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Canister Vacuums

There are a number of reasons you might choose a canister (or cylinder) vacuum over an upright. For one, they're lighter and easier to transport around the house -- have you ever dragged a full-sized upright up a flight of stairs? Many people with limited mobility prefer a small cylinder vac since the nozzle can be manoeuvred more easily than an upright. If it matters to you, cylinder vacs also tend to be more stylish and modern looking than uprights.

Other positives include:

  • They are perfect for homes with a mix of carpeted and bare floors.
  • Better than most uprights on drapes, crevices, and upholstery.
  • No other type of vacuum is as easy to use on stairs.
  • They are easy to store and they take up very little room.
  • Despite their power, they still manage to be lightweight.

The main complaints about cylinder vacuums:

  • Because they consist of a hose with a head and a body, they can be awkward to manoeuvre.
  • Their bulkiness -- and the fact that you often have to carry them -- may make them seem heavier than they really are.
  • They are more expensive than uprights. However, there is a wide price range, from £40 to £300. Generally they don't exceed £500.

Important Characteristics

  • Price
    • Both high-end  and budget  models exist.
    • Many of the most expensive vacuums are also top performers, but you can also get very good performance for a mid-range price.
  • Size
    • There are larger full-sized models with more power, but these can weigh up to 15 kilos.
    • A lightweight  or mini  model might be a good choice if you know that you will be vacuuming up and down stairs often.
      • Usually they only weigh about 6 pounds or so.
      • While they are easier to handle and cost less, keep in mind that some lightweight models sacrifice power.
  • Bag or No Bag?
    • Bagless  cylinders make it easy to judge whether or not they are full because they use a clear cylinder, but they can release a lot of dust when you go to clean it out.
    • Canisters with bags  easy to clean but require the purchase of additional bags, which can get expensive if you vacuum often or have a lot of space.

There are some extra features and considerations that you will want to take into account.

  • Attachments
    • If you have just bare floors to vacuum, then you don't have to worry about attachments. However, if you are at all interested in being able to clean upholstery, drapes, or tight spaces, then you will want some attachments included with your cylinder vacuum.
    • Common attachments include bare-floor brush, wand, dusting brush, upholstery tool, crevice tool, and power nozzle.
  • Power Nozzle
    • Power nozzles (aka powerbrushes) are nozzles with a rotating brush.
    • Gives your cannister vac the power to clean carpeting.
    • "Suction only" means no power nozzle.
  • Full-bag Indicator
    • "Hmm... why is this vacuum not sucking?" We've all thought this at some point. Most often a bagged vacuum, whether it is an upright or a cylinder vacuum, loses its suction because the bag is overstuffed. (Another cause may be a clogged filter). If you have an alert feature, you will always know when to change your bag so that your vacuum can produce the best results.
    • A completely sealed airflow system will also help improve suction.
  • Power
    • In order to get the best results on carpets look for a model with a power-nozzle that helps increase suction on carpets, as well as a suction control. Then you can vary the power to best fit what type of material you are cleaning, including rugs, carpets, drapes, and furniture.
  • Cords and Hoses
    • You want a long retractable cord. It may be that 20 feet is a sufficient length for you, but some models reach 25 feet which makes cleaning small flats a breeze.
    • Hoses should be at least 5 feet long.
  • Wand
    • A telescoping wand makes for easy extensions when cleaning ceilings and reaching under furniture.
  • Filter
    • HEPA filters are designed to reduce the amount of dust that is spit up into the air.
    • Especially good for allergy sufferers, but they can prove useful for anyone sensitive to dust or in homes with pets.
    • The machine-washable kinds are the easiest to clean.

Major Manufacturers

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