For a thorough clean of floors, rugs and upholstery, start by comparing cylinder vacuum cleaners and the accessories supplied for your surfaces. Que Choisir reports that, in its tests, bagged models vacuum more effectively than bagless ones. A bagless model is still worth considering if you’re happy to empty the bin and maintain its filters. A stick vacuum or robot is better suited to regular top-up cleaning: check how well it performs on your surfaces before relying on it as your only vacuum.
If you clean both hard floors and rugs or carpets, check which brush is supplied for each type of flooring. A parquet brush or turbo brush may also be useful, depending on your surfaces; don’t assume one comes with every model.
For pet hair on sofas, cushions or stairs, check whether an upholstery tool is included. A crevice tool can also come in handy for awkward gaps, but its inclusion depends on the model you choose.
Compare how the bag is removed or the bin emptied, then check the filter maintenance instructions. Electrolux, for example, describes an s-bag that seals when removed; check that it’s compatible with the model you’re considering.
First choose a format that suits your cleaning routine, then check the brushes, upholstery tools and maintenance requirements for the specific model.
| Criteria | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Format and dust collection | Compare bagged and bagless cylinder vacuums with stick vacuums, taking into account how long you clean for. Que Choisir reports that bagged models perform better in its tests; also check how to remove the bag or empty the bin. | I’m looking for a main vacuum for several types of flooring, or a manoeuvrable stick vacuum for quick clean-ups between thorough cleans. If I choose a bagless model, I’m happy to empty its bin. |
| Floors and rugs | Check which brush comes with the vacuum for your main floor type, then look for a parquet brush or turbo brush if your surfaces call for one. Don’t judge cleaning performance on wattage alone. | In my home, hard floors and rugs need suitable attachments for each, rather than a choice based solely on the advertised wattage. |
| Upholstery and awkward corners | Check whether a mini turbo brush, upholstery nozzle and crevice tool are included. The accessories can vary between models in the same range. | I want to be able to vacuum sofas and reach into gaps during the same cleaning session. |
| Maintenance and usability | Check which bags and filters are compatible, the instructions in the manual, and the stated capacity and operating radius. Also consider storage and noise if these matter in your home. | I’d like to know what maintenance is involved and how easy the vacuum is to move around before I choose. |
The advertised electrical power doesn’t, by itself, tell you how well a vacuum will clean a rug, parquet floor or pet hair. Que Choisir tests vacuum cleaners on different floors and types of dirt.
Look at results that are relevant to your flooring and check which brushes come with the specific model.
The bin needs to be emptied, and filters need to be maintained according to their type. Rowenta, for example, distinguishes between washable filters and those that need replacing.
Check the manual for instructions on cleaning the bin and filter. For a bagged model, find out which bags are compatible.
Emptying the bin and maintaining the filters also take time over the life of the vacuum.
Two models may come with different accessories. For example, Rowenta lists several tools for the G-Force Silence, but that doesn’t apply to its entire range.
Compare what’s in the box with your floors, upholstery and hard-to-reach areas.
The examples below highlight features to compare on specific models; they aren’t features shared by every vacuum cleaner from each brand.
The 600 EB61H6SW bagged cylinder vacuum is a useful point of comparison for homes with several types of flooring.
The Blizzard CX1 Parquet Flex is an example of a bagless cylinder vacuum to consider if you clean delicate hard floors.
The G-Force Silence is an example of a bagged cylinder vacuum whose accessories are worth checking closely if you need to clean upholstery and awkward corners.
This selection includes two bagged cylinder vacuums to consider as main appliances and three stick vacuums for supplementary cleaning, depending on your needs. Compare their accessories with the surfaces you need to clean before choosing.
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This format may suit a thorough clean with one main appliance. If you also need to vacuum rugs, sofas or awkward gaps, check which brushes and nozzles are included, as well as the type of compatible bags.
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If you’ll be using this model on several types of flooring, check which brushes are included. The 550 W in its name isn’t enough to determine how well it will clean rugs or upholstery; also check which bags are compatible.
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This corded stick vacuum is worth considering for supplementary cleaning on the surfaces in your home. The product name lists 65 kPa and 600 W; check which accessories are included and the maintenance instructions before considering it for a full clean.
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If you’re looking for a stick vacuum for quick clean-ups between thorough cleans, check that its accessories suit your floors and upholstery. The product name lists 45,000 Pa, up to 60 minutes’ run time and a removable battery; check the conditions for achieving that run time against your usual cleaning routine.
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For supplementary cleaning, check which tools on this stick vacuum are suitable for your rugs, upholstery and awkward gaps. Its name lists a 55-minute run time, a charging dock and an LED touchscreen; check the conditions for achieving the stated run time before planning a long cleaning session.
No: your choice also depends on your floors, the accessories included and how much maintenance you’re happy to do. Que Choisir reports that bagged models vacuum more effectively than bagless ones in its tests. If you prefer a bin, compare the brushes supplied with the model and be prepared to empty it and maintain the filters.
Look for a mini turbo brush or upholstery nozzle for fabrics, then check which brush is designed for your rugs. A crevice tool is useful for awkward gaps. Check that these are included with the exact model you’re considering: Rowenta France, for example, lists these types of tools for the G-Force Silence, but not for all its models.
Find out which bags and filters are compatible, then check the model’s manual to see how to maintain or replace them. With a bagless model, you’ll also need to empty the bin; with a bagged model, check which bag you need before buying.