The 10 Best Canister Vacuum Cleaners for Hardwood Floors
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Hardwood floors are sleek and can make any room look more stylish than ever. They give an appearance no other surface can deliver, which is why they’re as popular.
However, hardwood can be a bit tricky to maintain, especially if you don’t have the right vacuum cleaner. While uprights and sticks are among the most popular types, canister vacuums are by far the best choice for hardwood floors.
Still, finding the best canister vacuum for hardwood floors isn’t as simple, especially if you’ve never had to buy one. The last thing you want is to end up with a vacuum that cannot keep your floors clean. To avoid this, you should opt for the best canister vacuum for hardwood.
We prepared a little buyer’s guide to help you choose among these canisters.
| Product Name | Wattage | Weight | Cord Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bissell Zing Canister Vacuum | 1140 | 7.5 lbs | 15 ft |
| Eureka Mighty Mite Canister Vacuum Cleaner | 2000 | 11.6 lbs | 20 ft |
| Miele C2 Hard Floor | 1200 | 19.35 lbs | 20 ft |
| Dyson Big Ball Multi Floor Canister Vacuum | 252 | 17.64 lbs | 10 ft |
| BISSELL Hard Floor Expert Bagless Canister Vacuum, 1154 | 1154 | 15.5 lbs | Unknown |
| Bissell Deluxe Canister Vacuum - 1161 | Unknown | 9 lbs | 16 ft |
| Sanitaire S3681D Sanitaire Mighty Mite Canister Vacuum | 1000 | 11.5 lbs | 20 ft |
| Miele C1 Limited Edition | 1200 | 16.1 lbs | 21 ft |
| Ovente ST2620B Bagless Canister Cyclonic Vacuum | 1400 | 13 lbs | Unknown |
| Sebo D1 Kombi with Combination Nozzle 90601AM | 1250 | 15.9 lbs | 40 ft |
Top 10 Canister Vacuums for Hardwood Floors
Bissell Zing Canister Vacuum
Bissell Zing is one of the most popular canister vacuums from the brand. It’s a small and compact canister that’s easy to use and store away in both large and small houses.
This one is bagless, which is rather innovative for canister vacuums. It has a dirt cup capacity of 2 liters that should be sufficient so that you don’t have to empty it as frequently.
It features cyclonic action that provides enough suction to deliver thorough cleaning. Plus, it’s equally as suitable for carpets as it is for hardwood thanks to its height adjustment settings.
The Zing Canister has a post-motor filter as well as dirt cup filters that trap even the tiniest particles. All the filters are washable and reusable.
It’s a corded vacuum, featuring a 15′ power cable that retracts for easier storage.
Pros
- Lightweight (7.5 pounds)
- Multi-surface cleaning
- Bagless
Cons
- Not the best for larger particles
Find more info on the Bissell Zing Canister in our review.
Eureka Mighty Mite Canister Vacuum Cleaner
The Eureka Mighty Mite is another quite popular canister vacuum for hardwood. Much like most canisters, this one is bagged, but rather convenient and easy to use regardless of the floor surface.
It features a 2.5-liter dust cup that has a filtration bag. It serves to pick up even the tiniest particles and debris so that they don’t go back into your breathing space. Emptying is pretty simple too, but you’ll have to buy new bags.
One of the best things about this one is that it includes a blower port. This adds even more to its versatility, allowing you to use it in your garage, workshop, and yard.
It comes with a crevice tool, carpet/bare floor nozzle, upholstery nozzle, and two extension wands. It also has a Power-Touch handle where all the fingertip controls are located.
Pros
- Onboard accessories
- Features a blower port
- Easy to empty
Cons
- The cord is only 20′ long
Miele C2 Hard Floor
Miele C2 looks like one of those old-school canisters, but it’s actually much more than that. It comes with a HEPA filter, four pre-motor filters, and sixteen Miele GN Airclean filter bags.
This one is equally as suitable for carpets as it is for hardwood thanks to its tools and suction settings. It features six variable speed controls, allowing you to adjust its suction power based on the surface you’re cleaning.
C2 comes with a crush-proof ergonomic hose and a stainless steel telescoping wand. You’ll also receive a crevice tool, upholstery tool, and a dusting brush for above-floor surfaces.
Another important thing to mention is its Parquet Twister tool. It’s specifically designed to go flat so that you can clean under furniture. On top of that, the tool rotates for easier cleaning around furniture legs and other obstacles.
Pros
- Adjustable height
- For combined flooring
- Comes with plenty of accessories and filters
Cons
- Not for pet owners
Looking for more details on the Miele C2 Hard Floor? Find them here.
Dyson Big Ball Multi Floor Canister Vacuum
Dyson Big Ball is among the most innovative vacuums when it comes to both looks and performance. It’s a corded, bagless vacuum that features a see-through dirt cup with a capacity of .47 gallon.
One of the best things about this one is the Ball technology. This one self-rights when toppled while most vacuums fall and stay down. This is rather convenient for people who suffer from back pain.
The technology helps with maneuverability as well, allowing you to pull it across different surfaces without getting it stuck.
It’s easy to empty thanks to the specially-designed dirt ejector that drives out the trapped debris. You don’t have to touch any of the dirty contents in order to remove them.
One thing to keep in mind is that its cord is only 10′ long.
Pros
- Powerful Turbine head
- Ball Technology
- Easy to empty
Cons
- Short power cord
BISSELL Hard Floor Expert Bagless Canister Vacuum, 1154
Bissell 1154 is one of the few in the Hard Floor Expert series. It’s a powerful, but easy to use on both hardwood and carpeted flooring.
It’s specifically made for hardwood floors, so don’t expect it to perform as well on thick carpets. However, it does a fair job on area rugs and all bare floors.
It features non-marking rubber wheels that are gentle and won’t damage your flooring. Its tools are also made to be gentle on the surface, but efficient in picking up different debris.
The vacuum has power control, allowing you to adjust its suction based on your needs and preferences. On top of that, it’s a bagless canister, so you don’t have to buy new dust bags all the time. It’s easy to empty without touching any of the dirt.
Specifications
- Dirt Cup Capacity: 1 l
- Weight: 15.05 lbs
- Dimensions: 10.7 x 13.2 x 8.7 in
Pros
- Wide cleaning path
- Gentle, rubber wheels
- Bagless
Cons
- Easy to clog with pet hair
Sanitaire S3681D Sanitaire Mighty Mite Canister Vacuum
This Sanitaire canister looks like the Miele Mighty Mite that we mentioned earlier. Although it’s similar in appearance, there’s a clear difference between the two.
It’s rather powerful, so you’ll be able to pick up both large and small debris. It’s suitable for pet hair, kibble, and fine dust, as it won’t throw them around the hard surface of your floor. On top of that, it features height adjustment settings, allowing you to clean combined flooring.
This one has a reliable filtration system that ensures all of the trapped dust stays within the canister. This makes it even more suitable for pet owners and people who are sensitive to dust.
It comes with a few accessories, including a horsehair dusting brush, combination floor tool, crevice tool, and a telescoping wand.
Pros
- Powerful suction
- Easy to maneuver with
- Lightweight
Cons
- The cord is considered short (20′)
Miele C1 Limited Edition
Miele C1 is among the best vacuums for hardwood floors that are also suitable for carpeted areas. It comes with a rug and floor combination brush that does an equally great job on all floor surfaces.
The vacuum also comes with a parquet-3 hard floor brush that’s ideal for a more thorough cleaning. It has variable speed and adjustable suction that helps you adapt the vacuum to the floor you’re cleaning.
Its power cord and extension hose and wand provide some 29.5′ of operating radius. This is enough for most household needs, depending on how many available sockets you have.
It comes with the AirClean filter system, ensuring that none of the vacuumed dirt ends up back into your space. It features onboard accessories such as an upholstery tool, dusting brush, and a crevice tool.
Pros
- Suction control
- For combined floors
- Compact and lightweight
Cons
- It tends to tip over
For more information about the Miele C1 Limited Edition, see our full review.
Ovente ST2620B Bagless Canister Cyclonic Vacuum
This Ovente is one of the most innovative options if you’re looking for the best vacuum for hardwood floors. It’s a bagless canister that easily picks up all the dirt and debris from your hard floors as well as carpeted areas.
The vacuum is small and compact, weighing only 13 pounds. It has wheels to help with maneuverability, allowing you to pull it around with ease.
On top of that, this one features HEPA filtration that traps up to 99.7% of dirt and debris, ensuring that all of it remains inside the vacuum. The dirt compartment is see-through, which allows you to see when it’s full and needs emptying.
It comes with a floor nozzle with two settings, a furniture nozzle, a crevice brush, and a pet/sofa brush.
Pros
- 5m crush-proof hose
- Automatic cord rewind
- 360° swivel telescopic wand
Cons
- Cleaning the filters is messy
Sebo D1 Kombi with Combination Nozzle 90601AM
Sebo D1 Kombi is an easy-to-use vacuum that might be your best option if you’re looking for the best vacuum for hardwood floors. It comes with a 40′ power cord and a 7′ hose, providing enough reach to clean most areas with ease.
The vacuum has rubber wheels that are rather gentle and won’t damage the surface of your floor. It’s also suitable for carpeted areas, but not so much for thick, plush carpets.
It features a patented AirBelt bumper that wraps around the canister, protecting your furniture and walls. On top of that, it has a 1.5-gallon dust bag that sits inside and is easy to remove. It’s disposable, which means you’ll have to buy replacements.
The vacuum provides a total of 56′ cleaning radius, which is ideal for larger rooms.
Pros
- Retractable cord
- Adjustable power
- For hardwood and area rugs
Cons
- The wand and hose are tricky to store
Buying Guide
Maintenance is always important when it comes to hardwood floors. However, you don’t need much more than the best canister vacuum for hardwood floors if you want simple maintenance.
Take a moment to read our guide below if you need some help with choosing the ideal vacuum for your needs.
Suction Power
Suction power is what does all the work as it’s supposed to pick up different dirt and debris. It should be strong enough to pick up larger debris such as kibble, cereal, rice, and kitty litter. It should also pick up fine dust, hairs, and tiny allergens.
Luckily, most canister vacuums have adjustable suction. This allows you to increase or decrease its suction power based on the surface you’re cleaning.
Bag / Bagless
Choosing between the two depends on your needs and preferences. Most canisters are bagged, although some bagless models like the Bissell Hard Floor Expert exist as well.
Bagged models are better for allergy-prone people, while bagless vacuums are more cost-efficient and eco-friendly.
Warranty
Most brands offer at least a year-long warranty, although many offer more than that as well. Nonetheless, make sure to check what it is that the brand covers because most deals don’t include anything other than damage caused by faulty materials and manufacturing.
Accessories
You should be careful with the accessories you use on hardwood floors because some could damage the delicate surface. Look for non-motorized tools since those are safe to use on hardwood.
Most vacuums come with up a dusting brush, upholstery tool, and a crevice tool that are all safe to use.
Filtration
As you probably noticed, most vacuums come with a sealed system, AirClean filter, or a HEPA filter. These are the three most efficient options, although you might come across others as well.
Give this a good thought, especially if you have pets and are prone to allergies.
Noise
Much like all vacuums, canisters make a certain level of noise as well. This usually depends on suction power, tools you’re using as well as the surface you’re cleaning.
However, the best canister vacuum for hardwood should be as quiet as possible. You don’t want the canister to disturb your family and pets.
Brush Design & Quality
As we mentioned, you should only use non-motorized tools and brushes on hardwood floors. The brush should have soft, gentle bristles so that it doesn’t leave any strokes and marks on the surface.
The same goes for pretty much any other tool and accessory that your vacuum comes with.
Mobility
Canister vacuums are among the easiest to use on hardwood because they’re usually lightweight and easy to maneuver with.
Look for a vacuum that has wheels so that you can pull it around easily. It should also have a comfortable handle that would allow you to carry it.
Versatility
As you probably noticed, most canister vacuums we reviewed can also work on low-pile carpets and area rugs. They also have adjustable speed and height, which allows you to go from one surface to another with ease.
However, canister vacuums typically cannot work on high-pile carpeting.
Maintenance
These vacuums are simple to maintain regardless of whether you opt for a bagless or bagged model. In most cases, you’ll only have to clean the filter from time to time and make sure to empty/replace the dust cup/bag.
Some brushes and tools might also require occasional rinse in order to prevent clogging.
Storage
The best canister vacuum for hardwood is as easy to store as it is to use. Look for a compact and ergonomically-designed canister that you can store away easily.
Onboard attachments and automatic cord rewind are the two most critical features to look for when it comes to storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:
What features to look for in a canister vacuum for hardwood floors?
A: Look for a vacuum that has microfiber pads and soft rollers. These are gentle yet quite efficient in picking up even the tiniest dust.
Another useful thing to have is a rubber bumper that protects your furniture and walls. Headlights are a nice addition as well, although not many canisters have them.
Q:
Can I use my carpet vacuum on hardwood floors?
A: Most vacuums that are meant for carpeted areas have motorized tools and beater bars. These are dangerous to use on hardwood because they can damage the delicate surface.
Also, vacuums for carpets don’t have an adjustable speed, which is something you’d benefit from when it comes to hardwood floors.
Conclusion
Having the best canister vacuum for hardwood floors makes all the difference in how your floors look. It also helps with maintenance in the long run, since there won’t ever be dirt built-up.
However, although there are general guidelines you should follow, as we discussed in our buyer’s guide, you should also consider your needs and preferences.
If you haven’t already picked the best vacuum for hardwood floors from our list, we suggest you return to our buyer’s guide. The information there can help you choose among the many canister models we reviewed.
Keep in mind that finding the best canister vacuum for hardwood floors doesn’t have to be as complicated. Look for a canister vacuum that fits your needs and can tackle the type of dirt you’re dealing with the most.
Sources and Resources
- Wood Floors Maintenance
– https://www.woodfloors.org/maintenance.aspx
- The Data Behind Wood Flooring’s Sustainability Story
– https://hardwoodfloorsmag.com/2018/07/31/data-behind-wood-floorings-sustainability-story/
