Top-rated canister vacuums: the reviews are in

Canister vacuum cleaners are the best choice if you have mainly hard floors and area rugs. They also work well for cleaning upholstery, drapes and stairs, say experts. These types of vacuums are typically more expensive than their upright counterparts, but they're also durable and long-lasting.

If you're on a budget, reviews point to the aggressively-priced Hoover WindTunnel Bagless S3765-040 (*Est. $220). This bagless canister vacuum performs well on carpets and bare floors, and it uses a HEPA filter to help keep dust from leaking back into the room. Hoover's WindTunnel Bagless canister vac is on the heavy side at 22-pounds, but it comes with a number of helpful tools to help you get into corners and effectively clean furniture and upholstery.

Since the Hoover is bagless, you won't have to spend money replacing vacuum bags, but emptying the bin will expose you to dust, which isn't so great if you're an allergy sufferer. Miele vacuums, though pricier than most Hoover or Kenmore models, get lots of praise and are recommended as top choices for users with allergies. Owners argue that these vacuums are worth their hefty pricetags because of their sophisticated filtration systems and general durability. The Miele S4212 Polaris (*Est. $400) is one of the most cost-effective Miele vacuums. Reviewers say the S4 is fast, easy to maneuver (even on stairs), and excellent for removing pet hair.

Read our recently updated report on canister vacuums for more buying advice. If a canister vac is too much vacuum for you, check out our report on upright vacuum cleaners.