Households looking to handle less dust
If you’re concerned about opening a dust container when emptying your vacuum, start by considering a bagged cylinder model. Check how the bag seals and whether compatible bags are readily available.
Which option is right for you?
Homes with mixed flooring and carpets
If you need to clean hard floors, rugs and carpets, check which floorheads and brushes are supplied for each surface rather than focusing solely on the electrical power.
People who prefer quick clean-ups
A cordless stick vacuum can make short cleaning sessions easier. A robot vacuum can take care of regular cleaning in accessible areas, but its dust container and brushes will still need looking after.
What should you look for?
When choosing a vacuum for everyday cleaning of floors, rugs and carpets, start with your priorities: handling less dust when emptying, cleaning different surfaces, making quick clean-ups easier or automating some of the housework.
| Criterion | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Emptying and filtration | Check how the bag seals or how to empty the dust container, then check which filter is designed for the model. | I want to dispose of dirt without opening a container beside me, even if that means replacing bags; around 36% of consumers would make reducing dust handling their priority. |
| Floors and carpets | Check which floorheads are actually supplied for your hard floors, rugs or carpets, and look for test results on those surfaces. | My home has several types of flooring, so having a suitable floorhead for each is my main concern; this would be the priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Frequent clean-ups | For a stick vacuum, compare its weight in your hand and the dust container’s capacity with the battery life for the mode and brush you plan to use. | I need to be able to grab the vacuum for a quick clean without having to commit to a long cleaning session; around 21% of consumers would prioritise this ease of use. |
| Automated cleaning | Check which areas need cleaning, how the robot handles carpets and how often you’ll need to empty the robot or its docking station. | If I can schedule regular cleaning at home, I want to cut down on manual housework while still having a solution for other areas; around 14% of consumers would put automation first. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing based on wattage alone
The motor’s electrical power doesn’t, on its own, tell you how well a vacuum will clean a carpet or hard floor. UFC-Que Choisir also recommends considering the floorhead, accessories and flooring.
Check which brushes come with the model you’re considering, then look for comparable tests on the types of flooring in your home.
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Assuming “bagless” means “maintenance-free”
A bagless cylinder vacuum saves you from replacing bags, but you’ll still need to empty its dust container and maintain its filters. A filtration claim alone doesn’t tell you how much contact you’ll have with dust when emptying it.
Read the instructions for emptying the model, check the maintenance guidance and make sure compatible filters are available.
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Assuming the maximum battery life will last through a big clean
For a cordless stick vacuum, the maximum battery life quoted may apply to a less demanding mode. UFC-Que Choisir points out that battery life decreases as the power setting increases.
Compare the battery life for the mode and brush you plan to use, especially on carpets.
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Expecting a robot vacuum to replace all manual cleaning
According to UFC-Que Choisir, a robot vacuum’s performance varies depending on the type of flooring. Obstacles, hard-to-reach areas and maintenance of the dust container also need to be considered.
Think of it as a helping hand for accessible areas, and keep a manual option for places it can’t clean.
Brands to know
Miele
Worth a look if you’re after a bagged cylinder vacuum and easy bag removal matters to you.
- Miele says its GN HyClean Pure bag seals automatically when removed.
- This feature applies to this consumable, so check it’s compatible with the vacuum you’re considering.
Rowenta
One option to compare if you’re looking for a bagged cylinder vacuum for cleaning several rooms.
- Rowenta describes the Power XXL Animal Care RO3172EA as having a Hygiene+ bag and a stated capacity of 4,5 L.
- These specifications apply to this model; check which brushes are supplied and which bags are compatible before you buy.
Philips
Consider this brand if you want a bagless cylinder vacuum and are happy to maintain its dust container and filters regularly.
- Philips states that the FC9331/09 has Allergy H13 filtration.
- The filtration and accessories for this model shouldn’t be assumed to apply to other Philips vacuums.
Dyson
One to consider if you’re after a cordless stick vacuum for frequent, quick clean-ups.
- Dyson states that the V15 Detect Absolute offers up to 60 minutes of battery life.
- This maximum doesn’t guarantee the same battery life at a higher power setting or with a different brush; compare the conditions it was measured under.
iRobot
Worth a look if you want to automate some of your cleaning on accessible floors.
- iRobot says its compaction system means you need to empty the Roomba 205 DustCompactor Combo less often.
- This model-specific feature doesn’t mean you can skip checking how it moves around your home or maintaining the robot.
Vacuums for different needs
These models suit four distinct needs: a robot vacuum as a helping hand, a bagged cylinder vacuum, a bagless cylinder vacuum and a cordless stick vacuum. Start by choosing the cleaning style that works for your floors and the way you prefer to handle dust.
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roborock Q7 L5+ robot vacuum cleaner with automatic emptying, black
Worth considering as a helping hand for automated cleaning on accessible floors, without assuming it’ll perform equally well on every carpet.
The product description lists LiDAR navigation, automatic emptying and stated suction power of 8 000 Pa. Check which bags are compatible with the docking station and whether the robot can reach the areas you want to clean.
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Electrolux 600 EB61C4OG bagged cylinder vacuum cleaner
A bagged model is worth considering if you want to handle less dust during your main cleaning session.
Before choosing this model, check how the bag seals when removed, which bags are compatible and whether the supplied floorheads suit your floors.
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Philips FC9556/09 5000 Series bagless vacuum cleaner with LED, blue
This bagless cylinder vacuum is worth considering if you want a mains-powered model without replacement bags, as long as you’re happy to empty the dust container and maintain the filters.
Check which brushes are supplied for your flooring. If electrical power is part of your decision, confirm the figure for the FC9556/09 before comparing models.
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MONSGA X UNINELLHOME UV5 cordless stick vacuum cleaner
A cordless stick vacuum is worth considering for frequent, quick clean-ups, but bear in mind that you’ll still need to empty its dust container.
The product description states that it offers up to 65 minutes of battery life. Compare this with the mode and brush you plan to use, then check how to empty it.
Frequently asked questions
Is a HEPA filter enough to avoid handling dust?
No. Filtering the air the vacuum releases and emptying its dust container are two separate things. Check the filter on the model you’re considering and its maintenance instructions, then separately check how the bag seals or how to empty the dust container.
Is a bagged vacuum always better for carpets?
No. You’ll also need a floorhead that’s suitable for the rugs or carpets in your home. UFC-Que Choisir reports that bagged cylinder vacuums performed better than bagless models in its tests, but when choosing a particular vacuum you should also consider its brushes and how well it cleans the flooring you have.
How should I interpret a stick vacuum’s stated battery life?
Maximum battery life isn’t guaranteed across all settings. UFC-Que Choisir points out that it’s generally measured at low power, so compare the stated battery life with the mode and brush you plan to use for your cleaning.
What should I do with an old vacuum cleaner in France?
Look into options for reusing it or taking it to a collection point for electrical and electronic equipment. France’s Ministry for Ecological Transition outlines a collection and recycling scheme for this equipment in France; check the options available when replacing your vacuum or through your local collection point.