For a main vacuum cleaner used regularly across several surfaces, start by looking at test results for your flooring and the accessories actually included, rather than the motor power. Que Choisir distinguishes between bagged and bagless canister models in terms of dust collection and maintenance. For upholstery, a suitable attachment suggests it can be used for that purpose, but it doesn’t prove how well it will clean your sofa or bedding.
If you clean several rooms and floor types, compare test results for hard floors, parquet and carpets, as well as how easy the vacuum is to use for a full cleaning session. Que Choisir’s testing protocol assesses suction on different types of flooring.
If you also want to vacuum upholstery, check that the exact model and package include an upholstery or cushion nozzle. Bosch Electroménager France and Miele France list separate accessories for these uses. Their inclusion does not amount to a measured assessment of performance on all fabrics.
Compare how the bag is removed or the dust container emptied, then check the filter maintenance instructions. Que Choisir notes that cleaning a bagless dust container can expose users to dust.
Start with the surfaces you need to clean and the accessories required, then compare the models by dust collection, manoeuvrability and maintenance.
| Feature | What to check before buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Performance on floors and carpets | Look for separate test results for your floor types and check that the floor head is suitable for the surfaces you need to clean. | If your rooms have a mix of hard floors, parquet and carpets, compare the results for each rather than relying on a single claim. Around 28 % of consumers prioritise performance across several floor types. |
| Upholstery | Check that the package includes a nozzle for upholstery, cushions or bedding, and that it is compatible with the model. | If you want to vacuum your sofa, cushions or bedding, look for an accessory designed for those surfaces, but don’t mistake its inclusion for a measured performance result. Around 22 % of consumers prioritise cleaning upholstery. |
| Dust and filtration | Compare how the bag is removed or the dust container emptied, then check the filter maintenance instructions. | If you’d prefer to handle less dust during maintenance, look at how the vacuum is emptied as well as its filter. Around 17 % of consumers prioritise this. |
| Run time and manoeuvrability | For a canister vacuum, check its operating radius; for a cordless stick vacuum, check the run time in the mode and with the floor head you need. | If a cleaning session covers several rooms and floor types, you’ll want to avoid extra trips or interruptions that make cleaning more difficult. Around 22 % of consumers prioritise run time and ease of movement. |
| Maintenance and consumables | Check which bags and filters are compatible, and what cleaning tasks the manufacturer recommends. | If you want to spend less time on maintenance and consumables, compare the regular upkeep rather than just the dust collection system. Around 11 % of consumers make maintenance and running costs their main priority. |
Higher electricity consumption doesn’t guarantee better cleaning. Performance should be compared across different floor types and testing conditions.
Look for tests by floor type and check which floor heads are included for the way you plan to use the vacuum.
Accessories can vary by model number: a carpet brush won’t necessarily replace an upholstery nozzle.
Check the full model number and the list of included accessories before choosing a vacuum for upholstery.
If the right nozzle isn’t included, you may need to find a compatible accessory separately.
A bagless vacuum still needs its dust container emptied and its filters and brushes maintained. Washable filters must also be cared for according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Compare the maintenance required for each model number and check which parts are compatible.
Emptying and cleaning take time, and filters or other parts may also need replacing.
Maximum run time doesn’t tell you how long the vacuum will last in every mode. Que Choisir points out that using a rechargeable model at maximum power can reduce its run time.
Check the run time for the mode and floor head you need for your carpets.
If your cleaning session is interrupted, you may need to recharge the vacuum. Whether you can use an additional battery depends on the model and what’s included.
The Guard L1 Cat & Dog Flex is a bagged option to consider for carpets and accessible upholstery.
The bagged ProAnimal BGB41PET1 and bagless BGS41PET1 models let you compare two different dust collection systems.
The French Silence Force product page consulted features a bagged canister vacuum with accessories for different uses.
The V15 Detect Absolute is a cordless option to consider if you’re comparing floor heads for different surfaces.
Roomba models can help automate floor cleaning, alongside a manual vacuum for upholstery.
The options below include cordless stick vacuums for floors and upholstery, a bagged canister vacuum for several floor types, and a robot vacuum for floor maintenance alongside a manual vacuum.
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Its product description mentions carpets, hard floors and sofas, as well as conversion to a handheld vacuum for household use.
Advertised run time of up to 45 minutes; the description also lists a 1.8 L dust container and an anti-tangle V-shaped brush.
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This model is described as having brushes for several floor types, including a parquet brush and a turbo brush.
The description lists a 3.5 L dust bag, a washable filter and an advertised operating radius of 12 m.
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It is described as an option for automated floor maintenance, alongside a manual vacuum for upholstery.
The description lists carpet detection and a docking station that washes the mop pads at 75 °C.
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The description mentions carpets and hard floors, as well as a 2-in-1 tool for upholstery.
The description lists an advertised run time of up to 65 minutes in standard mode and a removable battery.
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The description lists carpets and hard floors, along with a combined brush for upholstery.
The description lists a removable battery and an advertised run time of up to 60 minutes.
Look for separate tests on the surfaces in your home. Que Choisir’s testing protocol distinguishes between hard floors, parquet with gaps, embedded dust in carpets and fibres designed to simulate pet hair. These results are not interchangeable.
Follow your model’s instruction manual and the guidance for its specific filter. The European Commission recommends regular maintenance: an overfull dust container or a blocked filter can reduce performance. Only wash a filter if the manufacturer says it is washable.
Don’t rely on the product range name alone. For Roomba Combo i models covered by iRobot’s guide, set no-mop zones when the mop pad is attached and follow the instructions for the model you buy.
No. The European Commission states that the energy labelling rules for vacuum cleaners under Delegated Regulation (EU) 665/2013 were annulled, and these products no longer carry that energy label. Ecodesign requirements are separate and do not cover certain products, including battery-powered vacuum cleaners and robots.
No. The DGCCRF explains that CE marking is not a certification mark; it does not replace suction tests on the surfaces you need to clean.