Cleaning made Easy: Discover the Best Canister Vacuums for Your Home
Keeping your home clean and dust-free is essential, especially with pets and children around. Canister vacuums offer powerful suction and maneuverability, making cleaning a breeze. However, with so many alternatives available, selecting the best one for your requirements may be difficult. To help you make an informed decision, Marla Mock, president of Molly Maid, a Neighborhood company, advises considering factors such as suction power, filtration system, bagged vs. bagless options, available attachments, maneuverability, durability, price, and warranty.
Expert Insights and Hands-On Experience
We rigorously tested nearly 150 vacuums in our Labs and homes, evaluating their effectiveness, maneuverability, setup simplicity, ease of emptying, noise level, and overall value. Marla Mock’s expert insights guided us in selecting the best canister vacuums of 2023.
Our Top Picks: Canister Vacuum Cleaner
1. Best Overall Canister Vacuum: Kenmore Pet-Friendly Pop-N-Go Bagged Canister Vacuum
Highlights:
- Exceptionally quiet and efficient on carpets.
- Multiple suction settings, perfect for various surfaces.
- Easy setup and convenient storage for attachments.
The Kenmore Pet-Friendly Pop-N-Go Bagged Canister Vacuum is undoubtedly our top choice for canister vacuum cleaners. In our tests, it effortlessly removed debris from carpets with just one pass on high suction. Even on the medium setting, it left only a few kibble stragglers after a single pass. On the low setting, it performed well for lighter debris. Notably, this vacuum excelled at picking up pet hair from carpets, with no hair getting stuck on the brush roll or wheels. While it took a little more work on hard surfaces, it finally got the job done.
Setting up this canister vacuum is a breeze – everything clicks into place, and the attachments fit nicely on board. Experimenting with the suction settings is worthwhile for different surfaces, but we found it most effective on carpets. The vacuum operates quietly, even in the highest setting. Its lightweight design allows for easy maneuverability, and the long retractable cord simplifies storage.
Accessing and removing the bag is straightforward, though reinserting it may take some time. The vacuum comes with various attachments, including a telescoping wand, providing versatility for cleaning different surfaces, including upholstery and stairs. The combination of suction settings and attachments offers ample options for efficient cleaning.
Overall, we were really impressed with this vacuum’s suction power, making it an excellent choice for pet owners. It effectively picks up pet hair from high-pile rugs. While it may not perform as well on hard surfaces, the range of suction settings and attachments allows for easy adjustments to meet your cleaning needs.
2. Best Budget Canister Vacuum: Eureka Whirlwind Bagless Canister Vacuum Cleaner
Highlights:
- Affordable price without compromising performance.
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver, especially on stairs.
- Switchable suction settings for different floor types.
In our tests, the Eureka Whirlwind Bagless Canister Vacuum Cleaner demonstrated excellent maneuverability around chair legs and easy pivoting of the floor nozzle. This lightweight vacuum is suitable for stairs, although we recommend using the crevice tool for tight edges. While it took a few passes to clean up hair and kibble, the vacuum’s lightweight design, just over 8 pounds, made the extra effort manageable.
The vacuum setup is straightforward, with easy switching between suction settings for different floor types. The bristles extend for hard floors and retract for carpets, both performing effectively. Being a bagless canister vacuum, it has a reusable dustbin that is easy to empty and clean.
The Eureka model is somewhat loud, as expected with most vacuums. Although it features a retractable cord, the 16-foot length may be a bit short for larger rooms or open floor plans. It works well for bedrooms but may require unplugging and relocating to different outlets for more extensive cleaning.
3. Best Canister Vacuum for Hardwood Floors: Shark Canister Pet Bagless Corded Vacuum
Highlights:
- Quieter operation and lightweight design.
- Excellent performance on hard surfaces and upholstery.
- Convenient power and suction controls on the handle.
The Shark Canister Pet Bagless Corded Vacuum is our top pick for hard floors. It effortlessly removes debris and pet hair from hard surfaces and upholstery. Its lightweight design ensures easy maneuvering, allowing it to follow you as you clean.
However, its performance on carpets falls short, leaving behind kibble remnants regardless of the angle of vacuuming. Transitioning from hard surfaces to rugs can result in hair getting stuck at the carpet’s edge, making it more suitable for homes with primarily hard floors.
Setting up the Shark vacuum is quick and straightforward, and it operates quietly, even on high settings. The power button and suction settings are conveniently located on the handle for easy adjustments while cleaning. The dustbin is simple to open, however locating the release buttons may take some time.
Expert Tips: Choosing the Right Canister Vacuum for Your Home
Bagged vs. Bagless
Choose between bagged and bagless canister vacuums based on your needs. Bagged models are better for allergy sufferers as they contain dust effectively, but require regular bag replacement. Bagless models reduce maintenance costs but may require more frequent cleaning of filters and canisters. Look for models with HEPA filters for allergy concerns.
Consider Space Size
If you have a larger area to clean, opt for a vacuum with a longer hose or a larger dust canister to reduce the frequency of emptying.
Evaluate Floor Type
Select a vacuum based on your home’s flooring. For carpeted areas, choose a vacuum with adjustable height settings and a motorized brush. For hard floors, prioritize a vacuum with a brush on-off switch to prevent scratching.
Explore Attachments
Ensure the vacuum offers the right attachments to address your cleaning requirements, such as crevice tools, dusting brushes, or specialized brushes for furniture or curtains. Some models feature built-in storage for attachments, enhancing convenience.
Finding the best canister vacuum cleaner for your needs involves considering various factors. The options mentioned above cater to different preferences, whether you prioritize carpet or hard floor cleaning, affordability, or quiet operation. Make your choice based on your unique requirements to enjoy a cleaner and healthier home.
Conclusion
The top canister vacuum cleaners of 2023 offer a range of options to cater to your specific cleaning needs. The Kenmore Pet-Friendly Pop-N-Go Bagged Canister Vacuum stands out with its exceptional suction power, making it a top choice for pet owners and carpeted areas, while the Eureka Whirlwind Bagless Canister Vacuum impresses with its budget-friendly price and versatility on various floor types, despite a shorter cord.
The Shark Canister Pet Bagless Corded Vacuum shines in quieter operation and ease of use on hardwood floors and upholstery, though it may not be the best choice for carpeted homes. To make the right decision, consider your space size, floor type, and the importance of bagged vs. bagless design, and select a vacuum that aligns with your cleaning requirements and budget. With these top picks, your cleaning tasks are bound to become more efficient and hassle-free. Happy cleaning!
