For regular cleaning across several surfaces, a bagged cylinder vacuum is worth considering if keeping dust handling to a minimum is a priority. In its tests, UFC-Que Choisir found that bagged cylinder vacuums pick up more effectively than bagless models and expose users to less dust. A bagless cylinder vacuum saves you having to replace bags, but you will need to empty its dust container. A stick vacuum is easier to manoeuvre, while a robot vacuum is mainly for maintaining accessible floors. If you have rugs, furniture or pet hair to deal with, check which accessories are included and look for test results on the surfaces you need to clean before you choose.
Fibres caught in a rug and pet hair left on a sofa call for different attachments. UFC-Que Choisir tests how well vacuum cleaners pick up synthetic fibres designed to mimic pet hair from rugs. Look for results on surfaces like yours and check whether the vacuum comes with an upholstery brush.
Choosing between a bag and a dust container changes what you need to do after vacuuming. According to UFC-Que Choisir, bagged cylinder vacuums expose users to less dust than bagless models. Check how the bag is sealed and which type you need, or how to remove, empty and clean the dust container.
A stick vacuum is easy to move from room to room, while a robot vacuum can clean accessible floors on its own. However, UFC-Que Choisir points out that stick vacuums have limitations when it comes to deep cleaning, and robot vacuum results vary depending on the floor type. If the appliance will be your main cleaner, consider rugs, furniture and hard-to-reach areas too.
Start with the surfaces you need to clean and the type of dust collection you are happy to deal with day to day. Then compare the accessories, any run time limitations and the tasks you will still need to do by hand.
| Feature | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Fibres on rugs | Look for tests on how well the vacuum picks up fibres from rugs similar to yours. Check which brush is included and whether it is designed for rugs or carpets. UFC-Que Choisir tests this using synthetic fibres designed to mimic pet hair. | I have rugs or carpets where hair and pet fur build up. I want to judge how well the vacuum cleans these surfaces, not just hard floors. |
| Dust collection | For a bagged cylinder vacuum, check how the bags are sealed and which types are compatible. For a bagless model, see how easy it is to remove the dust container and access the filters. In its tests, UFC-Que Choisir found that bagged cylinder vacuums expose users to less dust. | I would rather handle less dust when emptying the vacuum, or I am happy to empty and clean a dust container to avoid using bags. |
| Surfaces and accessories | Check which accessories are actually included for hard floors, rugs, furniture and corners. For upholstery with pet hair, check whether a mini brush or another suitable attachment is compatible. | Sofas, stairs and skirting boards are part of my cleaning routine too, so I need tools that work on more than just floors. |
| Main or supplementary cleaner | For a cordless stick vacuum, check the run time on the setting you will use and how to care for the battery. For a robot vacuum, look at its navigation, access to the dust container and brushes, and results on your floors. UFC-Que Choisir describes stick vacuums as better suited to quick, supplementary cleaning and notes that robot vacuum results vary by floor type. | I want to move the appliance around easily or automate floor cleaning, without assuming it will also clean furniture, upholstery and corners. |
A figure in watts or pascals does not, on its own, tell you how well a vacuum will pick up fibres from rugs or clean furniture. UFC-Que Choisir tests dust pick-up separately from the removal of fibres designed to mimic pet hair.
Compare test results for the types of floor in your home and check which brushes come with the version you are considering.
If you plan to do a thorough clean with a cordless stick vacuum, the usable run time on your chosen setting may determine whether you can finish in one go. UFC-Que Choisir describes stick vacuums as easy to manoeuvre, but better suited to quick, supplementary cleaning.
Check the run time on the setting you plan to use on rugs, the charging time and whether the battery can be replaced.
According to UFC-Que Choisir, robot vacuum results vary by floor type and are not always convincing. A robot designed for floors cannot clean upholstery and furniture on its own.
Check how it navigates your rooms and how easy it is to access the dust container and brushes. You will also need a manual vacuum for other surfaces.
A bagged cylinder vacuum needs compatible bags, while a dust container needs emptying and cleaning. Filters and brushes also need looking after, depending on the model.
Before you choose, make a note of the compatible bags, filters and brushes for the exact version, as well as the care instructions.
These examples of ranges and accessories can help you work out what to check on a particular model. A feature mentioned here will not necessarily apply to every appliance from that brand.
Miele France describes the Guard L1 Allergy as a bagged cylinder vacuum with an AirClean HEPA filter.
Rowenta offers stick vacuums and accessories, including options for removing pet hair from upholstery.
For the V16 Piston Animal, Dyson offers a motorised mini brush designed to detangle hair and pet fur.
iRobot offers Roomba robot vacuums for autonomous cleaning of accessible floors.
These options include bagged and bagless cylinder vacuums, a cordless stick vacuum and robot vacuums for supplementary floor cleaning. First, choose the type of appliance that suits your surfaces and preferred dust collection method, then check the accessories and maintenance requirements for the model.
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Worth considering if you are looking for a bagged cylinder vacuum for everyday cleaning across several surfaces. Check that the included brushes are suitable for your rugs and floors, and find out which bags are compatible with the EB61C4OG.
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Consider this if you would rather empty a dust container than replace bags. The model name indicates an electrical power rating of 900 W, which is not enough on its own to judge how well it will pick up fibres. Check the included brushes, how the dust container is emptied and how to maintain the filters.
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The cordless design makes it easy to move between rooms. This model is advertised as offering up to 65 minutes of run time. Check how long it lasts on the setting you will use on rugs, and which accessories are actually included for upholstery and pet hair.
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Worth considering for supplementary cleaning of accessible floors, but do not expect it to clean furniture and upholstery. A self-emptying station is advertised. Check whether it collects dust in a container or a bag, and find out how to maintain the station and brushes.
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This robot vacuum and mop with station is designed for supplementary cleaning of accessible floors. Check how it performs on your floor types and what is involved in maintaining the mop pads, brushes and station. Keep a manual vacuum for furniture and upholstery.
Yes, compared with a bagless cylinder vacuum in the tests cited by UFC-Que Choisir: bagged models expose users to less dust during collection. However, check that the bag seals properly and that you can get compatible consumables for your chosen appliance. This is not a promise of a medical benefit.
Do not assume so without checking how it performs on the surfaces in your home. UFC-Que Choisir highlights how easy stick vacuums are to manoeuvre, but describes them as better suited to quick, supplementary cleaning. If you plan to clean rugs and upholstery regularly, check test results, run time on the setting you will use, and the dust container and accessories.
A robot vacuum can maintain accessible floors, but it cannot clean furniture, upholstery or stairs on its own. UFC-Que Choisir says that results vary by floor type. Check how it performs on your surfaces and plan to use a manual vacuum for other areas.
ADEME recommends airing your home after cleaning and vacuuming. Where possible, make this part of your routine, alongside looking after your appliance.
For dust and waste from household vacuuming, ADEME recommends putting it in the household rubbish bin, preferably in a sealed bag. Do not automatically treat a mixture of dust and fibres as if it were just pet hair or soil.