7 Greatest Canister Vacuums – Less Effort for Cleaner Results

The only flaw with upright vacuum models are their limited ability to suction debris up quickly and in large quantities. Canister vacuums on the other hand use a separate standalone unit with an extra strong motor and turbines to provide a much higher rate of airflow that’s also very easy to maneuver around. These machines often come with power heads that can handle any mess you throw at it; of course, the better the canister vacuum the easier your job will be. The following list reviews the best canister vacuums.

In designing this list, we took a careful look at many models to determine whether their features met the high standard needed for industrial cleaning jobs and smaller household messes. These features included motor capacity, cord length, bag capacity, and even little things such as each machines' weight and dimensions. They will help you pick the most suitable canister vacuum for any budget and house with no hesitation.

Top 7 Canister Vacuums Review 2020

Our research into each of the following reviewed models included talking with manufacturers about their vacuum designs and overall uses, as well as reaching out to verified customers to gauge their experience with their canister vacuum so far. The following buying guide is broken down into a comprehensive list citing all vacuum models and their detailed specifics, a detailed guide explaining the features which should be included in your purchase, and a final segment answering frequently asked questions.

Sucked into it – why to purchase a canister vacuum cleaner

These tools allow you to clean a variety of spaces rather than either just wood floors, just tiled rooms, or just carpets. Most cannister vacuums are appropriate for cleaning all around your house, additionally they improve your living environment by offering a healthier living space devoid of bacteria, dirt, debris, and even allergens. Also, based on your budget or preference many of these tools are available right now for any job you have in mind.

In and out – what can canister vacuums clean?

First let’s focus on your setting and the needs you have for a vacuum cleaner. Put simply, where will you be cleaning? If it’s a standard small apartment a regular push vacuum cleaner will typically do the job, but with the complication of allergens and pet hair/dandruff even small apartment renters can benefit from owning a canister vacuum. Large homes and commercial locations should certainly consider owning them, especially if you have: lots of stairs, an increased residential capacity, very thick carpets, or even just frequently large messes. As a point of reference, many industrial construction jobs use one or more canister vacuums for messy drywall, metal shavings, and other large messes.

At home (especially with pets) carpet is often trickiest to clean because it’s thick with small particles that weak push vacuums can’t pick up.

With cannister vacuums thick rugs, carpets, and floor mats are especially easy to clean. Nails, screws, and tacks on the other hand can do sever damage to cannister vacuums (depending on the model), so be very careful. Liquids and fresh foods should also be avoided as these will cause motor trouble and can even get caught in the vacuum and spoil. Especially large objects – clothing, kid’s toys, cosmetics, plants, etcetera – should also be avoided and never sucked up.

Reciprocity – tips on cleaning your canister vacuum

Before cleaning, always ensure that your vacuum is unplugged; double check and don’t ask others to unplug it for you; electrical shock is a serious concern around powerful motors and while using tools to remove parts and clean certain areas of any machine. Next, remove and empty your vacuum canister/vacuum bag; you’ll clean these parts with a little bit of water or compressed air. Also remove the vacuum hose and run water or compressed air through it; if needed a straightened wire hanger can be poked inside of the hose to unclog any major debris.

For really deep cleaning a broom handle, mop handle, or garden hose can be covered with taped-on dryer sheets and ran along the insides of the vacuum hose. Or you can dampen taped-on paper towels with diluted vinegar that will kill up to 99% of lingering bacteria.

Features to consider while buying the best canister vacuum

You’ll have noticed many of the following features listed in the product reviews above, in this section we further elaborate on these features and how they’ll effect your product and purchasing process. Additionally, we’ve included some prime examples to help simplify the shopping experience for these vacuums.

Size

For cannister vacuums you want a rather compact shape – the best of these move around on rubber wheels – that’s low to the ground and easy to pull behind you when you move. The Severin MY7115 Nonstop vacuum is a great example as it’s quite compact but still offers a strong motor with added suction.

Weight

Many canister vacuums can actually be rather heavy and hard to move around a room if not on wheels; additionally, these super heavy canisters are more likely to damage your floor or hurt your back while you’re lifting them. However, usually the lighter the cannister vacuum is, the more of a decrease in suction you get. The Miele C2 Electro+ offers a great middle ground; it’s only 9 pounds yet it still has amazing suction.

Bag or no bag?

Both bagged and bagless options exist for cannister vacuums and there are advantages and disadvantages for both. For bagged options you won’t expose yourself or your clean house to the dirt, dust, pollen, and pet dander that you’ve just cleaned up – however, typically you have to throw these bags away once they’re full and eventually you’ll have to buy more. Bagless canisters, on the other hand, save you money but need to be emptied on a consistent basis. One of our bagged options with a maximum capacity that will somewhat save you money is the Miele C2 Electro+. A great bagless option with plenty of space before getting full is the Prolux iFORCE. Finally, a unique option for you could be the Hoover CH30000 which has a thick cloth bag best for heavy materials, sharp metals, and glass.

Suction power

Put simply, pick the right amount of suction for the job. Some cannister vacuums are only appropriate for thin carpets or certain types of flooring. The best vacuums offer a range of suction options which you can control and that will assist you in all kinds of cleaning: soft wood, hardwood, thick carpets, etcetera. Thick carpets especially require heavy suction to pull up dirt and debris deep from within them. One of the best options for added suction is the Bissell Deluxe.

Filter

Filters are a must, especially if you have asthma or other respiratory problems or are looking for a vacuum for allergies. For asthma, in particular, you might want to choose a vacuum with a HEPA filtration system; these systems often remove up to 90% of allergenic materials from dusty shelves, carpets, drapes, etcetera. For pet owners, HEPA filters will also clean up hair more easily and benefit those with animal allergies. Otherwise, most canister vacuums come with basic filters which remove finer particles that might pass back into the air. For a vacuum with a great several stage filtration system that includes a HEPA filter, consider the Kenmore 22614.

Wand and hose

Put simply, the longer the hose the more places you can reach and the less bending and moving around you’ll do. Wand’s can additionally extend to reach crevices and high ceilings. Also, understand that with a short wand or limited hose you’ll most likely be unplugging your vacuum more often and potentially hurting your back if bending over to reach low messes. A great option with an extended wand and hose is the Severin MY7115 Nonstop.

Brush

Brushes are an important feature for thick carpets and hardwood floors. These rotating brushes pull up old dirt that’s deep in carpet or caked onto the floor so that it can be sucked up; however, be aware that the best vacuums allow you to turn off the spinning brushes when you’re cleaning softwood floors and trying to avoid scratching the sensitive surfaces.

Cord retraction

Retractable cords are just a bonus, especially if your back injures easily or you have an existing injury and have trouble stooping and gathering up a cord after vacuuming. Typically, retractable cords have a push peddle system or button that draw their extended length back into a part of the vacuum without the operator ever needing to bend over and gather the cord on their own.

Additional options

Tools are a must! A crevice tool is especially useful as it can reach tight spaces and under furniture. Dusting brushes help with delicate surfaces as well as shelves, tables, and anywhere else dust can be knocked free. Upholstery tools are especially great for cleaning couches and beds while also removing tiny hairs (pet hair) and smaller particles which effect your nightly breathing.

Warranty

Pick the right warranty for the purchase. If your purchase is anywhere over $100.00 at least ensure you have a year long warranty protecting you against manufacturing errors or shipping damage. You want a long enough period to test the vacuum consistently to ensure it has no defects that will ultimately limit its usefulness.

FAQ

Our Verdict

In closing we always like to leave our readers with the top 3 products based on customer reviews and the features these products offer. In case you’re having difficulty choosing between items on our list, it’s our opinion that you can’t go wrong with any of the following products; these are easily the best cannister vacuum cleaners.

Miele C2 Electro+. From thin carpets to thick carpets to hardwood floors, this vacuum has hands-on easy settings for every level and area of your house. Its design is built to provide total convenience while cleaning any mess.

Kenmore 22614. For households with pets, allergy concerns, and asthma sufferers, this vacuum is the best at picking up those finer particles and small hairs. It can cover a wide range of surfaces and is equipped with a HEPA filter that will keep your air clean.

Bissell Deluxe. The budget pick for our list, this is a great canister vacuum for the price and includes an extended hose, multiple attachments, and rubber wheels to protect your hardwood floors.