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Choosing a vacuum cleaner can feel daunting and with so many choices, it’s no wonder! Over the years I have owned and tested A LOT of vacuum cleaners. The thing about vacuum cleaners is that if you ask anyone their opinion, a.) they have one and b.) either they LOVE their vacuum cleaner or they HATE it. So today, I’m going to save you the trouble and tell you some essential criteria for any vacuum cleaner and give you a handful of suggestions in all price ranges so you can make a more informed decision. Because it really stinks to get a brand new vacuum cleaner and have it work great for a month and then it completely loses its suction and ability to pick anything up. Ugh – been there, done that.
If you are new here, you might not know that Wednesday is Vacuuming Day for the Clean Mama Routine – it’s a day that we do a deep vacuuming of our homes. Every day CHECK FLOORS is a Daily Task – so we check and sweep or vacuum as necessary. See more about the Clean Mama Routine here. Want to see my Favorites for Washing Floors? Head to this post.
My recommendations are based on my own experience, testing and research, recommendations from readers, and ratings from retailers and Amazon.
My vacuum cleaner musts/recommendation criteria:
- purchase the best that you can in your budget
- look for attachments (bonus if they are stored ON the unit) – crevice nozzle, hose, upholstery brush, dusting
- look for a HEPA filter (High Efficiency Particulate Air) – to be rated as a HEPA filter, a filter must keep tiny particles .3 microns in size or larger at 99.97% – this means that it’s keeping most particles whereas a non-HEPA filter vacuum is blowing those particles back into the air which in turn goes right back in your home. If you have allergy sufferers or anyone with asthma, this is most-definitely a must!
- cord long enough that you don’t have to unplug it from room to room
- multi-level filtration – if you don’t need/want the HEPA filter, make sure you have more than one filtration system to catch and hold dirt and dust
- After having numerous vacuum cleaners with a canister/dirt tank, I prefer a bagged system and truth be told, it’s the main reason I switched from Dyson to Miele. I was sick of the dirt/dust escaping when I would empty the bin.
- look for a brushroll that can be turned off for vacuuming hard surface floors – this keeps your hard surface floors scratch-free.
- if it’s possible, check the weight of the vacuum cleaner and test them out – make sure it’s easy for you to maneuver
Looking for a carpet refresher? The Multi-Purpose Cleaning & Freshening Powder is perfect for freshening up carpets naturally.
I’ve pulled together a couple favorites in 4 categories – these are vacuums that I recommend based on the above criteria in a variety of price ranges. I hope it helps you in your search for the perfect vacuum! I’ve also added affiliate links under the image to purchase if you’re interested – the vacuums are in order of price (I added the current price as well for your reference), low to high and I’ve added a * to the ones that I have owned/tested or currently own and recommend.
1 BISSELL Robot Vacuum Cleaner for Pet Hair
2 Neato Botvac D80 Robot (Pets and Allergies)*
3 Miele Scout RX2 Home Vision*

1 Eureka Mighty Mite Bagged Canister*
2 Miele Classic C1 Pure Suction Canister Vacuum Cleaner*
3 Miele Classic C1 Cat & Dog Canister* / Miele Complete C3 Cat & Dog Canister* (this is the one I have with the Powerhead Bundle + HEPA filter)
1 BISSELL Natural Sweep Dual Brush Sweeper
2 BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Cordless Hand Vacuum
3 Miele Triflex HX1 Battery Powered Bagless
1 Sanitaire S635A Bagged Upright Vacuum Cleaner
2 Dyson Ball Multi Floor w/ HEPA Filter*
3 Miele Dynamic U1 Powerline Upright Bagged Vacuum Cleaner*
What do you think? What’s your criteria for a vacuum cleaner? Have a favorite to share?
Want to see all my floor care favorites? Head to my Amazon shop!
I love my Miele vacuum cleaners and recommend them over any other vacuum cleaner but I know that they are pricey. For me, the fact that they have lasted for YEARS without any issues compared to every other vacuum cleaner I’ve owned lasting 1-2 years max, it’s worth it because it’s more cost effective in the long run. I love that there’s no dust or debris whipped up while I’m vacuuming and I love the ease of having the attachments on-board for on the go cleaning. My favorite Miele is the canister unit – I absolutely love its maneuverability and ease of use. It hits all of my criteria and then some. The HEPA filter and bagged system is one of the best out there – if you’re used to buying new vacuum cleaners every couple years, it makes sense to purchase a better one that will last for years to come.
Sarah Says...
My Miele canister has been going strong for over 12 years, with no issues. As you said, it is an investment but worth it in the long run!
Marjo Says...
Did I miss something? I own 3 well known vacuums ( a robot, canister, and upright) and didn’t see any of them on the list. (Roomba, Rainbow, and Kirby). I am wondering if you reviewed them and why they didn’t make it on the list.
Clean Mama Says...
Post authorI’ve reviewed a Roomba and a Kirby and they didn’t make it into my top 3.
Bev Wolfinger Says...
I love my Dyson! I have the model with the soft roller so hair or string or whatever doesn’t accumulate. I have always hated taking a seam reaper or scissors and spending a lot of time cleaning the beater brush!
Liane Says...
I have a 20 yr old Kenmore which uses cloth hepa bags, and two additional filters- one protects the motor and the other is the exhaust filter. I can find all the bags and filters on Amazon. It’s heavy and cumbersome but it does my weekly vacuuming a breeze. I also have a lightweight upright Oreck that was my mom’s which I also love. It was expensive but it’s perfect for quick pickups. I also have a bag less dirtdevil in my motor home. It lives there. It’s great for a small space. I specifically bought the model I have because the beater bar part is narrow to be able to fit around the table leg and around the driver and copilot seats. I’m happy with all three.
michelle Says...
This is a great guide to vacuum choice! thank you
Jessica-Jean Says...
I suppose my fifty-year-old Filter Queen doesn’t make your list, just because it’s bagless. I’ll keep on using it anyway. It does the job, and was paid for long ago.
Clean Mama Says...
Post authorI shared vacuums that are bagless, a bagged vacuum is MY preference, but not everyone’s. A vacuum that lasts 50 years is something to celebrate – that’s amazing!
Leslie Says...
Do you feel the Miele gets full of dog hair quickly? Are the refill bags pricey?
Clean Mama Says...
Post authorThe bags are not terribly pricey and I replace just about every month or so or when it’s full.
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Parrish Says...
HI Becky
I feel you on the bag-less vacuums. I actually go outside with a plastic grocery bag and empty mine. I have a Dyson slim that I have had forever, but I am ready to replace it. I had a Dyson cordless but I wore it out after 7 years. I am very interested in the Miele Canister… Just not sure about paying that much.
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Alisa Says...
Can the Miele Canister vacuum be used on hardwoods too? The site specifically seems to only talk about carpet…
Clean Mama Says...
Post authorYes, I love it for my hardwoods – you can turn the beater bar off which is what you need for hardwoods.
Amanda Says...
Just FYI, the Miele cordless link goes to a Dyson vacuum. Not sure if that was an intentional update?
Clean Mama Says...
Post authorDefinitely not intentional – updated that! Here’s the link:
https://amzn.to/3Eh1aSz
Thank you!
Maury Says...
What do you think about Sharks? I just bought one because I have pets with a lot of hair. I have a oreck upright but it doesn’t pick up anything. Should I take it to be serviced?
Clean Mama Says...
Post authorDefinitely take the Oreck to be serviced!
Melanie s Says...
I have found over the past 20 some years that shark has always given me the best results and many different options.
How do you feel about the shark line??
Clean Mama Says...
Post authorI have tried a few out and found that they lost suction very quickly 🙁
Jeanette Says...
How well does the Miele canister work on stairs?
Clean Mama Says...
Post authorAMAZINGLY well!
MaryB Says...
Just found your site! Looks great and love the cleaning routine structure you posted. Will definitely start following it! Hubby is a disabled veteran and cannot do ANYTHING around the house anymore…. and I will turn the big 6-0 this year. Have a full time job, losing my energy and need to get back to a spotless house. I enjoyed this vacuum post. I’ve literally been buying them for 40 years and they’ve really evolved! The reason I don’t prefer bagged (though that Miele looks SWEET!) is because I think bags clog quickly and then loss of suction. Last fall I got a Sirena water filtration vacuum…1/5th the cost of a Rainbow….and it’s really awesome. Has a HEPA backup filter at the exhaust. A canister (my first ever LOL) so very versatile, incredible suction and amazing performance. Lots of attachments that store onboard. Cleanest exhausted air ever. Definitely more work setting it up but worth it to me. Do you like the water filtration concept? . Curious about your thoughts on them.
Clean Mama Says...
Post authorI haven’t tried the Sirena but it’s a neat concept – I love my Miele and have never had it get clogged or lose suction!