The Best Vacuum Cleaners
If you're still sweeping up household dust and debris with a dustpan and broom, it's time to upgrade. Vacuum cleaners are an essential tool in most homes, and with the right one in your hands, you might even start to enjoy vacuuming. Vacuum technology has advanced rapidly over the years, with enhanced features such as multi-cyclonic suction power, HEPA filters, and more, so it can be tough to know which is right for you. We're here to help sort the best from the rest.
What to Look For
With so many varied models to choose between, we highlighted three essential features to aid you in your search: suction power, portability, and included accessories. With these criteria guiding our search, our favorite pick was the V11 Animal from the venerable vacuum engineers at Dyson. This powerful beast boasts unbeatable suction power and filtration to combat tough dirt and a cordless design for maximum maneuverability around the home. It is a little light on additional accessories, though. If your cleaning regimen relies on the nozzle common to most upright vacuums, you’ll feel right at home with the Eureka PowerSpeed. Read on below to discover the rest of our top picks.
Dyson V11 Animal Cordless Vacuum
Top of the line
Dyson has been flooding the market with high-performance vacuum cleaners since just before the turn of the century, and the intelligent cordless V11 Animal is the result of decades of engineering prowess. Though this flagship model comes packed with top-of-the-range features, it’s easier than ever to operate thanks to a lightweight design and crystal clear LED display. The long-lasting battery provides up to 60 minutes of continuous cleaning on a single charge. And you’ll have no problem tackling the dustiest crevices because this vacuum boasts up to 20% more suction power than the previous V10 model.
Pros:
- The adaptive high-torque cleaner head automatically adjusts suction and power to suit various floor types
- Advanced whole-machine filtration traps particles and dust as small as 0.3 microns
- Wall-mounted charging dock offers easy storage
Cons:
- The small inlet hole can sometimes get clogged with larger debris like pet hair
Eureka PowerSpeed Powerful Upright Vacuum
Bells and whistles
This all-in-one design is versatile to the max. It features five height adjustment settings to adapt seamlessly to hard flooring and carpets. It also has a detachable handle equipped with an upholstery brush, dusting brush, and crevice tool to combat delicates and small spaces alike. Despite the wealth of features, this slim jim weighs in at just 10 pounds, so it won’t break your back on cleaning day.
Pros:
- The additional pet turbo brush makes short work of animal hair
- Extra-large dust cup does away with replaceable bags and holds up to 2.6 pounds of waste
- Onboard tool storage keeps all the attachments neatly in one place
Cons:
- This model has a high operational volume compared to most modern vacuum cleaners
Eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 11S Robotic Vacuum
Lean mean cleaning machine
If you’re tired of bending over backward to get those carpets clean, it could be time to deploy the services of a trusty RoboVac assistant. This smart automaton from Eufy will scout its way around your home guided by infrared sensors and an intelligent onboard processor, so you can put your feet up as you watch it clean away. Despite its compact form, this little vacuum houses a 0.6-liter tank and 1300 Pascals of suction power, so it’s equipped to strip the toughest debris from all manner of flooring.
Pros:
- Updated drop-sensing technology helps the RoboVac 11s avoid tumbles on stairs and ledges
- Anti-scratch tempered glass top cover for added protection
- With up to 100 minutes of cleaning per charge, it outperforms many top-of-the-range cordless models
Cons:
- The wide tank opening can lead to dust spills when emptying
Eureka Mighty Mite 3670G Corded Canister Vacuum
Reliable old timer
While upright cordless designs are all the rage these days, it’s hard to beat the combination of affordability and power offered by classic canister vacuum cleaners. The Mighty Mite from Eureka is a reliable workhorse that will find wide utility in a range of domestic applications thanks to a powerful 10-amp canister and high-capacity 2.5-liter dust cup. Despite being slightly more cumbersome than cordless designs, the lightweight 9-ounce canister and extra-long 20-foot cord mean you’re unlikely to feel encumbered while you clean.
Pros:
- The convertible blower port can be used to clear debris outdoors
- Two extension wands and two floor brush attachments are included
- Easy-to-use fingertip controls
Cons:
- Requires replaceable canister bags
Black+Decker Dustbuster AdvancedClean Cordless Handheld Vacuum
Size isn't everything
If your humble abode is a little cozier than average, or if you’re simply looking for a secondary solution for isolated messes, you might not need the power and capacity of a full-sized vacuum cleaner. The lightweight Dustbuster from Black+Decker is our favorite handheld vacuum cleaner, thanks to a powerful cyclonic action and versatile 180-degree rotating nozzle that make short work of household muck. And with a four-hour fast-charging base included, it will be charged and ready at any moment that disaster strikes.
Pros:
- The on-board extension means less bending over during use
- Easy-view dirt bowl lets you keep track of dirt and does away with replaceable bags
- Crevice tool and flip-up brush included
Cons:
- 30-minute runtime won’t last long enough for large-scale cleaning operations
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of vacuum cleaner is the best for cleaning pet hair?
If your house is home to more than just the two-legged, your domestic mess likely includes a few rogue pet hairs. Vacuum cleaners featuring powerful suction are ideal for picking up pet hair. Some models include motorized brushes designed specifically to pick up animal fur in tough-to-reach corners and crevices.
How often should I change the filter on my vacuum cleaner?
Replacing the filter on your vacuum cleaner will prolong its lifespan and ensure optimal cleaning, but how often you should change it depends on your specific model’s instructions. Many filters need replacing every 12 months if used weekly. However, some require more frequent changes, and all filters should typically be changed before they reach two years of use. If you’re unsure about when your filter needs changing, check the user manual or contact the manufacturer directly.
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