Canister vacuum cleaners are often seen as an upgraded version of the stick model or an upright vacuum, and in most cases, this is true since canister vacuums tend to provide greater output and better coverage on various floor types.
But even so, you might stumble into a disadvantage if you are purchasing your next vacuum cleaner blind or without careful consideration. For this reason, we’ve put it upon ourselves to test some of the best canister vacuum cleaners to come out in recent years and aptly showcase them based on how you can fully maximize their value.
If you’re interested in upright vacuums, check out this article here.
For more information on the quietest vacuum, read here.
Best Budget Canister Vacuum Cleaner: Eureka WhirlWind Bagless Canister Vacuum Cleaner
The Eureka WhirlWind Bagless Canister Vacuum Cleaner is easily one of the most cost-efficient bagless canister vacuums on the market today. The lightweight vacuum cleaner has been a revelation, armed with decent suction power and a handy 2-in-1 crevice tool for cleaning tricky corners and other difficult-to-reach spots.
The budget-friendly vacuum from Eureka is also equipped with an automatic cord rewind and a one-button release for effortless dust cup emptying. However, what really sealed the deal for us in hailing it as the best canister vacuum at its price point is the bagless design and washable filters that effectively removes maintenance cost in the equation.
Put simply, you get the best value upfront with Eureka WhirlWind.
Finally, we would be remiss if we didn’t share our findings when cleaning multi-surface floors. As expected, the vacuum did well on bare floors or hard floors. After all, budget-friendly vacuum cleaners typically ace flat, solid ground.
The surprise came in during our performance tests in low pile carpets, where the vacuum’s signature airflow control made the transition on the new surface smoother than expected. WhirlWind’s work on upholstery didn’t blow us away, but we were still satisfied with its multi-surface cleaning capabilities.
Best Luxury Canister Vacuum: Miele Complete C3 Marin
Miele Complete C3 Marin, on the other hand, is among the most expensive Miele canister vacuums in the market. Fortunately, we think it’s worth the hype!
The top-dollar vacuum is a luxury-looking cordless unit that packs a punch. Precisely, 1200 watts. This high-end suction when paired with its dedicated vacuum head can seamlessly clean even medium pile carpet to deep pile carpet, which you can further optimize using the six-stage variable speed motor controlled via the foot switch pedals.
Meanwhile, when cleaning corners, you can improve the vacuum’s performance using the three tools provided for cleaning hard-to-reach surfaces: the crevice tool, the dusting brush, and the upholstery tool.
Upon testing, the crevice tool works great for corners and tight surfaces, while the dusting brush is a lifesaver for cleaning delicate objects and baseboards. Finally, the upholstery tool aced our trials over sofas, mattresses, cushions, covers and curtains.
Lastly, our community of testers was raving about the HEPA filter and air-cleaning capabilities of C3 Marin, even touting it for reduced allergy symptoms and better airflow at home.
Best Canister Vacuum for Pet Hair: Kenmore Pet Friendly POP-N-GO Bagged Canister Vacuum
We’ve tested quite a number of vacuum cleaners for pet hair and our standout performer was unsurprisingly Kenmore Pet Friendly POP-N-GO Bagged Canister Vacuum.
Aside from being specialized for cleaning after pets, this vacuum earns additional points for its triple HEPA-rated filtration, efficient 2-motor system, and ease-of-use. We were particularly happy to have all important controls sitting in the handle where it’s effortlessly accessible. But aside from that, Kenmore upped the ante by the inclusion of 3 exclusive attachments (crevice tool, dirt brush, and bare floor tool) along with its signature Pop-N-Go floor brush.
Another quality we loved about Kenmore POP-N-GO is its quiet operation, which nearly rivals that of Miele C1. We logged less than 75 dB when using Kenmore, although it seems like going lower is still a possibility.
Most users are leaning towards bagless vacuum these days, but if you can overlook that, then POP-N-GO is a pretty solid bagged vacuum that excels in picking up pet hair and is relatively simple to operate even on carpeted floors and upholstery.
Quietest Canister Vacuum: Miele Classic C1 Turbo Team PowerLine
Canister vacs aren’t known for being the quietest (unless compared to an upright vacuum), although one brand that’s been steadily producing excellent value on that end is Miele. Generally, Miele vacuums register below 80 dB on quiet mode, although the Miele Classic C1 Turbo Team PowerLine can go as low as 70 dB at its lowest output.
In case you need to pick up steam, we found it convenient to use the adjustable dial on the canister to transition from a hard floor to a carpeted surface. You’ll have to extend a bit to reach the dial, but manual inputs like this are sometimes faster when you are cleaning spontaneously at home.
The Miele C1 levels with C3’s 1,200-watt output, though its filtration and suction seem more suppressed. It probably helps that it’s lighter, which in turn makes it easier to maneuver. And for that, it edges the luxurious C3 in terms of soundproofing.
Elsewhere, the unit’s performance lands squarely in the mid-tier of canister vacuum cleaners. It’s not outstanding, though it’s far from underwhelming either. In fact, it’s one of the better-bagged canister vacuums in the market, especially if you’re on the lookout for a unit that delivers excellent noise value.
Best Lightweight Canister Vacuum: BISSELL Zing Lightweight
BISSELL Zing Lightweight narrowly lost to Eureka WhirlWind as the most budget-friendly bagless vacuum on this list, but it earned a place as our top pick for lightweight vacuums.
This light-duty vacuum weighs just around 10 lbs. and is powered by a 9-amp motor. The performance doesn’t jump off the charts, but it’s surprisingly thorough for a lightweight vacuum cleaner. In fact, you can use it on all types of floors with satisfying results as long as you don’t force your way above low-pile carpet setups.
For the most part, we think BISSELL Zing Lightweight will deliver its best value in homes with bare floorings, especially those who have pet hair problems instead of chunky debris. Otherwise, we see the unit as a reasonable upgrade for those who are looking to replace their stick vacuums with a lightweight canister vacuum with multi-surface cleaning capabilities.
Do Canister Vacuums Have Better Suction?
Canister vacuums generally have greater suction power than upright vacuums.
But aside from that, some people choose canister vacs due to a combination of having lower noise levels, better maneuverability, and lighter builds.
What are the Disadvantages of a Canister Vacuum?
On the other hand, canister vacuum cleaners are often disadvantaged for having a bulky design and cumbersome controls, particularly those units that have manual controls on the canister which requires the user to constantly bend over for access.
What is the Best Vacuum on the Market Right Now?
We find Kenmore Pet Friendly POP-N-GO Bagged Canister Vacuum as the most balanced vacuum in terms of performance and practicality. Calling it a pet hair specialist undersells its overall value a little because POP-N-GO also scores high in cleaning multi-carpeted surfaces and in terms of noise control.
Is Miele Better Than Shark?
Both Miele and Shark are known for their high-end and durable vacuum cleaners so you are looking at some of the best vacuum cleaners in the market either way.
However, while it ultimately comes down to personal preferences, Miele slightly edges Shark in terms of flexibility in its line of vacuum cleaners.
Why Switch to a Canister Vacuum Cleaner?
To give you a recap, canister vacuum cleaners are best suited for multi-surfaced homes. This can be attributed to several qualities including higher suction power, better maneuverability, and traditionally better filtration systems.
The improved mobility is even more valuable in homes with stairs and small spaces which upright vacuums typically struggle with. On top of that, canister vacuums can often be equipped with specialized attachments that make them more suitable for cleaning specific surfaces or debris, like pet hair.
In closing, we recommend only upgrading to a canister vacuum if you find yourself struggling to efficiently complete tasks using your upright or stick vacuum cleaner. In doing so you’ll be able to maximise your previous equipment before making a sweeping change. For the latest on home electronics and more smart living tips don’t forget to bookmark Automated Life Tech.
