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Where would we all be without a good vacuum cleaner? One of the best inventions of mankind, there is a need in every home, for the best vacuum possible. Of course, there are literally thousands of models out there – so how do you separate the good from the bad?
Well we’ve made the search much easier, and done the research. After testing many different models, and aggregating tens of thousands of online reviews – we can confidently recommended the best vacuum. Here are our top picks.
Our Top Pick
Miele Electro+
With over 250 glowing reviews, amazing performance, and a flawless track record – the Miele Electro+ is our top pick, for best vacuum. The HEPA filter, solid engineering, and cleaning experience are simply unparalleled.
Other Great Picks
Dyson V8 Absolute Cordless
Dyson is well-known for their high-quality home products, and this cordless vacuum cleaner is no different. With over 2,826 stellar online reviews, and amazing craftsmanship, it is impossible to go wrong with this machine.
Bissell Cleanview
With over 800 stellar reviews, the Cleanview from Bissell is another solid option. With no bag (love that feature), and a great turbo brush tool – we found ourselves loving this model during testing. Definitely recommended.
Dyson Cyclone V10
The Cyclone is not a budget pick – but we think the extra money is worth it. Extremely durable, efficient, and flawless in cleaning ability – it’s hard to find a bad word to say about the Cyclone. The stellar 1,600+ reviews certainly agree with our assessment.
Hoover T-Series WindTunnel Rewind Plus
With an incredible 10,000+ positive online reviews, this budget model from Hoover is a great vacuum, no matter what your needs are. We loved the HEPA filter, and the fact that this is one of the most affordable (and best-performing) vacuums out there. Definitely recommended.
Shark Navigator
The Shark Navigator is one of the best vacuums we’ve ever used. With over 3,800 positive online reviews, we’re certainly not the only ones who think this. We loved that there was no messy bag to deal with, and also loved the extremely long cord. A flawless product.
Dyson Ball Multi Floor 2
Perhaps the coolest design we’ve ever seen for a vacuum cleaner, the Ball Multi Floor 2 has sleek performance to match. With over 1,000 rave reviews, and one of the best cleaning experiences we’ve ever had – we highly recommend it.
Dyson V7 Animal
Not only do we love the name of this vacuum – we love the performance and design. With over 2,000 positive reviews – the consensus is unanimous. The Animal from Dyson, is a truly great consumer product.
Hoover BH50020PC
With a bevy of positive online reviews (800+ and counting) – this vacuum from Hoover is a great pick. We especially loved the fact that it was cordless, and it got every crumb we dropped. Definitely recommended.
BLACK+DECKER Dustbuster
The classic Dustbuster has a whopping 17,000 (!) positive online reviews. We were definitely satisfied with our experience with this machine during testing, and it’s perfect for those looking for a budget option.
What Is A Vacuum?
If you’ve ever had a dirty house, or had to clean up after a party – you likely already know why a vacuum is important. Vacuums suck up dirt, dust, grime, pet hair, and lots of other not-so-pleasant things from your floor.
They are used for any number of things, and there are an equally large amount of different offshoots of vacuum models. Want a pet vacuum? Yep, they have those. Want a car vacuum? You’re in luck, they make those too.
However, most people don’t put any thought or effort into choosing a vacuum – and that’s a big mistake. If you choose wisely now, you can end up with a great vacuum cleaner that may last you for close to the rest of your life.
Unlike some household appliances, we recommend spending a little bit more on a vacuum, because it’s such an important part of your household cleaning regimen. Not to mention – the difference between a mediocre vacuum, and the best vacuum – is huge.
Why Do I Need A Vacuum Cleaner?
Everyone needs a vacuum. Whether you have a tiny apartment, or a huge home, there is going to be dust. And dirt. And grime. And the easiest way to combat these nasty things – is with the best vacuum cleaner.
You can clean your kitchen floor, get the dust out of your study, or even vacuum the floor mats in your car. If you have kids – you’ll probably want to get more than one vacuum cleaner, as children are notoriously messy.
Truthfully, there’s no good reason to not have a vacuum, and no matter what you need to clean up – they will come in handy. Try getting all the crumbs up from your kitchen, without a vacuum cleaner. It’s not an activity we recommend.
Vacuum Types
There are many different types of vacuums, ranging from handheld to robot. While we recommend getting at least two vacuums, if you only have the budget for one, we recommend that you carefully study your specific needs first.
Where do you need to vacuum? Is it a large space, or a small space? How often will you be vacuuming? Once a week, once a month?
Once you have these questions answered, it’s far easier to choose a vacuum type. Once you’ve determined that, we can easily tell you which are the best vacuums in each specific area.
Upright Vacuum
The most popular form of vacuum, upright models are exactly how they sound. They stand upright, and you roll them back and forth over areas you’d like to clean.
They are big and heavy, but they are also packed with much more power than most other vacuum types. They are great for deep cleaning carpets, as well as large households.
However, they are a pain in the butt to get up and down stairs, which is one of the many reasons why we recommend buying two different vacuums. If you get your big spots with an upright, but then finish off your stairs and tough-to-reach areas with a handheld vacuum – your house will be absolutely sparkling.
Stick Vacuum
Stick vacuums are starting to take over a good portion of the vacuum market. If you live in an apartment, it may make more sense to use a stick vacuum instead of an upright vacuum.
They are easy to store, light, and can clean low pile carpet and hardwood floors. However, stick vacuums lack the power of upright vacuums, and don’t work particularly well in large homes (or on thicker carpets).
Canister Vacuum
Canister vacuums used to be very popular, but they are slightly less common today. Difficult to store, but powerful, they are a good option if you need to clean your hardwood floors or low pile carpet.
The attached hose also provides increased reach, so you can clean in tight corners, as well as in other unique spaces. When going with a canister vacuum, always make sure to opt for quality.
Handheld Vacuum
Handheld vacuums are great for reaching into small nooks and crannies, and they also make it very easy to clean stairs. Handheld vacuums are also great if you have pets, or if you just want a lighter vacuum on hand.
Handheld vacuums are good for cleaning your upholstery, but have a slightly shorter battery life than bigger models. Handheld vacuums are also great for cleaning the inside of your car, as they can reach into any area – no matter how small.
Robot Vacuum
Robot vacuums have become increasingly popular, and they work great for minor cleaning, as well as with pets. The only potential downside with robot vacuums is that they will not do deep cleaning, but we still think they are a great way to automate a task as traditionally annoying as vacuuming.
Corded Vacuum
A corded vacuum has been the standby (and only) option for vacuuming for decades. However, they have started to fall out of favor with many, only because cordless vacuums have come along, and made life a little bit easier.
Corded vacuums offer plenty of power, and great cleaning ability. Ultimately it really comes down to the choice between having a cord to keep track of, or moving into the future with a cordless model.
Cordless Vacuum
Increasingly popular, cordless vacuums are most common in the stick vacuum form. We like them because we were able to access every area in our house with no problem, during our testing.
However, cordless vacuums also need to be charged (unlike corded vacuums), and they can also sometimes run out of juice while you are still cleaning. If you are going to get a cordless model, we recommend choosing one with a long battery life.
Bagged Vacuum
Most vacuums have a bag, which is used to dispose of the dirt and grim you collect. This offers an advantage for those who have allergies, as it will keep all allergens tightly sealed up, unlike bagless vacuums.
Bagless Vacuum
Bagless vacuums are more convenient, in that you don’t need to empty a bag after vacuuming. However, if you have allergies, they may not be ideal.
This is because they can let allergens out into the air, when you are emptying the canister. Bagless vacuums use filters and dust bins, not bags, but they still require regular maintenance.
Car Vacuum
Car vacuums are (obviously) specifically designed for your vehicle and come in both wet/dry and dry models. If you want to get your car cleaner, go with a wet/dry model, as it will also allow you to clean wet spills that may occur – something a normal dry model won’t be able to do.
Shark Vacuum
Shark manufacturers some of the best vacuums on the market today. Their Navigator and Apex models are tremendously popular, and provide a key competitor to Dyson. Shark vacuums also tend to be less expensive than comparable Dyson models – a key selling point that attracts a large number of consumers.
Kirby Vacuum
Kirby makes extremely well-crafted vacuum cleaners, but they are far too expensive for us to recommend them to most people. While you certainly will not find a cleaner carpet than you will after you use a Kirby – we can’t imagine most people want to spend over $1,000 on a vacuum.
Dyson Vacuum
Dyson has been one of the leaders in vacuums for years. They offer excellent products, with innovative designs, and tremendous durability.
One thing Dyson products are not, however, is cheap. If you’re prepared to spend a good amount on a vacuum cleaner, we highly recommend a Dyson.
Household Size For Vacuuming
It’s important to take into consideration what size area you’ll be vacuuming, as a large home will require a different type of vacuum than a small apartment. You should also consider if anyone in the home has allergies, and also if you have any pets that shed.
Vacuuming In A Large House
Upright or canister vacuums usually work better in large homes. This is because they work for all types of flooring, and will also give your carpet a deep clean. Canister vacuums are lighter, which means they may be better if you have a lot of stairs in your home.
Vacuuming In An Apartment
In an apartment, a stick vacuum usually works best. Not only is it easier to store, but you will have enough power to clean your entire apartment – without having to lug around a heavy upright vacuum.
Vacuuming With Pets
If you have pets, be prepared to vacuum far more frequently. This is because pets shed tons of hair, and even a short haired animal will require you to vacuum much more often.
Vacuuming For Allergies
If you have allergies, we recommend you go with a bagged vacuum. This is because bagless vacuums can sometimes shoot allergens out into the air, aggravating your allergies.
A bag that is completely sealed, is far less likely to cause your allergies to act up, so a bagged vacuum will almost always give you better results. As long as your vacuum is bagless, the specific type and model you go with, is unlikely to make a difference for your allergies.
Certifications For The Best Vacuum
There are two important certifications to pay attention to, when choosing the best vacuum cleaner. The CRI (Carpet and Rug Institute) seal of approval, and the Asthma and Allergy Friendly certification.
Both of these certifications are important (and slightly different). The CRI looks at a variety of factors related to how well a vacuum will clean, measuring the overall cleanliness that results.
By contrast, the Asthma and Allergy Friendly certification specifically looks only at whether or not a vacuum cleaner removes surface allergens. If you have a dust allergy (or really any type of allergies) – you will definitely want to make sure that your chosen vacuum has the Asthma and Allergy Friendly certification.
What Is The Point Of Vacuuming?
Without vacuuming, we’d be living in filth. Thousands of dust mites inhabit each and every one of our carpets, and without vacuuming – they will continue to breed aggressively.
If you have allergies – vacuuming is even more important, as the best models help to remove allergens from your carpet and furniture. Experts recommend vacuuming twice a week – but even once a week is better than nothing.
Price Of The Best Vacuum
Vacuums range in price from $30 to $1,000+. Your own personal needs will help determine how much you should spend, as not every vacuum is an ideal fit for every person.
We do not think the absolute top-of-the-line vacuums are necessary for most people’s regular cleaning needs, but we also do not think you should skimp and get the absolute cheapest vacuums on the market. A mid-range model of vacuum cleaner is the sweet spot for most people.
We also recommend getting at least 2 different vacuums, as you will want one for deep cleaning, as well as one that’s optimal for tight areas and surface cleaning. For example, an upright vacuum and a robot vacuum are what some of our staff have in their homes.
How Do I Choose The Best Vacuum For Me?
Choosing the right vacuum for you, comes down to looking at uniquely personal variables. How big is the space you will be cleaning? Do you have allergies? Are you on a tight budget?
These are all questions to ask yourself, before deciding on a vacuum model. Also be sure to look extensively at the actual user reviews for each model, and check in to the warranty that covers the product.
The Best Vacuum
There you have it – our picks for the best vacuum. There are a ton of great home cleaning products besides these, so be sure to check out some of our other product reviews, in the home and cleaning categories.