People with a large home and mixed flooring
If you clean hard floors and rugs or carpets in the same session, check the results for each surface and the brushes supplied with the model you’re considering.
Who is this choice for?
People who also clean furniture and upholstery
For cushions, sofas, skirting boards and crevices, check which nozzles and brushes are included. A floor head alone won’t tell you how well the vacuum is suited to these tasks.
People who pay attention to maintenance
If you’re choosing between a bag and a dust container, compare how the container is emptied, how the filters are maintained and whether compatible consumables are available.
What should you look for?
Start with the surfaces you need to clean and how long your cleaning sessions last, then choose the dust collection system that best suits your routine.
| Criterion | What to check | Which shoppers is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Results on different surfaces | Check test results for the exact model on hard floors, rugs or carpets, and upholstery fabrics, as relevant to your needs. Note which brush was used. | If I move from parquet to a rug during the same cleaning session, I want to know how the appliance performs on each. Around 36% of shoppers prioritise checking performance on multiple surfaces. |
| Uninterrupted cleaning | Compare the operating radius, dust container capacity and weight of the model being sold. | In large rooms, I’d find it inconvenient to keep changing sockets or stop to empty the container. Around 29% of shoppers prioritise minimising these interruptions. |
| Dust collection and maintenance | Check how to empty the dust container or replace the bag, how to maintain the filters and which compatible consumables are available. | I’d rather decide from the outset whether I’m happy to empty a container or replace bags. This maintenance routine is the main concern for around 21% of shoppers. |
| Extra manoeuvrability | If you’re considering a complementary stick vacuum, check its weight, battery life in the mode you’ll use and the accessories included. | For stairs or the sofa between full cleans, I’m mainly looking for an appliance that’s easy to move around. Around 14% of shoppers prioritise this extra manoeuvrability. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Relying solely on wattage or the term ‘multi-surface’
Que Choisir’s published tests of vacuum cleaners show that results can vary between hard floors, rugs and carpets, and different fibres.
Look for results for the exact model and check which brush was used to test each surface.
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Assuming every model in a range comes with the same accessories
The accessories listed by Miele, Rowenta and Dyson vary from model to model. The name of a range alone doesn’t confirm that it includes a parquet brush or a furniture attachment.
Check what’s included with the specific model on sale and whether the accessories you need for your surfaces are compatible.
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Assuming a cordless stick vacuum can automatically replace a cylinder vacuum
For a long cleaning session, battery life in the mode you’ll use and dust container capacity matter just as much as ease of movement.
First, consider your main cleaning needs. Use a stick vacuum for occasional jobs if its features are suited to them.
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Overlooking repairability and the product description
In France, the Ministry of the Economy says that vacuum cleaners must display a repairability index. The accessories listed as included with the product should also be checked when it arrives.
Check the index for the exact model, find out about spare parts and consumables, and keep a copy of the description of the items included.
Brands to consider for these needs
Miele
The Complete C3 bagged cylinder range includes models worth considering for floors and furnishings.
- Miele lists an upholstery nozzle, a long crevice nozzle and a furniture brush for the Complete C3 125 Edition. The Special Flex is listed with a parquet brush and a mini turbo brush.
- Accessories vary by version, so check what’s included with the specific model on sale.
Rowenta
The brand offers bagged and bagless cylinder vacuums, including versions with accessories for parquet floors and furniture.
- For the Silence Force Cyclonic Effitech Modèle Parquet, Rowenta lists a 12 m operating radius, a 2.5 L dust container, a parquet brush and nozzles for crevices and upholstery.
- These specifications apply to this model, not to the entire Rowenta cylinder range.
Philips
PowerCyclone bagless cylinder vacuums are worth considering based on the brushes and capacity of each version.
- Philips lists a 9 m operating radius and a 1.5 L dust container for the FC9331/09.
- Check the brushes included and the specifications of the model and pack you choose separately.
Dyson
The V11 Fluffy cordless stick vacuum could be an option for quick clean-ups, furniture and stairs.
- For this model, Dyson lists a mini motorised brush for cushions and sofas, as well as battery life of up to 60 minutes.
- This stated battery life doesn’t necessarily mean it will last for a full cleaning session in your home. Check which mode you’re likely to use.
Cylinder vacuums available on Joybuy
These two cylinder vacuums, one bagless and one bagged, are suited to regular, full-home cleaning. To choose between them, check how they perform on your flooring and which accessories are included with the version on sale.
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Philips 5000 Series FC9556/09 bagless, blue LED
A bagless cylinder vacuum to consider if you’re happy to empty a dust container after use. Before choosing it for a mix of floors and upholstery, check test results for different surfaces and which brushes and accessories are included with the FC9556/09.
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Electrolux 600 EB61C4OG bagged
A cylinder vacuum to consider if you prefer to collect dust in a bag. Check which bags are compatible, which accessories are actually included and how it performs in tests on the rugs and upholstery you plan to clean.
Frequently asked questions
How can I compare performance on parquet, rugs and upholstery?
Look for tests of the exact model that cover these different surfaces and specify which brush was used. Que Choisir assesses different uses separately in its tests; electrical specifications alone don’t tell you how well a vacuum will perform on each surface.
Which accessories should I check for floors and sofas?
Check that the floor head is suitable for your floors, then look for nozzles or brushes suited to the furniture, crevices and upholstery you clean. Check the list of accessories included with the specific model and pack on sale, as these can vary within a range.
Should I check a vacuum cleaner’s repairability index in France?
Yes. The Ministry of the Economy says that vacuum cleaners sold in France must display this index. Check the rating for the exact model, and make sure the spare parts and consumables you’ll need are available.
What should I do if the vacuum cleaner I receive doesn’t match its description?
For new, second-hand or refurbished goods sold by a professional to a consumer in France, the legal guarantee of conformity applies, according to the Ministry of the Economy. Keep a copy of the contractual description, including the list of accessories advertised, and contact the seller if the item you receive doesn’t match it.