EmailReviews say canister vacuums are best for folks who have a combination of hard wood and rugs, as well as those who plan to vacuum stairs, upholstery, drapes and other above-the-floor items. Uprights, on the other hand, are best for homes with lots of carpeting.
The following is what the experts say to look for in a canister vacuum:
- Look for a model you can carry up and down stairs. Most people buy canisters to clean floors, stairs, shelves, drapes and upholstery. Also, make sure you can easily maneuver both the nozzle in front of you and the canister body behind you.
- Power nozzles are recommended if you plan to vacuum any kind of rug or carpet. Power nozzles (also called power brushes) have a revolving brush in the nozzle, which helps dig dirt out of carpets and can be turned off when vacuuming bare floors. Canisters without a power nozzle are called "suction-only" units.
- Look for a HEPA filter if you have allergies or significant air quality concerns. Most reviews say that "true-HEPA "(high efficiency particulate air) filters are best, especially for allergy and asthma sufferers, although some "HEPA-type" filters can provide very good filtration. You may want to avoid bagless vacuums if you are dust-sensitive.
- A telescoping wand is a nice feature. Instead of a fixed-length wand, some vacuums have an adjustable telescoping wand, which makes it easier to vacuum in tight spaces, on stairs or to reach tall spots like drapes.
- Most canisters come with some standard attachments, including a bare-floor brush, dusting brush, crevice tool and upholstery tool. More expensive models often include a powered hand tool, useful for car floors and carpeted stairs.