Sweep every corner of the house, carpets, floors, sofa, and so much more with reliable vacuums.
For basic ground-up cleaning of your home, we suggest going for a canister vacuum cleaner. Though dust and dirt are a constant struggle for most homeowners, especially where there are children and pets. Fortunately, owing to the high suction capacity and mobility of a canister vacuum cleaner, carpets, stairs, upholstery, and tight corners under and around furniture can be cleaned quite effectively. Canister vacuums are more maneuverable, lightweight, great on bare floors and perfect if you use vacuum cleaner accessories to trap dust and dirt from upholstered drapes and shades.
To help you make the right choice of the model for each price range and floor type, we’ve reviewed almost 250 different vacuums, so we know what we’re talking about. Efficiency, mobility, setup (attachments included), ease of empting, noise rating, and the overall value were factors considered during the assessment of each canister vacuum.
We also rank suction power, how well a vacuum removes allergens, how easily it is moved around furniture and a variety of attachments which include a telescopic tube (a vacuum wand that is adjustable up and down with the push of a button, thus extending or retracting). We also give preference to vacuums with the characteristics of having a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter as it filters at 99.97% reduction of dust and dirt including the 0.3 microns in size.
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1
Best Overall Canister Vacuum
Miele Complete C3 Kona Canister Vacuum
PROS
- Brush roll adjusts to different levels
- Comes with an attachment for smooth floors
- High-filtration bag and HEPA filter trap allergens.
CONS
- Replacement bags and filters are pricey
Miele’s vacuums perform well and look sleek when cleaning, and the same applies to this specific model. Thick piles of soft carpets require more force to push a vacuum and hence this Miele Complete C3 is fitted with a power nozzle that varies the brush roll. When using it in our tests, we realized it made it easier to plowing through plush pile carpets. Also, it has several attachments and several levels of suction that will enable it to clean many surfaces including bare floor.
We also like that this Miele has a self-sealing, high-filtration bag to collect the dust; other models offer bags that actually expel dust back into the air through the many fissures in the body of the vacuum, while bagless vacuums can be somewhat difficult to discharge. With this model, all you do is dump the whole bag once it is full.
The whole vacuum is sealed to avoid leaking, and a HEPA AirClean filter is provided on the exhaust to ensure that fine dust and allergens are not returned to the environment. The bags are a little expensive, but in our experience Miele models performed the best in terms of dust and dirt pick-up as well as containing particles within the machine which is why we recommend them for those who suffer from allergies.
Type: Bagged | Weight: 23 lbs | Cord Length: 24 ft. | Capacity: 4.5 Liters | HEPA Filter: Yes | Attachments: Upholstery nozzle, dusting brush, crevice tool, parquet floorhead, electro plus powerhead | Best For: Carpets, parquet, hardwood and tile.
2
Best Value Canister Vacuum
Eureka Mighty Mite 3670G Corded Canister Vacuum
PROS
- Lightweight
- Has a blower port for outdoor tasks
CONS
- Lacks a rotating brush
If you don’t have the space for a large scale canister vacuum cleaner, then this cheap handheld vacuum cleaner is the most powerful little machine with several abilities. We appreciate that the Eureka Mighty Mite weighs about 9 pounds which makes it easy to carry around as some of the users noted that they found it easy to transport upstairs and downstairs, of a neat size to store.
Consequently, there is no wonder that this model has been included in the list of Eureka’s products for several years already. We are glad that it comes with two wands, both of which have fantastic pick-up depending on the area you are cleaning. In our tests, it was an all round good performer though it was most effective when used for small clean up operations on bare floors or any smooth surface. For extra comfort, it comes with a blower port to blow leaves or debris in the garage. We just wish it has a rotating brush for a better performance in dealing with large particles such as lint and hair among others.
Type: Bagged | Weight: 9 lbs | Cord Length: 20 ft. | Capacity: 2.5 Liters | HEPA Filter: No | Attachments: Straight suction floor nozzle, combination dusting tool | Best For: Bare floors, carpets and rugs, stairs, has a blower port for garages and decks.
3
Best for Hardwood Floors Canister Vacuum
Miele Boost CX1 Parquet Canister Vacuum
PROS
- Excellent suction
- Great maneuverability
- Parquet brush won’t scratch wood floors
CONS
- Not ideal for heavily soiled deep pile carpets.
Even our test experts were impressed with this particular vacuum’s cleaning efficiency and its advanced functions – and rightly so because time and again Miele produces winners in our tests. However, the Boost CX1 Parquet had no issues of merely pushing debris forward rather than suctioning them which is a usual occurrence in some other models. During our trials, it effectively collected both very fine dust and other small solid particles as well as larger pieces of debris such as dry oats.
It comes equipped with a HEPA filter, cord rewind system, parquet floor brush tool and a telescopic wand all packed in a container that resembles a small cooler. Some of the features that we like include the large dust bin that does not require to be emptied frequently and the large wheels for ease of movement. The universal floor head enables you to switch from low carpet to hard floors just by turning a dial –no need for swapping the attachments. It does not have a rotating brush for dirt trapped in deep pile carpets but the large oval parquet brush effectively and safely cleans in between gaps on parquet floors.
Type: Bagless | Weight: 13.8 lbs | Cord Length: 22 ft. | Capacity: 1 Liters | HEPA Filter: Yes | Attachments: Upholstery nozzle, crevice tool, dusting brush, parquet floorhead | Best For: Delicate hard floors, parquet.
4
Best Portable Canister Vacuum
Oreck Compact Canister Vacuum Cleaner
PROS
- Lightweight
- HEPA filter
- Long cord; great for cleaning the car.
CONS
- Can’t clean the deep pile carpet.
The Oreck Compact Canister is lightweight, weighing 5.5 pounds only and whereas the traditional canister is more portable, designed great for small jobs. The convenience of a shoulder strap and a telescopic wand for dust in narrow and high areas such as frames, fans, and lights, is commendable. The extra-long 20 feet long cord can easily reach a distant power outlet so you can clean those far off areas after dirty spills such as the car interiors.
Though it cannot do the high pile carpets deep cleaning, when it came along with Oreck upright, we used it and were satisfied with its performance over the hard floors, flat carpets and area rugs. Its bag preserves dust inside and its filtration is up to HEPA. The vacuum is also comes with a three-year limited warranty, and it also has a blower that is useful in cleaning the garage, workshop, and the patio.
Type: Bagged | Weight: 5.5 lbs | Cord Length: 20 ft. | Capacity: 0.6 Liters | HEPA Filter: Yes | Attachments: Bare floor brush, crevice tool, dusting brush, upholstery tool, connectors | Best For: Stairs, hard surfaces, edges, blower for garage and patio.
5
Best for Pet Hair Canister Vacuum
Kenmore Pet Friendly POP-N-GO Bagged Canister Vacuum
PROS
- Big wheels for easy maneuvering
- Comes with a motorized attachment for pet hair
- Sealed dust bag so less dust escapes while emptying.
CONS
- Heavy
This Kenmore is as diverse as it is strong. The Pet Friendly POP-N-GO has a special mini motorized brush tool that is used to remove pet hair from upholstered furniture and carpets, and it can be easily stored in the vacuum along with other attachments. The cleaning with a disposable dust bag and the sealed system keeps in unwanted debris, while the HEPA filter on the exhaust makes it smart for people with pet or allergies.
The controls of the machines were found to be user friendly by our specialists while at the same time performing impressively in emulating the floor cleaning tests. Big wheels also facilitated easy maneuverability of the vacuum. Although it is one of the larger models on our list, the vacuum was quite lightweight and simple to maneuver over all floor types including shag carpet. A feature that impressed us was that the floor brush for hardwood can be easily changed with this device with just one button.
Type: Bagged | Weight: 22.6 lbs | Cord Length: 28 ft. | Capacity: Not listed | HEPA Filter: Yes | Attachments: Mini-motorized pet hair tool, powered floor nozzle, crevice tool, dusting brush, bare floor brush | Best For: Bare floors, carpets, stairs.
6
Best Wet & Dry Canister Vacuum
DeWalt Quiet Poly Wet Dry Vacuum
PROS
- Works as a blower and vacuum
- Accessories store in a pouch on-board.
CONS
- Only slightly quieter than other models.
This is our top pick for the best corded canister vacuum for dry and wet debris in your house, your garage and even your workshop. The DeWalt performed indoor and outdoor well as it managed to also collect the larger debris and water on testing. The attachments for hard-to-reach crevices and floors can also assist in cleaning wet spills in your home as well. They come in handy especially in situations involving a heavy spill, leakage or flooding.
It has swivel wheels, a 7-foot hose and a 10-foot cord and can turn and maneuver with ease in relatively small spaces despite its bulkiness and size. According to the manufacturer, the blender is up to 50% quieter than its predecessors due to the two-stage motor. In our tests, considered it was slightly quieter than other models, the Home Improvement and Outdoor test experts said it was louder in comparison with other models they reviewed for the best shop vacuums.
Type: Bagless | Weight: 22.7 lbs | Cord Length: 10 ft. | Capacity: 10 gallons | HEPA Filter: No | Attachments: Floor nozzle, utility nozzle, crevice tool | Best For: Workshop floor, garage, patio.
7
Best for Carpet Canister Vacuum
Kenmore Elite 21814 CrossOver Canister Vacuum
PROS
- It’s very effective on carpets
- It’s also fruitful upholstery, and car mats.
CONS
- It’s not great on hard floors
- It’s a bit tricky to empty the bag.
The Kenmore vacuum worked very well on carpets, upholsteries and car mats, all of which pet owners will really appreciate. The suction is quite strong, this was especially noticed when the vacuum was set on the carpet mode. But when placed on the car mat, all the debris was cleared in a single pass only. Better still was the fact that there was not too much hair that had stuck to the roller brush. It required more passes here on tile and hardwood flooring because debris would get spit out; however, it is much more effective on carpeted and upholstered fabrics.
The setup was relatively easy since there was no manual. The vacuum cleaner has a compartment at the back of the flap in the canister for the small accessories, which are small and stylish. Personally, it took us a few minutes to understand how to discard the bag which needed both our hands and detaching the hose. The vacuum retained its excellent suction after two months of use and was as powerful as it was on the first day of usage.
We specifically enjoy the various light indicators that can detect dirt and inform you when to dispose of the bag. The cord easily reaches the length of a whole room, the canister wheels move smoothly, though occasionally the hose tangles around the legs of furniture while cleaning. The floor attachment is light and therefore washing stairs does not feel like a chore at all. We also identified it to be fairly quiet, which is always a plus.
Type: Bagged | Weight: 23 pounds | Cord Length: 26 feet | Capacity: Not listed | HEPA Filter: Yes | Attachments: Crevice Nozzle, Upholstery Brush, Dusting Brush | Best For: Hard Floor, Carpet, Bare Floor, All floors, Linoleum, Laminate, Upholstery, Hardwoods.
Things to consider when purchasing a canister vacuum cleaner
We can’t recommend one canister vacuum that is right for everyone, but with a wide variety to choose from, one can easily find a suitable one. Consider the following when you are shopping.
✔️ Bagged or bagless: While both master the instrument, there is one massive distinction between the two. The bagged canister vacs are usually much easier to maintain when compared to other types of vacuums. It is simply the process of taking off a used dust bag and replacing it with a new one.
You will have to purchase bags and the prices differ depending on the brand but you will not deal with a dust cup. Bagless canister vacuums come equipped with a dust cup that has to be emptied and a filter that must be cleaned after every — or every few — uses. This can get a little dirty, and the dust cloud that some expel may be irritating to allergy mask wearers.
✔️ The ground you will cover: If you’ll vacuum stairs, a lightweight canister vacuum or one with an extra-long hose and cord is desirable. A telescoping wand, a tool that increases the height of the hose, would also prove helpful in cleaning those high areas such as the stairs, windowsills, ceilings, under furniture etc.
✔️ Attachments: These additional gadgets could tip the scales when it comes to your purchase decision. Most canister vacuums include a dusting brush, upholstery tool, and a crevice tool. An added powerhead is necessary in deep cleaning carpets and rugs, more effectively. If all you have are bare floors or very thin rugs at home, then the universal floor head/bare floor brush will suffice. However, if you have medium or deep pile carpets, consider buying the motorized powerhead with a rotating brush. It is also beneficial to use car cleaning attachments.
Is the suction in canister vacuums better than in other types of vacuums?
In general, it has to be said that canister vacuums are indeed capable of providing more powerful suction compared to the battery-operated stick, handheld, and even robot vacuums. Electric energy makes them more powerful, but not necessarily more than the corded electric upright vacuum cleaner.
Canister Vacuums FAQs
Are canister vacuums more effective than upright and stick vacuums?
Canister vacuums can be as good or even better in terms of suction power compared to upright and stick vacuums because the canister type allows for larger motors and superior airflow. That’s good news if you are planning on buying a new vacuum because you have a vast array of powerful cleaning tools available. Finally, one can decide on what type of vacuum cleaner they want to use in their homes.
Are canister vacuums stronger than Upright and stick vacuums?
Suction power is a measure of how fast air moves in a vacuum system to pick up dirt from the floor. Suction power is expressed in air watts, which quantify the airflow behind the hose of a vacuum cleaner. It should also be noted that the higher the air wattage, the stronger the suction power which is a crucial parameter.
When selecting the canister vacuum, one should look for a canister vacuum that has a suction power of between 200 to 300 air watts (AW) or a high CFM rating. Nonetheless, many manufacturers do not declare the air watts of their vacuum cleaners, making this feature not very visible.
How to clean a canister vacuum cleaner?
you should be cleaning your vacuum cleaner. Other than emptying the debris in the dustbin frequently, you should also wash the canister and other attachments frequently. First of all, always read the instructions left by the manufacturer – no one hopes to fall out of warranty! But in general, a little soapy water with a cloth will suffice—just remember to thoroughly rinse all the components and then dry it to reinstall.
But you should also clean the hair out of the brush roll – some vacuums came with a tool for this, or you can carefully cut them with a pair of scissors. Clean the exterior as well— rubbing a dryer sheet on the hose to remove dust.
That being said, there are other maintenance tasks that one can perform to extend the lifespan of the canister vacuum. a wire hanger further works to eliminate clogs. If there are any cracks or holes at the vacuum hose, cover them with a piece of duct tape. Grease bearings where necessary to ensure a smooth system and check the belt which may require being replaced in the long run.
How to clean a canister vacuum cleaner?
you should be cleaning your vacuum cleaner. Other than emptying the debris in the dustbin frequently, you should also wash the canister and other attachments frequently. First of all, always read the instructions left by the manufacturer – no one hopes to fall out of warranty! But in general, a little soapy water with a cloth will suffice—just remember to thoroughly rinse all the components and then dry it to reinstall.
But you should also clean the hair out of the brush roll – some vacuums came with a tool for this, or you can carefully cut them with a pair of scissors. Clean the exterior as well— rubbing a dryer sheet on the hose to remove dust.
That being said, there are other maintenance tasks that one can perform to extend the lifespan of the canister vacuum. a wire hanger further works to eliminate clogs. If there are any cracks or holes at the vacuum hose, cover them with a piece of duct tape. Grease bearings where necessary to ensure a smooth system and check the belt which may require being replaced in the long run.
