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Vacuum Cleaner Buying Advice
Buying advice Vacuum Cleaners
Provided by
ConsumerReports.org
WHAT'S AVAILABLE
Hoover, the oldest brand, was recently bought by
Techtronic Industries, which also makes Ryobi tools and Dirt Devil
vacuums. Other major brands include Bissell; Eureka, which also offers
central vacuums and makes high-end Electrolux models; Dyson, a brightly
colored British brand; Oreck; and Kenmore (Sears). Brands such as Miele,
Panasonic, and Riccar tend to be sold at specialty stores. Higher-priced
Aerus (which also makes central vacs) is sold in its own stores and by
direct mail; upscale Kirby is still sold door-to-door. You'll also find
Roomba, a robotic vac, and Euro-Pro stick vacs.
Along with the
brand, your vacuum choices include several types:
Uprights. These
tend to cost the least and account for the most sales. They still tend
to do better than canisters on carpets, and their one-piece design makes
them easier to store. But many weigh more than 20 pounds, and some are
less stable than canisters on stairs. Price: $100 to $500 for most.
Canisters. The best can clean carpets about as well as uprights.
Most are quieter and can be easier to maneuver, since you're moving only
the hose and powerhead. And most are better at getting under furniture.
But the added clutter of the hose and wand makes canisters bulkier
overall and harder to store. Price: $150 to $700 for most.
Central vacuums. These work like a canister vac, letting you move only
the hose and powerhead. They're also relatively quiet and require
less-frequent emptying. But they're pricey and typically require
professional installation. Their roughly 35-foot hose can be cumbersome,
and there's no place to carry tools while you work. Price: $500 to
$1,250 for most, plus $300 to $750 for professional installation.
Stick vacs and hand vacs. These miniature electric vacs come with
and without a cord and can be handy for small, quick jobs. But both
types typically lack the power of full-sized models. Price: $20 to $100.
HOW TO CHOOSE
Carpets still top the list
of critical cleaning chores—an area where uprights still rule. But you
may prefer a canister or even a central vacuum for other cleaning.
Here's what else to go by when shopping:
Consider suction. Look
for models that performed well in our airflow tests if you often clean
with tools. These vacuums maintained more suction through the hose as
they filled with dust.
Don't be dazzled by gadgets. Most vacuums
include a narrow crevice tool, a small brush for upholstery, and a round
one for dusting—enough for most users.
Try before buying. Dozens
of letters inspired our new handling score for ease of pushing, pulling,
and carrying. Top performers weigh 20 pounds or more and tend to do best
on carpets, but many weigh far less. See which feels best at the store.
Protect your ears and lungs. Vacuums that scored a poor in our noise
tests produced 85 decibels or more, the level at which we recommend
hearing protection. If you're sensitive to dust, choose a model that
scored well in emissions—and skip the mess of emptying a bagless vac's
bin by getting a bag-equipped model.
We have included a consumer reports section for their
reviews of the vacuums available. Please check that out at our links.
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