Homes with carpets, fibres or pet hair to pick up
If you switch between carpets and hard floors, look for test results on each surface. Que Choisir’s testing protocol covers carpet, tiles and parquet, as well as how well vacuums pick up fibres.
Who is this choice for?
People who want to minimise contact with dust
The way dust is collected matters just as much as maintenance: compare how the vacuum is emptied, along with its filters and consumables. Que Choisir reports less dust exposure with bagged canister vacuums than with bagless models.
People looking to keep noise and effort to a minimum
If you’re vacuuming several rooms, check the model’s noise level, reach and carrying weight. Manoeuvrability and accessories also matter if you need to move between different floor types.
What should you look for?
Bagged canister vacuum
Choose this: for full cleans if minimising dust exposure during maintenance is a priority.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to replace the bags, and it’s less convenient to carry than a stick vacuum.
Bagless canister vacuum
Choose this: if you want a corded vacuum with a reusable bin.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to empty the bin and maintain the filters. Que Choisir reports that bagged models generally have an advantage in suction and dust exposure.
Cordless stick vacuum
Choose this: mainly for stairs or quick clean-ups between full cleans.
Bear in mind: battery life is limited at high power. Que Choisir’s tests of stick vacuums found an average of around ten minutes at full power.
| Criteria | What to check | What matters to you |
|---|---|---|
| Performance on different floor types | Test results for your floors and carpets; the brushes supplied with the model you choose. | I want to remove dust and fibres from carpets without leaving dirt behind on hard floors. Around 36 % of consumers prioritise performance across different floor types. |
| Dust collection and maintenance | How it’s emptied; maintenance requirements and compatibility of bags and filters. | Avoiding too much contact with dust when emptying the vacuum matters more to me than quick storage. Around 29 % of consumers prioritise dust collection and maintenance. |
| Noise and manoeuvrability | Noise level in the mode you’ll use; reach and carrying weight. | When cleaning several rooms, I want to avoid frequent unplugging and keep noise down. Ease of completing a full clean comes first for around 21 % of consumers. |
| Cordless spot cleaning | Battery life at the setting you need; a brush suited to the surfaces you want to clean. | I’d rather grab a lightweight vacuum for the stairs or a small area without expecting it to replace every full clean. Around 14 % of consumers prioritise this kind of quick clean-up. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing based on motor wattage
Wattage alone doesn’t tell you how well a vacuum will clean a carpet or the gaps in parquet flooring. The vacuum head and the floor surface both affect pick-up.
Compare tests carried out on the types of floors you have, and check which brush comes with the version you’re buying.
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Forgetting about maintenance after you buy
A bagged canister vacuum needs replacement bags; a bagless model needs its bin emptied and its filters and brushes maintained.
Check which consumables are compatible and read the model’s maintenance instructions before you choose.
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Assuming a stick vacuum can always replace a canister vacuum
A stick vacuum’s light weight makes quick clean-ups easier, but its battery life at high power can limit how thoroughly it cleans carpets. Que Choisir’s tests found an average of around ten minutes at full power.
If you plan to clean your whole home with a stick vacuum, check its performance on your carpets and how long it lasts in the mode you need.
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Overlooking replaceable parts
Being able to replace a brush, filter or battery can help you keep using your vacuum for longer.
Compare repairability information where it’s available, and check which parts fit the model you’re considering.
Brands to consider, model by model
Rowenta
Its bagged and bagless canister vacuums let you compare capacity, reach and noise levels across individual models.
- Rowenta lists 57 dB(A) and 4,5 L for the bagged Silence Force Effitech RO7457EA, compared with 59 dB(A) and 2,5 L for the bagless Silence Force Cyclonic Effitech RO7935EA.
- These are the stated figures for these specific models; they don’t describe every Rowenta vacuum or how well they’ll clean your carpets.
Miele
The bagged Guard L1 range includes models designed with parquet floors, filtration or reduced noise in mind.
- Miele offers models including the Guard L1 Parquet XL, Allergy and Silence; the brand lists an AirClean HEPA filter for the Guard L1 Allergy.
- Check which brush and bags are compatible with the version you choose. A filter alone is not proof of a health benefit.
Philips
The PowerPro Expert FC9747/09 is a bagless model worth considering if bin capacity and reach are important to you.
- Philips lists a 2 L bin, 10 m reach and a TriActive+ brush for this model.
- The bin and filters still need maintaining, and these stated specifications alone don’t tell you how well it will clean a particular carpet.
Dyson
The cordless V8 is an option to consider if you want a lightweight vacuum for quick clean-ups.
- Dyson lists up to 40 minutes of use for the V8 featured by the brand.
- Maximum battery life depends on the mode you use. Check that it’ll last long enough for your carpets, and don’t assume the same figure applies to another V8 version.
Bagged canister vacuums on Joybuy
These two bagged canister vacuums are suited to full cleans. If cleaning carpets and picking up fibres are key priorities, compare test results for the specific model you’re considering, as well as the brushes supplied with it.
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Electrolux 600 EB61C4OG bagged
A bagged canister vacuum to consider for full cleans across different floor types.
If your carpets trap fibres, check the test results for this model and which accessories are actually included. Also check which bags are compatible and how noisy it is if you’ll be vacuuming while people are at home.
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Electrolux EB61C2GRN bagged, 550 W
Another bagged canister vacuum to compare for a full clean of your home’s floors.
The stated motor power is 550 W, but that alone doesn’t tell you how well it will pick up dirt from carpets. Check test results for this specific model, which brushes are included and which bags are compatible.
Frequently asked questions
Is wattage enough to judge how well a vacuum cleans carpets?
No. Motor power alone doesn’t tell you how much dust or how many fibres a vacuum will remove from a carpet. Que Choisir recommends taking the vacuum head into account. Also compare test results for the surface in question and check which brush comes with the model.
Does a bagless vacuum need no maintenance?
No. It saves you replacing bags, but you’ll still need to empty the bin and maintain the filters and brushes. Check what maintenance the model you’re interested in requires and which consumables it may need.
Should I check a vacuum’s repairability rating?
Yes, if one is displayed for the models you’re comparing. The French Ministry for Ecological Transition says that vacuum cleaners are among the products covered. Also check the information on parts and maintenance for each specific model.
What should I do if the vacuum I receive doesn’t match its description?
In France, if a vacuum sold by a business to an individual doesn’t match the seller’s description, it’s covered by the legal guarantee of conformity, as explained by the Ministry of the Economy. Keep your proof of purchase and a copy of the product description so you can report the issue to the seller.