For regular, thorough cleaning of rugs or carpets, start by looking at cylinder vacuum cleaners with a suitable floorhead, then compare their test results on fabric rather than focusing solely on motor wattage. A cordless stick vacuum is another option if ease of use matters more, provided you check how well it performs on carpets and how long the battery lasts on the required setting. You can then choose between a bagged or bagless model based on the maintenance you’re happy to take on.
If dust and fibres remain trapped in the fabric after a quick vacuum, look for a main vacuum cleaner with measured test results on carpets. Also check which floorhead is included or compatible with the model you’re considering.
If you need to move from rugs to wooden floors or tiles, and then clean upholstery, check which tools are suitable for each surface and whether they fit the model you’re considering.
If emptying the vacuum, replacing bags or cleaning filters will affect your choice, compare the maintenance involved for each model before deciding between a bagged and bagless design.
For a deep clean of fabric surfaces, choose between a cylinder and a stick vacuum before deciding whether you want a bag or a bin. First check how well it cleans your flooring, then consider ease of use and maintenance.
Worth considering: for regular cleaning of rugs, carpets and other floors with a suitable floorhead.
Bear in mind: it’s a corded appliance that’s generally bulkier to move and store than a stick vacuum.
Worth considering: if frequent quick cleans and easy storage matter more, as long as it performs well on your rugs and carpets.
Bear in mind: battery life limits how long you can use it. Que Choisir also notes that stick vacuums may be less effective on thick rugs and carpets.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning rugs and carpets | Compare tests carried out on fabric for the exact models you’re considering, and check which floorhead was used. Motor wattage alone isn’t enough to predict performance. | If dust and fibres remain in my rugs, I want to know what the vacuum actually removes before prioritising ease of use. Around 37% of shoppers put fabric cleaning first. |
| Suitability for different floor types | Check which brushes are included and whether accessories for rugs, hard floors or upholstery are compatible. | If I move from rugs to wooden floors and upholstery, I need suitable tools and can’t assume they’ll all fit the same vacuum. For around 27% of shoppers, this versatility comes ahead of other criteria. |
| Dust collection and maintenance | Check the stated capacity of the bag or bin, then read the instructions for emptying it, cleaning the filters and replacing consumables. | For longer cleaning sessions, I’d rather plan for interruptions and maintenance than choose based on the format alone. Dust collection and maintenance are the top priority for around 18% of shoppers. |
| Ease of use and battery life | For a stick vacuum, check the battery life on the setting you’ll need for rugs and carpets, and how easy it is to maintain the brush. | When I clean several surfaces regularly, I want to be able to pick up and put away the vacuum easily, without having to stop halfway through a carpet because the battery has run out. Around 18% of shoppers prioritise ease of use and battery life. |
The stated electrical power doesn’t tell you on its own how much dirt a vacuum will remove from a rug. Que Choisir highlights the importance of the floorhead’s design in particular.
Look for test results on rugs or carpets for the exact model, and check which floorhead was used in the test.
A turbo brush won’t necessarily fit every tube or locking system. The wrong brush can limit how useful the vacuum is for your flooring.
Before choosing a vacuum cleaner, check which accessories are included, their reference numbers and the compatibility details.
Depending on the model you choose, you may need to buy a compatible brush separately.
You’ll still need to empty the bin and maintain the filters as instructed. Rowenta says that a clogged filter can affect suction on its bagless models.
Check which filters are washable or replaceable, as well as the model’s cleaning and drying instructions.
The advertised battery life may refer to a different setting from the one you’ll need for carpets. Que Choisir also advises paying particular attention to how stick vacuums perform on fabric surfaces.
Compare carpet performance and battery life on the same setting, then check whether the battery can be replaced.
A brand worth considering if you’re looking for a cylinder vacuum with tools for different floor types.
A brand to consider if compatibility with a turbo brush is important to you.
A brand worth considering if you’re looking at a bagged Henry cylinder vacuum.
These models include a bagged cylinder vacuum and cordless stick vacuums to consider for rugs, carpets and a range of floor types. For each one, compare the stated specifications with the included accessories and test results for your flooring before making a choice.
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A bagged cylinder vacuum is worth considering for regular cleaning of rugs and different floor types. Check which brushes are included with this model and how it performs in tests on the fabric surfaces in your home.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a cordless stick vacuum with tools for different surfaces. The product name states a suction power of 55 kPa, but this figure isn’t a substitute for test results on rugs and carpets. Also check the battery life on the setting you’ll need for cleaning.
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This stick vacuum may appeal if you want a cordless appliance for frequent quick cleans. Its name states 55,000 Pa and 45 minutes of battery life, but doesn’t specify which setting that runtime applies to on rugs and carpets. So compare the test results on fabric and the battery life on the setting you’ll need.
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Worth considering if you’d prefer a cordless stick vacuum with an anti-tangle brush for different floor types. The product name states 65 kPa and up to 70 minutes of battery life, but doesn’t specify which setting that runtime applies to. Check carpet performance, battery life on the setting you need and the filter maintenance instructions separately.
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This cordless model is worth considering if ease of use matters when cleaning different surfaces. Its name states 60,000 Pa and up to 65 minutes of battery life, but doesn’t specify which setting that runtime applies to. Check which accessories are actually included, how it performs on rugs and carpets, and its runtime on the setting you’ll use.
Compare their carpet test results using a similar method, rather than focusing solely on motor wattage. In its stick vacuum tests, Que Choisir measures how much dust is removed after one and then three passes, and also checks how well fibres are removed from a standardised rug. Check which floorhead was used for each result.
A bagged cylinder vacuum is worth considering if you want to reduce how often you empty it and limit your exposure to dust during maintenance. In its cylinder vacuum guide, Que Choisir says bagged models come out ahead on these points and on suction. A bagless model may suit you if you’d rather not buy bags and are happy to empty the bin and maintain the filters as instructed. Then compare the test results for the exact models on your rugs and carpets.
No. Compatibility depends in part on the tube and attachment system. Rowenta says its Maxi Turbo Brush Pro ZR900701 fits 32 mm tubes, or 35 mm tubes with an adapter, but isn’t suitable for appliances with a Lock System attachment. Always check your vacuum cleaner’s reference number before choosing an accessory.
The repairability index helps you assess how easy it may be to repair a vacuum cleaner covered by France’s labelling scheme; it doesn’t measure how well it cleans rugs and carpets. The French government departments responsible for ecological transition include vacuum cleaners among the products covered. Check the index alongside test results for your flooring and the list of compatible accessories.