Households looking for a main vacuum cleaner
You regularly move between carpets and hard floors in several rooms. You’ll need to assess how the vacuum performs on each surface, not just how it handles a quick clean.
Who is this guide for?
People concerned about dust when emptying and cleaning
The choice between a bag and a dust container matters if handling dust is a concern. Also check how to remove the filter and clean the brush.
Households that vacuum upholstery too
For sofas, armchairs and bedding, the floor brush alone won’t tell you whether the vacuum has everything you need. Que Choisir distinguishes between tools for different surfaces, so check what comes with the model you’re considering.
What should you look for?
First, choose a type to suit the length and frequency of your cleaning sessions. Then check the brush for each floor type and the tools supplied for upholstery.
Bagged cylinder vacuum
Consider it: for cleaning several rooms, particularly if you’d rather not empty a dust container.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to move a corded appliance around and replace the bags.
Bagless cylinder vacuum
Consider it: if you want a corded vacuum without the need to buy bags.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to empty and maintain the dust container, which can bring you into contact with dust.
Cordless stick vacuum
Consider it: if frequent quick cleans, stairs or short sessions make easy manoeuvring a priority.
Bear in mind: the battery limits how long you can use it, so check the run time in the mode you’ll need for carpets.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning different floor types | Check how the specific model performs on carpets and hard floors. Look at the supplied brush and its settings, especially if you have delicate parquet flooring. | If both carpets and parquet flooring are part of my regular cleaning routine, I want to avoid a good performance on one hiding problems on the other. Around 31% of consumers would make this versatility their top priority. |
| Dust and maintenance | Compare how to remove the bag or empty the dust container, then check the instructions and parts needed to maintain the filters. | I want to handle dust as little as possible, or avoid replacing bags, without overlooking filter cleaning. This would be the top priority for around 31% of consumers. |
| Moving the vacuum and run time | For a cylinder vacuum, check its reach and weight; for a stick vacuum, check the battery life in the mode you’ll use on carpets. | When cleaning several rooms or using the stairs, I want an appliance that’s easy to move, but my sessions also need to last long enough. Around 23% of consumers would put this at the top of their list. |
| Sofas and other upholstery | Check whether a sofa tool or small upholstery brush is included. If you need a separate tool, make sure it’s compatible with the model. | I also vacuum the sofa or bedding and don’t want to discover after buying that the floor brush is my only suitable tool. This would be a priority for around 15% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Looking at motor power alone
A high figure on its own doesn’t tell you how well a vacuum picks up dirt from carpets or how its floor head performs on parquet. Que Choisir highlights the importance of the floor head’s design when choosing a vacuum cleaner.
Look for separate results for carpets and hard floors, then check the brushes and settings on the exact model you’re considering.
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Assuming “bagless” means “maintenance-free”
A dust container needs emptying, while a bagged appliance needs replacement bags. Filters and brushes also need attention in both cases.
Check the instructions to find out what maintenance is required and which bags or filters are compatible.
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Choosing a stick vacuum for the whole house without checking its battery life
Que Choisir notes that some cordless models may run for only a few minutes at maximum power. So the stated battery life in another mode won’t tell you whether it can handle a long session on carpets.
Estimate how long your usual cleaning session takes and compare it with the stated run time for the setting you’ll need.
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Choosing an upholstery brush without checking its model number
A brush designed for sofas may only fit certain appliances. Rowenta, for example, lists model-specific compatibility for its accessories.
Check the vacuum cleaner’s model number on the accessory listing, then confirm whether the accessory is included in the pack you’re choosing.
Brands to know
Miele
Miele’s range of bagged cylinder vacuums includes Guard models with different configurations, including options designed for hard floors.
- Miele lists a Parquet Twister XL brush for the Guard L1 Parquet XL and an 11 m operating radius for the Guard M1 Parquet XL. Check the exact model number.
- The bag needs replacing, and a parquet-focused configuration doesn’t mean you can skip checking the brush and performance you need on your carpets.
Philips
Philips offers bagged and bagless cylinder vacuums, including PowerCyclone models with different brushes and dust containers.
- Philips says the FC9331/09 comes with a TriActive brush. The brand lists a 2 L dust container and a 10 m operating radius for the FC9747/09.
- These features aren’t standard across the whole range, so check the brush, filtration and upholstery tools for the model you choose.
Rowenta
Rowenta sells cylinder vacuums, cordless stick vacuums and accessories designed for different surfaces.
- The brand recommends a soft nozzle and adjustable suction for parquet flooring, and offers a brush designed for upholstery.
- Check whether a brush is included in the pack and whether a separate accessory is compatible with the specific model you’re considering.
Dyson
Dyson’s range includes cordless stick vacuums available with different brush and accessory configurations.
- This type may suit households that value being able to move around without a cord and clean frequently.
- Before choosing one as your main vacuum, check the battery life in the mode you’ll need for carpets and make sure it comes with the tools you need for upholstery.
Vacuum cleaners to consider on Joybuy
This selection includes cordless stick vacuums and a bagged cylinder vacuum to consider for cleaning carpets and hard floors. Check the accessories and operating requirements for each model individually.
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Lubluelu 202, cordless stick vacuum cleaner
Worth considering if you’re looking for a cordless stick vacuum for cleaning carpets and hard floors.
The product title lists a removable battery, a self-standing position and up to 50 minutes’ run time. Check how long it lasts in the mode you’ll use on carpets, and whether it comes with tools for upholstery.
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Monsga M100, self-standing cordless stick vacuum cleaner
Worth considering for frequent cleaning if you value being able to put the appliance down and move it around easily at home.
The title lists 45 minutes’ run time and an anti-tangle brush. Check how long it lasts on carpets in the required mode and what’s included for upholstery.
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Electrolux 600 EB61C4OG, bagged cylinder vacuum cleaner
Worth considering if you prefer a bagged cylinder vacuum for regular cleaning across several floor types.
You’ll need to replace the bags. Check which brush is included, how it performs on your carpets and whether it comes with a tool for sofas or bedding.
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Laresar V7, cordless stick vacuum cleaner
Worth comparing if you’re looking for a stick vacuum designed for carpets and hard floors that can also be used as a handheld vacuum.
The title lists three speeds and up to 60 minutes’ run time. This varies by mode, so check how long it lasts on carpets and which upholstery tools are actually included.
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COTIAR V22, blue cordless stick vacuum cleaner
Worth considering for cleaning carpets and hard floors if you’re looking for a cordless stick vacuum.
The title lists a 1.2 L dust container. This doesn’t tell you how long the vacuum runs or how well it picks up dirt from carpets, so check the mode you’ll need and which upholstery tools are included.
Frequently asked questions
Is a bagged vacuum always better for carpets and hard floors?
No. How well the specific model performs and which brush it comes with are still key for your flooring. Que Choisir’s guide notes that bagged models have an advantage over bagless ones when it comes to suction, but this doesn’t replace comparing the appliances and accessories you’re considering.
Which tools do I need to vacuum sofas and bedding too?
Look for a sofa tool or small upholstery brush, and a crevice tool if you need to reach into gaps. Check that they’re included or explicitly listed as compatible with your chosen vacuum.
What maintenance should I expect after buying a vacuum cleaner?
You’ll need to replace the bag or empty the dust container, then maintain the filters and brushes as instructed for your model. Before buying, also check which parts and consumables fit its model number.
What should I do with my old vacuum cleaner in France?
Consider having it repaired or reused if it’s suitable. For an appliance that’s reached the end of its life, ADEME recommends using a collection scheme for electrical and electronic equipment. Check where you can drop it off or arrange a take-back near you.
Is the repairability index enough to help me choose a vacuum cleaner?
No. If it’s displayed for the model on sale, the index can help you choose an appliance you’d like to be able to repair, as ADEME explains. It doesn’t replace checking the brush, accessories and suction performance on your carpets and hard floors.