For regular cleaning across different types of flooring, rugs and carpets, start by looking at cylinder vacuums. UFC-Que Choisir reports that, in its tests, bagged models vacuum more effectively than bagless ones and expose users to less dust. A bagless model may suit you if you’d rather avoid buying bags and are happy to empty the bin and maintain the filters. A cordless stick vacuum can complement your cleaning routine, or work as your only vacuum if its battery life and brush heads are up to the job.
If one appliance needs to clean all your floor coverings, check which brush heads are included and look for test results for each type of flooring, rather than focusing on motor wattage alone. UFC-Que Choisir’s testing protocol assesses tiles, wooden floors and carpet separately.
How you dispose of the collected dust is worth considering. UFC-Que Choisir says bagged cylinder vacuums expose users to less dust than bagless models, although you’ll need to replace the bags.
If you’re considering a compact cylinder vacuum or a cordless stick vacuum, make sure its operating range or battery life suits your home. Bin capacity and brush heads also matter if it’s going to handle all your cleaning.
First, choose a type that can handle a full cleaning session. Then check the brush heads and how you’ll need to dispose of the dust.
Worth considering: as your main appliance for different types of flooring if you want to handle less dust. UFC-Que Choisir’s tests also found that bagged models vacuum more effectively than bagless ones.
The trade-off: you’ll need to plug in and move the vacuum, then replace the bags.
Worth considering: if you prefer a reusable bin and don’t mind emptying it and maintaining the filters.
The trade-off: according to UFC-Que Choisir, emptying the bin involves more handling of dust than replacing a bag.
Worth considering: as an extra appliance, or as your only vacuum if its battery life in the mode you’ll use and its brush heads are suitable for a full cleaning session.
The trade-off: the maximum battery life quoted doesn’t guarantee you’ll finish cleaning your rugs and carpets before it needs recharging.
| Factor | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning different floor coverings | Identify the main types of flooring in your home and check which brush heads come with the exact model. Look for separate test results for rugs, carpets and hard floors. | If I have rugs alongside wooden floors, I want my main appliance to suit both, rather than relying on wattage alone. Around 42% of consumers prioritise cleaning multiple surfaces. |
| Dust collection and maintenance | Check how to replace the bags or empty the bin, and how to maintain the filters. Compare the repairability index for the exact model. | For regular cleaning, I want to know how to dispose of the dust and maintain the appliance over time. Around 33% of consumers put dust collection and maintenance first. |
| Ease of use and cleaning time | Compare the weight, stated noise level and operating range. For a stick vacuum, check the battery life in each mode and the bin capacity. | When I clean the whole home, I need to be able to move the appliance around and finish without an inconvenient interruption. Around 25% of consumers prioritise ease of use throughout a full cleaning session. |
Wattage alone doesn’t tell you how well a vacuum will clean rugs or the gaps between floorboards. UFC-Que Choisir highlights the importance of the vacuum head and tests different floor coverings separately.
Make a note of the flooring in your home, check which brush heads come with the exact model and look for test results that cover those surfaces.
A bagged model needs compatible bags; a bagless model needs its bin emptied. In both cases, you’ll need to maintain the filters as instructed in the manual.
Before you buy, check the reference numbers for consumables and find out how to clean the filters. ADEME also advises against letting a bag get too full.
The stated battery life of a stick vacuum depends on how it’s used. On its own, it isn’t enough to tell you whether it can replace a cylinder vacuum throughout your home.
Compare how long you usually spend cleaning with the stated battery life in the mode you plan to use. Then check the charging time and which brush heads you’ll need for your rugs.
Being able to take the appliance apart and get replacement parts can matter if a filter, brush or other component needs replacing.
If you’re buying a new vacuum cleaner sold in France, compare the repairability index for the exact model and keep its reference number so you can find compatible parts.
The Guard L1 series includes bagged cylinder vacuums worth considering for cleaning your home.
The Compact Power Cyclonic XXL Animal Complete is an example of a bagless cylinder vacuum for regular cleaning.
The Performer Silent FC8780/19R1 is a bagged model worth considering if noise levels and operating range matter to you.
The Gen5detect is an example of a cordless stick vacuum to consider as an extra, or as your main appliance once you’ve checked how long cleaning takes in your home.
This selection includes bagged and bagless cylinder vacuums for regular cleaning, along with a cordless stick vacuum to consider as an extra or after checking its battery life for a full session. Before choosing, make sure the accessories suit your floor coverings.
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A bagged cylinder vacuum worth considering if you’re looking for a main appliance for different types of flooring and would rather not empty a bin. Check which brush heads come with this model for your rugs and carpets, and make sure you can get compatible bags.
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An option if you’d rather empty a bin than replace bags. The name of this version specifies 900 W and LED lights, but these details don’t tell you how well it will clean your rugs. Check which brush heads are included and how to maintain the filter.
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A bagged cylinder vacuum to compare for regular cleaning around the home. Its stated motor power is 550 W, but your choice should mainly depend on the brush heads included and your floor coverings. If removing dirt embedded in rugs is a priority, check which accessories come with this version.
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Worth considering as an extra, or as your main appliance if its run time suits your home. The product name states up to 45 minutes and mentions an anti-tangle brush. Before making it your only vacuum, check the battery life in the mode you plan to use and make sure it has the accessories you need for your rugs.
Check that the model comes with brush heads suited to each type of flooring in your home. UFC-Que Choisir tests tiles, wooden floors, rugs and carpets separately, so motor wattage alone can’t replace these results.
Yes, compared with a bagless cylinder vacuum, according to UFC-Que Choisir’s findings. However, you’ll need to replace the bags, so check they’re compatible with the exact model.
Follow the instructions for replacing the bag or emptying the bin, and for maintaining the filters and brush heads. ADEME advises, among other things, not to wait until a bag is too full.
Yes, if you’re buying a new vacuum cleaner sold in France: the French Ministry for the Economy states that this category must display a repairability index. Compare the index for the exact model rather than assuming that two models from the same brand are equally easy to repair.
No. In 2018, the General Court of the European Union annulled the regulation on energy labelling for vacuum cleaners. If an old energy rating still appears on a product page, don’t use it as your only basis for choosing between models. Check their features and look for test results relevant to your flooring.