For some vacuums, smaller isn’t better

Got a cramped closet? Some of the latest vacuums Consumer Reports tested for our March 2008 report fold for compact storage, while others meld upright and canister features into one machine. But our vacuum tests show that several brands need to pay more attention to cleaning.

New uprights that fold include the Hoover Fold Away Widepath ($70) and the Electrolux Intensity ($300). We also tested the folding Dyson Stowaway ($500), the brand’s latest canister. Yet only the Electrolux was impressive at cleaning carpets—our toughest test and the type of cleaning vacuums typically do most. Indeed, only three of the latest models we tested were better than mediocre for carpet cleaning.

Our tests of more than 60 uprights and canisters include a new top performer among canister vacs. (See an alphabetized listing below of the vacuums in our Ratings as of the end of February 2008.) We also tested vacuums that claim to kill germs and clean their own filters, among other promises. But some could disappoint you if you value cleaning over gadgetry. Here are the details:

Less-than-magical wands. The new Dirt Devil i M130000 ($250), Dyson DC15 The Ball All Floors ($500), and Panasonic AeroBlast MC-UL975 ($700) uprights have handles you can remove and use as a canister-style wand to clean curtains and battle those dust bunnies beneath the couch. But like most of the newest folding vacs, two of those scored only a good for carpets, and the Dirt Devil scored only fair.

Big claims, middling performance. The AeroBlast includes a unique feature that promises to stretch filter life, among other benefits. (See our blog on the Panasonic AeroBlast.) But our test results belied those claims.

Halo Technologies says its uprights, including the UVX ($400), kill dust mites, flea eggs, and germs using UV light. We didn’t test those claims because the UVX was only so-so at the more primary tasks of cleaning carpets and picking up pet hair. What’s more, it has no hose or tools. (On February 26, 2008, the National Advertising Division of the Council of Better Business Bureaus recommended that Halo modify or discontinue certain advertising claims for one of its vacuums. Read more here: Download HaloVacuum.pdf)

Clobbered by cat fur. The Electrolux Harmony canister ($300) is the latest to flub our grueling pet-hair test. As with the brand’s TwinClean model, cat hair wound itself around the brush and stopped it—partly because the brush is driven by airflow, rather than by a motor.

A venerable brand has problems. A predecessor company to Hoover was the name on the first widely available electric vac in 1908, and Hoover is still a best seller. While Hoover vacuums are often fine values, our latest survey found more reliable upright brands, including Dyson, a relative newcomer.

Read our expert shopping advice and watch our video buying guide (above) for detailed information on what to look for in your next vacuum. And continue reading this blog to find out which models we’ve tested.

What’s in our Ratings
The listings here include the upright and canister models we tested for our March 2008 story. Note that the models are in alphabetical order, not Ratings order. (Models in italics in parentheses after a tested vacuum are similar to the vacuum we rated.) If you’re a subscriber to ConsumerReports.org, look at our Ratings of upright and canister vacuums and CR Quick Recommendations for uprights and canisters to find the best model for your home.

Upright vacuum cleaners
Aerus Lux Legacy • Bissell Healthy Home 5770 (Healthy Home 5770-H, Healthy Home 5770-P, Healthy Home 5990, Healthy Home 6100, Healthy Home 6405) • Bissell Lift-Off Revolution Turbo 3760-1 (Lift-Off Hybrid Pet 3760-6, Lift-Off Revolution Pet 6860-H, Lift-Off Revolution Pet 4220-9, Lift-Off Revolution Pet 3760-4, Lift-Off Revolution Pet 3760-2, Lift-Off Revolution Deluxe 3760-3) • Dirt Devil i M130000 • Dirt Devil Reaction M110000 • Dirt Devil Ultra Vision Turbo MO87300 • Dyson DC07 All Floors (DC07 Animal) • Dyson DC14 Complete (DC14 Animal, DC14 All Floors) • Dyson DC15 The Ball All Floors (DC15 The Ball Animal) • Dyson DC17 Absolute Animal • Dyson DC18 Slim • Electrolux Intensity EL5020A • Electrolux Oxygen3 EL5035A • Eureka Altima 2981 • Eureka Boss 4D 5892AVZ (Boss 4D 5892BVZ) • Eureka Boss Smart Vac 4870[ ] • Eureka Optima 431BX • Halo UVX • Hoover Fold Away Widepath U5175-900 • Hoover Elite Rewind U5507-900 • Hoover EmPower U5262-910 (EmPower U5265-900, EmPower U5269-900) • Hoover Tempo Widepath U5140-900 • Hoover WindTunnel Bagless Self Propelled U6630-900 (WindTunnel Bagless Self-Propelled U6634-900) • Hoover WindTunnel Bagless U5753-900 (WindTunnel Bagless U5760-900, WindTunnel Bagless U5753-960) • Hoover WindTunnel Cyclonic U5780-900 • Hoover WindTunnel Self Propelled Ultra U6439-900 (WindTunnel Self Propelled Ultra Turbo U6436-900) • Hoover WindTunnel Supreme U5458-900 (WindTunnel Supreme U5468-900) • Kenmore (Sears) Progressive with Direct Drive 35922 (Progressive with Direct Drive 35923) • Kenmore (Sears) Progressive with Direct Drive 36932 (Progressive with Direct Drive 36933) • Kirby Sentria • Koblenz U610-ZN • Panasonic AeroBlast MC-UL975 • Panasonic Performance Plus Platinum MC-V5241 (Performance Plus Platinum MC-UG585) • Riccar Brilliance Premium (Simplicity Synchrony Premium) • Riccar Radiance (Simplicity Synergy) • Riccar SupraLite RSL3 (Simplicity Freedom F3500) • Riccar Supralite RSL4 (Simplicity Freedom F3600) • Sanyo Performax SC-A116 • Sanyo SC-H2000 • Sebo Automatic X4

Canister vacuum cleaners
Aerus Lux Guardian C154E • Aerus Lux Legacy C153C • Bosch Formula Electro Duo Hepa BSG71360UC • Dyson Stowaway DC-21 • Electrolux Harmony EL6985B • Electrolux Oxygen EL6988D • Electrolux TwinClean EL7055B (TwinClean EL7055BZ) • Filter Queen Majestic 360 AT1100 • Hoover Constellation S3345 • Hoover Duros S3590 • Hoover WindTunnel Bagless S3765-040 (WindTunnel Bagless S3755) • Kenmore (Sears) Progressive 27514 (Progressive 27515) • Kenmore (Sears) Progressive 27614 (Progressive 27615) • Kenmore (Sears) Progressive 27914 (Progressive 27915) • Metropolitan ADM-4PNHSF • Miele Callisto S5280 • Miele Direct Connect S514 • Miele Plus 1200W S251 • Oreck Dutch Tech DTX1400B • Rainbow e-series E2 • Riccar 1700 (Simplicity S36) • Sanitaire System Pro SP6952 • Sebo Air Belt C3.1 • Thane H2O SA861-80

Comments

[nathan tierney]

I had a question about the Kenmore Progressive 27514 (best buy) and the kenmore Progressive 27614, both canister vacs. We have been told and according to the Kenmore spec. book they are both the same vac, same motor and functioning, except for the newer model has a telescoping wand, different attachments, etc. But they emphasized that the motor and filtering system was the same. My question is that the newer model (27614) scored significantly worse than the older model (27514). I just bought the 27614 and am concerned that the suction is not as good. Can you tell me if there is a functional difference that caused the newer version to not score as well?

thanks,
Nate

[M A M]

Because or your Best Buy recommendation,I planned to purchase Kenmore vacuum #27515, but purchased #27615,since it is supposedly identical to 27515 (motor and functioning)but with
telescoping wand,horsehair brush and longer hose length; Please explain your scoring of #27515 as a CR BestBuy and #27615 with a significantly lower rating.. thank you

[M Marcotte]

Please explain the difference between Kenmore Progressive vacuum #27515,#40 in your ratings and a CR Best Buy, and #27615,#57 in your ratings.

Thank you

[M A M]

I have the same concerns as the previous comment,re difference between Kenmore vacuum #27515 and #27615...please reply ASAP as I too have purchased #27615 and am considering returning it because of your report...thank you

[Wilson Li]

How would you rate the H2O Turbo Vac? Or is it just another big claims product?
Thanks!

[Anne]

I am searching for a vacuum to replace my venerable Mighty Mite, which had good suction but I can carry around easily, as it weighs only about 10 lbs. E don't see ratings for any of the lightweight canister vacuums like the Electrolux Eureka Sanitaire or Knmore Magic Blue, in the approximately $85.-$100.00 price range. What is a good, basic light-weight vac that won't put the dust back into the air?
Thanks

[iran]

What is the best home use carpet steam cleaning vaccum cleaner. I've search your site and I don't see anything on home use steam cleaning for carpet. I am looking for a small easy to use steam carpet cleaner. Any suggestions.

Thanks

[Pierre Lamarre]

What is the best home use carpet steam cleaning vaccum cleaner. I've search your site and I don't see anything on home use steam cleaning for carpet. I am looking for a small easy to use steam carpet cleaner. Any suggestions.

Please, respond ASAP.
Thank you.
Pierre

[shahana]

Hi,

Am out shopping for almost all the home appliances and subscribed to your site butdon't find any research or ratings on carpet steam cleaners as someone asked here before!
Any recommendations on which carpet steam cleaner would be the best with small kids at home!

Thanks,
shahana.

[Mark]

What is the best home use carpet steam cleaning vaccum cleaner. I've search your site and I don't see anything on home use steam cleaning for carpet. I am looking for a small easy to use steam carpet cleaner. Any suggestions.

Thanks,
Mark.

[Rob G]

The Sebo Automatic X4 does not appear in the March 2008 ratings although it is listed in the February 28 Home & Garden blog entry as being tested. What were its results?

[james hunt]

I am looking for a carpet steam cleaner. What are your recommendations? I am unable to find any information on the web site.

James

[Jim Dickens]

Am out shopping for almost all the home appliances and subscribed to your site but don't find any research or ratings on carpet steam cleaners as someone asked here before!
Any recommendations on which carpet steam cleaner would be the best.

Thanks,
Jim

[Janie]

I have used a Kirby Vac for over 20 years. Due to it being so heavy, I took a chance and bought a Hoover Nano Lite for around $50.00. Although lots of plactic, this vacuum cleaner picks up wonderfully. I am amazed at the cat hair it picks up. It is light enough to climb a ladder, hold in one hand and vacuum my cealing fans with the wand. Downside, is you have to empty the bagless canister quite often, but still worth the trouble. Very impressed.

[Craig]

What is the best value in a steam cleaner for general use at home. No info is available on your web site. Thanks

[Amy Damon]

What is your recommendation for a home use steam vacuum cleaner?

[wayne]

seems as though quite a few people are interested in rating of carpet steam cleaners, I too am looking for some assistance

[Gordon]

I too am interested in ratings of carpet steam cleaners. Do you plan to answer any of the questions about this subject?

[Julian Chu]

Guess what? I too, am looking for information on steam carpet cleaners. Too bad there isn't any!

[Matt]

PLEASE get some steam vacuums tested. I see a lot of people asking or this information and still nothing on the site? Pretty disappointing as this was the very reason I purchased a membership.

[K. Jenks]

Steam vacuums: many months ago, on one of Consumer Reports' blogs, there were tons of emails on this same issue and a fair amount of ire when CR failed to respond. Many people even offered themselves as test subjects if that would speed things up. Others threatened to cancel their subscriptions. CR *finally* replied that they would do the testing and publish the results in 2009. They didn't say WHEN in 2009, however. I've been waiting and waiting for the promised report. CR: please say "when"!!!

Thank you.

[Victor]

I too want reviews on home steam cleaners. Pretty shocking CR has not tested any, considering some of the items they have tested.

[Abigail]

I too am looking for information on carpet steam cleaners. Can you please help us out as it is hard to choose from all the brands at the store?

[R E Siemens]

I bought a Panasonic Aeroblast last April and it has been nothing but problems. I paid over $600 and it has been a total waste of money. They won't take it back and they don't know what to do to fix it - the filter won't self clean (even after that annoying 8 blasts when you turn it on). I would not recommend this to anyone. And, Panasonic is not standing behind their product.

[Angela]

I have 3 cats and a dog... I'm not worried about cleaning the carpet due to our change to laminate flooring ;) I am Needing a steam cleaner that will work well on our sofas though. I can keep the fur off of them fine but they are getting full of dust and looking a little on the grungy side. With so many different products out there I am not sure what way to turn.. I would appreciate any advice. Thanks.

[Denny Cole]

Seems kinda worthless to post here since nobeody answers. I have been looking for Steam Cleaner data for years. I see lots of people posting and asking. But nothing is ever answered. Why are there no ratings for Steam Vac floor cleaners ?

[Anna Munoz]

Would love to know if the Haan steam cleaner for all floor types is good.

[Joseph]

I can't post any help. I was hoping to find some help. We just looked at a Bissell steam vacuum at Lowe's for $249. We really need some good information on a purchase like this before we can spend that kind of money, time, and effort.

[David Hunter]

STEAM VACUUM CLEANERS! Seriously, why isn't there any information on the site about them. I remember they were tested once and CR said it was best to hire Stanley Steemer. Apparently that has changed since there is no article or anything about it?? Some current ratings would be nice CR.

[Tom Carroll]

For what its worth I'll add my voice for a review of Steam Mop Hard-Floor cleaners. I sure don't understand the silence of CR regarding this subject.

[George]

Please explain the difference between Bissell Healthy Home upright vacuum cleaner models 5770 and 5770-H

[michelle lee]

need rating and commments on h2o vacuum turbo....please send email asap... thank you...michelle

[Gloria Austin]

Ditto to all the questions about carpet steam cleaners above. It's hard for me to believe there has been no CR testing, esp no answers to all the questions about them!

[Cathy Elsey]

I do not understand why there is no information on carpet or upholstrey steam cleaning machines. That is a very common product. I renewed my membership to locate information on this.
I think you need to get busy.

[Jane]

During these difficult economic times, DIY is sometimes the only way to go. I am looking for information on steam vacuum cleaners, but find nothing on your website. I think ratings on this appliance would be greatly welcomed.

[C. Lutz]

I would like the purchase the "best" steam floor cleaner as I am disabled and it is very difficult for me to mop. PLEASE publish your findings about steam cleaners ASAP, especially since for months, subscribers have been requesting this information. Thank you.

[Susan]

I have searched your site on information of steam carpet cleaning machines and cannot find anything. What would it be under? I need to purchase one and count on Consumer Reports information. Thanks

[Cathy]

Add my vote to the call for information on steam cleaners. I'm getting pretty desperate waiting for CR to do this and probably won't renew (in April) if there's no information, either review or "coming soon" by then.

[joel]

What is your recommendation for a home use steam vacuum cleaner? also is there any recommendation on national services ie stanley steemer ,sears etc..

[Barbara]

These comments on steam cleaners are an example or why I didn't renew my subscription. What is in your printed version is not what is on your website, and for those of us trying to cut paper waste, you fall short. Who wants to keep stacks of magazines in the event you may need to look at one in three years?

[Jennifer]

I need info on steam cleaners and also carpet cleaners. What's the point in having a subscription if what I want to know about is not even on here?

[Micster]

Amen to the request for reviews on steam vacuums. I have seen some that are reasonably priced, but only if they work as well as the rental models.

[Mark]

Wow. No steam vac reviews. CR is slipping.

[Steve]

Amazon.com: This is the best source we found for carpet cleaner advice, as many models are reviewed, with some netting over 200 write-ups. The runaway winner is the Hoover SteamVac with Clean Surge F5914-900. Over 490… users have collectively given it a near-perfect 4.5-star rating. But users will want to check model numbers on Hoovers. That's because other models, like the Hoover F7222-900 SteamVac Dual V, fare only average among reviews here. Also highly rated is the Bissell 9400 ProHeat 2X Select Upright, with more than 175 reviews and a four-star rating. Other favorites include the Bissell 2080 QuickSteamer PowerBrush and the Bissell SpotBot 1200-B.

Here's another link at About.com:
http://homeparents.about.com/od/carpetandfloorcare/tp/steamer.htm

[PSO]

I TOO WOULD LIKE A REPORT ON STEAM CARPET CLEANERS. HOW DO THE VARIOUS BRANDS COMPARE TO PROFESSIONAL CLEANERS?

[Bill]

Just subscribed to online access to read about carpet cleaners / shampooers / steam cleaners. Found this thread. Very disappointed. Probably will buy today without the benefit of CR's testing.

[Caroline]

I, too, am interested in information on the hard floor steam cleaners. I am interested in the Shark, but I have not seen a review by CR. I have a Hoover Floormate which is good for vinyl floors, but not for tile floors, and cannot be used on our laminate floor. I hope you are planning to report soon. Thanks.

[Caroline]

I, too, am interested in information on the hard floor steam cleaners. I am interested in the Shark, but I have not seen a review by CR. I have a Hoover Floormate which is good for vinyl floors, but not for tile floors, and cannot be used on our laminate floor. I hope you are planning to report soon. Thanks.

[Anne]

I would really like to see some information about steam cleaners!

[michelle]

I am also upset that there is nothing on steam cleaning I signed up to get that information! ugh.

[Flo]

I want to buy a steam cleaner for my home (not for carpets) but I cannot find any infomation on you website. It seems that this product that uses only steam is very consumer friendly and no chemicals. Are you planning on reviewing this type of a product?

[Mike]

I join the ranks in being very dissappointed that CR has not ranked SteamVacs. There are numerous models and features and this is an item worthy of being ranked. With today's economic times I would think that more of us will be doing this maintenance ourselves and would appreciate knowing the best product for this task. Step up to the plate C.R.

[Jessica]

I am buying a vaccum cleaner i need one that is excellent on both hard floors and carpet i am torn i think between the hoover wind tunnel cyclone bagless U5780-900 and the hoover wind tunnel aniversary bagged U5491-900 is there any difference i could not find the wind tunnel cyclone rated on the web site i hope you can help me i know you recommened the U5491-900 but if you could tell me how the other rated that would be so helpful Thank You
Jessica

[Janelle Moss]

I echo the sentiments of the rest of the bloggers. Why are there no steam vac reviews? I hope this changes soon!

[Marcy]

I signed up today for information on steam clearner, vacuums that is and am very upset to see that for several months you have received request of the nature and still have nothing on your site.

[Jacob Johnson]

One of the best vacuums that is cheap and reliable is the Hoover Nano Lite. It is small so it is easy to find a place to store it and it has the power of a regular bulky upright. The only downside it the fact that you have to empty the dust cup often and the hose is a little short but other than that it is great product for anyone wanting to replace their current vacuum.

[Troyce Borgerd]

I could not find any information on the "upright" Sebo Automatic X4.
I have seen it in our local dealership and used it and I like it, but for the price I need more information.

[Troyce Borgerd]

I could not find any information on the "upright" Sebo Automatic X4.
I have seen it in our local dealership and used it and I like it, but for the price I need more information.

[Dan Bellas]

Carpet steam cleaners is a big market with prices into the $300+. You guys are letting down a lot of users who paid good money to get recommendations for these devices. Sometimes it is not practical to go hire a cleaning company for $60 to $200 a shot! I bought a Hoover a long time ago and now it is time to replace it. What's wrong with your testing department; don't want to get you hands wet? It is a shame that we have to go to Amazon (with a vested interest) to get a recommendation--I think most of those reviews are by the dealers and manufacturerers anyway. I just might cancel my subscription to CR if this is the way it is going to be.

[Yolanda]

Same here. I would like to buy a hard floor steam cleaner and don't want to just go with the hype, I want a review to go by.

[Mary Williams]

Dear CR: Why aren't there ratings on steam carpet cleaners? I don't need every carpet in the house cleaned at the same time, so I don't want to hire a company to clean the carpets. I want to purchase a good steam cleaner, has anyone got any suggestions?

[timjott]

Add me to the list of those requesting a steam vac review. Just threw my Hoover out the front door. Actually with the problems, poor design and poor quality of the last two Wind Tunnel Hoover vacuums and their SteamVac I will Never. Ever. buy Hoover again.

[Jaime]

carpet steam cleaners, carpet steam cleaners. gotta buy one. Was hoping you guys had some ratings.

[Lenny Mrozinski]

I hate to even bring it up. I joined today just for the fact I am looking for a steam vac. Not to repeat everyone els but come on. I know I'll use the site for more than just the steam vac eventually. Please help out these last 3 pages of customers and get with it.

[Thea]

I am too, looking for information for a home steam vacuum cleaner... please... CR... HELP!

[Cvana]

FYI, I'm interested in finding a rating for the Thane H2O Vac Turbo but can't seem to find anything.

[Tom Bruns]

Looking for info on a carpet steam cleaner. With everyone trying to cut back on spending, I'd think you'd focus on products like this.

[Jan]

Ditto - Ditto - Ditto
I just subscribed to CR specifically to find out more about carpet steam cleaners. I was hoping to go out this afternoon and make a purchase based on my research here. I was very disappointed to find no help! Especially since CR mentioned in an online article -I could learn more with a subscription-Hopefully I'll find other ways to get some bang for my 26 bucks.

[John Rubino]

A pattern is forming here...the first Consumer Reports search I did was for mattresses and you had next to nothing. Now I'd like information on steam vacs, and you have absolutely nothing. What exactly DO you people cover???

[Carol Clark]

Hey, fellow bloggers, since it seems that CR is missing in action, why don't we do our own testing and rating? Sure, some won't bother, other's might mislead, but if CR provides nothing but a "wall" to post on, why don't we help one another? I subscribe, but honestly, I get more help from amazon.com and their user reviews than I do from here. I use this as a jumping off point, but ever since I sunk close to 2 grand on a matched set of "calypso" washer/dryers, and lived with shredded, mildewed clothes ever since all based upon CR's glowing review, I take what they say as the beginning, not end of my research.

[Helen Brackett]

I joined Consumers Reports.Org specifically to get ratings on steam vacs like those above, but no info. Please evaluate and report.

[Cynthia Wheeler]

Looked at a steam cleaner today and it was costly. However, if it works as stated, I'd pay the price. Held off until I could research it on CR.....no information available. Is a review still planned for an issue in 2009?

[Charles Balch]

Ditto frustration at lack of info on steam cleaners. Aarrghhhh.