For regular cleaning of floors, carpets and upholstery, start by choosing a cylinder vacuum cleaner with tools suited to the surfaces in your home. If you’d rather handle less dust when emptying the machine, consider models with a bag: in its tests, Que Choisir reports less exposure than with bagless models, although you’ll need to replace the bags. A bagless model needs its bin emptied and filters maintained. A cordless stick vacuum can make quick clean-ups easier, but check its battery life before relying on it as your only vacuum cleaner.
If you switch between hard floors, rugs and carpets, check the main floorhead, cleaning reach and ease of manoeuvring. Que Choisir recommends comparing these practical features when choosing a cylinder vacuum cleaner.
For sofas, cushions, stairs or fabrics covered in pet hair, check that a suitable brush is included or compatible. Electrolux, Rowenta and Philips offer mini turbo brushes for some of these uses, depending on the accessory and model.
If you’d prefer to handle less dust when cleaning your vacuum, first compare bagged and bagless collection systems. Que Choisir found less exposure with bagged models in its tests. Then check which bags and filters are compatible with the model you’re considering.
First choose tools suited to your floors and upholstery, then compare the machines for manoeuvrability, noise and the level of maintenance you’re happy to take on.
Worth considering: for regular cleaning sessions if you want to handle less dust when emptying the machine.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to replace compatible bags and move a corded machine around.
Worth considering: if you’d rather empty a reusable bin and the floorhead and accessories suit your surfaces.
Bear in mind: you’ll handle dust when emptying the bin and need to maintain the filters.
Worth considering: for quick, frequent clean-ups or stairs.
Bear in mind: check the battery life for longer sessions. Que Choisir also notes that cordless stick vacuums often have limited power.
| Feature | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Floors and upholstery | Check which floorheads are supplied for your flooring and whether there’s a suitable tool for upholstery. | If I move from hard floors to rugs and then to the sofa, I want the right tools without assuming they’re all included in the box. Around 36% of consumers prioritise this coverage of different surfaces. |
| Dust when emptying | Compare bagged and bagless collection systems and how the dust is removed. | When I empty my vacuum, I want to handle as little dust as possible. This is the top concern for around 29% of consumers. |
| Manoeuvrability and reach | Consider the weight you’ll need to handle, the vacuum’s reach and any tools that help you clean up high. | For stairs, corners or the tops of furniture, I want a vacuum that’s easy to move and manoeuvre. Around 21% of consumers put this kind of access at the top of their list. |
| Maintenance and consumables | Find out which bags or filters are compatible and follow the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions. | I want to know what tasks I’ll need to do after each session or as I use the vacuum. Maintenance is the top priority for around 14% of consumers. |
A mini turbo brush sold for certain fabrics may depend on the connector or a list of compatible models. Just because it appears in an accessories catalogue doesn’t mean it comes in the box.
Check the list of accessories included with the exact model number and make sure they’re compatible before choosing a separate tool.
A separate accessory may also need an adaptor and take up extra storage space.
You’ll need to empty the bin and maintain the filters according to the model’s instructions. For example, Philips recommends replacing the motor and exhaust filters in its FC8010/01 kit annually.
Before choosing a bagless model, check the compatible filter references and their maintenance instructions.
Emptying and cleaning the bin takes time, even when you don’t use bags.
According to Que Choisir, cordless stick vacuums are generally suited to quick clean-ups, while their battery life and power are often limited.
If you need to clean several rooms, carpets and upholstery, compare battery life under the conditions you care about before making one your only vacuum cleaner.
Used vacuum cleaners should be disposed of as electrical and electronic equipment.
To get rid of yours, ask about the take-back service offered when you buy a new appliance, or use a collection point or recycling centre, as recommended by the government departments responsible for the ecological transition.
The Complete C3 range of bagged cylinder vacuums includes models worth considering if pet hair, parquet or crevices are part of your cleaning routine.
Silence Force models with or without a bag let you compare different collection systems and sets of accessories.
Philips offers bagless cylinder vacuums and mini turbo accessories to consider for upholstery.
This selection includes one bagless cylinder vacuum and two bagged models for cleaning different surfaces. If sofas and bedding are a priority, always check which accessories are included with the model you choose.
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Worth considering if you switch between hard floors, rugs and furniture and don’t mind emptying a bin after use.
This model is bagless, with LED lighting and a rated power of 900 W. Check the maintenance instructions and which filters are compatible with the FC9556/09.
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Worth considering for cleaning several rooms with different floor types if you prefer a bagged vacuum.
If sofas or bedding are a priority, check that the turbo brush is suitable for these fabrics and confirm what’s included in the box. Also find out which bags are compatible with the EB61C4OG.
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Worth considering for regular cleaning of floors in several rooms if you prefer a bagged cylinder vacuum.
The stated rated power is 550 W, but this alone doesn’t tell you how well it will clean carpets or upholstery. If those surfaces matter to you, check which accessories are included or compatible with the EB61C2GRN, as well as the reference for its bags.
It’s worth considering if you regularly clean these fabrics. Electrolux, Rowenta and Philips offer mini turbo brushes designed for upholstery and pet hair, among other uses. Check whether one is included with your vacuum or compatible with its fitting system.
It’s an option worth prioritising for this need: in its tests, Que Choisir reports less dust exposure with bagged models than with bagless ones. However, you’ll need to use compatible bags and replace them.
It may be suitable if its battery life and accessories cover your cleaning sessions, but don’t assume it will replace a cylinder vacuum for several rooms and surfaces. Que Choisir highlights the convenience of stick vacuums for quick clean-ups, as well as their frequent limitations in battery life and power.
Start with the exact vacuum model number, then check compatibility and the manufacturer’s instructions. How often filters need replacing depends on the model. For example, Philips recommends replacing the motor and exhaust filters in its FC8010/01 kit annually.