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Vacuum cleaners are the best. These incredible machines help you keep your home or workplace clean and tidy. Reduce the number of small particles and dust accumulation and help you maintain good health. However, with so many different brands, models and types, it can get a bit confusing when you start shopping. Thanks to our extensive knowledge and experience, our cleaning professionals know what characteristics a proper machine should have. We have selected the best of the best of each different type, so you don’t have to waste time in extensive research.

It is hard to choose the right vacuum cleaner for your needs. With so many options, you can easily get flustered, so let’s first look at the different types of machines, look at their strong and weak sides and pinpoint the best performers in each category.

1. Upright Vacuum Cleaners

Upright vacuum cleaners are most popular in the US and Great Britain. They are light, simple to use and suitable for most households. Due to the fact they don’t have a long hose and a canister, upright vacuums are easy to manoeuvre, meaning you can clean faster.
However, since they are a bit bulky, it might be difficult to reach tight or high places like the corner of the ceiling or under the sofa.

2. The Best Upright Vacuum Cleaners for 2021

2.1 Shark Anti Hair Wrap NZ801UKT Upright Vacuum Cleaner

With an incredible 5 star rating on Amazon, this is hands down a truly remarkable machine. The Anti Wrap technology will ensure the brushes stay clean and save you time picking up and untangling hairs and fibres. The vacuum cleaner is easy to use even in the hard to reach places. It comes with different attachments that will help you remove dirt and debris not only from your carpets and bare floors but from upholstery as well. According to its manufacturers, the Shark Anti Hair Wrap “captures and traps 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum, not releasing them back into the air you breathe.”

2.2 Miele Dynamic U1 Cat & Dog Vacuum Cleaner

It is the perfect upright vacuum cleaner for all pet owners. The machine is powerful, removes all traces of hairs and fibres and doesn’t spew dust or debris. Miele Dynamic U1 Cat & Dog performs equally well on carpeting and bare floors. It is relatively light with – 10 kg (22 lbs) and a pretty long cord – 12 m (40 ft). It can be a bit bulky and hard to handle compared to the other models on the list, but it’s a small price to pay considering what you get in return.

2.3 Eureka NEU182A PowerSpeed Upright Vacuum Cleaner

This is our budget option, and we are quite happy with our pick. The Eureka is not only lightweight (4.5 kg/10 lbs) but has a surprisingly big dirt containing capacity – over 4 litres. The vacuum cleaner is not that noisy, runs well both on carpets and bare floors and comes with the standard set of attachments. The model is equipped with a long crevice tool and has 5 height adjustment settings. The Eureka NEU182A is a great addition to every household, as it is easy to manoeuvre to reach even the tightest of places.

We can’t finish this list without some honourable mentions:

• Vorwerk Kobold VK200 – The vacuum cleaner is truly a state of the art as it changes its cleaning settings automatically. Its sensors detect when you move from a bare floor to a carpet, and the brushes adjust accordingly in merely 0.7 seconds. Powerful and stylish, the Kobold VK200 is on a higher price scale, so it’s definitely not for everybody.
• Dyson Small Ball Allergy Upright Vacuum Cleaner – The design of this upright vacuum cleaner is pretty unique, however, it enhances the functionality of the model. Easy to navigate, equipped with lots of different attachments, the machine can work on any type of suffice, equally good. Bear in mind, the Dyson is noisy, which can bring its fair share of discomfort to the household.
• Hoover WindTunnel T-Series Tempo – The WindTunnel technology these vacuums possess will create a powerful suction lifting the dirt and debris from all types of flooring and carpeting. Thanks to its long cord the model is easy to manoeuvre around the home. Granted the Hoover is a bit on the heavy side, but it is easy to store, has a certified HEPA filtration system and comes with various attachment heads.

3. Canister Vacuum Cleaners

Also known as cylinder vacuum cleaners, these machines are usually easy to navigate and can uphold large quantities of debris and dirt. They can be bagged and bagless. The latter can be with or without a water filter, depending on the brand and model. The canister vacuum cleaner is very convenient when you have to tidy hard to reach places as the machine has many different attachments.
Some models can be quite heavy, and it can be hard to store them.

4. The Best Canister Vacuum Cleaners for 2021

4.1 Miele Complete C3 Vacuum for Soft Carpet

The overall winner in the canister division, the Miele C3 vacuum proudly has worn its Good Housekeeping seal of approval since 2019. The model is yet to be outshined and is by far the best of the best even in 2021. Its remarkable performance can explain the big price tag, but we assure you it is worth it. Equipped with the obligatory HEPA filtration system and the unique “soft carpet” suction technology, the model is great, both for small and large spaces. The C3 is designed to carefully remove dirt and debris from delicate fibres, so you can rest assured, your silk or Persian rugs won’t suffer any treading or damage.

4.2 OVENTE Bagless Canister Cyclonic Vacuum

The most budget-friendly of our top contenders with the OVENTE, you receive far above for what you have paid. The cleaner performs well both on rugs and bare floors. It has a certified HEPA system and is extremely easy to manoeuvre. Thanks to the 360’ swirl function on the hose, you can easily reach all of the tough spots in your home. The LED indicator will alarm you when it is time to empty the canister. The vacuum is easy to maintain the only thing you should consider is its weight. Due to it being so light, you can easily roll it over when cleaning the stairs. Other than that, the OVENTE will be a great asset to your household.

4.3 Dyson Cinetic Big Ball Animal Canister

We can’t skip another big frontrunner – the Dyson Cinetic Big Ball Animal Canister, advertised as the perfect machine for pet owners. With its bagless design, easy to manoeuvre corpus, big wheels and innovative brush, this cleaner is suitable for all types of properties. It performs excellent when it comes to pet hair removal. However, keep in mind, it can stumble a bit with larger debris like slipped cereal or soil. Nevertheless, you can quickly overlook these – just think about its reusable filters and impressive suction capabilities. You can easily clean a small mansion without having to empty the dirt holder.

Now let’s check some models that couldn’t squeeze in the top 3 but are worth mentioning due to their well-made design and versatile functionality.

• Henry HVR160 Cylinder Vacuum Cleaner – Looking like a cute cartoon character Henry doesn’t rely solely on its looks. The machine has great dirt containing capacity, sufficient cord length (10 m/22 lbs), and on top of that, the model has an energy rating of A, which makes it quite eco-friendly. This vacuum cleaner is perfect for small households and performs well on all types of flooring and carpeting. And to top it all, Henry has a spectacular 5-star rating on Amazon.
• Bissell Zing Canister 2156A Vacuum – Extremely budget-friendly and easy to use, this model is a great solution if you own a small-sized property. This bagless model captures most of the flying dust particles and is equipped with washable and reusable filters. Its dirt cup has a capacity of only 2 litres which should be sufficient for a studio apartment.
• Kenmore Elite 600 Series 81614 Vacuum Cleaner – Equipped with a HEPA filtration system, user-friendly design, large dirt-collecting capacity and innovative attachments, the model is not relatively expensive. The motorised Pet PowerMate tool will remove all traces of hairs and fibres from your carpets and upholstery. Suitable for all types of carpeting and flooring, the machine has an 8.5m (28ft) retractable cord and is ideal for a medium-sized property.

*The prices are as of April 2021 according to Amazon.
**The Energy Efficiency Class is applicable only for models sold in the EU. If you are purchasing your machine online many US models don’t have this information available.

5. Stick Vacuum Cleaners

Also called cordless vacuum cleaners, these machines are powered by batteries and don’t have an electrical cord. The newer models are quite powerful, with long-lasting battery life, so you can easily clean the whole house in one go. Due to their design, they don’t take much space. In addition, have some of the vacuum attachments common for the cylinder machines like crevice or upholstery tools.
Unfortunately, their dust-holding properties are limited since the canister is pretty small. You will need to empty it frequently during the vacuuming process.

6. The Best Stick Vacuum Cleaners for 2021

6.1 Dyson V11 Absolute Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

Dyson vacuums have always been amongst the best when it comes to Stick models, and the V11 Absolute is no exception. This intuitive machine can flip its suction levels depending on the surface it is used on. With a running time of up to 60 minutes and a custom certified asthma and allergy friendly™ system, the V11 is a must for every home. The machine can be easily converted into a handheld vacuum with only one click, so you can successfully clean even your car.

6.2 Miele Triflex HX1 cat and dog

Miele’s first stick vacuum is really remarkable with its powerful turbo function and 3 different types of configurations – stick, upright and handheld. This versatile model is suitable for all kinds of floors and carpets, and much like its canister big brother does the job outstanding. The dirt cup is easy to clean and has a relatively good capacity of 0.5 litres. The battery can last for up to 30 minutes, depending on the setting (17 min for the turbo). The cordless design is easy to navigate, light, and not to mention – stylish. If you are looking for a fast way to sweep the dust and dirt, you should definitely consider the Miele Triflex HX1 cat and dog.

6.3 JASHEN V16

Its user-friendly design, HEPA filtration system and cleaning capabilities far exceed the expectation, especially when you see the price tag. Labelled as one of the best budget stick vacuums on the market, the JASHEN V16 is light, easy to navigate, performs relatively well on all kinds of surfaces and is exceptional when it comes to removing pet hairs. Yes, it can get cluttered with bigger chunks of debris, but its filtration system successfully catches the smaller air particles. The model is great for people with dust allergies, pets and small children.

If you want to look at more reliable models, here are our next top 3 picks.

• Samsung Jet™ 90 Pro Cordless Vacuum Cleaner – With a runtime of 60 minutes from a single charge and an additional mop attachment, this stick vacuum cleaner is worth every penny. This energy-efficient machine is not only extremely quiet but has a certified HEPA filtration system. If you are looking for a trustworthy cordless vacuum, the Samsung Jet™ 90 Pro is for you.
• Shark Anti Hair Wrap with Flexology – A fast solution for all pet owners, the Shark stick vacuum can easily remove hairs and fibres. Depending on its setting and the surface you are cleaning, the model can work from 30 to 80 minutes with one change of the batteries (you will receive two with the initial purchase.).
• Tineco A11 Hero – If you are looking for a light stick vacuum with an impressive deep cleaning capability, long-lasting battery with multiple attachments, the Tineco A11 Hero is the one. It easily converts into a handheld cleaner when needed, and the additional tools make it ideal for tidying both your property and your car. The battery life is close to 40 minutes (20 if you use the turbo option), which gives you enough time to thoroughly vacuum your carpets. Its sole flaw may be the lack of a sufficient filtering system, so you will get some floating dust from time to time.

*The prices are as of April 2021 according to Amazon.

7. Robot Vacuum Cleaners

Time and effort-saving, robot vacuum cleaners are perfect for homes with no or minimal carpeting. You can use them to maintain the cleanliness in your home and use a “big” machine only once in a while. Generally, robot vacuum cleaners are not suitable for deep carpet cleaning, as they are not powerful enough to extract the embedded dirt. If you own fluffy rugs or wall-to-wall carpeting you might want to look for another type of machine.

The robot has different sensors for navigating its way on the floor and avoiding bumping into furniture. Altho it can get stuck sometimes, the robotic vacuum is a quiet and useful solution.
Keep in mind that you have pets, especially breeds with long hairs, you need to frequently clean the robot’s brushes.

8. The Best Robot Vacuum Cleaners for 2021

8.1 Neato D7

Neato D7 is the epiphany of smart cleaning. The robot is equipped with so many innovative systems and surprising features that you won’t need any other vacuum ever again. The multiple floor mapping function, the Zoning cleaning and the No-Go Lines will ensure the floors and carpets will be vacuumed how and when you want. This little guy can remove dust and dirt from every corner and thigh space in the room, as it is quite manoeuvrable. With the impressive 120 min of battery life, the Neato D7 is suitable for large and small properties. Not to mention how fast it recharges – max 3 hours.

8.2 Eufy RoboVac 11S

If you are searching for a reliable robot cleaner on a budget, you found it. The Eufy 11S is silent, cleans with ease all sorts of debris from pet hairs to different sized crumbs, and the built-in cliff function prevents it from falling off stairs. Maybe its biggest con is the robot doesn’t work on WiFi. However, this also is its biggest advantage, as your home will be safe from outside hacking and interference. The cleaner comes with an easy to use remote control that allows you to switch it on and off and choose different programs. For its price (around £190 depending on the seller) and above-average performance, the Eufy 11S is a must-have.

8.3 iRobot Roomba S9 Plus

If you want to spend a lot on a robot vacuum, you need to at least choose one worthy of your money, so get yourself a Roomba S9+. We promise you won’t be disappointed. This smart little machine is extremely self-sufficient. It can go up to 60 days without you having to clean it manually. The Roomba does everything by itself. When it feels the battery is low – it goes to the docking station. When it needs to unload – it has an automatic dirt disposal system. If the robot decides it hasn’t done a good enough job in a specific area, it will go back and redo the whole section. Honestly, that is not even half of its innovative built-up functions, and for that reason, the iRobot Roomba S9 Plus is one of the top 3 robot vacuums for 2021.

In addition, check out the following robots that barely missed the first spots.

• Samsung POWERbot R7040 – This little robot performs very well both on carpets and bare floors and is easy to maintain. The SmartThings app allows you not only to control the vacuum but also to see status and history reports. Samsung POWERbot R7040 has great customer reviews as people are prising it to be easy to maintain and capable of dealing with all sorts of debris and pet hairs. We have to agree with them and add that the robot’s design allows it to reach all corners of the room, so the high reviews come with no surprise.
• Roborock S6 Max V – Here we have a robotic vacuum that will fulfil the dream of a heart-free home every pet owner has. The Roborock S6 Max V is relatively powerful and removes hairs, fibres and debris from carpets with ease. It is also equipped with two front cameras that help it recognise different objects and avoid them. The vacuum is certified by TUV Rheinland as a safe home device that will protect your data and privacy.
• Ecovacs Deebot T8 AIVI – You will not only receive a great vacuum cleaner, but this robot has a mop function as well. However, that is not all that it has up its sleeve. The Deebot T8 AIVI has a microphone, a WiFi camera, a complex navigation system, including mapping and obstacle identification. Keep in mind that with so many features and programs, the mobile app gets overwhelmed at times, but that is the risk of having a multipurpose robot vacuum cleaner.

9. Handheld Vacuum Cleaners

They are perfect for a quick clean. You can easily remove pet hairs from the couch, dust from your curtains or even use them to tidy your car. Handled vacuum cleaners are especially useful for households with children as they are light, easy to store and navigate, relatively quiet and have sufficient battery life.
You can’t rely on them to get the whole house spotless, as they are not designed to clean large spaces. Some models have a cord, which can be an obstacle if you want to vacuum your car upholstery.

10. The Best Handheld Vacuum Cleaners for 2021

10.1 Black+Decker Dustbuster CHV1410L

The Dustbuster is a great budget solution for every property. The nozzle extends and protests, so you can vacuum every corner of the room, but that is not the most attractive feature. Its battery can last up to 18 months when not being used. It can automatically switch itself and preserve the remaining charge. So even if you haven’t used it a month or two, you can put the Dustbuster into action at any given moment. The strong suction can clean equally-well carpeting, upholstery and bare flooring.

10.2 Dirt Devil Scorpion

The only corded handheld vacuum we believe deserves to be on the top is the Dirt Devil Scorpion. It is light, has powerful suction and multiple attachments. This red guy can get your upholstery thoroughly cleaned in mare minutes. Pet hairs are also not an obstacle to it. The cord is long enough (5m/16ft) you can use the machine comfortably in your home or garage. Due to its design and built-up extension, you can easily remove dust and debris from the tightest spots.

10.3 Dyson V7 Trigger

This is yet another excellent Dyson machine you need to have at your home. It can not only deal with liquid spills, but thanks to its mini motorized tool, it can remove pet hairs and debris with ease. The battery can hold up to 30 minutes, which is quite impressive. The Dyson V7 is light, easy to handle and navigate. You can clean practically everything with it. The vacuum has a one-touch emptying mechanism that makes maintaining it pretty effortlessly.

And as always here are our honourable mentions.

• Iris Ohyama IC-FAC2 Mattress and Furniture Vacuum Cleaner – The IRIS is light, portable and proficient when it comes to upholstery cleaning. You can use it equally well on sofas, curtains, mattresses and all sorts of cushions. The machine is powerful enough to successfully remove dust mites, pollen and other household allergens. It is a corded model, so it has its limitations, but overall the IRIS is suitable for a fast cleaning session.
• Bissell 33a1 Pet Hair Eraser– Designed for pet owners, the Bissell is powerful enough to remove hairs, fibres and debris from all types of surfaces. The rubber nozzle will collect every last bit of dust and treads. The cord is both its biggest advantage and disadvantage. You don’t rely on a battery to do your thorough cleaning. However, your movements are quite limited as the model is not portable.
• HoLife HM036E – It is a cordless handheld vacuum that has a special attachment allowing it to clean liquids. It excellently performs when cleaning bare floors and removes dust and debris from carpets relatively well. The machine is equipped with a HEPA filter and is easy to maintain. The battery can last up to 20 minutes on the highest setting, so you will have enough time to eliminate the mess. The absence of a cord makes it perfect for vacuuming your car, and it comes with lots of different attachments.

*The prices are as of April 2021 according to Amazon.
**The Energy Efficiency Class is applicable only for models sold in the EU. If you are purchasing your machine online many US models don’t have this information available.
*** Depending on where it is sold the Dyson V7 Trigger has or is missing a HEPA filter. Thankfully it is easy to spot which modification you are looking at. Check the image on the right.

11. How to Choose the Ideal Vacuum Cleaner?

There are a lot of things you need to consider when picking the right vacuum cleaner. From the type of your carpets to the weight of the machine, everything must be carefully considered before making the big purchase.

11.1 The Type of Your Carpeting Matters

You can’t clean all carpet fibres the same way. They each have their own requirements. Durability, sturdiness of the fibres, level of fuzziness and soiling condition are all things you need to consider when purchasing a vacuum cleaner. If you want to know more about how to thoroughly clean your carpeting check our detailed guide on the topic.
But for now, let’s check another important rug feature – the way the fibres are weaved. This determines the final texture of your carpets and indirectly how dust and debris spread. It is important to choose the most suitable type of vacuum to both remove the dirt and avoid damaging the rug fibres.

11.2 Key Factors for Buying

The following points are essential characteristics your vacuum cleaner needs to have to save you time and effort. These factors are all the same for all types of machines. You need to examine them and make an informed decision based on all of them. Do not rush into purchasing a hover just because it is cheap, a certain brand or has lightweight.

• Affordability – As a rule of thumb, the higher the price, the more professional and powerful is the vacuum. However, bear in mind, sometimes you also pay extra just because of the brand name. The ideal machine needs to be prised in a comfortable range – not too cheap (an indicator of low quality) and not too expensive.
• Capacity – Bigger is better when we are talking about the size of the bag or container. We will discuss the pros and cons of each dirt-holding method in the following paragraph. However, for now, it is important to know that capacity is always measured in litres, regardless of the type of machine. In the table below, you can check some important metrics:

• Weight – This factor is heavily influenced by your personal situation. For example, if you have a bad back, you wouldn’t want to push a heavy machine around the house. Our advice is to go and try different models and styles to find the perfect match for you.
• Performance – It is a combination of two other strong points – airflow power and suction. Depending on how powerful or weak these are the performance level of your vacuum changes. However, don’t forget your carpets also need to be able to uphold such vigorous cleaning power. The smartest way to decide on the ideal performance parameters is to check the type of rugs you own and their vacuuming requirements. Buy according to what you have, not just because you want the best of the best.
• Quality – From the type of plastic to the cleaning technology implemented in the machine, everything needs to be on point. Check the components of the vacuum. If something looks badly made or has a defect, you may want to skip that particular model or brand. Invest your money and efforts in a good-quality vacuum that will last you a minimum of 5 years.
• User-friendly – The machine has to be intuitive, easy to use with an ergonometric design that will help you vacuum faster and won’t cause you joint pain. A futuristically designed cleaner with a lot of buttons and functions can easily confuse older users. In contrast, the younger generation prefers flashy models with different sensors, integration with smartphones and other cutting edge modifications. Choose the vacuum that best fits your needs, with which you feel comfortable and can work.
• Level of noise – Back in the day, the loud roar of the machine indicated it was immensely powerful. Thankfully, nowadays people have changed significantly, how they perceive sound. In the last years, manufacturers have put a lot of effort into making vacuum cleaners as silent as possible. But still, search for a machine that makes a sound around 60dB, with a maximum of 80dB.
• Attachments – The more you have, the better. At a minimum your vacuum should have the following attachments:
  • A round brush – Also known as a dusting brush, its soft bristles make dusting look like a child’s play.
  • An upholstery brush – Great to vacuum your couch and armchairs, the smaller head is designed to extract dust and debris without harming the fabric.
  • An expansion wand – It will help you get to those hard to reach spots like ceiling corners or thigh spaces under heavy furniture.

When we are talking about rechargeable vacuum cleaners there are two very important factors you need to look into before making a purchase:

• Battery life – You need a machine that will last more than 10-15 minutes. So when checking the technical characteristics, search for the following:

• Charging time – The faster, the better. If your machine recharges in the 2 to 4-hour ratio, you can easily plan your cleaning tasks. Avoid vacuums that take more than that as they are simply not efficient enough. A good solution to the charging problem is to have spare batteries. Some brands offer them as part of the initial purchasing packet.

These were the most important factors you need to check when purchasing a vacuum. The only things standing between you and your next cleaning machine are the following questions.

11.3 Do You Need HEPA Filters?

The simple answer is “Yes”, your vacuum cleaner needs to have a HEPA filter. This filtration system is highly beneficial both for people with asthma and allergies, as it purifies the air from different pollutants like dust, pollen, ash, etc. Thankfully the majority of brands have incorporated it into their machines. But what exactly is HEPA?

HEPA stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air. It is a type of filtration system that removes 99.97% of all particles that go through it. It catches everything that is above 0.3 microns in size. When you are buying a vacuum cleaner, avoid the ones labelled as “HEPA-like”, “HEPA-like system” or “HEPA equivalent.” These statements are there to deceive you into thinking you are purchasing a quality tested product. The machine needs to be certified as a HEPA system, to get all of the benefits you are looking for.

All types of vacuum cleaners from the canister to handheld can be equipped with HEPA filtration systems. For example, several brands like Shark have their own certified air cleaning technologies that can even surpass the standard HEPA.

11.4 Bagged or Bagless Vacuum Cleaner?

Both types of dirt-collection methods have strong points. It all depends on what you want. Below you will see the pros and cons of each kind.

Overall, the type of dirt-collecting method your machine would have depends on your personal preferences and the brand you pick. The bagless models of some companies are easy to clean and have close to no release of dust. Others offer bagged models that tend to spew debris and small particles the moment you touch the bag. Your final decision should be based on a suitable combination of the different features rather than just one factor.

We hope we were able to help you pick up the right vacuum cleaner for your property. If you are not ready to commit to a type or model yet, you don’t have to skip tidying your house. Just give us a call, and our London professional cleaners will be at your doorstep ready to assist you. In addition, if you want to know more about our top picks or have a related question, ask us in the comment section below. We will make sure to answer you and keep you updated on the latest trends and best vacuum cleaners each year.

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