Vacuum Cleaner Buying Advice

Buying advice Vacuum Cleaners  Provided by ConsumerReports.org

WHAT'S AVAILABLE

Hoover, the oldest brand, was recently bought by Techtronic Industries, which also makes Ryobi tools and Dirt Devil vacuums. Other major brands include Bissell; Eureka, which also offers central vacuums and makes high-end Electrolux models; Dyson, a brightly colored British brand; Oreck; and Kenmore (Sears). Brands such as Miele, Panasonic, and Riccar tend to be sold at specialty stores. Higher-priced Aerus (which also makes central vacs) is sold in its own stores and by direct mail; upscale Kirby is still sold door-to-door. You'll also find Roomba, a robotic vac, and Euro-Pro stick vacs.

Along with the brand, your vacuum choices include several types:

Uprights. These tend to cost the least and account for the most sales. They still tend to do better than canisters on carpets, and their one-piece design makes them easier to store. But many weigh more than 20 pounds, and some are less stable than canisters on stairs. Price: $100 to $500 for most.

Canisters. The best can clean carpets about as well as uprights. Most are quieter and can be easier to maneuver, since you're moving only the hose and powerhead. And most are better at getting under furniture. But the added clutter of the hose and wand makes canisters bulkier overall and harder to store. Price: $150 to $700 for most.

Central vacuums. These work like a canister vac, letting you move only the hose and powerhead. They're also relatively quiet and require less-frequent emptying. But they're pricey and typically require professional installation. Their roughly 35-foot hose can be cumbersome, and there's no place to carry tools while you work. Price: $500 to $1,250 for most, plus $300 to $750 for professional installation.

Stick vacs and hand vacs. These miniature electric vacs come with and without a cord and can be handy for small, quick jobs. But both types typically lack the power of full-sized models. Price: $20 to $100.

HOW TO CHOOSE

Carpets still top the list of critical cleaning chores—an area where uprights still rule. But you may prefer a canister or even a central vacuum for other cleaning. Here's what else to go by when shopping:

Consider suction. Look for models that performed well in our airflow tests if you often clean with tools. These vacuums maintained more suction through the hose as they filled with dust.

Don't be dazzled by gadgets. Most vacuums include a narrow crevice tool, a small brush for upholstery, and a round one for dusting—enough for most users.

Try before buying. Dozens of letters inspired our new handling score for ease of pushing, pulling, and carrying. Top performers weigh 20 pounds or more and tend to do best on carpets, but many weigh far less. See which feels best at the store.

Protect your ears and lungs. Vacuums that scored a poor in our noise tests produced 85 decibels or more, the level at which we recommend hearing protection. If you're sensitive to dust, choose a model that scored well in emissions—and skip the mess of emptying a bagless vac's bin by getting a bag-equipped model.