Households looking for a main vacuum
If you regularly move between hard floors and carpets, then clean furniture and awkward corners, look for a cylinder vacuum with the right brushes and tools for each task.
Who is each option best for?
The size of your home isn’t the only thing to consider. Think about the surfaces you need to clean beyond the floors, and how much maintenance you’re happy to do.
Anyone deciding between a bag and a bin
It’s not just about how dust is collected, but also about maintenance: replacing a bag, or emptying a bin and cleaning its filters. UFC-Que Choisir also found that bagged models release less dust when emptied.
People in smaller homes and those who like quick clean-ups
A cordless stick vacuum can be handy for quick clean-ups or as a second vacuum alongside a cylinder model. If you plan to use it on its own, check its run time in the mode you’ll need and which accessories are included.
What should you check before choosing?
Start by choosing a format to suit the length of your cleaning sessions and the surfaces you need to cover. Then compare the accessories and maintenance requirements of the specific models you’re considering.
Bagged cylinder vacuum
Consider it: for regular cleaning throughout your home if you’d rather remove a bag than empty a bin.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to manage the cord and move the canister around, as well as replace the bags periodically.
Bagless cylinder vacuum
Consider it: as your main vacuum if you’d like to avoid bags and don’t mind emptying the bin.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to empty the bin and maintain the filters. UFC-Que Choisir’s tests found that bagged cylinder models offer better suction.
Cordless stick vacuum
Consider it: for a small home, quick clean-ups or as a second vacuum alongside a cylinder model.
Bear in mind: run time depends on the mode you use, so it’s particularly important to check this if you’re planning a full clean.
| What to consider | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Floors and accessories | Check which brush is designed for each floor type, and whether the vacuum comes with tools for crevices and furniture. Look at the accessories listed for the exact model. | I want one vacuum to move between hard floors and carpets, then clean the sofa, skirting boards and awkward corners. |
| Dust and fibres | Compare replacing a bag with emptying a bin, and check how easy it is to access the filters. If you often deal with hair or pet fur, look closely at the brush on the specific model. | Hair or pet fur builds up in my home, and I want a dust collection system that’s easy for me to maintain. |
| Moving around and cleaning time | For a cylinder vacuum, check the operating radius, weight and tube. For a stick vacuum, check the run time with the mode and brush you plan to use. | I need a vacuum that’s easy to manoeuvre throughout a full cleaning session, including between rooms, on stairs and when putting it away. |
| Maintenance and repairs | Look up the repairability index for the exact model sold in France, and check that the filters, bags, brushes and other parts you may need are available. Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions. | Before choosing, I want to know how to maintain the vacuum and where to get the right consumables. |
What should you watch out for?
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Judging a vacuum by motor wattage alone
According to the European Commission, a higher power consumption doesn’t necessarily mean better cleaning performance.
Compare the brush and accessories, and, if possible, look for test results on floor types similar to your own.
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Assuming a stick vacuum’s maximum run time means it lasts just as long at full power
The stated ‘up to’ run time varies depending on how the vacuum is used. In tests reported by UFC-Que Choisir, stick vacuums lasted an average of around ten minutes at full power.
For long cleaning sessions or lots of carpets, check the run time with the mode and brush you’ll need, or consider a cylinder vacuum as your main model.
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Thinking bagless means maintenance-free
You’ll need to empty the bin and maintain the filters on a bagless model. With a bagged model, you’ll need to replace the bag and follow the maintenance instructions too.
Before ordering, check how the bin and filters open, and find out which consumables fit the model you’ve chosen.
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Forgetting about replacement parts
The repairability index takes factors such as documentation, ease of disassembly and spare parts into account, but it doesn’t replace the need to check which parts you’ll need for a particular model.
Check the index for the exact model and look for its filters, brushes and other replaceable parts before you buy.
Which brands should you consider?
These examples show different formats and features you can compare. Their inclusion here doesn’t mean a model is available on Joybuy.
Miele
The Complete C3 125 Edition is an example of a bagged cylinder vacuum to consider if you also want to clean furniture and crevices.
- Miele lists a telescopic tube and tools for upholstery, furniture and narrow spaces for this model.
- Check the accessories included with the version actually on offer. Other Complete C3 models may come with different equipment.
Rowenta
The Silence Force Cyclonic Effitech RO7935EA is an example of the features to compare when looking at bagless cylinder vacuums.
- Rowenta lists a 2.5 L bin, 59 dB(A) at maximum power and a 12 m operating radius for this model.
- These specifications apply to this model only. The bin and filters still need maintaining.
Philips
The French product page for the Performer Silent FC8780/19R1 describes a refurbished bagged cylinder vacuum.
- Philips lists a 12 m operating radius and a noise level of 66 dB for this model.
- Check the product’s condition, the accessories included and the availability of bags and filters for the model on sale.
Dyson
The Gen5detect Absolute is an example of a cordless stick vacuum to consider for quick clean-ups or a smaller home.
- Dyson claims up to 70 minutes of run time and a 0.77 L bin for this model.
- The maximum stated run time doesn’t necessarily reflect use at high power. Check the run time under conditions that match the way you’ll clean.
Vacuum cleaners available on Joybuy
This selection includes a bagged cylinder vacuum, stick vacuums for smaller homes or quick clean-ups, and a bagless model whose exact format needs confirming. If you’re choosing a main vacuum, pay particular attention to the brushes and accessories included.
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Electrolux 600 EB61C4OG, bagged cylinder vacuum cleaner
Worth considering as a bagged main vacuum for your home’s floors. If you also want to vacuum furniture and awkward corners, check which tools come with this model.
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MONSGA X UNINELLHOME UV5, cordless stick vacuum cleaner
Its cordless design makes it a good fit for quick clean-ups or a smaller home. The product description claims up to 65 minutes of run time and an anti-tangle brush. Check how long it lasts in the mode you’ll use, and which tools are included for furniture.
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Monsga M100, cordless stick vacuum cleaner
Worth considering for occasional cleaning on floors and around furniture. The product description mentions an anti-tangle roller and 45 minutes of run time. Check which mode that figure applies to and whether the brush is suitable for your carpets.
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BISSELL PowerClean, vacuum cleaner
For quick clean-ups on floors, fabrics and awkward corners, check which tools come with this model. If you’re planning longer cleaning sessions, also check the run time in your chosen mode and how often you’ll need to empty the bin.
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Hkoenig STC48, black and blue bagless vacuum cleaner
Worth considering if you’d rather empty a bin than replace bags. The name describes it as a cylinder vacuum, but product descriptions differ on the format. Confirm the exact type, main brush and accessories before choosing it for your whole home.
Frequently asked questions
Is a bagged cylinder vacuum suitable for cleaning your whole home?
Yes, as long as you choose brushes suited to your floors and the tools you need for furniture and awkward corners. In its tests, UFC-Que Choisir found that bagged cylinder vacuums offer better suction than bagless models. Just remember to replace the bags.
Does a bagless vacuum mean less maintenance?
No. You’ll need to empty the bin, maintain the brushes and clean or replace the filters in line with the manufacturer’s instructions. Before choosing between a bag and a bin, check how easy it is to access these parts on the specific model.
Can a cordless stick vacuum replace a cylinder vacuum?
It may be enough for a small home or short cleaning sessions, but run time is an important consideration if you want to clean your whole home. In its tests of stick vacuums, UFC-Que Choisir found an average run time of around ten minutes at full power. Check the run time for the way you plan to use it, and how well the brush performs on your floors.
Which accessories should I look for to clean more than just floors?
Check that the main brush is suitable for your floors, and look for a crevice tool and an upholstery or furniture tool if you also want to vacuum your sofa and bedding. Check the accessories listed for the model on sale rather than relying on the name of its range.
How can I check a vacuum cleaner’s repairability in France?
Look up the repairability index for the exact model, then check which parts and consumables you may need. According to ADEME, the index takes factors such as documentation, ease of disassembly, and the availability and price of spare parts into account.