Homes with different floor types
If you move between hard floors, rugs and carpets, look for test results for each surface. Que Choisir’s testing protocol assesses carpets, tiles and parquet flooring separately, among other surfaces.
Who is this choice for?
Your main vacuum should be up to a full cleaning session, not just quick touch-ups between cleans.
People who want to minimise contact with dust
How you dispose of the dust matters just as much as how well it’s collected. According to Que Choisir, removing a bag exposes you to less dust than emptying a container. This is worth bearing in mind if you find this task unpleasant.
Homes mindful of long-term maintenance
Check which bags or filters you’ll need, how easy the vacuum is to clean, and whether parts are accessible for the model you choose. In France, the repairability index for vacuum cleaners is another useful point of reference, according to ADEME.
Which criteria should you prioritise?
When choosing a main vacuum, start by checking its performance on your floors. Then compare the collection systems based on how you feel about emptying and maintaining them.
Bagged cylinder vacuum
Worth considering: for regular cleaning across different floor types, especially if you want to minimise contact with dust when emptying the vacuum. Que Choisir notes this advantage of bagged models.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to replace the bags, and a corded appliance can be more cumbersome to move and store.
Bagless cylinder vacuum
Worth considering: if avoiding regular bag purchases matters more to you than handling dust when emptying the vacuum.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to clean the container and filters. Que Choisir also reports greater exposure to dust when emptying a bagless vacuum than when removing a bag. Check how the model performs on your floors.
Cordless stick vacuum
Worth considering: as your only vacuum if its results on your floor types and its battery life in the mode you’ll use are enough to cover a full cleaning session.
Bear in mind: you’ll be relying on the battery and dust container. Que Choisir points out that battery life and power vary between models.
| Criterion | What to check before you buy | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Performance on different floor types | Test results for the hard floors, parquet, rugs or carpets in your home, and the brush supplied for each surface. | If my home has a mix of floor types, I want to know whether the vacuum picks up dust from each one, rather than relying on the motor’s wattage alone. Around 36% of consumers would put this multi-surface performance at the top of their list. |
| Emptying and dust | How to remove the bag or empty the container, and which type of filter the model uses. | If emptying the dust container could bring me into contact with dust, I want a method I’m comfortable with. Around 29% of consumers would make hygienic emptying their priority. |
| Maintenance and repairability | Availability of compatible consumables, filter maintenance requirements and the repairability index for the new model. | I want to be able to maintain the appliance and find replacement parts, rather than discover these limitations after buying it. Around 21% of consumers would put long-term maintenance ahead of other criteria. |
| Handling and storage | Weight, reach, size and noise level; for a cordless stick vacuum, battery life in the mode you need. | If I have to move and store the vacuum after every cleaning session, I want a manageable design that’s still suitable for a full clean. Around 14% of consumers would make ease of use their main priority. |
Mistakes to avoid
-
Confusing ease of use with the ability to clean your whole home
A stick vacuum that’s handy for quick touch-ups isn’t automatically suitable as your only appliance. Que Choisir points out that battery life and power vary between stick vacuum models.
If you’re considering a cordless stick vacuum, compare its battery life in the mode you need with the time it takes to clean your home. Then look for results on your rugs, carpets and hard floors.
-
Assuming a bagless model needs no maintenance
The container needs emptying and cleaning, and the filters and brushes need attention too. According to Que Choisir, emptying a container exposes you to more dust than removing a bag.
Check how to empty the vacuum and what maintenance the model requires before choosing between bagged and bagless.
Emptying the container and cleaning the filters take time as you use the vacuum.
-
Choosing based on motor wattage alone
Wattage doesn’t tell you how well a vacuum picks up dirt from every type of floor. Que Choisir’s testing protocol assesses performance on different surfaces separately.
Prioritise tests on the surfaces in your home and check which brushes come with the exact model you’re considering.
-
Putting off checking parts and repair options
The filters, brushes and other replacement parts you need can differ from one model to another. ADEME presents the repairability index as a useful way to assess factors including access to parts.
Check the index for the new model you’re considering, and find out which compatible consumables and parts are available before you decide.
Brands to explore
These models illustrate features worth comparing on specific products. They don’t indicate the performance or availability of other appliances from each brand.
Rowenta
Rowenta’s bagged cylinder range is worth exploring if dust collection, reach and noise levels matter to you.
- For the G-Force Silence RO6189EA, Rowenta lists a 4.5 L Hygiene+ bag and a 12 m operating radius.
- Check the specifications and compatible bags for the model you choose: the RO6189EA’s features don’t apply to the whole range.
Electrolux
Some bagged cylinder vacuums in the Pure D8 range offer a combination of capacity, reach and noise levels worth comparing.
- Electrolux lists a 3.5 L bag, a 12 m operating radius and a noise level of 57 dB(A) for the Pure D8 PD82-4ST.
- These figures apply to the PD82-4ST. Check the exact model number, and don’t mistake them for vacuum performance test results.
Bosch
The bagless ProAnimal model is worth comparing if dust container capacity and pet-hair accessories are important to you.
- Bosch lists a 2.4 L container and washable HEPA filter for the BGS41PET1 ProAnimal.
- You’ll still need to check how easy this model is to empty and how it performs on your floors. A HEPA filter alone doesn’t tell you either of these things.
Miele
Bagged cylinder vacuums in the Complete C3 range are worth exploring for their controls and accessories, depending on the variant.
- Miele’s product details for the Complete C3 125 Edition mention electronic power controls, a telescopic tube and integrated accessories.
- This variant was listed as permanently out of stock on the brand’s website. Look for a current model and check its own specifications.
Vacuum cleaners to consider on Joybuy
These two appliances offer different options for regular cleaning: a bagged cylinder vacuum and a corded, bagless stick vacuum. For either one, check its performance on your floors before choosing it as your main vacuum.
Image unavailable
Electrolux 600 EB61C4OG, bagged cylinder vacuum
Worth considering if you’d rather remove a bag than empty a container during regular cleaning. Before choosing this model for rugs and carpets, check test results for these surfaces and make sure compatible bags are available.
Image unavailable
MONSGA HQ1 Gold 65KPA 600W, corded stick vacuum
Worth exploring if you want a stick vacuum without relying on a battery during cleaning. As it’s corded, you’ll need to consider where your plug sockets are. The 65KPA and 600W figures in the name don’t replace test results on your floors. Check how to empty it too before choosing it as your main vacuum.
Frequently asked questions
Why isn’t wattage enough to help you choose a vacuum cleaner?
The motor’s wattage alone doesn’t tell you how well a vacuum picks up dirt from your floors. Que Choisir highlights the importance of suction power and the floorhead. Compare test results for the surfaces in your home, and check which brushes come with the model.
Does a bagless vacuum need less maintenance?
Not necessarily. Going bagless means you won’t need to replace a bag, but you’ll still need to empty the container and maintain the filters as instructed. Compare these tasks with those involved in using a bagged model, bearing in mind how comfortable you are with dust when emptying the vacuum.
What should you check to keep your vacuum in working order?
Follow the model’s instructions for replacing the bag or emptying the container, maintaining the filters and removing dirt from the brushes. Also check which compatible consumables and replacement parts are available for the exact model.
What is the repairability index for a new vacuum cleaner in France?
It helps you compare how easy certain models are to repair, but doesn’t measure their cleaning performance. According to ADEME, the index is scored out of 10 and takes factors such as documentation, ease of dismantling and parts availability into account. Check the score for the model you’re considering.