Start with the surfaces that take the most effort to clean. A cylinder vacuum with the right brushes is worth considering for carpets and upholstery; a cordless stick vacuum is handy for quick clean-ups, while a robot vacuum can take care of accessible floors on a schedule. A floor washer is mainly suited to cleaning hard floors. Whichever type you choose, check which accessories are included, how to maintain the brushes and, in France, the model’s repairability index.
If pet hair gets caught in carpets, sofas or pet beds, check the carpet floorhead and whether a smaller brush for furniture is included. Rowenta and Miele describe these types of accessories for some models, but they are not included across their entire ranges.
An easy-to-grab and store stick vacuum can be a good choice for areas you use every day. However, compare its runtime in the mode you’ll use, the size of its dust container and how easy it is to clean the brush.
A robot vacuum lets you schedule cleaning on floors it can reach. UFC-Que Choisir points out that results vary depending on the surface, and the dust container and brushes still need regular maintenance.
To compare the different types, start with your main need: removing pet hair from upholstery, making quick clean-ups, automating cleaning on accessible floors or adding a way to wash hard floors.
Consider it: if carpets and upholstered furniture make up a large part of your cleaning routine, and the model comes with suitable brushes.
Bear in mind: it’s less convenient to grab than a cordless stick vacuum. Accessories vary by model and kit.
Consider it: for frequent, quick clean-ups when manoeuvrability matters more than being able to clean continuously for a long time.
Bear in mind: runtime depends on the mode you choose. UFC-Que Choisir says the stick vacuums in its guide last around ten minutes on average at full power.
Consider it: to schedule cleaning on accessible floors, provided your home allows it to move around freely.
Bear in mind: results vary by floor type, and you’ll still need to empty the dust container and maintain the brushes, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.
Consider it: if your main need is regular washing of hard floors and your flooring is suitable.
Bear in mind: it won’t necessarily replace vacuuming carpets and upholstery. UFC-Que Choisir also notes that the floor cleaners it tested have limitations when it comes to suction.
| Feature | What to check | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Pet hair on carpets and upholstery | A brush designed for carpets, an accessory for furniture and how easy the brush roll is to clean. | When pet hair gets caught in the carpet and sofa, I want to be able to clean these surfaces regularly. Around 29% of consumers put carpets and upholstery at the top of their list. |
| Quick clean-ups | Runtime in the mode you use, and how easy it is to take out, put away and empty. | To clean living areas often, I need a vacuum I can grab and put away without making my routine more complicated. This convenience is the top priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Automated cleaning | How well it cleans your types of flooring, how easily it can move around your home, and how to maintain the dust container and brushes. | If I want to delegate regular cleaning on clear floors, I prioritise scheduling while still setting aside time to maintain the appliance. Around 24% of consumers say this is their main need. |
| Washing hard floors | Whether the flooring is compatible and what you need to do to maintain the parts that get wet. | When my hard floors also need frequent wet cleaning, I want to add washing to my routine without relying on it for upholstery. This is the top priority for around 18% of consumers. |
UFC-Que Choisir says this is generally measured at the lowest power setting. Runtime may be different in the mode you use on carpets.
Compare the runtime for each mode with how long your cleaning sessions usually take.
The floor cleaners tested by UFC-Que Choisir are mainly designed to wash hard floors, and their suction can sometimes be limited.
Consider washing and removing pet hair from upholstery as separate needs, and check which tools are included for the latter.
Washing also adds filling, rinsing and drying the wet parts to your routine.
UFC-Que Choisir tests robot vacuums on different types of flooring because results can vary, particularly between carpets and hard floors.
Look at test results for your types of flooring, then check the brush, edges and emptying process.
Accessories listed by Rowenta, Miele or Dyson are for specific models or kits, not the whole brand.
Check what’s included in the kit and the reference for each brush you need for your floors, sofas or pet beds.
These brands offer examples of different types of vacuum and accessories. Choose based on the features of the model and its kit, rather than the range name alone.
Worth considering for cylinder or stick vacuums offered with accessories for homes with pets.
Worth considering for cylinder vacuums if carpets, rugs and upholstery make up a large part of your cleaning routine.
Worth considering among cordless stick vacuums if manoeuvrability and removing pet hair from upholstery are important to your routine.
Worth considering among robot vacuums if you want to schedule cleaning on accessible floors.
Worth considering among floor cleaners if washing hard floors is your priority.
This selection includes four cordless stick vacuums for manual cleaning of floors and one robot vacuum for scheduled cleaning on accessible floors. If sofas, pet beds or carpets are your priority, check the accessories and instructions for each model before choosing.
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Worth considering for frequent clean-ups on carpets and hard floors. The product title mentions an anti-tangle brush and self-standing design. Check the runtime in the mode you’ll use and whether it comes with an accessory for sofas, if you need one.
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Worth considering if you switch between cleaning carpets and hard floors. The product title mentions an anti-tangle brush, charging dock and touchscreen. Compare the runtime in your usual mode rather than relying only on the maximum runtime advertised.
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Worth considering for regular manual cleaning. The product title lists an anti-tangle brush and up to 45 minutes of runtime. Check the runtime in your chosen mode and what accessories are included if you also clean upholstery.
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Worth considering for scheduled cleaning on accessible floors, with a mopping function. The product title mentions an OMNI dock and ZeroTangle 3.0 brush. Check how it performs on your carpets, whether your flooring can be washed and how to maintain the dock. A robot won’t clean sofas and pet beds like a handheld appliance.
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Worth considering for frequent clean-ups with a self-standing stick vacuum. The product title lists a removable battery and an anti-tangle brush. Check the runtime in your chosen mode and which accessories are designed for upholstery. Don’t assume it can remove pet hair based on the power rating alone.
Check the index shown for the model sold in France, along with its breakdown where available. ADEME says that corded, cordless and robot vacuum cleaners are among the appliances covered. The index tells you about repairability, not how well the vacuum removes pet hair.
A robot vacuum can clean accessible floors on a schedule, but it won’t automatically replace a manual vacuum. UFC-Que Choisir reports that results vary depending on the flooring. If sofas, pet beds or hard-to-reach areas are part of your routine, make sure you have a suitable tool for those surfaces.
A floor cleaner is mainly designed for hard floors, so don’t assume it’s suitable for carpets. UFC-Que Choisir advises against using robot mops on wooden floors, especially solid wood. Check the flooring care instructions and the appliance manual before washing.
Check the runtime in the suction mode you’ll use on your floors and carpets, rather than looking only at the maximum runtime. UFC-Que Choisir says maximum runtime is generally measured at the lowest power setting, and its guide to stick vacuums gives an average of around ten minutes at full power.
Check the brush roll, dust container, filter and upholstery accessories, following the model’s instructions. With a robot vacuum, you’ll also need to empty the dust container regularly and check how to maintain the dock, if it has one.