The Best Canister Vacuum Reviews of 2020
Have you ever had a canister vacuum cleaner? Almost everyone used to own a canister vacuum at least once in their life.
Nowadays, people search for feature-packed vacuums though those can often be overwhelming. For this reason, you might want to consider going back to the good, old canister vacuum.
Continue reading as we discuss some of the best canister vacuums and how to choose one.
How to Pick The Right One
You should familiarize yourself with a few factors before you opt for any particular model. Consider things like weigh and noise level of your canister vacuum cleaners and whether that’s the best option for your needs and preferences.
Weight
As we mentioned, weight is quite important since it determines how easily you’ll maneuver with the canister vacuum cleaner. Canister vacuums are designed to be pulled by the hose, and the last thing you want is to pull a heavy vacuum cleaner.
You should consider units weighing from 15 to 20 pounds maximum. Plenty of canister vacuums are more lightweight than that, but feel free to use those numbers for guidance.
Power
Canister vacuums are designed to be used as main, full-sized vacuums. These aren’t meant for spot cleaning or maintenance like robot vacuums, for example. Though you could use it for spot cleaning, it’s far more convenient to get a more compact option such as a handheld maybe.
Suction power is that much more important if you have pets, due to persistent pet hair. And if that’s the case, we’ve recommended a couple of popular canister vacs for pet hair.
Bagged or Bagless
Bagged vacuums tend to last longer than those without bags. Bagged canister is less likely to clog and is easier to maintain. However, it’s not eco-friendly since you’ll continuously buy and throw away bags.
A canister vacuum cleaner might be a better choice for allergy-prone people as well.
Bagless cleaners are more cost-effective and eco-friendly. Bagless canister vacuum has a dust cup that you just empty when needed, so there are no additional costs.
Corded or Cordless
Cordless stick vacuums appear to be more popular nowadays because they eliminate the hassle of trying to store the cable.
However, cordless stick vacuums are battery-operated and as such, have a limited runtime. Though you won’t have to think about power sockets and cord wraps, you’ll have to consider charging time and remaining battery life if you choose these stick vacuums.
| Product Name | Weight | Dimensions | Cord Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenmore 600 | 22.6 lbs | 27.9 x 16.2 x 13.8 in | 28 ft |
| Eureka Mighty Mite Canister Cleaner | 11.9 lbs | 9 x 17.5 x 11.6 in | 20 ft |
| Miele Complete Canister | 19.4 lbs | 19.5 x 11.2 x 8.9 in | 22 ft |
| Oreck Commercial BB900DGR | 5 lbs | 13.5 x 5.2 x 8 in | 30 ft |
| Miele Classic C1 | 16.1 lbs | 18.2 x 8.7 x 11 in | 18 ft |
| Hoover CH30000 | 8.3 lbs | N/A | 33 ft |
| Kenmore 22614 Bagless Canister Lightweight | 26 lbs | 24.5 x 15.5 x 16.9 in | 24 ft |
| Electrolux EL4335B Corded Canister | 11.6 lbs | 17 x 11.5 x 13 in | 21 ft |
| COSTWAY Canister Cyclonic | 11 lbs | 11 x 16 x 11 in | 3.5 m |
| Eureka Lightweight NES210 | 10.9 lbs | 16 x 12 x 10 in | 21 ft |
| Bissell Hardfloor Multi-Cyclonic Bagless Canister | 13 lbs | 12.9 x 19.2 x 15 in | 18 ft |
Canister Vacuum Reviews
Kenmore 600
Kenmore is among the leading brands when it comes to canister vacuums. It’s been around for years already, offering a wide range of different appliances. However, its 600 canister vacuum is still among the best canister vacuum options.
It’s a bagged vacuum that features a swivel head and multi-purpose design. As such, this canister vacuum cleans all surfaces and kinds of messes.
This canister vacuum cleaner features a motorized attachment to get rid of stubborn dander, pet hair, and dirt and debris that are embedded into your carpets. Also, its Pop-N-Go brush stores inside the vacuum and attaches to the handle for quick and easy use.
Kenmore 600 canister vacuum cleaner comes with an aluminum telescoping wand that’s adjustable and lengthens to provide another 10.5’ of reach. It also comes with two floor nozzles, a crevice tool, bare floor tool, and a dusting brush.
Pros
- HEPA filter
- 2-motor system
- Telescoping wand
Cons
- It’s somewhat loud
Eureka Mighty Mite Canister Cleaner
The Eureka Mighty Mite is possibly the best choice from this brand. It’s a unique canister vacuum cleaner that offers efficient and quick cleaning of different floor surfaces, including both hard floor and carpet.
The Mighty Mite canister vacuum is convenient for both indoor and outdoor use. You can use it to clean your car interior without worrying it might overheat because it has auto shut-off.
On top of that, the Mighty Mite canister vacuum has a blower power allowing you to use it as a blower. This is ideal if you’re often working in your garage or have a workshop that requires frequent cleaning.
It weighs a little less than 12 pounds and comes with a few extra accessories. The package includes a bare-floor nozzle, deluxe floor brush, combination tool, crevice tool, and a turbo nozzle.
Pros
- Fingertip controls
- Easy to carry
- For indoors and outdoors
Cons
- On/off button takes a bit getting used to
Miele Complete Canister
This Miele Complete canister vacuum features the 1200-watt Miele Vortex motor. It’s powerful, provides continuous suction, and as such, it’s suitable for all floor types.
This Miele Complete canister vacuum is excellent for hardwood floors as it comes with a soft parquet brush and adjustable height settings. It features a telescopic tube, allowing you to reach different areas with 33’ operating radius.
On top of that, it comes with a 4.76-quart filter bag, AirClean filter, combination tool, parquet twister, crevice tool, and upholstery tool.
This Miele Complete canister vacuum is ergonomically designed, and its comfortable handle allows extended use. It has castor wheels for more effortless mobility and the three-point maneuverability settings. Another feature worth mentioning is the automatic FilterBag positioning.
Pros
- Adjustable suction
- Plenty of attachments
- AirClean filter
Cons
- Not for thick carpet cleaning
Oreck Commercial BB900DGR
This compact commercial vacuum cleaner is easy to use and carry around. It comes with an integrated handle and a comfortable shoulder strap for portability.
Its 4-amp, two-stage bypass motor is powerful and quiet, so its powerful suction is also continuous and doesn’t die over time.
This canister vacuum comes with an adjustable extension wand with a 4ft hose for extended reach. This allows you to get to ceiling fans, vents, and other such hard-to-reach places.
It’s also great for other above-floor surfaces such as stairs, upholstery, curtains, and all kinds of nooks and crannies. The vac is equally as suitable for different floor surfaces such as area rugs, bare floors, and low-pile carpets.
This canister vacuum weighs 5 pounds and has a 1-quart dust cup. The BB900DGR canister vacuum features a 30ft power cord which allows you to clean for an extended period without changing sockets all the time.
Pros
- Ideal for above-floor surfaces
- Extended reach
- Suitable for low-pile carpets
Cons
- Some cheap plastic parts
Miele Classic C1
The Miele Classic C1 with AirClean filter is among the best canister vacuums for thorough cleaning of different surfaces. It’s a versatile canister vacuum that’s easy to carry around the house.
It’s powerful thanks to the 1200-W Miele Vortex motor which offers continuous suction and efficiency. The canister vacuum features a 6-setting rotary dial for suction control, allowing you to adjust its suction based on the surface you’re cleaning.
This Miele canister vacuum with AirClean filter is great for both low-pile carpets and hard floors. It has a footswitch allowing you to switch from one surface to another with ease. On top of that, its metal sole plate and rubberized wheels allow smooth gliding across different surfaces.
The Miele Classic C1 canister vacuum comes with a few standard accessories clipped to the hose. It includes a dusting brush, crevice tool, and an upholstery tool allowing you to reach all tight areas.
Pros
- AirClean filter
- 29.5ft operating radius
- Handy accessories such as the dusting brush
Cons
- Not for high pile carpets
Hoover CH30000
Hoover is well-known for their canister vacs, so this one might be what you’re looking for. It’s a commercial vacuum cleaner with a built-in blower allowing more versatility and indoor/outdoor cleaning.
This vacuum cleaner comes with a reusable commercial cloth bag although a paper option is also available. The canister vacuum is compact and easy to carry around since it weighs only 8.3 pounds.
It’s among the best canister vacuums for cleaning tight spaces and hard-to-reach areas inside your house or a vehicle. This canister vacuum comes with a long 33’ cable allowing you to cover larger areas without changing sockets as often. On top of that, its hose also stretches which adds even more to its reach.
The 7.4-Amp motor is powerful and offers continuous suction. It comes with a cleaning accessory pack which includes some of the most popular tools and attachments.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Built-in blower
- 33’ power cord
Cons
- No cord storage area
Kenmore 22614 Bagless Lightweight
Pet owners who have to clean pet hair frequently might want to check out this Kenmore canister vacuum. It’s designed to make it easier to clean after pets, which will be particularly helpful if you’re struggling with pet hair.
Its Pet PowerMate attachment picks up pet hair, dander, and whatever else your pet might leave behind. On top of that, it comes with HEPA-certified filter that’s efficient in trapping even the tiniest allergens inside the unit, expelling only clean air.
This bagless canister vacuum is unique because it doesn’t feature any bags, but a dust cup, which is unusual for a canister vacuum vacuum. The innovative design saves you the cost of bags and is more eco-friendly.
It comes with a crevice tool, aluminum telescopic wand, dust brush/upholstery tool, and a 24ft power cord. The cord retracts into the unit for easier storage.
Pros
- Bagless
- HEPA filter
- Removes pet hair
Cons
- No accessory storage
Electrolux EL4335B Corded Canister
This versatile and compact canister vacuum is ideal for all floor types. It has a powerful motor and adjustable suction for different surfaces.
Its brush roll is motorized, but you can shut it off for when cleaning bare floors and hard floors. The three levels of suction and height adjustment settings allow you to go from one surface to another with ease.
It features a HEPA exhaust filter and dust capacity of 1.4 dry quarts. It’s cost-effective since you won’t have to keep buying dust bags all the time.
One of the best things is how convenient this canister vacuum is. All its controls are within reach and at your fingertips, providing hassle-free operation.
Its self-cleaning brush roll is ideal for people who have to vacuum frequently due to pet hair. On top of that, the unit comes with quite a few accessories to make the cleaning process more comfortable.
Pros
- Fingertip controls
- Great for pet hair
- Easy-Empty Technology
Cons
- Stiff hose
COSTWAY Canister Cyclonic
If you’re looking for a bagless canister vacuum, you might want to check out this Costway vac. It features Cyclonic action and Multi-Level filtration with seven levels that protect you from pollution and allergens.
Thanks to its 1200W of power, the vac is ideal for cleaning different types of surfaces.
This canister vacuum comes with two tools, an extension hose and a telescopic wand for more versatility. On top of that, the adjustable suction allows you to go from one surface to another with ease. It’s quite useful for cleaning tight areas, nooks, and crannies with embedded dirt.
It has wheels which make the unit easier to move around. Plus, the ergonomic handle is comfortable and great for carrying the vac up and down the stairs.
Specifications
- Cord Length: 3.5 m
- Weight: 11 Ibs
- Motor Power: 1200 W
Pros
- Two hoses included
- 360-degree hose swivel
- Compact and portable
Cons
- Too powerful for area rugs
Electrolux EL4021A
This Electrolux unit is compact and simple to store away. It’s a small vacuum that features Silence Pro system allowing quieter operation with minimal noise that would disturb your household.
However, don’t let its size fool you because the EL4021A is powerful. It’s efficient on both carpets and bare floors, allowing you to deep clean embedded dirt.
Its HEPA filter captures and traps up to 99.97% of airborne dirt, dust, allergens, and pollutants. As a result, the air in your home is fresher and cleaner.
The package includes a dusting brush, crevice tool, and upholstery nozzle for easier above-floor cleaning of different surfaces.
Another thing worth noting is that it is a bagless vacuum. It features a transparent dust canister with the easy-empty system allowing hassle-free use. The canister is quite small due to the overall size of the vac.
Pros
- HEPA filtration
- Quiet operation
- Deep clean persistent dirt
Cons
- Some flimsy plastic parts
Bissell Hardfloor Multi-Cyclonic Bagless Canister
Bissell is known for its compact bagless canister vacuums. One of the most popular ones is definitely the 1547 Multi-Cyclonic model.
Its Multi-Cyclonic technology provides continuous suction that lasts longer than with other Bissell canister vacuums. Combined with such suction, the Hard floor Turbine foot picks up even the toughest and most embedded dirt and debris.
Its 9.2-Amp power rating and 11-inch cleaning path work hand in hand to deliver the best performance from the brand.
On top of that, this bagless vacuum comes with a multi-surface foot that works great on carpeted floors and area rugs. It has a tank that’s easy to empty and transparent so you can see when it’s full. The tank has a capacity of some 67.6 fluid ounces.
At first glance, you’ll notice how compact it is. Such size makes the unit easy to maneuver with and carry around.
Pros
- Hard floor turbine
- Multi-Cyclonic technology
- For bare floors and carpets
Cons
- Flimsy plastic parts
How Does a Canister Vacuum Work?
A basic canister vacuum has the motor, fan, filter, exhaust port, bag, wand/hose, intake port, and the rotating brush. Some might come with a few other things, but that’s generally that for most vacs.
- The intake port – it’s where all the dust and dirt gets inside the vac. With canister vacuums, this port is at the end of your hose or wand.
- The rotating brush – it spins, and is located inside the intake port. Its primary role is to provide the extra little push for picking up certain pieces that might be a bit heavier. In most cases, it has bristles that encourage the debris to get closer to the port.
- The wand and hose – these work together, so most vacs usually include both parts. You can attach different accessories at the end of the hose/wand. You might want longer hose and wand since more length means extended reach.
- The motor – this is what makes the fan spin. A powerful motor spins the fan more quickly, and as a result, it provides better suction power. It’s what runs the vac and sucks in all the dirt and debris from your floors.
- The filter and exhaust port – the filter traps dust particles from the air before it goes out to the exhaust port. It’s an extra layer of protection. The exhaust port is where all the air leaves the vac, going back into your breathing space.
Is Canister Better Than Upright?
Canister vacuums are ideal for hardwood and other bare floors, which is where upright vacuums aren’t usually as impressive. However, an upright vacuum has motorized brushes and tends to be better on carpets, especially the thick ones.
Canister vacs are easier to maneuver with and carry around. On top of that, they’re usually more compact and easier to store away when not in use. In most cases, they’re also more powerful than upright vacuums, but keep in mind that depends on several other factors as well.
FAQ
Q: Are Canister Vacuums Good for Hardwood Floors?
A: As we mentioned, these are among the top vacuums for hardwood, tile, and other bare floors. They usually don’t come with any motorized tools, so they’re gentle on these delicate surfaces.
However, if a motorized tool is included, make sure to check if it can be shut off. Also, you’re supposed to pull it behind you, so check its wheels and whether they could damage hardwood. Look for wheels that are rubberized and can’t scratch onto these surfaces.
Q: How Long do Canister Vacuums Last?
A: How long a vac will last usually depends on how well was it built in the first place. Does it feature quality parts or its components are flimsy and cheaply made? Ask yourself this simple question when trying to figure out how long the vac will last.
An average lifespan is some eight years, but only if you use the unit accordingly. All vacuums require maintenance and care.
You should only use it per the manufacturer’s instructions. Misuse and neglect of its parts and components shorten its lifespan quite a lot. However, all brands and cleaners are different when it comes to longevity.
Conclusion
Industry-leading brands offer plenty of canister vacuums that range in size, efficiency, features, and accessories. In other words, there’s something for everyone if you know what to look for.
The models we reviewed above are the best of what the market offers. They’re quality-made but differ in features, ease of use, and efficiency.
Sources and Resources
- Special Review Study Vacuum Cleaners
– https://ekosuunnittelu.info/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Presentation-VC-Final-Report-20160623.pdf
- Household Vacuum Cleaners Market Analysis By Product
– https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/household-vacuum-cleaners-market
