Choose a format based on the type of cleaning you do most often: a corded cylinder vacuum for full cleaning sessions without recharging, a cordless stick vacuum for quick clean-ups, or a robot vacuum for regular maintenance of clear floors. UFC-Que Choisir describes cordless stick vacuums as generally suited to daily touch-ups, while noting that battery life is a factor to consider. Whatever the format, check the accessories for upholstery, how to maintain the brushes and filters, and the repair options available for the model you choose.
If you regularly pick up pet hair near entrances or sleeping areas, a vacuum that’s easy to get out and empty may matter more than a long run time. UFC-Que Choisir describes cordless stick vacuums as generally suited to daily touch-ups.
If pet hair also ends up on sofas, cushions or rugs, check which brushes are suitable for each surface and how easy it is to clean the brush roll. Accessories listed by Bosch or Dyson vary by model.
If you want to keep your vacuum for a long time, check how easy it is to access the filters and brushes, whether spare parts are available and what repair options are offered. ADEME states that the repairability index applies to corded, cordless and robot vacuum cleaners sold in France.
Start by choosing a format that suits how long and how often you clean. Accessories for upholstery are a separate consideration, whatever type of vacuum you choose.
Consider it: for full cleaning sessions on floors and rugs, without having to stop to recharge.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to take it out, move it around and put it away, and it needs to be plugged in; its reach depends on the model.
Consider it: for frequent pick-ups of visible pet hair in high-traffic areas.
Bear in mind: battery life and bin capacity may limit how long you can clean for; UFC-Que Choisir highlights the often limited battery life of this format.
Consider it: for scheduled cleaning on floors the robot can move around freely.
Bear in mind: you’ll need another way to clean upholstery, and the wheels, brushes and sensors need regular maintenance, as iRobot points out for its Roomba models.
| What matters to you | What to check | What consumers say |
|---|---|---|
| Pet hair on upholstery | Check that the supplied brush, or a compatible one, is suitable for your rugs and fabrics, and find out how to access its brush roll. | If pet hair is left on my sofa and rugs, I look for a tool that’s suited to those surfaces rather than relying on a single floor head; around 30% of consumers prioritise upholstery and embedded pet hair. |
| Quick clean-ups | Compare battery life in the mode you’ll use, charging time and how easy the vacuum is to empty. | When pet hair keeps reappearing in high-traffic areas, I want to be able to grab the vacuum without gearing up for a long cleaning session; around 30% of consumers put quick floor clean-ups first. |
| Automated floor cleaning | Check for obstacles and thresholds in your home, as well as how easy it is to access the brushes and wheels. | If I want to reduce how often I clean accessible floors by hand, the robot’s ability to move around and its maintenance requirements matter to me; around 20% of consumers prioritise this automation. |
| Maintenance and repairability | Check the repairability index displayed in France, and separately confirm which filters, brushes and parts are available for the model. | To keep my vacuum in working order, I want to be able to clean its components and find the parts I need; this is the main concern for around 20% of consumers. |
This label doesn’t guarantee a mini tool for sofas or that an accessory will fit every version. The attachments listed by Bosch and Dyson depend on the model.
Check what’s included in the box, the accessory model number and how to remove pet hair from the brush roll.
For cordless stick vacuums, UFC-Que Choisir recommends taking battery life into account: the advertised run time may not reflect how long the vacuum lasts in the mode you’ll use.
Compare run times for each mode and charging time against the area you need to clean; also check whether the battery is replaceable.
iRobot says that accumulated pet hair and debris can block the front wheel of a Roomba. The brushes, sensors and contacts also need to be kept clean.
Check the maintenance instructions for your model and whether its consumables are available.
Depending on the vacuum and how you use it, you’ll still need to clean the brush rolls and replace filters, brushes or dock consumables.
ADEME describes the repairability index as a guide based, among other things, on parts, ease of disassembly and documentation. On its own, it doesn’t tell you which components are covered by a repair plan; for example, Rowenta excludes batteries, accessories and consumables from its repair package for eligible vacuum cleaners.
Check the terms that apply to the model you choose and whether the parts that matter to you are available.
The ProAnimal range includes, among other options, bagged cylinder vacuums and cordless stick vacuums.
The brand offers cylinder, stick and robot vacuums, as well as accessories for certain pet-related cleaning needs.
Dyson offers cordless vacuum cleaners and upholstery tools, with equipment varying by version.
Roomba robot vacuums are designed to clean floors automatically, with features varying by model.
This selection includes four cordless stick vacuums for manual cleaning and a robot vacuum for automated floor care. For sofas and other upholstery, check the accessories supplied with the version you choose; the robot is designed for a different purpose.
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Worth considering for manual cleaning of the floors and rugs in a home with a pet. The product title lists 550 W, 55 kPa and up to 55 minutes of run time; check how long it lasts in the mode you’ll use. Also check the upholstery tools, the repairability index and spare parts available for this model.
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Worth a look if you want to vacuum floors and rugs regularly. The product title lists 65 kPa and up to 70 minutes of run time, without specifying the run time for each suction setting; compare the run time in the mode that suits your cleaning needs. Check the upholstery tools, replacement filters and repairability index for this model.
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Worth considering for frequent clean-ups if you prefer a cordless stick vacuum that stands upright on its own. The product title lists 60.000 Pa and up to 65 minutes of run time; check the battery life in the mode you need. If pet hair also ends up on fabrics, check which tools are included or compatible, and then check the repairability index.
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Worth considering for repeated clean-ups if you like the idea of a vacuum that stands upright on its own for storage. The product title lists 55 000 Pa and up to 45 minutes of run time, without giving battery life for each mode. For upholstery, check which tools are included rather than assuming a motorised mini tool comes with it; also check the repairability index and spare parts available.
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Worth considering for automated cleaning of accessible floors, but don’t rely on it to clean your sofas. The product title mentions an anti-tangle brush and app control; you’ll still need to maintain the brushes. Confirm the suction and dust collection specifications for the version you’re considering, along with its repairability index and available consumables.
It may be a good fit if you mainly do quick clean-ups and its battery life in the mode you use is enough for your home. For longer sessions or lots of rugs, compare it with a corded cylinder vacuum too: UFC-Que Choisir describes stick vacuums as generally suited to daily touch-ups, while also highlighting their often limited battery life.
Check whether a fabric tool or mini tool that’s compatible with the exact model is included or available separately. Also find out how to clean its brush roll: tools listed for a Bosch or Dyson range aren’t necessarily supplied with every version.
Yes, although how often depends on the model and how much pet hair it picks up. iRobot warns that pet hair and debris can block the front wheel of a Roomba; follow the instructions for your model when cleaning the wheels, brushes, sensors and contacts.
It gives you an indication of how easy the appliance is to repair. ADEME says the index applies to corded, cordless and robot vacuum cleaners, with criteria including parts, ease of disassembly and documentation; also check that the parts you personally need are available.
Not necessarily: what the commitment covers depends on the product and repair plan. Rowenta says parts are available for 15 years for eligible products, but excludes batteries, accessories and consumables from its repair package for vacuum cleaners; check these separately for the model you’re considering.