Homes with a mix of flooring and fabrics
If you clean hard floors, rugs, carpets, sofas and bedding, compare performance on each surface and check that the included floorheads and accessories are suitable.
Who is this type of vacuum for?
People who want to minimise dust during maintenance
Choosing between a bag and a dust container affects how you remove dust and maintain the filters. According to Que Choisir, bagged models expose you to less dust during this process; the trade-off is that you’ll need compatible bags.
People living in a large home
To move from room to room without changing sockets as often, compare the vacuum’s operating radius with your home’s layout. Capacity and weight matter too, especially if you need to carry it up and down stairs.
Which features should you compare?
First choose a model that suits the surfaces you need to clean. Then compare how you’ll maintain its bag or dust container, and the distance you’ll need to cover with it.
| What matters | What to check | Consumers concerned |
|---|---|---|
| Floors and fabrics | Test results on your flooring; the floorhead and fabric accessories included in the pack. | If I need to clean hard floors, rugs and the sofa with the same appliance, I want tools suited to each surface. Around 38% of consumers prioritise this need for a multi-surface cleaner. |
| Bag, dust container and maintenance | How dust is handled; the bag reference or filter maintenance required for the model. | If emptying the vacuum might be a nuisance, I prioritise how dust is collected and removed. This comes first for around 31% of consumers. |
| Reach and manoeuvrability | Operating radius in relation to your sockets; capacity and weight if your route includes stairs. | In a large home, I want to clean several rooms without changing sockets too often, while still being able to move the vacuum around. Around 31% of consumers prioritise this consideration. |
Mistakes to avoid before you buy
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Choosing based on wattage alone
Motor power alone doesn’t tell you how well a vacuum will pick up dirt from a rug or hard floor. Que Choisir highlights the importance of the vacuum head in particular.
Look for tests carried out on the surfaces you need to clean and check which floorhead comes with the model you’re considering.
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Assuming a bagless vacuum needs no maintenance
You’ll need to empty the dust container and maintain the filters, while a bagged model requires compatible consumables. These tasks can be more important when choosing your main vacuum than an occasional-use one.
Check how to empty it, how easy the filters are to access, and which bags or filters you’ll need.
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Assuming all accessories are included
A floorhead for parquet won’t necessarily replace a tool for the sofa, bedding or crevices. What’s included can vary between packs.
Check the accessory list for the specific variant on sale, especially if rugs and fabrics make up a large part of your home.
If the tool you need isn’t included, buying it separately is another step to factor in.
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Looking only at the operating radius
A long operating radius means fewer socket changes, but it doesn’t tell you whether the cylinder will be easy to carry up the stairs or move between furniture.
Compare the weight and wheels too, and consider the route you’ll actually take between rooms.
Brands to consider
These models are examples of different configurations to compare. The features listed apply to the named models, not to every product from each brand.
Rowenta
The Silence Force Effitech RO7473EA bagged cylinder vacuum is worth considering if you’re looking for a model suited to a larger home and a range of surfaces.
- Rowenta lists a 12 m operating radius, a 4.5 L bag and accessories for parquet, fabrics, upholstery and crevices for this model.
- Check that this model is available and confirm what’s included in the pack on sale. These specifications aren’t a comparative test on your flooring.
Bosch
The Series 4 ProPower BGB41POW1 bagged cylinder vacuum is worth a look if rugs and fabrics are part of your regular cleaning routine.
- Bosch lists an 11 m operating radius, a 4 L bag, integrated crevice and upholstery nozzles, and a turbo brush for rugs and carpets.
- Its stated net weight is 6.2 kg, so consider how far you’ll need to carry it, particularly on the stairs.
Philips
The PowerPro Expert FC9747/09 offers a point of comparison if you’re considering a bagless cylinder vacuum that collects dust in a container.
- Philips lists a 2 L dust container, a 10 m operating radius and a TriActive+ floorhead for this model.
- Check how it performs on your flooring, as well as what’s involved in emptying the container and maintaining the filters.
Miele
The Complete C3 Comfort bagged model shows the features worth comparing when reach and integrated accessories are a priority.
- Miele lists a 12 m operating radius, a 4.5 L bag, an upholstery nozzle, a crevice nozzle and a dusting brush for this model.
- The product listing showed this model as permanently out of stock. Check the specifications of another model rather than assuming they’re the same.
Selected cylinder vacuum cleaners on Joybuy
These bagged and bagless models give you a range of cylinder vacuum cleaners to compare for your main clean. Before choosing one for a large home, consider how each model suits your floors, fabrics and the distance between sockets.
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Philips FC9556/09 5000 Series LED, bagless
Worth considering if you’d rather empty a dust container than replace bags. Compare its operating radius and capacity with the distance you need to cover and the area you’ll be cleaning, then check which accessories are included for your rugs and fabrics. Also check the stated power for the variant on sale before using it as a point of comparison.
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Electrolux 600 EB61C4OG, bagged
Worth comparing if you’re looking for a bagged cylinder vacuum for the floors in a large home. Check exactly what’s included in the pack if you also need to clean sofas, bedding or crevices, and consider the weight if you’ll be carrying it on the stairs.
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Electrolux EB61C2GRN, bagged, black
Worth considering if you’re looking for a bagged cylinder vacuum for a range of floors. If rugs, upholstery or tight spaces are part of your cleaning routine, check whether the variant on sale includes the right tools. Also compare its operating radius with the layout of your home.
Frequently asked questions
Is a bagged vacuum cleaner better for cleaning a large home?
It’s worth prioritising if suction and reducing dust exposure during maintenance are important to you. Que Choisir reports that bagged models have an advantage in these areas in its tests. However, check how the model performs on your floors and make sure compatible bags are available.
Which accessories should I check for rugs, sofas and skirting boards?
Look for a main floorhead suited to your floors, a tool for rugs or carpets, an upholstery accessory and a crevice nozzle. What’s included depends on the model and specific pack, so check before you buy.
How do I work out what operating radius I need?
Compare the stated operating radius with the distance between your sockets and the areas furthest away, rather than looking only at the cable length. Philips lists 10 m for the FC9747/09, Bosch 11 m for the BGB41POW1 and Rowenta 12 m for the RO7473EA. These figures apply to those specific models only.
What should I check about a vacuum cleaner’s repairability in France?
Check the repairability index for the model in question: the French Ministry for Ecological Transition includes vacuum cleaners among the product categories covered. Also check whether the spare parts and accessories you’ll need are available.
When should I empty the dust container or maintain the filters?
Follow the instructions for your chosen model for how often and how to do this. It depends on the dust container, filters and how you use the vacuum. Que Choisir recommends regular maintenance, including emptying the container or replacing the bag, as appropriate, as well as maintaining the filters and brushes.