The 9 Best Canister Vacuums, Tested and Reviewed
Cleaning up dust and dirt is a never-ending battle in many households, especially when pets and kids are part of the mix. Luckily, a canister vacuum's powerful suction and maneuverability can help you clean carpets, stairs, upholstery, and hard-to-reach spaces under and around furniture. But if you’re looking for a new vacuum, you might be stumped by which one is right for you.
We’ve tested nearly 300 vacuums of all types, both in our Lab and in our homes, so we have plenty of first-hand experience to help you make your decision. Each canister vacuum we tested was evaluated for its effectiveness, maneuverability, simplicity of setup (including attachments), ease of emptying, noise value, and overall value. For tips on what to look for when purchasing a canister vac, we consulted Marla Mock, president of Molly Maid, a Neighborly company, for expert insights.
Miele SBAN0 Classic C1 Pure Suction PowerLine at Amazon
$346
Kenmore Pet Friendly Pop-N-Go Canister Vacuum at Amazon
$350
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The vacuum adjusts well to various surfaces.
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Hair gets tangled on the brush roller quite easily.
Not all vacuums are built for all surfaces, but the Miele Classic takes on various types of flooring quite effectively. This canister vacuum has multiple suction levels—adjustable by a dial on the canister—so you can transition easily from carpet to hard floor and back again. The vacuum head swivels nicely, so it’s easy to get around furniture legs and other obstacles while cleaning. We liked the telescoping handle that can be adjusted for more comfort and further reach, like when cleaning stairs and even high ceilings.
The vacuum was very effective in cleaning carpets by picking up debris with just a few passes, but it was also good on hardwood floors when the appropriate attachment was used. Most of the attachments clip to the handle, so it’s quick and easy to swap one out as needed. It’s also simple to pull the bag out of the unit and dispose of it without getting dust all over your hands. Removing tangled hair from the brush roller is a different story; we used a seam ripper since no tool was included to assist.
The wheels on the canister make for even smoother maneuvering, so cleaning won’t be a workout that you get with some other canister vacs. The automatic and retractable cord was probably the easiest vacuum cord we’ve ever dealt with—with just the click of a button, the cord swiftly pulls in. Both the retractable power cord and the hose are quite lengthy, so it’s easy to clean large rooms without having to move the canister or outlet. It’s pretty quiet, too; we thought the noise sounded more like the whirring of a tower fan rather than a loud vacuum.
After using it for two months, the vacuum continued to exceed our expectations. It is a bit pricey, but given its performance and how easy it is to adjust settings and switch out attachments, it is a great value.
Type: Bagged | Capacity: 4.8 quarts | Cord Length: 18 feet | Weight: 13 pounds | HEPA Filter: Yes
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![A person using the Miele Classic C1 Turbo Team PowerLine Vacuum to clean a rug.]()
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PHOTO: Wade Review / Grant Webster
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![A person using the had attachment of the Miele Classic C1 Turbo Team PowerLine Vacuum to clean a chair.]()
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PHOTO: Wade Review / Grant Webster
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![The Miele Classic C1 Turbo Team PowerLine Vacuum being used to vacuum a car mat.]()
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PHOTO: Wade Review / Grant Webster
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![The attachments on the Miele Classic C1 Turbo Team PowerLine SBAN0 Vacuum]()
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PHOTO: Wade Review / Dera Burreson
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