Homes with mixed flooring
If you regularly move between wood or tiled floors and rugs or carpets, check the included floorheads, operating radius and manoeuvrability before choosing a cylinder vacuum for a thorough clean.
Who is this type of vacuum cleaner suitable for?
People looking to minimise contact with dust
A bagged model may suit your preference: Que Choisir says that bagged cylinder vacuums expose users to less dust than bagless models. Check which bag and filter references are compatible with the appliance you choose.
Homes where upholstery and awkward corners need cleaning
For cushions, rugs with lots of fibres, skirting boards and narrow spaces, check that the box includes suitable accessories. What’s included varies by model.
What should you look for before choosing?
Start with the surfaces and types of dirt you clean most often, then compare appliances based on maintenance and ease of use.
| Criteria | What to check | To suit my needs |
|---|---|---|
| Brushes and accessories | Check which floorheads are included for hard floors, rugs and carpets. See whether it comes with an upholstery tool and a crevice tool. Que Choisir assesses suction on wood floors, tiles and carpet separately. | I switch between hard floors and rugs, so I need brushes suited to both. If I also clean cushions or narrow spaces, I check that the relevant accessories are included. |
| Bag or bin | Look at how it’s emptied, the reference for any bags and how the filters need to be maintained. Que Choisir says bagged models expose users to less dust than bagless ones; the bin on a bagless model needs emptying. | To minimise contact with dust, I’d consider a bagged model. If I’d rather not use bags, I’m happy to empty the bin and maintain the filters. |
| Noise and manoeuvrability | Compare noise levels measured under similar conditions, operating radius and ease of movement. Check these details for the exact model number. | If I’m cleaning several rooms in one go, operating radius matters. I also consider how noisy the vacuum is while I’m cleaning. |
| Maintenance and repairability | Note the appliance’s full model reference and check that bags, filters and brushes are compatible. In France, vacuum cleaners are among the product categories covered by the repairability index, according to the ministries responsible for the ecological transition. | I want to be able to find the right consumables and replace worn parts without choosing the wrong reference. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Assuming one ‘all-floor’ head will suit every surface
Performance can vary between wood floors, tiles and carpet, and a floorhead may not be suitable for upholstery or awkward corners. Que Choisir tests these floor types separately.
List the surfaces in your home and check which brushes come with the exact model, as well as what each one is designed for.
If the accessory you need isn’t included, you’ll have to find a compatible brush or adapter.
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Choosing a bagless model without considering bin maintenance
Going without bags doesn’t mean you can avoid emptying the bin or maintaining the filters. Que Choisir also tests suction as the bag, bin or filters fill with dust.
Before choosing, compare emptying the bin with replacing a bag, taking into account how comfortable you are with contact with dust.
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Ordering consumables without checking the model reference
Bags and filters may only fit certain model ranges. Electrolux uses the PNC product number to identify compatible parts, while Miele has several different bag ranges.
Make a note of your vacuum cleaner’s full reference and check the brand’s compatibility catalogue before choosing consumables.
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Relying on motor power alone
Motor power on its own doesn’t tell you how well a vacuum will perform on each surface. Que Choisir’s testing looks at performance on different floor types and how it changes as dust builds up.
Also check the included brushes, noise level, operating radius and maintenance requirements. For applicable appliances in France, look at the repairability index too.
A guide to some of the brands
Rowenta
Two bagged cylinder vacuums show how included accessories can vary.
- Rowenta lists the Silence Force Effitech at 57 dB(A) on maximum power, with a 12 m operating radius, a 4.5 L bag, a parquet floorhead and a mini turbo brush.
- The Power XXL parquet comes with different accessories. Check the list for the exact model you’re considering, along with compatible bags.
Philips
The FC9331/09 is an example of a bagless cylinder vacuum to consider for a variety of floor types.
- Philips lists a TriActive floorhead, a parquet floorhead and a 1.5 L bin for this model.
- The bin needs emptying and the filters need maintaining. The manufacturer’s specifications aren’t the same as independent test results.
Electrolux
The brand offers bagged cylinder vacuums, as well as a catalogue of consumables and spare parts.
- For the EB61H6SW, Electrolux lists an all-floor brush, a 12 m operating radius and a 3.5 L bag.
- These specifications apply to the EB61H6SW, not every Electrolux 600 model. Check the PNC before choosing a part or consumable.
Miele
Miele accessories and bags are split across several ranges of bagged vacuum cleaners.
- Miele lists different compatibility details for its GN, TU and FJM bags, as well as a range of brushes, nozzles and filters.
- Compatibility with one model range doesn’t mean an accessory will fit every model. Check your appliance’s reference and the accessories actually included.
Bagged cylinder vacuum cleaners on Joybuy
These two bagged Electrolux models are worth considering if you’re looking for a cylinder vacuum for different floor types. Compare the accessories included with each model before deciding, especially if you also clean upholstery.
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Electrolux 600 EB61C4OG, bagged
If you switch between hard floors, rugs and upholstery, check which brushes are included with this model, especially whether it comes with a turbo brush if you regularly deal with fibres and pet hair. Also check the listed noise level for this model and which bags and filters are compatible.
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Electrolux EB61C2GRN, bagged, 550 W, black
If you mainly clean hard floors and other surfaces, check which brushes come with the EB61C2GRN. For upholstery or pet hair, check separately whether it includes a turbo brush, and note the reference for compatible bags and filters.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a parquet brush for delicate hard floors?
Check the flooring manufacturer’s recommendations and choose a brush specifically designed for delicate floors. Philips describes the one supplied with the FC9331/09 as having soft bristles and being designed to clean hard floors without scratching them. This doesn’t guarantee that every brush will be suitable for every parquet floor.
When should you change a cylinder vacuum’s bag or filter?
Follow the instructions and indicators for your model. Electrolux recommends checking whether the bag is full or the filter is clogged, then replacing the relevant part. For its S-bag appliances, the brand also recommends replacing the motor filter when you change the bag.
How do you choose compatible bags and filters?
Note your vacuum cleaner’s full reference before checking the brand’s catalogue. Electrolux asks you to provide the PNC to identify a compatible part, while Miele’s GN, TU and FJM bags are designed for different model ranges.
Does the repairability index apply to vacuum cleaners in France?
Yes. According to the ministries responsible for the ecological transition, vacuum cleaners are among the product categories covered by the repairability index in France. When comparing models, check the index for each specific appliance rather than assuming it’s the same across a product range.