Vacuum Cleaners: What To Look For

The following is what reviews say to look for in an upright vacuum:

• Look for a filter. A number of vacuums have HEPA filters, which have excellent filtration properties, but many vacuums have similarly effective filters. Reviews say that vacuums in general are doing a better job with emissions, so unless you have severe allergies, most filters will be adequate.

• Look for a model with a revolving brushroll that you can turn off if you plan to vacuum bare floors with your upright. Uprights generally have a tougher time cleaning bare floors because the revolving brush, which digs dirt out of carpets, often spits dirt from hard surfaces back out of the machine before it can be sucked up. Most have this feature, but some less expensive vacuums do not.

• Dirt sensors are more about marketing than performance. Sometimes you'll see vacuum manufacturers advertising this feature, which supposedly senses when dirt pickup slows, presumably meaning that the area is clean. However, reviews say dirt sensors have nothing to do with performance and often add unnecessarily to total cost.

• Longer cords (30 feet or more) and longer hoses (7 feet) are desirable. A longer cord allows you to clean a bigger area without having to plug the machine into a different outlet. A longer hose makes it easier to clean high places with an attachment, and it's less likely that the unit will tip over when doing so.

Many reviews say it's hard to clean under beds and other furniture with uprights, because the machines are too tall. If this is a problem, experts advise looking for a vacuum with a low profile or using a stick vacuum for cleaning under furniture.

Upright vacuums are best for those with a lot of carpet. Depending on your needs, however, another type of vacuum may be a better choice.

Canisters. Experts recommend uprights for homes in which most of the floors are carpeted. Uprights offer less versatility than canisters, but many folks feel more comfortable pushing an upright than they do maneuvering the two different parts of a canister. However, canisters can be easier to carry and to use on stairs and upholstery. See the ConsumerSearch report on canister vacuums for information on these.

Handheld vacuums. Handhelds are convenient for picking up small spills and cleaning car interiors. Those with revolving brushes work well on pet hair. Stick and handheld vacs come in a variety of corded and cordless (battery-powered, rechargeable) models. We cover handheld vacuums in a separate report.