10 Best Canister Vacuums for Spotless Floors. Are you looking for even more all-star cleaning and organizing items? Shop everything you’ll need to get your home gleaming in our Top-to-Bottom Spring Cleaning Toolkit for the season.
The best canister vacuums stink up dirt and gunk from your feet without making a ton of noise, making them a fantastic alternative for many households. But why should you choose a canister vacuum? These wheeled machines feature a higher flow rate than their upright counterparts, which means you can clean your floors in less time. They’re also more lightweight and easier to move around your space. “Canister vacuums are known to have much more substantial suction power,” notes Mallory Micetich, an Angi home specialist. “Canister vacuums are also quieter and give users more control over the area they’re working on.” The Dyson Big Ball Canister Vacuum, a strong vacuum with many attachments for cleaning different surfaces, is our favorite.
The best canister vacuums stink up dirt and gunk from your feet without making much noise.
Of course, not all canister vacuums are made equal or appropriate for your home. Consider suction power, whether you want to trade with a dust bag, and how serious of a machine you sense relaxed pushing around. Some canister vacuums come with extensions for cleaning upholstery, curtains, and other difficult-to-reach areas. The finest canister vacuum is ultimately the one that matches your specific needs, but there are a few models that stand out from the crowd. Consider these when searching for cleaner floors.
- Best Overall Canister Vacuum: Dyson Big Ball Canister Vacuum
- Best Bagless Canister Vacuum: Black+Decker Canister Vacuum with Adjustable Multi-Cyclone Suction
- Best Canister Vacuum For Pet Hair: Kenmore Elite 81714
- Best Canister Vacuum For Hardwood: Miele Blizzard CX1 Pure Suction Vacuum
- Best Lightweight Canister Vacuum: Prolux White TerraVac
- Best Canister Vacuum For Carpet: Kenmore 600 Series
- Best Cordless Canister Vacuum: Craftsman Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum
- Best Canister Vacuum With Powerhead: Miele Complete C3 Marin
- Best Value Canister Vacuum: Eureka WhirlWind
- Best Upright Canister Vacuum: Oreck Elevate Command Vacuum + Compact Canister Vacuum
Weight: 18 pounds | Bagless: Yes | Power: 1,400 watts | Compatible floor type: Hard floor, carpet | Cord length: 21 feet | Attachments: Stair tool, combination nozzle
Dyson is recognized for producing strong vacuums with innovative designs; this canister model is no exception. The Big Ball’s distinctive circular form allows it to right itself and continue rolling in the event of an accidental bump. It features a HEPA filter to catch particles and is bagless to help you save money on replacing bags. The 0.5-gallon dust cup offers plenty of space to collect dirt and dust during a tour of most homes. There’s a stair tool and a combo nozzle for more cleaning possibilities. This vacuum is also fairly priced at $400.
Pros:
- Fairly affordable
- Smart design
- Bagless
Cons:
- Doesn’t stand upright on its own
- Too heavy for some
2. Black + Decker Bagless Canister Multi-Cyclonic Vacuum Cleaner
$120$230Save $110 (48%)
Weight: 18 pounds | Bagless: Yes | Power: 1,200 watts | Compatible floor type: Hard floor, carpet | Cord length: Unspecified | Attachments: Crevice tool, dust brush and more
Dealing with a vacuum bag can take time and effort. The multi-cyclonic vacuum from Black + Decker does away with the bag and offers a sizable three-liter capacity for dirt and dust. Enjoy several suction power levels that you can control with your fingertips and a washable HEPA filter to maintain dust out of your air. This vacuum includes unique cyclones that swirl dirt and waste away from the filter to ensure maximum suction power. Three cleaning tools are included: a crevice tool, a tiny brush, and an upholstery tool.
Pros:
- Multiple attachments
- Washable filter
- Large dust bin
Cons:
- Not tall enough for some users
- Using on/off button with foot can tip machine over
3. Kenmore Elite 81714
$387$450Save $63 (14%)
Weight: 22 pounds | Bagless: No | Power: 1,200 watts | Compatible floor type: Hard floor, carpet | Cord length: 26 feet | Attachments: Pet
Powermate, crevice tool and more
If you have fuzzy dogs, you’ll need a vacuum to eliminate all the unwanted hair in your home. The Kenmore Elite 81714 includes additional features to accomplish this, such as an Ultra Plush nozzle for a deeper clean and a motorized Pet PowerMate attachment to handle thick pet hair. A HEPA filter can help capture up to 99.97% of pet dander (as well as dust and pollen). Variable power to move between different levels of carpet and hard floors, as well as a performance indicator to alert you when your bag is full. A Stair Grip function allows the vacuum to rest comfortably on your stairs as you clean without worrying about falling.
Pros:
- Four cleaning tools
- HEPA filter
- Variable power
Cons:
- Not bagless
- Some complain that it’s too loud
4. Miele Blizzard CX1 Pure Suction Vacuum
$629
Weight: 19 pounds | Bagless: Yes | Power: 1,200 watts | Compatible floor type: Hard floor, carpet | Cord length: 21 feet | Attachments: Dusting brush, crevice tool and more
The Blizzard CX1 from Miele features revolutionary vortex technology that sucks up and retains dust while cleaning, preventing you from accidentally blasting it back onto your floors. It offers four suction levels to help you navigate floors and low-pile carpets. This vacuum features innovative Click2Open emptying to avoid a cloud of dust from accumulating when you empty the bin and a telescopic handle to help you achieve the perfect working height. Accessories such as a combination floor head, dust brush, crevice tool, and upholstery tool are available.
Pros:
- Vortex technology keeps dust in the bin
- Telescoping handle
- Four attachments
Cons:
- Pricey
- Too heavy for some
5. Prolux White TerraVac
$250
Weight: 6 pounds | Bagless: No | Power: 1,200 watts | Compatible floor type: Hard floor, carpet | Cord length: 25 feet | Attachments: Dusting brush, crevice tool and more
Moving a heavy vacuum might be challenging for people with limited dexterity or damaged backs. The Prolux TerraVac weighs only six pounds, making it easy to tote. This vacuum features sealed HEPA filtration to trap and contain dust and accessories such as a crevice/upholstery means, duster brush, hard floor surface tool, and pet tool tiny head. You may switch from 400 watts for moderate dusting to 1,200 watts for significant suction power. You can tailor your cleaning to your flooring with a height-adjustable powerhead and telescoping wand.
Pros:
- Incredibly lightweight
- HEPA filter
- Four attachments
Cons:
- Hose is too stiff for some
- Some say the hose could be longer
6. Kenmore 600 Series
$300$350Save $50 (14%)
Weight: 23 pounds | Bagless: No | Power: 1,200 watts | Compatible floor type: Hard floor, carpet | Cord length: 28 feet | Attachments: Pet Powermate, crevice tool and more
Carpets require a lot of suction, which this Kenmore canister vacuum has plenty of. It employs 1,200 watts and a two-motor system to get into rug fibers. A swivel head helps you to glide along and reach those hard-to-reach areas, and a 14-inch cleaning breadth means you can cover more ground in one swipe. A triple HEPA filter system is also included to help pull in and trap dirt from your carpets. Do you want to switch to clean hard flooring? A Pop-N-Go floor brush makes it easy. Use a motorized Pet Powermate attachment to remove pet hair from surfaces that accumulate within your vacuum. You’ll also enjoy the flexible wand, which extends to 10 feet, for cleaning high-up places.
Pros:
- Strong suction
- Swivel head
- Motorized pet hair cleaner
Cons:
- Brush attachment doesn’t swivel
- Vacuum is too heavy for some
7. Craftsman V20 Max 2-Gallon Cordless Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum
$99
Weight: 9 pounds | Bagless: Yes | Power: 20 volts | Compatible floor type: Hard floor | Cord length: Unspecified | Attachments: Wide nozzle, crevice tool and more
While no cordless canister vacuum can be rolled about your floors, there are cordless canister vacuums firmly in the shop vac category. This Craftsman alternative has a two-gallon tank that can handle almost anything—spills, dirt, dust, debris, and more. A HEPA filter to capture 99.7% of dust and allergens offers 35 CFMs of suction power to lift even bigger items. During your cleaning, a seven-foot-eight-inch hose will help you obtain some substantial reach. This is ideal for fast cleanups but not cruising around your carpet.
Pros:
- Cordless
- Powerful
- Good for spot-cleanings
Cons:
- No wheels
- Not ideal for carpets
MOST POPULAR
8. Miele Complete C3 Marin Canister Vacuum
$1369
Weight: 19.4 pounds | Bagless: No | Power: 1,200 watts | Compatible floor type: Hard floor, carpet | Cord length: 32 feet | Attachments: Upholstery tool, crevice tool and more
Miele’s Complete C3 Marin is a splurge at $1,300. However, this is the Cadillac of canister vacuums, with a strong Electro Premium brush head that pulls up dirt that’s even caked into your floors. This vacuum offers many tools to make your cleaning experience easier, such as LED headlights to see the gunk on your path and a specific parquet floor for cleaning wood, stone, tile, and other surfaces. To help you fine-tune your suction, you may switch between six power settings and step-down pedals. A swivel neck makes it easy to maneuver around furniture, and a low noise output ensures that other family members are not disturbed while you work. An ergonomic handle and an auto setting to adjust the suction to the height of your surface add to the convenience of use.
Pros:
- Ergonomic handle
- Powerful brush head
- Six power settings
Cons:
- Expensive
- Too heavy for some
9. Eureka WhirlWind
$72$80Save $8 (10%)
Weight: 8 pounds | Bagless: Yes | Power: 960 watts | Compatible floor type: Hard floors, carpets | Cord length: 16 feet | Attachments: Crevice tool, brush
The Eureka WhirlWind isn’t the biggest or most powerful vacuum on the market, but it offers plenty of features to make it a good option for people on a budget. With a 2.5-liter dust cup that can handle at least one floor in your home without emptying, the vacuum features an airflow control at the handle that allows you to flip between settings for car floors, upholstery, and hard floors. Lightweight and easy to roll around, this vacuum weighs only 8 pounds. It even features a telescoping wand to help you reach difficult-to-get areas. The vacuum is bagless, making cleanup a breeze.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Multi-surface suction control
- Easy dust cup emptying
Cons:
- Not powerful enough for some
- Shorter hose
10. Oreck Elevate Command Vacuum + Compact Canister Vacuum Bundle
$450
Weight: 10 pounds | Bagless: No | Power: 1,200 watts | Compatible floor type: Hard floor, carpet | Cord length: 30 feet | Attachments: Canister, crevice tool
There are uprights and canisters in the realm of vacuums. While it’s impossible to locate a computer that can do both, Oreck offers a combined bundle that gives you the best of both worlds. It features the brand’s Elevate Command vacuum and Compact Canister, allowing you to choose the type of suction you prefer at any given time. (Oreck sells them as a set online, or you may get them separately from Amazon.) Oreck’s Sani Seal technology collects and holds 99% of allergens and even helps to lock in the dirt when you toss the bag after you’ve finished your work. The upright features LED headlights to see dirt and dust in your path. The canister is intended to help you reach high places, such as blinds and crown molding—it even has a shoulder strap to make the procedure easier.
Pros:
- Two machines in one bundle
- Good allergen retention technology
- Shoulder strap for canister
Cons:
- Two machines to store
- Have to empty a bag
What To Look For In Canister Vacuums
Canister vacuums differ significantly from upright and cordless models, and several factors must be considered. Keep them in mind as you go about your search.
Bagged Vs. Bagless
Are you okay with keeping vacuum bags in the house, or would you prefer not to bother? Bagless vacuums have grown in popularity over the last decade, but each type has advantages and disadvantages. Bagged models are typically more efficient than bagless models because they protect the filtration mechanism. However, you must empty the bag regularly and purchase new bags for the life of your vacuum. Bagless vacuums are easier to empty because you toss the dust cup into the trash, but they don’t capture allergens as efficiently as bagged vacuums. When you empty the dust cup, you risk dispersing dust and other allergens into the air if someone in your home has allergies.
Space
When selecting a canister vacuum, keep a few space considerations in mind. If your vacuum is bagless, ensure enough space in the dust cup to handle your entire home before emptying it. (If you are okay with dumping a dust cup while cleaning, this isn’t a problem.) It’s also critical to consider the length of the cord about the square footage of the rooms you’ll be cleaning. If you have a large room with lengthy distances between outlets, you’ll need a vacuum with a longer cord—or an extension cord.
Attachments
Attachments are only for some, but they can be a big help. A crevice tool, for example, can help you reach between couch cushions and automobile seats. You can clean various seating in your home using an upholstery brush. If the vacuum you want doesn’t come with the attachments you want, you don’t have to purchase another type. “If you need accessories, you’re in luck—there is a large market for vacuum accessories, aftermarket parts, and even replacement parts,” says JustAnswer home appliance specialist Aaron Wilson.
Features
Every canister vacuum has features, so think about what you need from your cleaning gear beforehand. Others will automatically change the suction for you, while some include buttons to help you flip between cleaning targeted to different ton types while you work. LED headlights can help you see dirt, pet hair, and other gunk in your path, and an ergonomic handle makes prolonged cleaning sessions more comfortable. Step-down pedals are also available on some models to help you fine-tune your suction. You may not require any or all of these features, but it never hurts to consider them ahead of time.
Are Canister Vacuums Better Than Upright, Robot Or Stick Vacuums?
Personal preferences and your home setup play a role in determining which type of vacuum to prefer. Canister vacuums, for example, are a fantastic choice if you have dogs or babies who are easily startled by noise because they tend to be much quieter than other vacuums. Canister vacuums have stronger suction and flow rates so that you can clean more fast and efficiently. They’re also great if you enjoy the versatility of a longer cleaning wand to reach difficult-to-reach areas. Finally, compared to upright vacuums, canister vacuums are lightweight and easy to tote around the house and up and down the stairs.
Who Makes The Best Canister Vacuums?
There are various reliable vacuum brands on the market, but Dyson, Miele, Kenmore, and Black + Decker all have excellent canister vacuum options. It’s critical to look at individual cleaning features to determine whether they meet your demands when deciding which brand and vacuum type to choose. Canister vacuums take up more storage space than stick or robot vacuums, so you should choose a type based on your storage space so it stays in your place when not in use. Most importantly, your budget will be key when deciding on a canister vacuum.
Do Canister Vacuums Have Better Suction?
The suction of canister vacuums is generally superior to that of other vacuums. The engine has virtually no size limitation, allowing developers to create more powerful tools than an upright version, where the engine size is restricted by weight. Canister vacuums make great choices for cleaning hard floors, but they also work well for cleaning cars. A canister vacuum’s longer cleaning wand and hose allow you to reach high places and suck out cobwebs and dust from curtains without straining your back.
Are Canister Vacuums The Most Powerful Type Of Vacuums?
It all depends. “Typically, canister vacuums have more power than upright vacuums,” Wilson explains. Again, the option to tote a more powerful engine without being constrained by an upright or stick vacuum design is critical. Consider the Miele Complete C3 Marin if you require a lot of suction power. It features a strong Electro Premium brush head that targets and sucks away even the most obstinate, caked-on dirt. However, any canister vacuum will provide a lot of power. Keep in mind that there are a lot of powerful vacuums available on the market nowadays, regardless of type. If you prefer an upright vacuum, check out our list of the top vacuums to pick the one suitable for you.
What Is The Best Canister Vacuum For Pet Hair?
Most canister vacuums effectively remove pet hair from your floors due to their strong suction power. If pet hair is a major issue, choose the Kenmore Elite 81714. It features an Ultra Plus nozzle for deep cleaning and a motorized Pet PowerMate attachment to help you target hairy areas. This vacuum has a HEPA filter that traps up to 99.97% of pet dander and other allergens and a specific Stair Grip feature that allows you to suck up hair on your stairs without worrying about your vacuum spilling.
