Canister Vacuum Cleaners - Buying Guide, Best Reviewed and Tips

Canister vacuum cleaners are a type of vacuum made up of a canister portion (generally on wheels) with a long wand and a flexible hose. The motor and bag are contained in the canister, making it lighter and more portable than an upright. This type of vacuum cleaner is generally considered to be more versatile than an upright, since it can clean tile, carpet, hardwood, and - with the right attachments - drapes, ceilings and furniture. Canister vacs have been around for a long time - since the 19th century - and are the oldest type of vacuum cleaner. They're still around today, and there's a reason!

Buying Guide And Tips
Vacuum cleaners of this kind have rotating brushes than can be turned on and off, are usually easier to move around than an upright, and often feature a retractable cord and a filtration system. When choosing a model, you'll want to look at all the features available. There are many options, and this allows you to get the vacuum cleaner that's going to be best for you needs. For instance, if you have a lot of objects to clean around (heavy drapes, a lot of furniture, or complicated moldings), a vacuum that has all the attachments and tools you need is a must.

For large spaces, make sure the hoses and cords are long enough to reach. Choose a canister vacuum that's light weight and easy to carry (with a handle!) if you have to move it between floors in your home. Make sure any machine you pick is simple to move, has easy to use attachments, and can be emptied with minimal trouble. Look for strong, powered revolving brushes that will provide deep cleaning on carpets and rugs, if you plan to be cleaning any.

For those with allergies, a high efficiency particular air (or HEPA) filter is a good idea. This is available as a feature on some types of canister vac, and is a great choice if you have sensitivities to dust, particulates, pet dander, or any other substance. This type of filter will remove almost all contaminants from the air when you vacuum. If you have a condition that makes you sensitive to dust, don't choose a bagless vacuum. The extra convenience and lower waste of this type is worthwhile for people without sensitivity problems, but the extra dust relief isn't worth it if it'll make you suffer. Make sure you choose a true HEPA cleaner that will filter all air if this is a concern

Remember that there's more to a good vacuum cleaner than just suction. A working vacuum also needs to have a good quality airflow, so it can move more soil, good lift, so dirt will come out of your carpet, and quality filtration. Otherwise, the soil won't come back out of the air and the soil will just be vented back out. Bad design, like an overly wide tool, or a body that leaks dirt, can conquer even vacuums with good lift, airflow and filtration, so make sure you choose a model that's put together, well. After all, there are lots of different types of vacuum cleaners on the market, and some are going to be better made than others. Never just buy the first vacuum you see - that's a mistake! Look at all the options available to you to find the one that's going to work best for you.

So, what should you ask people who want to sell you a vacuum cleaner? First, do as much research as you can, and check out all the models. Then, ask a manufacturer, how many particles come into the vacuum versus the number that escape during regular cleaning. The Carpet & Rug Institute's Green Label program can help you, since it narrows down the list of vacuum cleaners to those that are really effective. It's surprising how many on the market just don't do the job they're designed for and are a waste of money. Don't be taken in by manufacturers who can't make a good vacuum cleaner. Do your research and invest in one that'll keep on working for years, and keep your air clean.

Canister Vacuum Cleaner Reviews
What are the best models you can buy? That's going to depend on who you are and what you want out of a vacuum cleaner. However, there are a few options you can look at. For instance, Panasonic's light weight Optiflow canister vacuum cleaner has gotten a reasonable amount of attention for its HEPA filtration, 12 amp motor, and easy mobility. The Hoover WindTunnel Bagless vac is a 22 pound machine that's great for day to day cleaning on rugs and bare floors, though it's not know for being great at pet hair. On the other hand, the low emissions, powered hand tool, and low price make it an excellent budget vacuum. Miele's S4210 Carina is one of the lightest vacuums able to do a good job on bare floors, and is extremely easy to carry, with good emissions control and over average reliability. It doesn't come with a powered floor brush, though one is available as an accessory.

These aren't the only good canister vacs on the market, and everyone's going to have a different opinion and situation. So take the time to find out more about any vacuum cleaner you're thinking about buying, and take your needs into account before you go shopping. A good vacuum is a pretty big investment, and you'll want to make sure you're buying one that's top of the line and will last a number of years. It's worth it in the long run.

Canister Vacuum Cleaner Reviews
View the best reviewed canister vacuum cleaners.