Who is this advice for?

Homes with mixed flooring and rugs

If you clean wooden floors, hard floors and rugs, compare suction results on each surface and check which brushes are included. UFC-Que Choisir assesses vacuum cleaners separately for different types of flooring.

People who clean several rooms in one go

The operating radius and the capacity of the bag or dust container matter if you want to avoid frequently changing sockets or interrupting your cleaning to empty the vacuum.

People who think about maintenance

Whether you prefer replacing bags or emptying a dust container, choose the maintenance routine that suits you. Also check the filters, availability of spare parts and the model’s repairability index.

Which features should you prioritise?

For your main clean, first compare performance on your flooring, then look at the capacity and operating radius you need for the size of your home. The vacuum’s design will also affect how easy it is to move around and maintain.

Bagged cylinder vacuum

Worth considering: for your main clean if you’d rather replace a bag than empty a dust container.

Bear in mind: you’ll need to replace the bags with compatible ones. UFC-Que Choisir also notes that replacing a bag involves less contact with dust.

Bagless cylinder vacuum

Worth considering: if you’d rather avoid bags and the model performs well on your flooring.

Bear in mind: you’ll need to empty the dust container and maintain the filters. UFC-Que Choisir points out that emptying it means greater exposure to dust.

Stick vacuum

Worth considering: as an extra for quick clean-ups, stairs or smaller areas.

Check: for a cordless stick vacuum, the battery life at the setting you need may not be enough for a cleaning session covering the whole home, as UFC-Que Choisir notes.

Robot vacuum

Worth considering: for regular cleaning of accessible areas between manual cleans.

Check: how it performs on your flooring, as well as along edges and in corners. UFC-Que Choisir tests these situations separately.

Feature What to check Who it matters to
Performance on different flooring Look for separate tests on hard floors, wooden floors and rugs, particularly when the bag or dust container is full. I have several types of flooring and want one vacuum to clean them all without having to go over the same areas repeatedly. Around 33% of consumers would prioritise this.
Coverage around the home Check the operating radius and the bag or dust container capacity for the exact model. When I clean several rooms in a row, I want to minimise the number of times I change sockets or empty the vacuum. Around 27% of consumers would make this continuity their priority.
Manoeuvrability and access Check the weight and included accessories for cleaning stairs, around furniture and in narrow spaces. If my home has stairs or awkward corners, moving the vacuum around and reaching these areas matter most. Around 20% of consumers would put this first.
Maintenance and repairability Check which bags or filters are compatible, the care instructions and the model’s repairability index. I’d rather know which parts need replacing or cleaning before choosing between a bag and a dust container. For around 20% of consumers, maintenance would be the main priority.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Choosing based on wattage alone

    Motor power alone doesn’t tell you how well a vacuum will pick up dirt from rugs, wooden floors with gaps or hard floors. UFC-Que Choisir tests performance on different surfaces.

    Compare tests for your flooring and check whether the model maintains its performance as the bag or dust container fills up.

  • Overlooking the maintenance needed for each type

    A bagless cylinder vacuum needs its dust container emptied and filters maintained; a bagged model needs compatible replacement bags.

    Before choosing, check the reference numbers for consumables and read the care instructions for the exact model.

  • Assuming a stick vacuum or robot will replace a cylinder vacuum

    Battery life on a cordless stick vacuum and a robot’s variable performance on different floors can make it harder to give a large home a thorough clean, according to UFC-Que Choisir.

    Decide which vacuum will handle your full clean, then consider a stick vacuum or robot for the extra tasks you have in mind.

  • Confusing accessories available for a range with those included

    A parquet brush or mini turbo brush listed for a range isn’t necessarily included with every model.

    Check the model number and the list of included accessories. If an accessory is sold separately, make sure it’s compatible.

Brands to consider

Rowenta

The G-Force range of bagged cylinder vacuums includes models worth considering if operating radius and accessories matter in your home.

  • Rowenta lists an operating radius of 12 m for a G-Force Silence model.
  • Check the brushes included and the chosen model’s suction performance: features listed for a range don’t apply to every model.

Bosch

Bosch offers bagged and bagless cylinder vacuums, including models in its ProAnimal range.

  • Bosch lists a 4,0 L bag and a 12 m operating radius for the bagged BGL6PET1, compared with a 2,4 L dust container and a 10 m operating radius for the bagless BGS41PET1.
  • These specifications relate to two different models and don’t compare their suction performance. Check the accessories included with each one too.

Philips

The bagless PowerPro cylinder vacuum range lets you compare dust container capacity, operating radius and features by model.

  • Philips lists a 2 L dust container and a 10 m operating radius for the FC9747/09.
  • These figures don’t show how well this model picks up dirt from your rugs or wooden floors. Compare its test results for each type of flooring.

Electrolux

The bagged Pure D8 range may appeal if you’re comparing operating radius, capacity and accessories for cleaning several rooms.

  • Electrolux lists a 12 m operating radius, a 3,5 L bag and a noise level of 57 dB for its Pure D8 PD82-ALRG model.
  • These figures are declared for one model and don’t replace suction tests or a check of the features included with the version on sale.

Miele

The bagless Boost CX1 and Blizzard CX1 cylinder vacuum ranges include variants designed for different uses, including wooden floors and upholstery.

  • Miele lists an operating radius of 12 m for some Blizzard CX1 models.
  • Choose based on the exact model, the accessories included and its performance on your flooring, rather than the variant name alone.

Vacuum cleaners to compare on Joybuy

These two vacuum cleaners suit different needs: the bagged cylinder vacuum is worth considering for the main clean across several rooms, while the corded stick vacuum may suit supplementary cleaning. In both cases, performance on your flooring is key.

Electrolux 600 EB61C4OG bagged cylinder vacuum cleaner

Electrolux 600 EB61C4OG, bagged cylinder vacuum cleaner

A bagged model worth considering if you’re looking for a main vacuum for several rooms. Compare its test results on your flooring and check which bags are compatible before choosing this model.

View on Joybuy
MONSGA HQ1 Purple corded stick vacuum cleaner

MONSGA HQ1 Purple, corded stick vacuum cleaner

A corded model to consider for extra cleaning without needing to recharge. The product name states 600 W, but this figure alone doesn’t show how well it picks up dirt from rugs or wooden floors. Also check whether the cable is long enough for the layout of your rooms.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

How can I compare two vacuum cleaners beyond their stated wattage?

Compare their suction performance on the types of flooring in your home. UFC-Que Choisir tests different surfaces and takes into account how full the bag or container is; motor power alone can’t predict these results.

Which accessories should I check for cleaning wooden floors, rugs and furniture?

Check which brushes and nozzles are actually included with the model you’re considering, based on your flooring and the areas you need to reach. A parquet brush, a crevice nozzle or a mini turbo brush for upholstery can each suit different tasks. Don’t assume an accessory shown as part of the range is included.

Can a stick vacuum be the main vacuum in a large home?

Only choose one as your main vacuum after checking that it can last for your whole cleaning session and deliver the results you need on your flooring. UFC-Que Choisir highlights the potential limits of cordless stick vacuums’ battery life at full power, as well as their difficulties with some rugs and wooden floors. A corded stick vacuum avoids the need to recharge, but its reach depends on the cable and the location of your sockets.

Is a robot vacuum enough for a deep clean?

Don’t assume a robot vacuum will be enough for a deep clean in a large home. UFC-Que Choisir reports varying results across different types of flooring and also tests performance along edges and in corners. Check how it performs in your home and have a way to clean manually the areas it doesn’t handle as well.

What is a vacuum cleaner’s repairability index for in France?

The repairability index helps you compare how easy it is to repair the vacuum cleaners covered by the scheme in France. The ministry responsible for ecological transition says the score is out of 10. Check the rating for the exact model, alongside information about its parts and maintenance.