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.

[Jennifer]

I too would LOVE some input about carpet cleaners! I have very light carpet and 4 children. Please get on this request quickly! I have heard good things about the Rug Doctor, but before I blow my budget on it, It would be nice to have a NON-Bias test done on it. Especially if a cheaper model does a compareable job. Thanks for the great work that you have done in the past. I have came to you for many of my past purchases, and have found that you are spot on. Keep up the good work, and look forward to your results on carpet cleaners!!

[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

[DaveM]

I looking for carpet shampooers. When will testing and a report be available?
thanks,
DaveM

[Nancy]

I just subscribed to try and find info on whether it is best to steam clean diry carpets or use hot water extraction methood. I find I subscribed for nothing because there is no info available on carpet shampooing methods. What a waste!

[Sheryl]

Add me to the list of others who want carpet shampoo machines tested! Has there been any response from CR since Nov 2007? I'd like to know if/when this will happen.

Thank you,
Sheryl

[Allison]

I am adding to the carpet cleaner request. While I realize that CR cannot test everything and have enjoyed my subscription, it seems like a common household item that has been around for 150 yrs is something we should be able to see rated. I would like to see all types rated in their own categories (cheaper- Bissell/Hoover, commercial-Rug Dr. and the services-Stanley Steamer) then overall. I just bought a Bissell Proheat and not pleased at all …several issues aside from cleaning. Help us already…or explain why no ratings???
Thanks

[Kimberly Kradolfer]

I would also like to see you rate carpet shampooers! Please do so soon!

[Paula Good]

Ditto for me on the carpet shampooers. Just about every house has carpet now and we need to know the best shampooer to buy.

[Dan Kaepp]

We had a Bissel which went south. We would definitely be interested in your evaluation of rug shampooers as we have recently installed new carpeting and need one.

[Francis W Dougherty]

I am looking for a good commercial rug cleaner is rog Dr. the best or what.

[DONNETTE]

I TOO WOULD LIKE TO SEE SOME CARPET SHAMPOO RATINGS. I JUST SAW AN INFOMERCIAL ADVERTISING THE RUG DOCTOR AND REALLY WOULD LIKE SOME INSIGHT B4 DROPPING $700 ON IT. PLLLLEEEAAAAASSSEEEE DO SOME RESEARCH AND PASS YOUR FINDINGS ON TO US - THE SUBSCRIBERS. THANK YOU.

[Shelley]

I am in the market to purchase a carpet shampooer and need guidence.

[karen]

I just subscribed to find out no carpet cleaning info...what a disappointment. Please add me to the long list of people waiting for CR to do the report. If anyone has purchased a carpet cleaner/shampoo machine can you please give any feedback??Costco has two I'm considering.

[Tricia]

Where is that carpet shampooer rating? It seems that you have fallen down on the job by not having these rated. Glad to know that I am not the only one disappointed. Could you let us know when and if you will ever get to it?
Frustrated Shopper

[Tricia]

Where is that carpet shampooer rating? It seems that you have fallen down on the job by not having these rated. Glad to know that I am not the only one disappointed. Could you let us know when and if you will ever get to it?
Frustrated Shopper

[jim lecapitaine]

Please,please report on carpet shampooers. I've waited long enough and now I have to go and buy one. Why do you rate some items over and over and not rate a usefull product like a rug shampooer? Help!! I need an answer sooooon!!! Jim.

[Bonnie Alford]

I just subscribed so I could get info on a vacuum cleaner & purchased one you recommended. I checked on carpet shampooers & I see there is no info. Hopefully, CR will have something in the near future.

[Tammy]

I, too, have been waiting months for you to post a carpet shampooer review. I am going to look elsewhere for advice in the future if you don't start reviewing the products that I want to use.

[Marilyn Larson]

Please report on carpet shampooers as soon as possible.

[Heather]

NEED CARPET SHAMPOOER INFO PLEASE

[Karen M]

We need to replace our carpet cleaner. Was very happy with Big Green Clean Machine-had for many years.Can't find anything comparable.When will ConsumerReports review shampooers?

[Karen M]

We need to replace our carpet cleaner. Was very happy with Big Green Clean Machine-had for many years.Can't find anything comparable.When will ConsumerReports review shampooers?

[Jim]

We too are interested in ratings on carpet shampooers.
Hope something happens soon!

Thanks for all the good info on other things.

[Matt Roles]

I too am just writing to say that I'm disappointed to not find any carpet shampooing ratings and surprised that people have been asking for it this long with no response. CR, please listen to your cutomers!

[Sue]

Please rate carpet steamers/shampooers/services. It is incredible to me that this has not been done yet. I will not renew my subscription if this has not been done by the time the subscription runs out.

[Dave Edson]

Cannot believe CR has no ratings on carpet cleaners. I have looked and looked and can't seem to find any info!
I have owned several carpet cleaners and they were all very substandard. I want to buy a good one and need your help. Please perform a study on these ASAP! Thank you.

[Karen Doherty]

I've been looking for carpet shampooer ratings for years, and very surprised they haven't been. I'd like to buy one and rely heavily on Consumer Reports for just about everything. I hope to see them rated before I end up buying one without the support of Consumer Reports.

[maddie]

I too, would like to see infor on a carpet shampooer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What's Up?

[Marian Perrin]

Ditto to all of the above postings. When can we expect some testing results on carpet shampoo machines?

[mackinlo]

Signed up because of looking for carpet shampooer and found there are not reviews. Seems so strange? When will any come out? So many people would like them done.

[jerry]

Like everyone else I have waited and waited for a report on carpet shampooers. When will we get one.

[Ellen]

Please review carpet cleaners. I bought a Bissle last year paid $250 for it and it broke after using is 3 times. I want to buy another cleaner but don't know which one is the best for the $$. Please help!!

[Kathy W]

Add my name to the list. I was ready to run to Kohl's this morning to get their on-sale Bissel but am not happy with my current older model so was wondering how recent models were rated. Now I'm not sure what to do! I'd like info on all kinds of water/steam cleaners for carpet as well as vinyl/hardwood.

[Mary]

In the same boat, need to get a good carpet cleaner but not sure what to buy. Last review I was able to find was from July 2003.(in Consumer Reports magazine from library) Is there updated information coming soon? Thanks

[Carl Sillitoe]

I am with all the people above that would like information on carpet shampoo and steamers. This is basic stuff of which I thought that CR would have already tested. Please test soon.

[Michael Wallen]

I've looked everywhere else and would have expected that there might be a snippet here about carpet\rug\upolstery cleaners or shampooers but no luck. How about just a hint folks?

[Linda J]

I too subscribed to find out what would be the best shampooer I am
really disappointed to find out there is nothing here!!

[Puddin]

You guys should look at Amazon.com. They have a TON of reviews of carpet cleaners. I personally like the Hoover F5914-900 SteamVac. Very reasonable price for the results.

[pamela]

add me to the growing list of requestees for some info on carpet cleaners. Big vs. small, professional vs. personal, steam vs...

[Frank]

I can't believe there is nothing about carper shampooing equip.
They got me - another waste.

[Karen]

I just subscribed today to get info on carpet shampooers. It seems people have been asking for a review on these for a long time. What's the process to get a review after several people have requested one? I see lots of requests for a review but no answer.

[Joe]

Just one more person looking to buy a carpet steamer and would appricate a review.

[peter]

My wife was asking me to research steam cleaners / carpet shampooers so I joined for $ 26.00 to discover no help whatsoever. Imagine my disappointment! I guess I will just have to wing it. I guess I should have not bothered to join. Should I cancel after 10 minutes being a member?

[dani]

I too am on the list of folks wanting info on carpet steamers/cleaners. Glad somebody on the forums recommended to go to Amazon.com. Will check the reviews there. I tend to trust consumer reports over other review sites, but for lack of these reviews, or a response from consumer reports on an ETA when they'll do this (or just acknowledge they're reading the months of posts requesting this), I'll go elsewhere. Big bummer I couldn't find all my review needs in one place.

[Caroloboe]

I was advised by Hoover's customer service to check your reports to help pick the right Hoover carpet cleaner; so I joined this monrning only to find out, THERE ARE NO CONSUMER REPORTS on carpet cleaners!!! Please add this to your future studies.

[LZ]

Thanks for the tip about Amazon, I'm headed there now for carpet shampooer tips. Would also like to see research on carpet shampooing services offered by companies like Stanley Steemer, Home Depot (Chem Dry), etc. I have had varying results even from the same vendors over the years and I really wonder how clean they can get my carpet compared to using a personal device or even the type for rent at the grocery store. Across the board comparison of all types on depth of cleaning would be great.

[C.M. Hendrickson]

I am very disappointed that CR has not done a study on DIY carpet cleaners/steamers. I am a long-time CR subscriber. Something as simple and basic as this makes me question the value of my subscription.

[Martha Windle]

I cannot believe CR has let down in this important area. Most people cannot afford to have their carpets professionally cleaned and ratings on carpet cleaners would be invaluable to them. Step up and rate this needed product!

[Jim]

Do you not read these comments? At least you could say "we will not rate carpet Shampooers". With not at least a "I'm sorry" I will now discontunue my subscription to CR. No Thanks.

[duane dea]

It looks like CR purposefully chooses not to responding to inquiries regarding carpet cleaning methods or products. Must we suspect the worst???

[Nancy]

Please review both do-it-yourself carpet shampooing machines and the professional services that come to one's home.

[THammond]

So with pages of requests for a carpet cleaner review, have you gotten the message, Consumer Reports? Do you ever respond or what???

[Angela H.]

CR, please tell us WHEN or IF you will be publishing any DIY carpet shampooer reviews!!! Can you not see our collective frustration?

[candy]

We use Consumer Reports on all of our major purchases and they have never steered us wrong, however we are now in need of a carpet cleaner and you seem to have ignored that category. How disappointing!

[mrogers]

Why no ratings of carpet cleaners? I too subscribed today for this specific item -- you're failing us!!!!

[Patti]

I would also like information on carpet shampooers. We need to be able to find what we need on your site or there is no point in subscribing. You have MANY requests for this information.

[Dale Varano]

Won't be a CR review on carpet steam cleaners until around 02/09, read it elsewhere on this site. While you're at it CR, please do a side piece on the various carpet steam cleaning detergents!

[Dale Varano]

Won't be a CR review on carpet steam cleaners until around 02/09, read it elsewhere on this site. While you're at it CR, please do a side piece on the various carpet steam cleaning detergents!

[af]

on july 5th someone posted this sugestion maybe we should be going there with our comments, i'm going to check it out.
July 5th: Suggestions for report topics can be made through this web site: http://custhelp.consumerreports.org/cgi-bin/consumerreports.cfg/php/enduser/ask.php

[Karen]

Why does Consumer Reports not rate carpet shampooers, and why do they ignore all these comments and requests people have? The fact something as common and practical as a carpet shampooer is not rated makes no sense. It's obvious there are lots of people who want to see them rated, and the least CR can do to is to explain why they're not or let us know when they will be. It's very frustrating!

[Brian]

I need a carpet shampooer recommendation.

[lisa peterson]

Ditto!!!!!!

[Mike]

It's surprising that CR hasn't reviewed carpet cleaning companies that are nationwide, as well as the DIY types that are able to be rented at outlets like hardware or grocery stores, and the type you can buy to keep at home. It seems that everyone with carpets needs this service eventually, and many at relatively frequent intervals. The service is costly, as are the machines and the cleaning products themselves, so it seems like it would be a natural for CR. We'd really appreciate a response from you, CR. We wait expectantly.

[Gordon Judicki]

Yeah, I need carpet shampooer recommendations!

[Dug]

Carpet shampooer reviews...please!!!

[Paul Finn]

COSTCO is having a sale on a Bissel carpet cleaner tomorrow so I came here to check and you don't have a review of carpet cleaners and won't have one until Feb 2009???????????????

[Heather]

I went shopping this weekend for a carpet shampooer, then remembered I have a subscription to Consumer Reports and thought I would check to see what they recommend. By the looks of it, they don't recommend any!!!!

Please, please help all of us who are need of a good carpet shampooer.

[Jan]

I too am looking for rating on carpet shampooer. Please review them.Thanks

[Kathryn]

Lets get some reviews on rug shampoo machines! I have been a member of consumers union for over 20 years. PLEASE.....

[Yvonne Rich]

I subscribed to your reporting system because I trusted your advice. Now that I've actually become a member, I'm disappointed because the products I've wanted ratings on are not tested by your company. Along with many other members, I want to know about the best carpet shampooer and about Electrolux kitchen appliances. These products are not inexpensive, so checking their ratings is very important BEFORE purchase. Please test these items or I'll will not subscribe to your organization again.

[renee miller]

yes what is up with no report on carpet cleaners? OBVIOUSLY PEOPLE ARE NEEDING IT NOW! please respond consumer reports!

[Jim]

Well Consumer Reports? Do you always treat your customer base like crap?

Why don't you ANSWER EVERYONE asking for reviews of carpet shampoo machines?

[V. Johnson]

I too am in the market for a carpet shampooer. Have dirty carpet now so don't think I can wait until 2/09 for a review.

[Tamara McCullough]

PLEASE tell me what you know about carpet shampooers!!!

[Val]

The best reviews on carpet cleaners are on Amazon. You can't go wrong with thousands of ratings when people use these for years. I think the normal CR review can't top that and probably the reason they haven't reviewed these.

They have missed out on the move from carpet to hard flooring that most of us have. Those cleaners are also reviewed on Amazon, as well, but I don't trust them. Mostly because consumers haven't purchased enough different models to give a good a/b comparison.

[money saving expert]

I've gotta chime in on this topic like others have. I've been pretty happy with my Consumer Reports online subscription. I fully expected to find reviews of carpet cleaners at CR and was disappointed to find absolutely nothing.

Keep up the good work and please add carpet cleaners as soon as you can. I look forward to reading the review!