Carpets come in all different shapes and sizes. If you have a high pile carpet, it means the carpet fibers are higher, a bit looser, and very comfortable. However, within this height, a lot of dust and debris can be hiding, which is why it’s important to find the best vacuum for high pile carpet. Nobody wants to be constantly sneezing as they walk across their carpet. This is why we’ve found seven vacuums for you to consider.
Each of our seven vacuum cleaners comes with in-depth product reviews. While all of our products are outstanding in their own respect, our Editor’s Choice is the Soniclean Soft Carpet Upright Vacuum Cleaner. This is an amazing, lightweight vacuum that is incredibly easy to use. It works with pile up to one inch thick and will remove any unwanted debris. If, however, this isn’t the vacuum for you, don’t worry as we have plenty of other worthwhile selections.
Top 7 Vacuums for High Pile Carpet Review 2020
In addition to our detailed product reviews, we have also put together a buying guide. Here you will find more information on the features to consider as well as the most commonly asked vacuum questions. Vacuum cleaners may suck, in a good way, but we want your buying experience to be pleasant.
An incredibly powerful upright model which doesn’t break the bank and is sure to get even the hardest of jobs done
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A high-end product for those not ready for compromises: with its 1,200W of power it is a mere powerhouse
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A decent example of a robotic vacuum that can do all the work for you; will cope with carpets of up to 2 inches in height
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A canister model that boasts of a large capacity, bagless design, and a bunch of accessories included
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A high-end robotic model that doesn’t only clean your apartment on its own but also empties itself when the cycle is done
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An upright bagless model from the trusted manufacturer that will last for years and is sure to keep dust and allergens at bay
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Another model from the Miele which is apart from being stylish is also super functional thanks to the powerful motor and a HEPA lifetime filter
Read Our ReviewSoniclean Soft Carpet – Editor’s Choice
- Type: upright
- Power: not specified
- Dimensions: 43.5 x 14 x 11.5 inches
- Weight: 10.5 lbs.
- Warranty: 5-year limited on motor; 1-year limited on parts
More features: advanced jam protection; works with up to 1-inch pile length
Soniclean Soft Carpet Upright Vacuum Cleaner comes both highly rated and under budget. Weighing just 10.5 pounds, it is incredibly light and perfect if you need to move it up and down the stairs. And while it may be small, it is still mighty. It can work on multiple styles of carpets, including one-inch high pile.
As for technical features, the Soniclean Soft Carpet Upright Vacuum Cleaner won’t jam thanks to its advanced jam protection. It also has a sophisticated vent system so you can push it on thicker carpets and not have it become stuck.
There’s also no need to move furniture around as the Soniclean Soft Carpet Upright Vacuum Cleaner will lay flat and be able to reach under chairs and beds with a seven-inch clearance. If you are switching between hardwood and carpet, simply press a button on the handle to increase your suction power.
The Soniclean Soft Carpet Upright Vacuum Cleaner does is a bagged vacuum, so you will need to both purchase new bags and remove old ones. However, it also comes with a HEPA filter to trap dust and allergens.
- Easy to use
- Has a long 35-foot power cord
- Very budget-friendly
- Requires you to remove and purchase bags
Miele Complete C3 – Best Miele High Pile Vacuum
- Type: canister
- Power: 1,200W
- Dimensions: 23.2 x 17.2 x 15 inches
- Weight: 20 lbs.
- Warranty: 7-year limited on motor; 1-year limited on bumper
More features: 5 stage height adjustable brush; integrated accessories
Miele is one of the elite leaders when it comes to vacuum construction. And the Miele Complete C3 is probably the best of the best.
The Miele Complete C3 is a canister vacuum, meaning it has a large receptacle to trap dirt and a long hose and suction to get into all the tight corners you need to.
While some canister vacuums lack ease of use, this one is top-notch. You can adjust the height of the handle to five settings. This means you won’t have to strain your back trying to push the vacuum along.
Inside the cannister is a storage area for all your vacuum accessories. So, if you realize there are cobwebs on your ceiling, you won’t have to rush back to the closet to find the right attachment.
If you’re worried about allergens in your home, the Miele Complete C3 is perfect as it comes with a HEPA air filter. As for mobility, this canister vacuum has three 360-degree swivel wheels for extreme ease of use. It weighs 20 pounds which is light but you might have a few issues moving it up the stairs. And while the hose is long enough, unless you have a landing halfway up your carpeted stairs, it might be hard to reach each individual step for a deep clean.
Still, construction-wise, you can’t beat the Miele Complete C3. It comes in a rich red color, instantly giving your cleaning routine a touch of elegance. It is also backed by an impressive seven-year warranty on its motor and a one-year warranty on its bumper. Miele stands behind its products, and even with its high price tag, this is an amazing vacuum cleaner.
- Lightweight
- Comes with a great warranty
- Elegant color and design
- Very expensive
Roborock E25 – Best Robotic Vacuum
- Type: robotic
- Power: 1,800Pa
- Runtime: 100 min.
- Dimensions: 13.9 x 13.8 x 3.6 inches
- Weight: 7 lbs.
- Warranty: 1-year limited
More features: 2-cm obstacle clearance height; smartphone compatible
Yes, Roomba is the gold standard of robot vacuums, but there are other models that work just as well. In fact, the Roborock E25 can easily make the case as being the best robotic vacuum for high pile carpet.
Capitalizing on smart technology, the Roborock E25 does a great job of cleaning your home. It has 13 onboard sensors which allow it to track all the rooms in your home. Dirt is no match for this machine and it cleans effectively without running into any objects.
The size of the Roborock E25, which measures 13.8 inches in diameter, means it has a larger dust collector. You won’t have to empty it as often, which is always a nice bonus.
The Roborock E25 will work for 100 minutes on a full charge, which should be long enough to clean your home. Once the battery starts to run low, it will automatically return to its charger.
This is a great vacuum to have if you have high pile carpet. While in use, if the Roborock E25 senses high pile, it will automatically increase its suction to get deep into the carpet fibers.
The Roborock E25 isn’t super affordable, so you will have to keep its price in mind, although it is less expensive than other Roomba models. The only real issue with this model is its sensors. If you have carpet with dark lines in it, the Roborock E25 might mistake it for an edge and thus won’t cross over it. However, this is a flaw with most robot vacuum cleaners.
- Less expensive than Roomba products
- Automatically detects high pile carpets
- Dustbin doesn’t need to be emptied as often
- Can be controlled via a smartphone
- Not great for carpets with dark lines
Sirena Vacuum Cleaner – Best Canister Vacuum
- Type: canister
- Power: 1,000W
- Dimensions: 20 x 20 x 12 inches
- Weight: 40.2 lbs.
- Warranty: 10-year limited on motor; 3-year limited on parts; 1-year limited labor
More features: bagless; 2 speed modes; comes with 6 attachments
There are a lot of different designs for vacuum cleaners. Our pick for best canister vacuum is the Sirena Vacuum Cleaner. It is a powerful, bagless vacuum that works well on all types of carpet.
What’s really innovative about the Sirena Vacuum Cleaner is that it uses water-based technology. That’s right, inside this vacuum cleaner is water, which is where the dust and debris that is suctioned ends up. The result is no clogs.
Fortunately, you get a very clean house. Unfortunately, you also get a container full of disgusting water that needs to be emptied by you. This is an environmentally-friendly approach as there are no bags, but perhaps not for the faint of heart.
The Sirena Vacuum Cleaner still has a lot going for it, including its amazing warranty. It comes with a major 10-year warranty on its motor and 3-year warranty on its parts. This is a vacuum cleaner meant to last a long time, a rare find in today’s modern world.
The technology includes two speed modes. You can easily switch to more power when you are using it along high pile carpet. There are also six attachments included. You can clean your entire house, such as your floors, furniture, and even mattress. This is a total clean package that is worth all its money.
Just be aware that the addition of the water makes the Sirena Vacuum Cleaner quite heavy. Weighing just over 40 pounds, this is best left on one level of a home.
- Uses advanced water technology
- Includes amazing 10-year warranty
- Solid construction and design
- Very heavy
- Need to empty dirty water
iRobot Roomba s9+ – Premium Pick
- Type: robotic
- Power: not specified
- Runtime: 120 min.
- Dimensions: 12.2 x 12.2 x 3.5 inches
- Weight: 8.15 lbs.
- Warranty: 1-year limited
More features: Power Boost technology; empties on its own; Keep Out Zones option
iRobot Roomba s9+ you will instantly see why. This sleek version has a diameter of 12.2 inches. It is smaller than other models and perfect for apartments and basement suites.
The genius of the iRobot Roomba s9+ is in the technology. You need to have a lot of faith with robot vacuum cleaners because they are left to their own devices. This product has Imprint Smart Mapping. It actually allows your vacuum to map your home and adapt to the rules you program into it. If there are rooms you don’t want it to enter, such as when your baby is blissfully sleeping, it will not go in.
Further technology features include the ability to scan in front at a rate of 25 times per second. So, even if an object falls suddenly in front of it, the iRobot Roomba s9+ will move around it.
It also has PerfectEdge technology, which means it will clean along edges and deep into corners, despite its round design.
As for cleaning, you can expect a solid deep clean, even with high pile carpet. The iRobot Roomba s9+ has amazing suction ability but will actually increase its power when going over high pile carpet. And every sweep will catch pollen and mold allergens.
All this does come at a price. The iRobot Roomba s9+ is at the top of the price range. You may have to decide it is just too pricey, but if you can afford it, the results will be worth it as it is certainly one of the best robot vacuums for high pile carpet.
- Can clean edges and corners
- Automatically increases suction on high pile carpets
- Catches pollen and mold allergens
- Very expensive
Dyson DC65 – Best Value
- Type: upright
- Power: not specified
- Dimensions: 10.7 x 11.5 x 36.4 inches
- Weight: 17 lbs.
- Warranty: 5-year limited
More features: comes with multiple tools; bagless design
Dyson DC65 is a prime example of the company’s commitment to innovation. It has a large ball to allow for increased pivot. There is no bag, and instead a clear cannister lets you know when to empty its contents. Everything comes apart and together with a few presses of buttons although it can take a little while to become familiar with the revolutionary design.
The Dyson DC65 is perfect for high pile carpet thanks to its reconfigured bar. It now has 25% more power and can deep clean into the thick carpet. One drawback with most vacuum cleaners is that their bristles can become tangled. Thanks to the tangle-free turbine tool, you don’t have to worry about this with the Dyson DC65.
The Dyson DC65 does have a rather expensive price tag, but you get both solid construction and reputable customer service. Dyson is an innovative company, and if you have any complaints, their customer service is very good about working with you. They also provide a five-year limited warranty for further peace of mind.
Included in your purchase is the vacuum cleaner itself plus extra accessories. You can tackle all areas of your home thanks to the stair tool, soft dusting brush, multi-angle brush, and many more.
It’s also incredibly light, weighing just 17 pounds, which makes it perfect for multi-level homes.
- Excellent customer service
- Very lightweight
- Multiple functions
- Can take a while to figure out all the functions
Miele Blizzard CX1 – Best Bagless Canister Vacuum
- Type: canister
- Power: 1,200W
- Dimensions: 12 x 20 x 12 inches
- Weight: 30.6 lbs.
- Warranty: 7-year limited on motor; 1-year limited on bumper
More features: HEPA lifetime filter; bagless; integrated tools
Another canister vacuum option from Miele, the Miele Blizzard CX1 has a revolutionary design. It has a canister but unlike older models, this one is actually bagless. There’s no need to spend extra money on bags or try to remove them without exploding. Instead, simply detach the cannister with the touch of a button, empty the canister, and pop it back in. It really is that simple.
The Miele Blizzard CX1 does come with a hefty price tag but you can expect excellent performance with it. The 1,200 Watts of power is perfect for high pile carpets, but it also has a hardwood floor ability so you can seamlessly switch between the two floorings without the hassle of looking for a new tool.
Speaking of tools, the Miele Blizzard CX1 comes with a nice selection of accessories, including a dusting brush, upholstery tool, and a crevice tool. Anywhere there is dirt or dust, this vacuum can take care of it.
One of the really nice features of the Miele Blizzard CX1 is that it has an easy to control suction knob. Simply dial it to the right to increase suction over high pile carpets and then dial to the left when you need a more delicate approach to draperies. It’s so easy even your kids will be able to use it!
Overall, there are two factors that may impact your purchase of the Miele Blizzard CX1. The first is its price, which should come as no surprise, given the brand. The second is the weight. At just over 30 pounds, this is a heavier vacuum and might not be the best option if you live in a townhouse with multiple sets of stairs.
- Includes a set of accessories
- Comes with a great warranty
- Easy to use suction dial
- No bags to empty
- Very expensive
- Quite heavy
Buying Guide
There aren’t many people that enjoy vacuuming, but if you can find the right product, this chore can become a lot more fun. To help you find the best vacuum cleaner for a high pile carpet, take a look at this buying guide which will provide all the information you need to make the right choice.
Features to consider when choosing a vacuum for high pile carpets
Vacuums for high pile carpets are intricate devices. There are a lot of components and a lot of features to consider. For those still overwhelmed with the selection of vacuum cleaners, pay close attention to these key features.
Type
A vacuum cleaner is just a vacuum cleaner, right? Unfortunately, no. Within this category of products are many different types. And you need to match the type of vacuum to your carpet for optimal results.
Stick vacuum cleaners
For those that have low pile carpets and a small space, a stick vacuum is perfect. It is lightweight and very portable. It will usually be bagless but the canister can be quite small so needs to be emptied regularly. Stick vacuums don’t have a lot of power, but they can work on both carpet and laminate or wood flooring. They are also quite inexpensive.
Canister vacuum cleaners
If you want a lot of mobility and a product lighter in weight, a canister vacuum cleaner may be for you. They have two parts to them: the cannister and the hose. The cannister will have wheels so you can move it, as well as a handle for carrying. The hose should be long enough to reach all the corners of a room without you having to move the canister itself. They are strong vacuum cleaners and can work with all types of carpet pile as well as hardwood flooring. They can be expensive but they will last for a long time.
Upright vacuum cleaners
This is the traditional idea of a vacuum cleaner. It stands upright but has a button or lever so you can angle the handle for better results. These vacuum cleaners can be heavy, but as you are pushing them around, it shouldn’t be too much of an issue, except if you have to continuously move it up and down the stairs. They range in price from cheap to expensive, usually relative to how strong they are. Upright vacuum cleaners can be both bagged and bagless, depending on the brand. They are great for high pile carpets.
Robot vacuum cleaners
At some point, somebody realized there must be a better way than having to manually vacuum a house. And along came the robot vacuum cleaners. There are two parts to this machine. The roaming part, using in the shape of a disk, will move around the house picking up dirt. Then there is the home or docking station where the vacuum cleaner will return to for charging.
Depending on the size, you may have to remove the dirt more often with a robot vacuum cleaner. The charge will vary, as well. Expect to charge your robot vacuum cleaner every night in order for it to work for a few hours the next day. Robot vacuum cleaners vary greatly in price and abilities. Usually, the more money you invest in one, the better able it is to clean thoroughly. These are good for high pile carpets, but some brands are not as good on stairs as others.
Power
Vacuum cleaners should suck, right? And the better they suck, the happier you will be. Behind that suction is power. 1,200 Watts is the average, with both the Miele Complete C3 and the Miele Blizzard CX1 having this amount. If there is a higher power, expect more suction, and vice versa with lower power. High pile carpets need more power to suction all the hidden debris. You should look for at least 1,000 Watts of power.
If it’s bagged or bagless
If you’re of a certain age, you can remember the dreaded task of changing your vacuum bag. How often did you leave your vacuum bag in until it was bursting because you just didn’t want to deal with the hassle? And then once you did, the inevitable chaos and dirtiness of trying to wrestle your old bag out and place a new bag in.
Thankfully, times and technologies have changed. There are now vacuum cleaners that are actually bagless, and those that still rely on bags are a lot easier to remove.
Bagless vacuum cleaners use canisters to hold dirt. The canister needs to be removed from the vacuum, but it is usually an easy affair with just the press of a button. Then, enter the contents from the canister into your home garbage can and pop the now empty canister back into the vacuum.
Going bagless is better for both your wallet and the environment. You don’t have to worry about purchasing new bags, and you don’t have to add even more waste to the world. However, those canisters can be a bit tricky to use. Often, they are small and you may even need to use a knife to slide all the contents out. Particles can also get stuck, so again, you may find yourself becoming more intimate with your dirt than you would like to. Those that do have bagless vacuum cleaners, however, quickly fall into a rhythm and find the best ways of removing all that debris.
With bagged vacuum cleaners, there is a lot less hassle. The dirt is completely contained, and all you need to do is remove the bag and insert a new one. You will need to keep a supply of vacuum bags on hand, and finding them can be a bit of a challenge as they are usually model-specific. It’s best to order vacuum bags online in bulk so you can continue cleaning your house whenever you want to.
Cord length
You’ve finally hit the cleaning groove. You’re moving from one room to the other, only to move one inch further and have the cord suddenly be ripped from the wall. Ugh, what a nuisance. Not only do you then need to stop and move your vacuum cleaner and cord, but repeated ripping can start to bend the prongs which can be an issue in the long run.
The average length of a vacuum cord is 30 feet. This should allow you to plug into a hallway outlet and cover a few rooms before having to move. Of course, there are cordless options that run on battery power. You will need to have a dedicated outlet for the docking station, but not having to deal with a cord is a pretty appealing idea.
Runtime (for robotic models)
Robot vacuum cleaners, like the iRobot Roomba s9+ and the Roborock E25 on our list, run on battery. Each has a docking station that it will return to and then will recharge before it can be used again. A full charge for the iRobot Roomba s9+ will result in a runtime of 120 minutes while the Roborock E25 has a runtime of 100 minutes. It’s best to keep your robot vacuum cleaner in its charger at all times so that it’s ready whenever you need it.
Dimensions
Vacuum cleaners come in all shapes and sizes. For example, the iRobot Roomba s9+ is the smallest on our list with a diameter of just 12.2 inches. On the other end of the spectrum is the Soniclean Soft Carpet Upright Vacuum Cleaner, which has a height of 43.5 inches.
Always think about where you will store your vacuum cleaner when not in use as this may affect the size you want to purchase.
Warranty
It’s always a shock just how expensive vacuum cleaners are. And when you’re spending hundreds of dollars on a product, you want to know it will last for as long as possible. A warranty is incredibly important, especially as vacuum cleaners have now become complex machines.
The warranties on our products all vary to the extreme. Some, like the Roborock E25 and the iRobot Roomba s9+ only offer a one-year warranty. Others, like the Sirena Vacuum Cleaner have a tiered approach. It features a ten-year limited warranty on the motor, a three-year limited warranty on parts, and a one-year limited warranty on labor.
Tips to keep your high pile carpet clean
High pile carpet is finally coming back in style. Who doesn’t love that luxurious feeling of walking over soft carpet in their bare feet? Unfortunately, lurking within those long strands of carpets can be a lot of dirt and dust.
If anything spills on your high pile carpet, clean it immediately. Use a clean cloth to absorb the liquid and then apply a carpet cleaning solution.
It can be a bit tedious, by try to vacuum either every day or every other day. While lesser-used rooms, such as guest bedrooms, can be done once a week, high traffic areas such as living rooms, need to be vacuumed on a regular basis. Vacuuming will trap not just dirt but allergens as well, leaving your whole house a lot healthier.
FAQ
Carpet messes come in all different types. If a liquid spill happens on your high pile carpet, be sure to clean it up immediately. Use a clean towel to blot any liquids you can. For darker liquids, try club soda. It’s always a good idea to have a carpet cleaner on hand to quickly get to any spills before they become stains.
While spot cleaning and rigorous vacuum cleaning will help maintain your high pile carpet, you will want to have it professionally cleaned. Call professionals in every year, or more often if you have pets or kids. It might seem like a lot of money, but the better care you take of your high-pile carpet means the longer it will last and the more money you will save in the long run.
All of the vacuum cleaners on our list are state of the art, innovative products. They all have filters that will trap dust and other allergens such as mold and pet dander. Just be sure to replace or clean the filter regularly for continued results.
Filters exist in vacuum cleaners to trap fine particles, such as dust and pet dander. These fine particles can quickly clog your filter, so it’s best to replace a vacuum filter every 3 to 6 months. This can become quite tedious and expensive. There are some vacuum cleaners that have reusable filters. In this case, give the filter a good rinse every month for the best results.
Our Verdict
The Soniclean Soft Carpet Upright Vacuum Cleaner is both powerful and inexpensive. It stores easily in any closet and when in use can tackle thick, high pile carpet.
For those with a robust budget, consider the Miele Complete C3. It may be expensive, but it will last for a long time and guarantees a really deep clean.
Finally, if you’re just tired of vacuuming on your own why not get a robot to do it for you? The Roborock E25 easily makes it onto our list for the best vacuum for high pile carpet. Simply charge it and let it loose to rid your home of dirt. Walking on your high pile carpet should be a luxury, so invest in the right vacuum cleaner and keep your home up to your high standards.
