Households cleaning different surfaces
You move from floors to the sofa, bedding or furniture, and want to have the right tools from the outset. UFC-Que Choisir highlights the importance of using accessories suited to each surface.
Who is this guide for?
Shoppers who think about maintenance
You want to choose between replacing bags and emptying a dust container, while checking which filters or consumables are right for your vacuum cleaner’s model number.
Users who value easy manoeuvrability
You often clean stairs, furniture or awkward corners and are considering a cordless stick vacuum. Its battery life and supplied accessories are still important if you also plan to clean fabrics.
What should you check before buying?
To clean floors and fabrics regularly, first choose the type of vacuum that suits the way you clean, then check exactly what’s included in the box.
Bagged cylinder vacuum
Consider it: for cleaning several rooms with a mains-powered vacuum without having to empty a dust container.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to buy bags that fit the model you choose.
Bagless cylinder vacuum
Consider it: if you want a mains-powered vacuum but don’t want to use bags.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to empty the dust container and follow the filter care instructions.
Cordless stick vacuum
Consider it: if moving between furniture, stairs and rooms is a priority.
Bear in mind: check that the battery life suits your cleaning sessions and that the supplied tools are suitable for fabrics.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Accessories and surfaces | Check which brushes are suitable for your floors, and whether nozzles for cushions, bedding or crevices are actually included. | If I also clean the sofa and bedding, I want to be able to switch between surfaces using the tools supplied. Around 45% of consumers might put this ability to clean different surfaces at the top of their list. |
| Maintenance and consumables | Choose between a bag and a dust container, then check the model numbers for bags or filters and their care instructions. | For regular cleaning, I want to know whether I’ll need to replace bags or empty a dust container and maintain the filters. Maintenance could be the main priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Manoeuvrability | Check whether you can reach awkward corners. For a mains-powered vacuum, also look at its operating radius; for a stick vacuum, check the stated battery life for each mode. | When I often clean stairs or under furniture, I want to move the vacuum around easily without stopping part-way through. Around 22% of consumers might make manoeuvrability their main priority. |
Mistakes to avoid
-
Assuming a compatible accessory is included
A tool designed for sofas or bedding may fit a range of vacuum cleaners without being included with the version you choose.
Check the list of items included with the exact model number and compare it with the surfaces you plan to clean.
A mini brush or fabric cleaning kit may need to be bought separately.
-
Overlooking the filter on a bagless model
How you clean or replace the filter depends on the part and the model. A filter from another range won’t meet your maintenance needs.
Make a note of the vacuum cleaner’s full model number and check the manufacturer’s instructions for the right filter.
-
Forgetting about bags for a bagged cylinder vacuum
Replacing bags is part of routine maintenance, so you’ll need to find the right compatible model.
Before choosing your vacuum cleaner, check the type of bag, the filters it uses and the availability of consumables.
-
Comparing motor wattage alone
Electrical power on its own doesn’t tell you how a vacuum cleaner performs on each of your surfaces. UFC-Que Choisir also looks at suction, ease of use and maintenance in its cylinder vacuum comparisons.
Look at the brush supplied, the surfaces it’s designed for and any comparable test results, rather than focusing on a single figure.
Brands to consider
Miele
Some Complete C3 bagged cylinder vacuums are worth considering if tools for cushions, crevices and furniture are important to you.
- Miele lists an upholstery nozzle, a crevice nozzle and a dusting brush for the Complete C3 125 Edition.
- Check which accessories come with the version you choose, and the model numbers for compatible bags and filters.
Rowenta
The range includes bagless cylinder vacuums, with accessories varying by model.
- Rowenta lists a parquet brush and tools for crevices and upholstery on the Silence Force Cyclonic Effitech Total Clean RO7961EA.
- Check that replacement filters are compatible with the exact model.
Electrolux
Its bagged cylinder vacuums show why it’s important to compare what’s included with each version.
- Electrolux lists an all-floor brush and a 12 m operating radius for the Ultra Silencer Plus EUSP-2CR.
- This model is listed without an additional accessory, while the 500 EB51A3WB is shown with different brushes.
Dyson
Its cordless stick vacuums may appeal if you prioritise reaching furniture and awkward corners.
- Dyson states that some versions of the V15 Detect Absolute come with several accessories.
- Kits sold separately are only compatible with certain model families, so check the version and what’s included in the pack.
Vacuum cleaners for these needs on Joybuy
These models are mainly suited to cordless cleaning of floors and hard-to-reach areas; the Hkoenig STC48 is also a bagless option. If you want one vacuum cleaner for both the sofa and bedding, pay particular attention to the accessories supplied with each model.
Image unavailable
Lubluelu 202 cordless stick vacuum cleaner
Worth considering for cordless floor cleaning. Check that the tools supplied also suit your fabric cleaning needs.
The product title states a maximum battery life of 50 minutes, a removable battery and a self-standing design. Check the battery life in the mode you’ll use and the filter care requirements.
Image unavailable
Monsga M100 cordless stick vacuum cleaner
Worth a look for floors and carpets if you prefer a cordless model. Check that it comes with a tool suitable for cleaning your sofa.
The product title states 55 000 Pa and up to 45 minutes of battery life, but doesn’t specify the conditions for these figures. Check the battery life for each mode and which filters are compatible.
Image unavailable
UNINELL HOME UV1 450 W cordless stick vacuum cleaner
Worth considering if you want to move a stick vacuum easily between different surfaces. Check which tools are designed for your fabrics.
The product title states up to 60 minutes of battery life, a removable battery and a self-standing design. Check the battery life for each mode and how to maintain the dust container and filter.
Image unavailable
A05 AlloyMove by MONSGA cordless stick vacuum cleaner
Worth a look for hard floors if you want a self-standing stick vacuum. Check separately for the accessories you’ll need for your sofa and bedding.
The product title states 550 W, 50 000 Pa and up to 80 minutes of battery life. These figures don’t specify battery life for each mode, so check the filter maintenance requirements too.
Image unavailable
Hkoenig STC48 bagless cyclonic vacuum cleaner
Worth a look if you’d rather not use bags for floor cleaning. Before choosing it for your whole home, confirm the exact configuration: the descriptions “cylinder” and “upright” contradict each other.
Also check whether it comes with a tool for fabrics and confirm the model number of the compatible filter.
Frequently asked questions
Are tools for sofas and bedding always included?
No. An accessory that’s compatible isn’t necessarily included. Miele lists upholstery and crevice nozzles for the Complete C3 125 Edition, while Electrolux states that no additional accessory is included with the Ultra Silencer Plus EUSP-2CR. Check what comes with the version you’re considering.
How can I plan for maintenance on a bagged or bagless model?
For a bagged model, check which bags are compatible and whether they’re available. For a bagless model, find out how to empty the dust container and clean or replace its filter. The exact model number matters more than the range name alone.
Are watts enough to compare two cylinder vacuum cleaners?
No. Electrical power alone isn’t enough to choose a cylinder vacuum cleaner for different floors and fabrics. UFC-Que Choisir also considers suction, ease of use and maintenance, so check which brushes and nozzles are supplied for your surfaces too.
What warranty applies to a new vacuum cleaner bought from a retailer in France?
In France, you can claim the legal guarantee of conformity from the retailer for two years on a new product, according to the Ministry of the Economy. Any commercial guarantee is in addition to this and is subject to its own terms; the DGCCRF explains that it does not replace statutory guarantees.