirting boards and different floor coverings call for the right accessories. Check what’s included with the exact version of the vacuum you’re considering.
Buyers who think about maintenance
Before choosing between a bag and a bin, check the consumables, how the filters are cleaned and which parts are available for the model you plan to keep.
Which features should you compare ?
Think about how far you’ll need to move around your home, then consider the surfaces to clean and how much maintenance you’re willing to do.
| Feature | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Reach and capacity | Compare the operating range in metres, the bag or bin capacity in litres and the weight you’ll need to move, especially between floors. | I want to clean several rooms without constantly changing sockets or frequently stopping to empty the bin or replace the bag. |
| Bag or bin | Check which bags are compatible, or what’s involved in emptying the bin and maintaining the filters. Que Choisir reports better suction results for bagged models in its tests, though this doesn’t distinguish between every individual model. | If I’d rather not buy bags, I’m happy to empty a bin and maintain the filters. For a bagged model, I’ll check which consumables it needs. |
| Floors and fabrics | Check the main brush and the list of attachments included with the version you’ve chosen : a crevice tool, an upholstery or cushion tool, and a brush suited to your floors. | Cleaning the floors is only part of the job : I also need to reach the skirting boards, furniture and fabrics around my home. |
| Maintenance and parts | Look up the full model number in the manufacturer’s parts catalogue and check the repairability index for the model in question in France. Check that each part you need is available when you need it. | To keep the appliance in working order, I need to identify the filters, brushes and other parts that are compatible with my exact model. |
What should you watch out for ?
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Choosing based on wattage alone
The motor’s electrical power doesn’t, on its own, tell you how well a vacuum will clean a floor. Que Choisir also highlights the importance of the design of the vacuum head.
Where available, look for tests covering the types of flooring in your home, then check the model’s brush and settings.
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Assuming ‘bagless’ means ‘maintenance-free’
A bin needs emptying and the filters need maintaining, while a bagged model needs replacement bags. The two options involve different maintenance, but neither does away with it.
Check which bags or filters are compatible with the exact model number and consult the manual for maintenance instructions.
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Assuming ‘multi-surface’ tells you which accessories are included
A range can include several versions with different brushes and attachments. A floor brush doesn’t mean there’s also a tool for cushions or awkward corners.
Make a list of the surfaces you need to clean, then check the contents of the version you’re buying, accessory by accessory.
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Confusing a repairability commitment with parts availability
A brand’s stated commitment may apply to specific products or parts. It doesn’t guarantee that every part will be available for every model when you need it.
Check the repairability index for the model in question and look up its parts using the full model number in the manufacturer’s catalogue.
Which brands are worth considering ?
These models illustrate the features worth comparing ; check the accessories and stated commitments for each version.
Bosch
Bosch lists its BGB41BA1 bagged cylinder vacuum with a 4 L bag, an 11 m operating range and a net weight of 5.3 kg.
- Bosch says this model comes with crevice and upholstery tools.
- There’s a parts page for the BGB41BA1/12 ; check the exact variant and compatible consumables before ordering.
Rowenta
Rowenta lists its bagless Silence Force Cyclonic Effitech RO7933EA with a 2.5 L bin, a 12 m operating range and a noise level of 59 dB(A) at maximum power.
- The brand offers a catalogue of accessories and parts for its bagless vacuum cleaners.
- Rowenta says it keeps technical parts for almost all its products for 15 years after purchase ; check the terms that apply to the RO7933EA and the part you need.
Miele
Miele lists its Guard L1 in Nordic Blue with a 12 m operating range and a 2-in-1 tool for cushions and crevices.
- Miele says its TU HyClean Pure bags are compatible with the Guard L1 and Guard S1.
- Accessories vary between Guard L1 versions : check which brush is included with the one you choose.
Philips
Philips lists its bagless FC9747/09 with a 2 L bin and a 10 m operating range.
- Philips provides a support page and manuals for this model.
- If access to parts matters to you, look up each part you need under model number FC9747/09 before buying.
Bagged vacuum cleaners on Joybuy
These two Electrolux bagged cylinder vacuums are worth considering for cleaning several rooms. For furniture and fabrics, check which tools are included with each model.
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Electrolux 600 EB61C4OG bagged cylinder vacuum
For cleaning several rooms and different floor types, compare this model’s reach and brushes with what your home needs. Also check which bags are compatible and whether it comes with a tool suited to fabrics.
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Electrolux EB61C2GRN bagged cylinder vacuum, 550 W
For a large home, check that the reach and accessories suit your floors and fabrics. The model is listed at 550 W : motor power alone isn’t enough to judge suction. Also check which bags are compatible.
Frequently asked questions
Is a bagged cylinder vacuum better for a thorough clean ?
Tests reported by Que Choisir give bagged models the edge for suction on the floors and dirt tested, as well as for reduced exposure to dust. You’ll still need to compare models, and you’ll need to buy and replace the bags.
Which figures should you look at for a large home ?
Compare each model’s operating range, bag or bin capacity and weight, then check its accessories. Motor wattage alone isn’t enough to assess how well it’ll clean your floors : Que Choisir also highlights the role of the vacuum head.
How can you check bags and parts before buying ?
Look up the vacuum’s full model number in the manufacturer’s catalogue, then check separately which bags, filters, brushes and other parts you might need. For example, Bosch has a parts page for the BGB41BA1/12, and Miele says TU HyClean Pure bags are compatible with the Guard L1.
What is a vacuum cleaner’s repairability index for ?
The index helps you compare how repairable the models covered are. In France, vacuum cleaners are among the product categories included, according to the ministry responsible for ecological transition. Check the index for your model, then look up the parts specific to its model number.