Vacuum Cleaners

High-priced, feature-laden machines don't necessarily deliver better cleaning. You'll find plenty of strong performers at a reasonable price

Which type of vacuum cleaner to buy used to be a no-brainer. Uprights were clearly better for carpets, while canisters were the obvious choice for bare floors. That distinction has blurred somewhat as more upright models clean floors without scattering dust and more canisters do a very good job with carpeting. Central vacuum systems, a third option, add a measure of convenience but at higher prices.

You'll also see a growing number of features such as dirt sensors and bagless dirt bins, but some of those features may contribute more to price than to function, while other, more essential features may be missing from the least-expensive models. And while cordless and even robotic vacuums have joined your list of choices, neither have been top performers so far.


WHAT'S AVAILABLE



Hoover, the oldest and largest vacuum manufacturer, has experienced declining sales of late. Other players include Dirt Devil, which sells uprights and canisters as well as stick brooms and hand vacuums; Bissell, a mostly mass-marketed brand; Eureka, which offers low-priced models, central vacs, and high-end Electrolux-branded models; Dyson, a high-priced British brand with a brightly colored line up; Oreck models, which are sold in their own stores and directly by the company; and Kenmore, the biggest name in canister models, accounting for about 20 percent of U.S. sales.

Additional brands such as Miele, Panasonic, and Riccar, are likely 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, the robotic vac, and Euro-Pro stick vacs.

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

Uprights. These models, which account for the majority of vacuum sales, tend to be the least expensive. Their one-piece design also makes them easier to store than canister vacs. A top-of-the-line upright might provide a wider cleaning path, be self-propelled, and have a HEPA filter, dirt sensor, and full-bag indicator. Price range for most: $50 to $400, with the highest-priced models priced at more than $1.300.

Canister vacuums. These types tend to do well on bare floors because they allow you to turn off the brush or use a specialized tool to avoid scattering dirt. Most are quieter than uprights, and their long, flexible hose tends to make them better at cleaning on stairs and in hard-to-reach areas. The added clutter of the loose hose and wand makes canisters somewhat harder to store, however. While canister vacs still tend to cost the most, you'll find a growing number of lower-priced models. Price range for most: $150 to $500, with the most-expensive ones costing $1,000 to $1,500.

Central vac systems. These models clean like a canister vac without your having to push, pull, or carry the motor and body around. They're also relatively quiet, and require less-frequent emptying. But they're the most expensive option, and generally require professional installation. The typical 35-foot-long hose can be cumbersome, and you don't have a place to carry tools while you work. Price range: $500 to $1,250 for the unit including tools, plus $300 to $750 to install.

Stick vacs and hand vacs. Whether corded or cordless, these miniature vacuums typically lack the power of a full-sized unit. But they can be handy for small, quick jobs. Price range: $20 to $100.


HOW TO CHOOSE



Some of the best vacuums cost $350 or less. But you might be willing to spend more for models with other strengths. Here's what to think about at the store:

Match the vacuum to your cleaning. Most uprights are still better than canisters for carpets. They also cost less and are easier to store. Canisters tend to be better for cleaning drapes, upholstery, and under furniture, are more stable on stairs.

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, reducing the need to change bags and empty bins.

Pick your features. Models with bags tend to hold more than bagless vacs and create less dust when emptying. A brush on/off switch allows you to turn off the brush on floors and delicate rugs, and reduces dust and the risk of thrown objects when using tools. Manual pile-height adjustment can improve carpet cleaning by letting you raise or lower the powerhead.

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. Hand tools with powered brushes tend to add little over nonpowered tools when removing pet hair from upholstery.

Try before buying. Weight can be critical if your arms aren't strong or your home has more than one level. Self-propelled uprights ease pushing and pulling, though their added heft makes lifting and storing more challenging.

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 ear protection. If you're sensitive to dust, choose a model that scored well in emissions. You also might want to avoid buying a bagless model; if you do purchase a bagless type; wear a dust mask when emptying the bin.

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A vacuum cleaner In Britain Hoover has become so associated with vacuum cleaners as to become a genericized trademark. The word "hoover" (without initial capitalization) is often used as a generic term for "vacuum cleaner". Hoover is also used as a verb, as in "I've just hoovered the carpet".) is a device that uses an air pump to create a partial vacuum to suck up dust and dirt, usually from carpeted floors, but also from tiled floors and other smooth surfaces.
Most homes with carpeted floors in developed countries possess a domestic vacuum cleaner for cleaning. The dirt is collected by a filtering system or a cyclone for later disposal.

Vacuum cleaner - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A vacuum cleaner (in colloquial British English also hoover [1]) is a device that
uses an air pump to create a partial vacuum to suck up dust and dirt, ...
... floors in developed countries possess a domestic vacuum cleaner for cleaning. ... inventors in the United States and Europe who devised manual vacuum cleaners. ...
A vacuum cleaner is a device that uses an air pump to create a partial vacuum to suck up dust and dirt, usually from carpeted floors, but also from tiled floors and other smooth surfaces. Most homes ...
Regular canister vacuum cleaner for home use. ... The origin of the vacuum cleaner - H. Cecil Booth, Transactions of the Newcomen Society, ...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vacuum_cleaner

Howstuffworks "How Vacuum Cleaners Work"
Vacuum cleaners have cleaned our homes for over a century. See a vacuum cleaner
from the inside out and read expert reviews about vacuum cleaners.
Vacuum cleaners have cleaned our homes for over a century. ... Vacuum Cleaners and Systems ... Vacuum Cleaner Image Gallery ...
Vacuum cleaners have cleaned our homes for over a century. See a vacuum cleaner from the inside out ... Vacuum cleaners and systems keep your living and work spaces clean, but do you know how they ...
home.howstuffworks.com/vacuum-cleaner.htm

~| The Vintage Vacuum Cleaner Museum |~
A detailed site featuring old vacuum cleaners. Vacuum cleaners have been around
since the 1800s - learn more interesting facts at this site.
... Vacuum Cleaner Museum ... Today, vacuum cleaners may be found in nearly every household ... Ads for vacuum cleaners showed such things as children playing in ...
The Cyberspace Vacuum Cleaner Museum ... — FIRST: — A Brief History of the VACUUM CLEANER ...
www.137.com/museum

Dyson US - About Dyson
Find out about Dyson - the leader in vacuum cleaners. Find out what makes Dyson
better and which Dyson is best for you.
Find out about Dyson - the leader in vacuum cleaners. Find out what makes Dyson better and which Dyson is best for you.
www.dyson.com

Vacuum Cleaners Comparisons. Vacuum Ratings, Reviews at Allergy ...
Miele Capricorn S5980 Luna Silver Canister Vacuum Cleaner ... Electrolux Oxygen3 Ultimate Canister Vacuum Cleaner - Model EL7025 ...
www.allergybuyersclub.com/compare-vac.html