Tip of the day: Buy the right vacuum

Vacuums are popular with visitors to ConsumerReports.org and readers of Consumer Reports—indeed, "vacuum" is among the most widely searched terms on our Web site. Manufacturers, seeming to have picked up on your interest, continue to introduce new models and new types with myriad bells and whistles and claimed benefits. We'll even be testing one model designed to use ultraviolet light to kill dust mites.

(Consumer Reports has been testing vacs for decades, as illustrated by the circa-1954 photograph shown. In this image, a technician is measuring the suction ability of a vacuum.)
 
Given this crowded market filled with topnotch performers as well as middling models, it's essential to match the type of vacuum you choose to the kind of cleaning you typically do. Below you'll find a description of the common types and the pros and cons of each.

Once you know which style you want, read our latest reports on vacuums and wet/dry models and refer to our Ratings of upright, canister, wet/dry (available to subscribers) to choose the right model for your home. Before you shop, be sure to watch our exclusive video buying guide.

UPRIGHT
Best for deep-cleaning carpets. Most upright vacuums are less expensive and easier to store than canister vacuums.

But you must push and pull the entire machine for most floor and carpet cleaning. When you’re vacuuming on stairs, an upright is less stable than canister models.

Price: $100 to $500 for most models

CANISTER
Best for cleaning bare floors, and stairs, drapes, and upholstery using tools. Canisters are more stable on stairs than uprights. The head fits under furniture, and you move only the head and hose.

But the entire machine tends to be heavier, bulkier, and pricier. Most aren’t as effective on carpets.

Price: $150 to $700 for most models

STICK SWEEPER
Best for light cleaning of carpets, bare floors, and edges. These suctionless sweepers are relatively quiet and have long battery run times.

But they’re not designed to deep-clean carpets, and on bare floors they might scatter debris, such as rice, kitty litter, and other common spills for which they’re designed.

Price: $20 to $80

STICK VACUUM
Best for light-duty cleaning on short-pile carpets and bare floors.

But they have trouble cleaning larger items off carpet and deliver shorter run times than sweepers, and some are no easier to push than full-size vacuums.

Price: $30 to $100

WET/DRY
Best for cleaning heavy dust, remodeling debris, liquids, and other tougher messes.

But dust emissions are high with some models. The largest can be hard to maneuver and store; the cheapest often aren’t very effective. All are noisy.

Price: $30 to $150 for most models

HAND
Best for spot cleanups on carpets and bare floors.

But you need to stoop when using one, and most handhelds lose power quickly, making them suitable only for occasional use.

Price: $20 to $60

ROBOTIC
Best for their novelty and low effort between regular vacuuming in uncluttered rooms.

But they’re expensive as a group and time-consuming to set up and run. In our test, most also tended to miss edges and corners.

Price: $200 to $1,800

CENTRAL SYSTEM
Best for canisterlike cleaning without carrying the body. They tend to be relatively quiet and can be emptied infrequently.

But central vacs are pricey and often require professional installation. The
30-foot hose can be cumbersome and takes up storage space. And there's no
place to carry tools while you work.

Price: $500 to $1,250 with tools; $300 to $750 to install

Comments

[M. Hartstein]

I am interested in the testing results of the new Halo vacuum. Does it do what it says it does and what are the replacement costs of the ultra-violet light? What is the noise level?

I just purchased a new Sebo 17 pound vacuum. Had I known this Halo was coming I would have waited to evaluate it. I do like the Sebo. However, with any vacuum, I still feel the rug is always dirty deep down when I am finished.

[mary]

Central vacs are wonderful in that the dirt goes outside of the home, great for allergy suffers. They are pretty easy to self install we did our whole system for 900.

[James Huczek]

Looking for info on car;et shampooers! Whih one should we buy? Done any testing lately?

[Marilyn McDaniel]

I have old model Kirby Upright vacuum that has attachments that allow to convert to hose to clean drapes,walls,etc. I need part that is like a lg.pin or shaft that holds metal handle to base of Kirby. Don't know what it is called? Live is small town, no dealer or repair shop, I'm disabled(neuro-disease chronic pain & can't travel, on oxygen too so need to order online. Does anyone know what this "fastener" is called so I can order it online? Please help.
Help!

[Chris Rowe]

I just took back the Dyson DC 21. It was the worst vacuum that I have ever used. Someone mentioned the Halo. It is over $600 and made in China. I am having a very hard time finding a good vacuum - Made in the USA. Most things I se these days are Made in China. Most vacuums also only have one year warrantees. I am told that Oreck still is made inthe USA, but they run about $700 or more for the canister that I want.

[Nancy]

I am also looking for info on carpet shampooers...don't seem to find any??

[Cornelius Andriessen]

I am looking for the best carpet shampooer, I can't seem to find a rating for one
on this web site.

[Thomas L. Gilles]

Here is another request for information on rug shampooers. Will any studies be made?

[Kyle]

I am also looking for info on carpet shampooer's.

[T Frost]

i AM ALSO LOOKING FOR THE BEST CARPET SHAMPOOER, i AM GLAD I DIDN'T SUBSCRIBE, THEN FIND OUT, THEY HAVE NOT TESTED THEM RECENTLY.tHANKS EVERYONE!!!

[Rose Mary]

Looking for ratings on carpet shampooer. I purchased the Bissell Proheat in the past, but need to replace it now. I like to see these products rated.

[connie]

Just wondering if you had tested any rug shampooers. I, too, am wanting to purchase one. Thanks for any information that you can give.

[jan]

I too am looking for info on a carpet shampooer. Would like to compare Bissel with Hoover.

[Linda]

Please post some reviews on carpet shampooers. Thanks.

[David]

Want to add my name to the list of subscribers pleading for a review of Carpet Shampooers! They are out there, one would think Consumer Reports would test? Let's keep up the pressure, they (CR) should respond to consumers' demand if anyone does, one would hope anyway.

[Paul]

Recently bought a Royal Carpet cleaner. It is awesome. Dealer only sells this model because of problems with others. I cleaned really bad pet stained the other day and was very impressed. Any one looking should look at the Royal brands. I am looking forward to more tough jobs around the house.

[cfannon]

YEAH! Lets get those carpet shampooers rated. Can't afford to keep paying others to do it anymore

[Marilyn]

Am interested in ratings for a carpet shampooer. I am looking at the Hoover's Spin/Scrub, Legacy, All Terrain & can't find anything on the Royal. Please help!!!!

[Helen]

Add me to the long list of consumers looking for ratings on do-it-yourself carpet/rug shampooers. Also, ratings on businesses who do the shampooing for you. thanks!

[Robert (Bob)]

I too was searching for some good CR info on carpet shampoo cleaners to no avail. Have used a Bissell model recently and was pleased, but before I BUY that model I came to you, CR. If you want us to keep coming to you for info, best get busy! Bob

[Brianna]

I am a CR subscriber and would like to get a study of carpet shampooers done also. I'm trying to decide if I should get a small hand held cleaner or go for the large vacuum style carpet shampooers.

[Fran]

I recently bought a Rug Doctor shampooer from Kohl's. These usually sell for about $800.00 but I got one on sale (and 15% off by opening a charge account) for $409.00 with $100.00 in Kohl's cash to be used in the store. These are professional quality shampooers and do an excellent job. You can use other shampoo products in these machines other than Rug Doctor.

[LM]

Suggestions for report topics can be made through this web site: http://custhelp.consumerreports.org/cgi-bin/consumerreports.cfg/php/enduser/ask.php

[Char]

Where is the carpet shampooer ratings? I have spent the last 20 minutes typing in this and that .. but to no avail. Thanks for the previous comments. I have two dogs and can't afford to keep paying anyone to do this.

Thanks!

[hawk]

When is Consumer Reports going to do a review of carpet
shampooers. I just spent $19 to find out you have never done
a rating for carpet shampooers. Would really like to see
one done. thanks