Unlike
upright vacuums, canister vacuums are much smaller in size and are more suited to apartments and studio suites. They are also far less bulky than
stick vacuums and are therefore much easier to carry around. If you aren’t sure what vacuum cleaner product is right for you, however, then don’t forget to check out our other vacuum reviews to find out what product is best for you, be it a cordless vacuum, a wet/dry vacuum or even a
robotic vacuum! Before you go off and purchase just any old canister vacuum, however, there are a few considerations you may want to think about before making a selection.
First things first, let’s look at weight. Like we mentioned previously, canister vacuums are much lighter than standard vacuums which makes them far easier to use. Most canister vacuums are available in weights ranging from 8lb all the way up to 30lb. If you have a bad back or find heavy lifting to be a particular struggle then you may be better suited to a lighter-weight model. If, however, you fancy a product with all the bells and whistles then a heavier product with more features may be more your style.
Another factor you will want to have a think about is the filter used within the product. Most canister vacuums have some sort of filtration, especially the bagged varieties. If you are passionate about a cleaner filtration then you may want to opt for a product with a HEPA filter as they are incredibly efficient at eliminating pollens, allergens, and dust from the air. This is a particularly useful feature if you suffer from allergies or asthma.
The majority of filter vacuums will also come with some sort of attachments such as a rocker switch, crevice nozzle, dusting brush, upholstery brush and floor tool. Whereas some vacuums will offer more options, others will offer less so it’s important to know the sort of attachments which are important to you before making a purchase. Be aware, however, that products with lots of attachments may cost considerably more.
Another important thing to consider is the type of vacuum cleaner you are after such as: bagged or bagless. The benefits of using a bagged canister vacuum is that they are far better at filtration and are much quieter in comparison to bagless varieties. They also tend to be significantly cheaper due to the fact they are slightly older in design. As bagless canister vacuums are a fairly modern invention, they tend to be far more costly and work by separating dirt and dust into separate compartments without the hassle of using a bag. Although these products are more costly, their maintenance costs are far lower than bagged products. The most important factor here, however, is choosing a product that will allow you to clean a whole room without the need to empty the product repeatedly. Therefore, we recommend selecting products that have 2.5 quart capacity or higher.
Price
When it comes to the cost of your new canister vacuum this is going to depend on a variety of factors. The majority of canister vacuums will set you back between $50 and $400 depending on whether or not the product has attachments (and how many), the type of filtration in the product as well as the product’s features. Vacuums at the higher end of this scale will usually have several attachment options to make cleaning easier and more precise. They also tend to have HEPA filtration systems and have special features such as ball technology for easy maneuverability. Products at the lower end of this scale work just as well, however, they just tend to include less attachments and usually use bags rather than compartments. Cheaper canister vacuums are available ($40 or less) but be aware that these products may not be as powerful or last as long.
Features
The features you will want to be included in your new canister vacuum will depend entirely on your own personal preferences as well as on the style of canister vacuum you prefer. There are a few features we recommend keeping an eye out for, however, to ensure you choose the best possible product for you.
Here are some important features to look out for…
- Wide Cleaning Path
- Lengthily Cord
- Suitable for a variety of flooring
Construction and Design
When searching for a high quality canister vacuum we highly recommend looking for products with a wide cleaning path. This basically means that the vacuum will be able to pick up more dust and dirt in one motion rather than repeatedly going back and forth. This will save you both time and energy which, let’s face it, are both very important!
Another handy feature to look out for is a vacuum with a lengthily cord. This means you will be able to cover more areas without having to continuously unplug and re-plug the cord. This means you can spend less time cleaning and more time doing the things you love!
Finally, you will also want to keep an eye out for canister vacuums that are suitable for a variety of flooring such as carpets and hard wood. This will allow you to get your cleaning jobs done quickly and means you don’t have to use different products for different areas of your home.
Performance and Ease of Use
When it comes to caring for your new canister vacuum there are a few things you can do to ensure your product has a long and lengthy life! If you have opted for a bagged canister vacuum then you will want to be sure to check the bag so it doesn’t become too full as this can damage both the vacuum and your nice, clean carpets!
You will also need to wrap the chord of the product around the vacuum once finished in order to prevent the chord from becoming damaged. If you are after a particularly easy to use canister vacuum then we recommend choosing a product with larger wheels so the product can move over thick carpets quickly and efficiently. We also recommend choosing a product that is lightweight to minimize the likelihood of you hurting your back and shoulders while vacuuming.
When you think of a canister vacuum, you think of portability and lightweight design, as well as capacity and suction. This is a crucial part of what you should be looking for when shopping around for your new canister vacuum. Fingers crossed, after reading through our buying guide you have now figured out what type of canister vacuum is most suitable to your needs as well as all the features you would like included in your new product. This will make it a lot easier when it comes to narrowing down your options and selecting the ideal canister vacuum for you and your home! So let’s get looking at our top 5 picks shall we?
So, by now you should have a better feel for what kind of products are out there and what it is you are looking for in your new canister vacuum. If you aren’t a fan of the products we’ve featured, it doesn’t really matter, since the brands we have selected have such a variety. We are confident you’ll be able to find something you want. Now all that’s left to do is select your favorite product and get cleaning.
