For regular cleaning of floors and fabrics throughout your home, start by looking for a cylinder vacuum with brushes and nozzles that are genuinely suited to your surfaces. The Que Choisir guide distinguishes between bagged models, which may be preferable if you’re concerned about contact with dust when emptying, and bagless models, which require you to empty the canister and maintain the filters. If you also need to vacuum up liquids or larger debris, consider a wet and dry vacuum instead, but don’t assume it will be suitable for sofas and bedding.
You regularly move from floors to rugs, then on to the sofa, bedding or furniture. Que Choisir says a cylinder vacuum can handle these surfaces with different attachments. Check what comes with the model you’re considering rather than assuming it’s included.
You want to choose the way that suits you best to collect and dispose of dust: replacing a bag or emptying a canister, while keeping up with the recommended care for filters and brushes.
You need a main vacuum cleaner, but also have to carry it, move it between rooms and find somewhere to store it. Check the weight, wheels, operating radius, stated noise level and dimensions of the specific model.
For a thorough clean, start with the surfaces and types of dirt you need to tackle, then compare models based on how they handle dust and what they’re like to use. A secondary vacuum can make quick clean-ups easier, but it doesn’t replace choosing a main vacuum that’s right for more intensive cleaning.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Floors and fabrics | Compare test results on your floor coverings and check which brushes and nozzles are included for fabrics. | I want to move from parquet or tiles to a rug, then on to the sofa, without finding I’m missing an attachment; around 38% of consumers prioritise this ability to clean different surfaces. |
| Dust and maintenance | Choose between a bag and a canister based on which emptying method suits you; also check the filter care instructions. | I’m concerned about contact with dust when emptying the vacuum, and I want to be able to maintain its filters; this is the top priority for around 31% of consumers. |
| Handling and storage | Check the weight, operating radius, how easily it moves across your floors and how much storage space it needs. | If I need to carry the vacuum between floors or store it in a small space, ease of use comes before other criteria; around 23% of consumers make it their priority. |
| Wet or bulky debris | For a wet and dry vacuum, check which types of debris it can handle and whether it has attachments suited to household surfaces. | I regularly need to vacuum liquids or larger debris, and don’t want to confuse this with everyday cleaning of fabrics; around 8% of consumers prioritise this. |
The stated electrical power isn’t enough to tell you how well a vacuum will clean parquet, rugs or carpet. Que Choisir’s test protocol assesses performance on different floor types, so the brush and the type of dirt also matter when comparing models.
Look for tests on the floor coverings in your home, then check which attachments are included and what adjustments you can make to the floorhead.
A bagged cylinder vacuum needs compatible bags; a bagless model still requires you to empty the canister and maintain the filters and brushes.
Find out which bags or filters fit the exact model and read the replacement instructions before you order.
Being able to vacuum liquids or larger debris doesn’t guarantee that the vacuum comes with attachments suited to rugs, sofas or bedding.
If you don’t regularly deal with this kind of mess, compare cylinder vacuums that have the right attachments for your floors and fabrics too. Otherwise, check that the wet and dry vacuum you’re considering has suitable household attachments.
A filter, brush or hose may need replacing or repairing without the whole vacuum having to be replaced. Whether a part is available depends on the model.
Before you buy, check the repairability rating shown for the model and find out whether spare parts are available. If it develops a fault, explore repair options before disposing of it.
Miele offers cylinder vacuums with and without bags. Some models may appeal if you’re looking for a parquet brush or attachments for furniture.
Philips offers cylinder vacuums with and without bags. They’re worth considering if size and attachments for hard floors are among your priorities.
Rowenta’s cylinder vacuum range includes models with and without bags. Compare specific models if noise, operating radius or attachments will influence your choice.
Kärcher’s wet and dry vacuum range is designed for a different priority: dealing with wet mess or larger debris, particularly around a car or in a workshop.
These two bagged cylinder vacuums are worth considering as a main vacuum cleaner. If your cleaning routine also includes sofas and bedding, check which nozzles come with each model and compare test results on your floor coverings.
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This bagged cylinder vacuum could work as your main cleaner if you’d rather replace a bag than empty a canister.
For sofas and bedding, check whether it comes with an upholstery nozzle. Also check which bags are compatible and look for test results on your floors and fabrics.
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This bagged model is also suited to people looking for a cylinder vacuum for everyday cleaning around the home.
Its stated power is 550 W: that alone doesn’t tell you how well it will clean rugs or fabrics. Check which nozzles are included and which bags are compatible with the EB61C2GRN.
Choose based on how you prefer to handle dust and maintenance, then compare how the models perform on your surfaces. The Que Choisir guide notes that bagged cylinder vacuums have an advantage when it comes to suction and reduce exposure to dust when it’s disposed of. A bagless model means no bags to buy, but you’ll need to empty the canister and maintain the filters.
Check for an upholstery nozzle, a long crevice nozzle and, if your floors need one, a brush designed for parquet. A cylinder vacuum can clean all these surfaces, but the attachments included vary by model.
No: the stated wattage alone isn’t enough to compare performance on floors and fabrics. Que Choisir assesses suction on different floor coverings, among other things, so look for test results that reflect your surfaces and the types of dirt you encounter.
Replace the bag or empty the canister as instructed, maintain the filters according to the model’s guidance and remove any fibres caught in the brushes. Before choosing, check that you’re happy with these tasks and that consumables are easy to access.
Yes. The rating shown for a particular model gives you another way to compare its repairability. If you’re choosing a vacuum in France, consider it alongside spare-part availability and repair options for that specific model; it doesn’t tell you about suction or accessories on its own.