Best Canister Vacuums of 2024 - Consumer Reports (2024)

All of the canister vacuums Consumer Reports has tested do a terrific job cleaning bare floors, and some are very good at cleaning carpet.

What makes canister vacuum cleaners stand out from other types of vacuums? Their design. Because the weight is distributed between the canister itself and the powerhead, they’re easier to move around than upright vacuums. So they’re particularly suitable if you live in a house with multiple levels.

“Canisters have an advantage for cleaning stairs because you’re not lifting the whole vacuum—plus the wand and hose give you a longer reach,” says Frank Rizzi, a senior CR lab technician who tests vacuums. “They’re also easier to maneuver than an upright.”

CR also tests the airflow of canister vacs using scientific instruments that measure their ability to limit debris from escaping back into the air. We also judge them on their ability to tackle specific jobs, like removing pet hair.

Below, in alphabetical order, we list the top bagged and bagless canister vacuums from CR’s most recent tests.In addition to those picks, you’ll find more details on how we test canister vacuums and determine which ones are the best. You can also browse our full canister vacuum ratings and consult our vacuum cleaner buying guide to learn more.

Best Canister Vacuums of 2024 - Consumer Reports (2024)

FAQs

Best Canister Vacuums of 2024 - Consumer Reports? ›

To be clear, canister vacuums win over uprights in suction. While it might not seem like much at first, the body and shape of the canister have a lot to do with this strength. Yes, the motor is the primary benefactor, but the shape lends it a huge boost in power.

What is the #1 best vacuum? ›

  • Roidmi R10. ...
  • Dyson V15 Detect Absolute. ...
  • iRobot Roomba Combo J7 Plus. ...
  • Tineco Floor One S7 Pro. ...
  • Shark Bagless Cylinder Pet Vacuum. ...
  • Dyson Ball Animal 2. The best upright vacuum cleaner. ...
  • Roborock Dyad Pro. The best budget vacuum and mop combo. ...
  • Dyson V11 Outsize. The best cordless vacuum cleaner for large homes.
Feb 11, 2024

Do canister vacuums have better suction? ›

To be clear, canister vacuums win over uprights in suction. While it might not seem like much at first, the body and shape of the canister have a lot to do with this strength. Yes, the motor is the primary benefactor, but the shape lends it a huge boost in power.

What are the disadvantages of a canister vacuum? ›

Canister cons
  • There's often a little bit of assembly required before you can use a canister.
  • They're harder to store than uprights and cordless vacuums.
  • Dragging a canister around can cause damage to walls and furniture.
  • There's often more bending involved.
  • They can struggle with thick-pile carpet.

What is the most powerful suction upright vacuum? ›

In our tests, we found the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe Upright Vacuum to have the most powerful suction. It quickly and effortlessly sucks up all types of debris in one or two passes. The Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra also has impressive suction power, though it's a more expensive option.

What is the number one vacuum in America? ›

The best vacuum cleaner we've tested is the Dyson V15 Detect, especially if you want something cordless. This high-end stick vacuum is remarkably potent, delivering debris-pickup performance similar to many corded models. However, it has the advantage of being remarkably easy to deploy and maneuver.

What's the most reliable vacuum cleaner? ›

So it's no surprise that one of these vacs, the Black+Decker Dustbuster Cordless Handheld Vacuum (model HHVI315JO42), performed the best in our tests. The Dustbuster HHVI315JO42 was one of the best vacuums that we tested for car cleaning and was among the best on hardwood and carpeting.

Which canister vacuum has the strongest suction? ›

We recommend the Miele Classic C1 Turbo Team PowerLine Canister Vacuum because it has incredible (and adjustable) suction, performs well on various surfaces, and easily maneuvers around furniture.

Are canister vacuums more powerful than uprights? ›

Canister vacuums tend to have more powerful suction. They can be extended to any length, which makes them ideal for reaching up high or below furniture. They're generally lighter than upright vacuums, but they're also more difficult to store due to the way they're designed.

How long should a canister vacuum last? ›

Upright Vacuums: Known for their robust build, upright vacuums typically serve you well for about 5 to 8 years. They are ideal for larger homes and can withstand frequent use. 2. Canister Vacuums: Offering a blend of power and flexibility, canister vacuums have an average lifespan of 5 to 7 years.

Why would I want a canister vacuum? ›

The Benefits of Canister Vacuums

They also may lead to faster and easier cleaning because of their better flow-rate and suction, particularly on bare floors. The machines tend to be easier to carry thanks to their lightweight design, and they offer high maneuverability.

Which is better canister or stick vacuum? ›

A stick vacuum may be right for you if you want to save space and do not plan to vacuum very often. If you get a lot of traffic through your home or business, a canister vacuum might be the right choice. We hope we have provided enough information for you to make a decision.

Is Shark or Bissell better? ›

Each brand is equal in performance, battery life, and attachment quality. Bissell is better for rugs and carpets and highly recommended for people with pets. Sharks are good with pet hair and odors but have heavier units. Not planning on buying a vacuum for at least half a decade or longer?

What is a good suction power for a vacuum? ›

Upright and Canister Vacuums: A good suction power for these vacuums is around 100 to 200 AW. This range is effective for most home cleaning tasks, providing enough power to lift dirt from various surfaces. models may offer up to 2000 to 4000 Pa, which is beneficial for homes with more demanding cleaning needs.

Is Shark vacuum better than Dyson? ›

Features. Oftentimes, features are the deciding factor in which one you purchase. One of the features is how well the vacuum picks up different types of objects. Dyson may be more powerful, but Shark has a double brush system that often picks up larger pieces of food that Dyson will only push forward on the floor.

Is Shark or Dyson better? ›

Dyson has a few more advanced technology features than Shark. When it comes to what is most important, which is the ability to clean the floor, Dyson is more powerful in terms of suction, but Shark's double brush system allows it to be the better of the two when it comes to the ability to pick up dirt on your floor.

What is closest to perfect vacuum? ›

Outer space has very low density and pressure, and is the closest physical approximation of a perfect vacuum. But no vacuum is truly perfect, not even in interstellar space, where there are still a few hydrogen atoms per cubic meter.

Is Bissell or Shark better? ›

The Shark is slightly easier to maintain with a lot fewer recurring costs, and its dirt compartment holds more, too. It also has a better performance on all surface types too. However, the BISSELL can maneuver slightly better and has a removable brushroll.

What vacuum do house cleaners use? ›

Some of the top vacuum brands for commercial cleaning include:
  • Dyson.
  • Shark.
  • ProTeam.
  • Hoover.
  • Bissell.
Jul 8, 2015

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