For regular cleaning of rugs, carpets and hard floors, compare how each model performs on different surfaces and check which brush is included. Motor wattage alone won’t tell you how well it cleans. A bagged cylinder vacuum is worth considering first if carpet cleaning and removing dust without emptying a bin are your priorities. A bagless model, cordless stick vacuum or robot may better suit other preferences for maintenance, manoeuvrability or automation.
You’re looking for a main vacuum cleaner for different floor types and want to know how well it performs on both carpet fibres and hard floors. Surface-by-surface test results from Que Choisir are more useful for this decision than motor wattage alone.
You’d rather remove dust in a bag than empty and clean a bin, and don’t mind replacing compatible bags as you use them.
You want to grab a stick vacuum easily for a quick clean, or schedule a robot to run between manual cleans. A stick vacuum’s battery life and a robot’s performance depend on the floors in your home, as Que Choisir’s guides point out.
In a home with a mix of rugs, carpets and hard floors, first decide what you need the appliance for: your main clean or touch-ups between more thorough cleans. Then consider how it’s emptied and how well the model performs on each floor type.
Worth considering: as your main appliance if carpet cleaning and removing dust without emptying a bin are priorities.
Bear in mind: it’s a corded appliance, and you’ll need to replace the bags.
Worth considering: if you prefer a corded appliance with a reusable bin.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to empty and clean the bin regularly, which may bring you into closer contact with dust than removing a sealed bag.
Worth considering: for quick, frequent cleans when manoeuvrability matters more than how long each session lasts.
Bear in mind: battery life depends on the mode you use, and the brush needs to be suitable for the rugs and carpets in your home.
Worth considering: if you want to schedule regular cleans between manual sessions.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to prepare rooms and keep an eye on the bin or dock. Que Choisir notes that performance varies from one robot to another.
| Factor | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning different floor types | Compare test results for the exact model on carpet and hard floors, then check which brush comes with the version you’re buying. | If dust builds up in the fibres, I want to clean my rugs without neglecting the wood or tiled floors. Around 33% of consumers would put cleaning several floor types at the top of their list. |
| Dust disposal | Check how the bag is removed or the bin is opened, as well as how the filters are maintained. | I’d rather keep dust contained when disposing of it, even if that means replacing bags. This would be the top priority for around 20% of consumers. |
| Quick clean-ups | For a stick vacuum, check battery life in the mode you’ll use on carpets and how heavy it feels in your hand. | I want to clean often without getting out a cylinder vacuum, so I’d prioritise an appliance that’s easy to grab and put away. Around 27% of consumers would make convenience their top priority. |
| Automated cleaning | For a robot, check its performance on rugs and carpets, how the bin is managed and, if it mops, how it handles fabric floor coverings. | I’d like to schedule regular dust pick-ups between manual cleans. This would be the top priority for around 20% of consumers. |
Wattage alone doesn’t tell you how much an appliance will pick up from a rug or hard floor. Que Choisir tests cylinder vacuums on different surfaces, including carpet, tiles and wood flooring.
Look for results for the exact model and check which floorhead comes with the version on sale.
Different versions in the same range may come with different brushes. For example, Dyson says the V11 Fluffy’s brush is designed for hard floors.
For carpets, check which brush is actually included and look for tests that apply to that specific version.
The stated battery life for a stick vacuum may refer to a low-power mode. Que Choisir says the stick vacuums in its guide average around ten minutes at full power.
Before choosing a stick vacuum as your main appliance, compare its battery life in the mode you’ll need for your rugs and carpets, as well as its charging time.
Bags, filters, brushes and bins all need different types of maintenance, depending on the appliance.
Check the reference for replacement parts and consumables, the cleaning instructions and how easy it is to access parts for the model you’re considering.
These brands offer different configurations. When choosing between rugs and hard floors, the brush and accessories supplied with a particular version matter more than the brand name.
A brand to consider for bagged cylinder vacuums, especially if a brush suited to hard floors is one of your priorities.
A brand to consider among bagless cylinder vacuums if accessories for carpets are part of your decision.
A brand to consider if a cordless stick vacuum suits your cleaning routine.
A brand to consider for a robot that can help with regular cleaning, particularly if you want it to mop as well.
These models include cordless stick vacuums and bagged or bagless cylinder vacuums for homes with a mix of rugs and hard floors. First choose the format that suits how you’ll use it, then check the model’s performance and exact configuration.
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A model to consider for cleaning rugs and hard floors without a cable. The model name states 550 W and up to 55 minutes of run time. Check how long it lasts in the mode you’ll use on carpet, and how well it cleans each floor type.
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A cylinder vacuum with a bin for anyone who’d rather not use bags. Its stated motor power is 900 W; instead, compare how it performs on rugs and hard floors, and factor in emptying the bin and maintaining the filter.
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A stick vacuum to consider for switching between rugs and hard floors. Its name states up to 65 minutes of run time. Check how long it lasts in carpet or Turbo mode before choosing it for longer cleaning sessions.
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A cordless model for frequent cleaning around the home. The name states 45 minutes of run time; check how long it lasts in the mode you’ll use on rugs and look for results on both floor types.
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A bagged cylinder vacuum to consider as your main appliance for mixed flooring. Check its performance on rugs and hard floors, which brushes come with this model and whether replacement bags are compatible.
No. Motor wattage alone won’t tell you how well a vacuum cleaner performs on rugs. Que Choisir highlights the importance of the floorhead’s design, so compare test results for the model on the surfaces you need to clean and check which brush is included.
You’ll need to replace the bags with ones that are compatible with your model. Before choosing a bagged cylinder vacuum, check the reference you need and how the bag is removed.
A robot can help with regular cleaning, but you’ll need to check how well the specific model performs on rugs. Also check how the bin is managed and, for a robot mop, how it avoids or protects rugs while mopping.
If it still works, consider having it repaired, donating it or selling it on, as recommended by ADEME. Otherwise, find out whether you can return it to a shop or take it to a suitable collection point for electrical and electronic equipment.