The 9 Best Canister Vacuums for Pet Hair
How annoying is pet hair? Cleaning it is often annoying unless you have the best vacuum. Still, such a vacuum needs powerful suction as well as maneuverability and convenience.
For this reason, you might want to look for the best canister vacuum for pet hair as it’s among the best for getting rid of the mess.
We reviewed a few of the best models along with a detailed buyer’s guide that can help you pick one.
| Product Name | Filtration | Weight | Cord Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eureka Mighty Mite 3670G Corded Canister Vacuum Cleaner | HEPA | 11.6 lbs | 20 ft |
| BISSELL, 2230 Pet Hair Eraser Bagless Cylinder Canister Vacuum Cleaner | Unknown | 27.1 lbs | 32 ft |
| Miele Classic C1 Cat & Dog Canister Vacuum Cleaner | Active AirClean | 16.1 lbs | 18 ft |
| Miele Complete C3 Cat and Dog Canister | HEPA | 19.4 lbs | 5.5 m |
| Ovente ST2620B Bagless Canister Cyclonic Vacuum | HEPA | 13.2 lbs | Unknown |
| Kenmore Elite 600 Series Friendly Lightweight Bagged Canister Vacuum with Pet PowerMate | Triple HEPA | 22.6 lbs | 28 ft |
| Bissell Powergroom Multicyclonic Bagless Canister Vacuum 1654 | Multi-level | 10 lbs | 18 ft |
| Bissell Zing Canister, 2156A Vacuum | HEPA | 10.23 lbs | 15 ft |
| Prolux Tritan Bagged Canister Vacuum with HEPA Filtration for Pet Owners | Anti-Allergy Sealed HEPA | 19.9 lbs | 15 ft |
The Best Canister Vacuum for Pet Hair Reviewed
Eureka Mighty Mite 3670G Corded Canister Vacuum Cleaner
Many consider the Mighty Mite the best canister vacuum for pet hair. It’s not your classic, old-school canister vacuum as it’s modern and made to be more convenient.
The first thing that stands out the most is its shape. Mighty Mite comes with a large 2.5-liter dirt cup that holds its dust bag for easier removal. It’s small and compact, so it’s ideal for quick cleanups and great for spot-cleaning.
Due to its size, this canister vacuum cleaner is also great for cleaning car interiors. However, it’s important to note that it’s corded, so make sure that you have available power sockets. It comes with a 20′ cord.
This pet hair vacuum weighs only 9 pounds and comes with a Power-Touch handle and fingertip control technology. This way, you don’t have to bend in order to move the vacuum around your home. It comes with a bare-floor nozzle ideal for surfaces such as hardwood floors.
Pros
- It has a blower port
- 2x extension wand
- HEPA filter
Cons
- Manual cord wrap
Want to learn more about Eureka Mighty Mite Canister vacuum? Our detailed review might help.
BISSELL, 2230 Pet Hair Eraser Bagless Cylinder Canister Vacuum Cleaner
This model is a unique canister vacuum as it’s a bagless vacuum. Most canister vacuum cleaners usually come with bags, but this one comes with an easy-to-empty dirt cup.
It’s a smart canister vacuum featuring SmartClean sensors that automatically detect and adapt to the surface you’re cleaning. This is ideal if you have combined flooring since you can easily go from carpet to hard floor and the other way around.
The vacuum cleaner provides Tangle-Free cleaning technology with its innovative brush that picks up embedded dirt in your home. It also has a motorized floor nozzle best in removing more resistant pet hair.
The hygienic emptying system of this canister vacuum cleaner allows you to remove the debris, dirt and pet hair from the canister quickly and easily. The pet hair vacuum has a 40′ cleaning radius and a two-position handle. It comes with a dusting brush for precise cleaning.
Pros
- 32′ cord
- LED display
- Automatic floor recognition
Cons
- Not for cleaning thick, plush carpets
Miele Classic C1 Cat & Dog Canister Vacuum Cleaner
This Miele might look like a very basic canister vacuum cleaner, but it’s, in fact, quite efficient and powerful. It has the classic canister shape, but its great cleaning performance makes it among the best canister vacuums for pet hair to buy.
Its size makes it a good canister vacuum for a large home with more than one pet. It features a large 4.5-liter filter bag that can fit lots of dirt and pet hair.
It’s suitable for hard floor, bare floors, as well as area rugs and low-pile carpets. It comes with a mini turbo brush, electro+motorized brush, and a parquet twister.
The electro+motorized brush has five level height adjustments so that it can work on different surfaces. Plus, this canister vacuum cleaner also has an 18′ cord and a 7′ hose.
Pros
- Active AirClean filter system
- Six suction speeds
- Comes with a parquet twister
Cons
- Smaller tools might get clogged
Interested in Miele C1 Limited Edition? See our thorough analysis.
Miele Complete C3 Cat and Dog Canister
Miele Complete C3 vacuum cleaner is one of the best pet hair vacuum cleaners to buy. This one comes with plenty of tools and suction control, but also powerful suction. Although it’s a bit heavy, it’s easy to move around, regardless of the surface.
It comes with sixteen Miele filter bags and the best HEPA air clean filter system. On top of that, this canister vacuum also features four pre-motor protection filters, so it’s the best for allergy-prone people.
It features a set of several great accessories, including a mini turbo brush.
This Miele canister vacuum cleaner comes with a PowerHead tool that’s good for deep cleaning and picking up embedded dirt, pet hair, and dander. It’s best for carpets since the vacuum cleaner also comes with a parquet floor brush.
Pros
- Rotating parquet tool
- Quiet operation
- AirClean Sealed System Construction
Cons
- It weighs 33 pounds
Our review of the Miele C3 Power Plus model can help you decide between the two.
Ovente ST2620B Bagless Canister Cyclonic Vacuum
This Ovente model is the best bagless canister vacuum if you’re looking for a canister vacuum for pet hair. It’s designed to pick up cat and dog hair, other debris and fine dust from hard floor, rugs, laminate, and vinyl.
The 1400W bagless canister vacuum is powerful but portable and of lightweight design. It comes with the best HEPA filter system that’s always important, especially if you’re prone to allergies. The filter traps 99.7% allergens and dust mites, preventing them from going back into your breathing space.
This bagless canister vacuum comes with a few attachments, including a bristle brush, dusting brush, upholstery tool, and a multi-angle brush. The floor nozzle has two level height settings so that it can adjust to whatever surface you’re cleaning, including hardwood floors.
This pet hair vacuum cleaner also features a 360° rotating hose best for cleaning of above-floor surfaces and hard to reach areas.
Specifications
- Wattage: 1400
- Weight: 13.2 lbs
- Dimensions: 15.7 x 11.4 x 13.4 in
Pros
- Suction control
- Rotating hose for better reach
- Advanced HEPA filter
Cons
- Not for pile carpets
Kenmore Elite 600 Series Friendly Lightweight Bagged Canister Vacuum with Pet PowerMate
Kenmore Elite 600 has a lightweight design and it is a compact canister vacuum for pet hair. It features a unique multi-purpose design with a swivel head, so it’s easy to operate, regardless of the surface.
This one comes with a powerful motor system and Pet Powermate that’s meant to lift stubborn hair, dander, and other dirt from all kinds of surfaces. On top of that, the brush works to eliminate tangling, which is excellent if your pet has long fur.
The Kenmore canister vacuum also has an extension wand that allows you to adjust its length to a total of 10′. It features two floor nozzles and a bare floor tool.
Another thing worth mentioning is HEPA filter. It traps up to 99.97% of dander, debris, and allergens. It features a 28′ retractable cord.
Specifications
- Filtration System: Triple HEPA
- Weight: 22.6 lbs
- Cord Length: 28 foot cord
Pros
- Retractable cord
- Powerful motor system
- Triple HEPA filtration system
Cons
- The filter door tends to open
Bissell Powergroom Multicyclonic Bagless Canister Vacuum 1654
Many consider this Bissell canister vacuum the best bagless canister vacuum for dog hair. It has a 2-liter dirt cup and cyclonic technology that work together to pick up even the most persistent dog and cat hair.
This pet hair vacuum comes with a motorized brush roll that picks up dirt, debris, pet hair, dander as well as other particles. The scatter-free brush is suitable for both low pile carpets and hard floors in your home.
15x multi-cyclonic technology is what provides powerful suction. It’s enough to lift the most embedded dirt while keeping the filters as clean as possible.
On top of that, the fingertip controls of this bagless vacuum provide ease of use and accessibility to variable suction power and brush roll on/off. It includes a crevice nozzle and an upholstery accessory.
Pros
- Multi-level filtration
- Automatic cord rewind
- Lightweight design (10 pounds)
Cons
- Flimsy extension wand
Bissell Zing Canister, 2156A Vacuum
Bissell Zing is an innovative vacuum cleaner considered to be one of the best canister vacuums for pet hair on the market. It’s bagless, so you won’t have to buy any additional bags. It includes with a 2-liter dirt cup that’s see-through and easy to empty.
This canister vacuum for pet hair features level height adjustment settings, allowing you to go from carpets to hardwood floors and the other way around. This is controlled by a convenient switch.
As far as filtration is concerned, Bissell stepped up its game, offering dirt bin filters as well as the post-motor filter. All the filters are washable and reusable, which makes this canister vacuum more cost-effective and eco-friendly.
On top of that, this one has a 15′ cord that retracts with a touch of a button. It features an integrated carrying handle for best portability as well.
Pros
- Lightweight design (10.23 pounds)
- Easy to reach switch
- Automatic cord rewind
Cons
- Short power cord
We’ve analyzed all the Bissell Zing Canister features in detail.
Prolux Tritan Bagged Canister Vacuum with HEPA Filtration for Pet Owners
Prolux Tritan looks like an old-school canister vacuum, but it’s actually one of the best choices for pet hair. It’s ideal for deep floor cleaning regardless of the surface since it’s suitable for all hard floors including hardwood floors, tile, but also low pile carpets and rugs in your home.
This powerful vacuum has rubber wheels so you don’t have to worry if the vacuum will damage your hardwood floors. On top of that, its accessories store within the vacuum for some added convenience.
This canister vacuum for pet hair is equipped with best anti-allergy sealed HEPA filtration, so it’s good for allergy-prone people. The three-stage filtration traps dust and dirt, ensuring that they don’t go back into your breathing space.
Prolux Tritan canister vacuum weighs nearly 20 pounds, but it’s easy to pull around and maneuver with. It includes a crevice nozzle best hard to reach areas and a great upholstery tool.
Specifications
- Filter: Anti-Allergy Sealed HEPA
- Weight: 19.9 lbs
- Dimensions: 20.9 x 13.8 x 13 in
Pros
- Three-stage filtration
- Easy to maneuver, even when cleaning upholstery, thanks to the telescoping wand
- Good for airborne particles and larger debris
Cons
- Very loud
Buyer’s Guide for the Best Canister Vacuum for Pet Hair
If you’re a pet owner, you probably know the struggle of picking up the tiny dust particles and pet hair your pets tend to leave behind. You need the best pet canister vacuum to tackle the problem easily and quickly.
However, finding the ideal canister vacuum tends to be tricky if you’re a pet owner, so take a minute to check out the buying factors below before deciding which one to buy.
Filtration
Filtration is critical when looking for the best vacuum for pet hair. You want a vacuum with powerful suction, suction control, and efficient filtration so that it can pick up and trap the persistent dust particles and fur.
Nearly every canister vacuum for pet hair has a HEPA filter of some sort. It’s the most reliable option, especially if you’re prone to allergies. On the other hand, Active AirClean filters are equally as popular since they aid the vacuum cleaner to expel clean air only.
Look for the one that has a sealed system so that none of that fine dust and particles end up in your breathing space.
Ease of Use
One of the most important factors to consider is the ease of use. Look for a canister vacuum that’s of lightweight design and easy to maneuver around your home. Vacuum cleaners that have swivel steering and rotating brushes are typically easier to work with across different surfaces.
Suction Power
High suction power is a critical factor that makes or breaks nearly every vacuum. Its performance depends on how powerful the suction is, so make sure to give it a good thought.
A top rated canister vacuum for pet hair should have powerful suction that can pick up both small dust particles and larger debris. It should have enough power to lift hair, dander, allergens, dust, but also kibble and kitty litter.
Keep in mind that some vacuum cleaners have adjustable suction power, which is also quite convenient. It helps you change the power from high to low, depending on the surface you’re cleaning.
Noise
Canister vacuum for pet hair is typically as loud as every other type of vacuum. However, you might want to look for a machine that’s a bit quieter so that it doesn’t scare your pet.
Some vacuum cleaners are louder with small attachments such as a crevice tool.
Accessories
The best canister vacuum for pet hair includes plenty of different accessories. Some are more useful than others, but the most important ones are motorized. Motorized tools extract and pick up even the most stubborn pet hair.
You should also look for a crevice tool for hard to reach areas, dusting nozzle, and an upholstery accessory for your furniture.
Warranty
As you noticed, most vacuum cleaners have at least a year-long warranty. While some feature longer-lasting deals, you should always look into the fine print.
Most manufacturers cover damage caused by faulty materials and manufacturing. In most cases, damage caused by normal wear and tear, neglect, and misuse isn’t covered.
Flooring Types
You should always think about the type of surfaces you have before you pick the best canister vacuum for pet hair. For example, hardwood floors can be more high maintenance than carpeting and rugs.
If you’re cleaning multiple surfaces, you should look for a vacuum cleaner that has multi-surface tools and adjustable yet powerful suction.
Related Post: Top Canisters for Hardwood Flooring
Size
When it comes to size, you should consider how lightweight the canister vacuum for pet hair is as well as how bulky. This helps determine how easily you can store it as well as how easy-to-use the vacuum cleaner is.
Plus, larger vacuum cleaners usually have more dust bin/bag capacity, so they’re better for a larger home with more than one pet.
Price Point
You should determine your budget before you begin looking for the best canister vacuum for pet hair.
Most of these models are rather affordable, although their price ranges depending on the brand, suction power, durability, and overall high quality of performance.
Versatility
Most of the canisters for pet hair we reviewed are quite versatile in terms of what kind of dirt they can pick up. Pet vacuums should pick up hair and dander, as well as cereal, rice, kibble, and kitty litter all over your home.
The most versatile vacuums on the market feature several different attachments and have variable suction power and speed.
Canister Vacuum for Pet Hair Maintenance
Canisters are often considered to be difficult to maintain. However, that largely depends on the particular vacuum you opt for.
Check out our short buying guide below to discover the best and quickest way to maintain your canister vacuum for prolonged use.
Clean the Canister
You should always clean the canister so that your vacuum can have sufficient airflow. Most vacuums work the best when the canister is half full.
Once you empty it, you should clean it with a dry cloth before washing with warm soapy water. Rinse and let it dry well before using it again.
Remove Pet Hair & Clogs
Pet hair mostly clogs the brush and telescoping wand. These three components need frequent floor cleaning in order to prevent hair from building up.
Cut through the pet hair using scissors before turning the vacuum on so that all the fur can get sucked in.
Check Vacuum Filters
Filters can be washable and reusable as well as replaceable. In most cases, you can find info the maintenance of filters in the user manual you got with your canister vacuum.
If you have a washable filter, you should first tap it against a hard surface.
Check the Hose
Check the hose from time to time, as it usually ends up having a blockage or a clog. You can look through it to see if you can notice any obstructions. Use a broom handle to remove the clogging, but be careful not to puncture it.
Canister Vacuum Pros & Cons
Canister vacuum cleaners are among the most commonly found vacuum cleaners in a home with pets. They’re easy to use and usually sealed to be safe for allergy-prone people.
In most cases, canister vacuum is relatively lightweight and compact, so it’s ideal for hardwood floors. It’s excellent for above-floor surfaces and staircases in your home, too.
On the other hand, you may notice how these have a smaller dust cup. They require somewhat frequent emptying and are sometimes considered bulky to use in tight, small spaces. Also, canister vacuum always has an extension hose that’s not always as durable and long-lasting.
Why Choose a Canister Vac for Pet Hair
Pets can create a lot of mess with their hair and in a relatively short time. For this reason, you may find yourself in need of using the vacuum quite frequently. And for this, you need a lightweight design and an easy-to-use vacuum.
These vacuums are easy to use and usually have a long hose to easily clean hard to reach areas, such as above-floor surfaces.
Also, these don’t require any particular maintenance, as we explained above. It allows for easy cleaning of different hairs with minimal care and chances of clogging.
Regardless of whether you opt for a bagless or bagged canister vacuum, you’ll notice that both are easy to empty. This is especially important since pet hair tends to create clogs and blockages in other types of vacuums.
Another important thing to mention is that these are almost always quieter than most other vacuums on the market.
Dealing with Pet Hair: Additional Tips
Dealing with pet hair can be quite daunting if not done correctly. In some cases, you need all the help you can get, which sometimes entails more than just vacuuming.
Check the buying guide below as we’ve prepared best tips on how to eliminate pet hair from your hard floors and couch.
Use a Lint Roller
A lint roller is one of the best tools when it comes to dealing with pet hair. It’s a small, handy, and you can even travel with it.
Use a lint roller to remove loose hairs from your clothing before you put them on.
Bathe & Brush Your Pet Regularly
Brushing and bathing could be the two best things to reduce the amount of pet hair on your clothing and furniture.
By bathing and brushing your pet, you take off all the loose pet hair. This allows you to throw them in the garbage, which means they won’t end up on your clothes. Keep in mind that some pets require daily brushing, and it’s best that you’re consistent with this.
Consistent Pet Grooming
As we mentioned, brushing your pet every day is a must. This is good for their fur and skin, but it’s also the best in eliminating loose pet hair.
If you don’t have the time, make sure to do it at least once or twice a week, depending on the pet you have and its fur.
Use Covers on the Furniture
Cover your bed, sofa, and chair before you allow the animal to climb up. If the animal leaves lots of hair behind, you don’t want to lay/sit back on that piece of furniture. You’d have to continue cleaning it, or you can put some old towels and blankets to cover the upholstery.
Dampen Your Carpet Prior to Vacuuming
Dampen and sweep the carpet before you go across the surface with your vacuum cleaner. It’s the best when removing more of the loose pet hair.
Sometimes, vacuums aren’t sufficient, especially if you have more pets that shed quite a lot. Dampening and sweeping your rugs and carpet prior to vacuuming is among the best ways to ensure that all of that hair is removed.
Air Filters
Air filters are always recommended, especially if you’re prone to allergies and sensitive to pet hair. The truth is that some hairs never fall to the ground, which means they remain in the air you breathe. To tackle the issue, you need the best air filter for cleaning your breathing space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:
What is the best canister vacuum for pet allergies?
A: This very much depends on your needs and preferences, but we recommend the Miele Classic C1 Cat & Dog Canister Vacuum Cleaner.
The Classic C1 is a highly efficient vacuum cleaner, but its best feature is the active AirClean filter that captures over 99.9% of airborne particles and allergens.
Q:
Are canister vacuums powerful enough to tackle pet hair?
A: Canisters are among the best when it comes to dealing with hair. More so, the canister vacuums we reviewed are powerful and have powerful suction that’s sufficient to tackle hair of different lengths.
However, keep in mind that their suction power, as high as it may be, could reduce by using a longer telescoping wand or some accessories such as crevice tool.
Q:
Where to empty the canister vacuum bag?
A: Your best bet is to empty it outside. Don’t do it in the trash can you use regularly, but have one in your yard. If you’d to empty it in the bin you have in your kitchen, you’d probably disturb the dust each time you open the bin again.
Q:
How much pet shedding is considered normal?
A: Shedding is rather normal, and it happens with all dogs and cats. However, sometimes it tends to happen due to injury, nerves, high stress levels, and illness.
Since most animals are different, it’s critical that you know exactly how much shedding is normal in the case of your furry friend. It’s best to get informed about this prior to getting the animal.
However, you can also observe and notice how much the animal sheds. Anything more or less than usual is alarming, especially if the animal loses hair in patches.
Conclusion
If you haven’t made up your mind yet, we suggest that you go back to our buying guide before reading the reviews again. Consumer reviews are also quite helpful, so you should check those as well.
The trick in finding the best canister vacuum is in considering all the critical factors. Think about its suction, speed, tools, and overall convenience.
However, don’t forget to consider the amount of hairs you’re cleaning, as well as the type of flooring you have.
Sources and Resources
- Pet Allergy: Are You Allergic to Dogs or Cats?
– https://www.aafa.org/pet-dog-cat-allergies/
- Pet Dander: From Cats to Dogs, and Solutions for Your Furry Pals
– https://molekule.science/pet-dander-allergy/
