Homes with several rooms and different floor types
If you clean hard floors, rugs, furniture and awkward corners, compare how well the vacuum performs on these surfaces, as well as the brushes and accessories actually included.
Who is this choice for?
Anyone looking to handle less dust
A bagged cylinder is worth considering: in its tests, UFC-Que Choisir found that bagged models expose users to less dust than bagless ones. Also check which bags are compatible with the model you’re considering.
Homes looking to automate routine cleaning
A robot vacuum can keep accessible floors clean between manual cleans. To find out what it can handle in your home, check how it performs on your floor types, particularly along edges and in corners.
Which features should you compare?
First decide what you need the appliance to do, then check that it can cover your floors and complete a cleaning session in a way that suits you.
Bagged cylinder vacuum
Consider it: for your main clean if strong suction and less exposure to dust are priorities, based on UFC-Que Choisir’s tests comparing bagged and bagless cylinder vacuums.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to replace compatible bags and move the appliance around with its power cord.
Bagless cylinder vacuum
Consider it: if you’d rather not use bags and don’t mind emptying the canister.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to maintain the filters and handle dust when emptying the canister. On this last point, UFC-Que Choisir’s tests favour bagged models.
Cordless stick vacuum
Consider it: as your main cleaner only if the battery life on the setting you need is enough to finish your cleaning route.
Bear in mind: recharging and emptying the dust container can interrupt a long cleaning session. UFC-Que Choisir considers this type better suited to quick, occasional cleans.
Robot vacuum
Consider it: as an extra appliance to keep accessible floors clean regularly.
Bear in mind: you may still need to clean surfaces and areas that the robot doesn’t handle well enough by hand. UFC-Que Choisir rates the mopping and vacuuming performance of most robot mops in its test as poor.
| Feature | What to check | Think about your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Surfaces and accessories | Compare test results for the types of flooring in your home. Check which brushes and accessories are included for upholstery and awkward corners. | I have floors, rugs or furniture to clean and don’t want to keep switching appliances. |
| Cleaning for longer | For a cylinder vacuum, check its operating radius and the capacity of the bag or canister. For a stick vacuum, check the battery life on the setting you’ll use and the charging time. | I want to clean several rooms without constantly changing sockets, emptying the canister or recharging. |
| Dust and maintenance | Check how the vacuum is emptied, along with its filters and maintenance requirements. In its tests, UFC-Que Choisir found that bagged cylinder vacuums expose users to less dust than bagless ones. | I’m not keen on handling the contents of a canister, so I’d rather compare bagged models and check which consumables they need. |
| Parts and repairability | Check the repairability rating shown for the model in question in France, along with the availability of parts and consumables. For a stick vacuum, find out whether the battery can be replaced. | If this becomes my main vacuum cleaner, I want to be able to maintain it and replace worn parts. |
What should you watch out for?
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Choosing a stick vacuum based on its maximum battery life
This figure may refer to a less demanding setting than the one you’ll need for rugs or certain types of dirt. On its own, it won’t tell you whether you’ll be able to finish cleaning.
Before making it your only vacuum cleaner, check the battery life on the setting you plan to use, the charging time and the capacity of the dust container.
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Assuming a bagless vacuum needs no maintenance
You’ll need to empty the canister and maintain the filters. Emptying it is especially important if you want to limit contact with dust.
Compare how easy it is to empty and the maintenance instructions with the task of replacing bags in a bagged model.
Cleaning the canister and filters takes time. Also check which replacement filters are suitable for the model.
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Assuming a docking station guarantees a robot mop will clean well
UFC-Que Choisir rates the mopping and vacuuming performance of most robot mops in its test as poor. The presence of a docking station doesn’t guarantee good results in your home.
Check test results for your floor types, rugs, edges and corners, then find out what maintenance the model requires.
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Forgetting about parts that wear out
You should be able to maintain a main vacuum cleaner throughout its working life. Bags, filters, brushes and, for a stick vacuum, the battery can all affect your choice.
Compare the repairability rating shown for the model in question in France, and check that compatible consumables and parts are available.
Which models show the different options?
These models highlight features to compare across different types of vacuum cleaner. Their inclusion here doesn’t mean they’re available on Joybuy.
Miele
The Guard M1 Flex is an example of a bagged cylinder vacuum. Miele France states that this model has an operating radius of 11 m.
- Compare this operating radius with the position of the power sockets in your home.
- Check which bags are compatible and that they’re available before choosing this model.
Philips
The PowerPro Expert FC9747/09 is an example of a bagless model: Philips France states that it has a 2 L canister and a 10 m operating radius.
- The canister capacity and operating radius can help you work out how often you might need to stop while cleaning.
- Remember to empty the canister and maintain the filters. These features don’t indicate how well the vacuum performs in tests.
Dyson
The Gen5detect Absolute is an example of a cordless stick vacuum. Dyson France states that it offers up to 70 minutes of battery life and describes the battery as replaceable.
- The battery’s replaceability is worth considering if you plan to use the stick vacuum as your main cleaner for a long time.
- The maximum battery life quoted isn’t enough to tell you how long it will last on the setting you need for your home.
Roborock
The Qrevo S Pro is a robot vacuum featured in Roborock France’s support documentation. It’s worth considering if you’re looking to automate floor care.
- A robot can help keep accessible floors clean between manual cleans.
- Check how the model performs on your floors and in corners rather than assuming it will be effective based on its category alone.
Cylinder vacuum cleaners available on Joybuy
These two options are both cylinder vacuum cleaners for your main clean: one is bagged and the other bagless. Compare their accessories and maintenance requirements against the surfaces in your home.
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Electrolux 600 EB61C4OG bagged vacuum cleaner
This bagged cylinder vacuum is designed to be a main cleaner for several rooms. Check that the included brushes suit your floor types, and that compatible bags and filters are available.
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Philips FC9556/09 Series 5000 LED, blue
This bagless cylinder vacuum is worth comparing for cleaning several surfaces, if you’re happy to empty the canister. Check that the included accessories suit your floors and furniture, and find out how to maintain the filters.
Frequently asked questions
Can a cordless stick vacuum be the only vacuum cleaner in a large home?
Only if it can finish your cleaning route on the setting you need. Check the battery life on that setting, the capacity of the dust container and the included brushes. UFC-Que Choisir considers cordless stick vacuums better suited to quick, occasional cleans.
Does a bagged cylinder vacuum help you avoid contact with dust?
In its tests comparing cylinder vacuums, UFC-Que Choisir found that bagged models expose users to less dust than bagless ones. If this is a priority for you, also check which bags are compatible and that they’re available.
Can a robot mop replace a thorough clean?
Don’t assume it can: UFC-Que Choisir rates the mopping and vacuuming performance of most robot mops in its test as poor. Check how it performs on your floors, rugs, edges and corners before relying on it for more than routine upkeep.
What should you check to keep a main vacuum cleaner in good working order?
In France, vacuum cleaners are among the product categories covered by the repairability rating, according to the ministry responsible for ecological transition. For the model you’re considering, check its displayed rating and find out whether compatible filters, brushes and other parts are available. For a stick vacuum, also check the battery.