What are the merits of each vacuum type? Is one vacuum type better suited to your needs? In this article, we’ll look at upright vs. canister vacuums and contrast each type. By the end of this article, you should be able to determine whether you’d prefer an upright vacuum or a canister vacuum. If you’re curious about the two main vacuum types, keep reading and we’ll show you how they’re different!
An Overview of Upright Vacuums
In the US, upright vacuums are more popular than canister vacuums. This could be due to the fact that they’re easy to store, are great at cleaning carpets and large rooms, or have self-propelling brush rolls that make it easier to move across carpet. The Riccar Premium Pet Upright is a good example of an upright vacuum.
An upright vacuum cleaner has a dirt container (either a canister or a dust bag container) and motor that are attached to the powerhead. It’s a single vacuum unit that works to clean carpet for the user, and they’re usually around hip height for the user.
An Overview of Canister Vacuums
In England and other parts of Europe, a canister vacuum is more popular. This is evidenced by the popularity of the Henry vacuum cleaner by NaceCare, rated the UK’s most reliable vacuum brand. Canister vacuum cleaners are more popular in the US in certain situations as well.
Canister vacuums tend to have more powerful suction. They can be extended to any length, which makes them ideal for reaching up high or below furniture. They’re generally lighter than upright vacuums, but they’re also more difficult to store due to the way they’re designed. Unlike upright vacuums, canisters are designed as separate components. There’s a canister body for the vacuum, which attaches to the powerhead via the use of hoses. Those hoses attach to a plastic or stainless steel tube connected to the powerhead. The canister houses the dust bag (where applicable), and is wheeled behind the powerhead. Canisters are generally much lower to the ground than upright vacuums (falling to below your knee rather than your hips).
What Do They Have in Common?
You can get both types of vacuums with bags or without bags. You can also get them with cords or without (battery-operated vacuums). They can both come with accessories and/or HEPA filtration. The main differences between the two are how they move, their weight, your storage options, and what areas they’re best at cleaning.
When Should You Use an Upright?
If you’ve got large rooms and a lot of carpet, upright vacuums are a great choice. Cleanup time is quicker, and due to their height, they’re a fantastic choice for those who have trouble bending down. Uprights are more maneuverable than the average canister vacuum because of their push assistance features.
Upright vacuums are also ideal for users who have limited storage space, since they can usually fit nicely in a 1-2 square foot area. This makes them ideal for users who have carpeted apartments, mobile homes, and other small living spaces.
If you’re in the market for an upright vacuum, we recommend the Riccar mentioned above, along with these 5 other choices:
- Miele Triflex HX1 - Battery-powered stick vacuum that can convert to a handheld, great for small spaces
- ProCare 15XP Upright - Like an Electrolux upright, with tools on board and optional HEPA filtration
- SEBO Automatic X7 Premium - Long-lasting warranty, long cord, LED headlights and auto height adjustment with allergy filtration
- SEBO Felix 1 Premium - 180-degree turning capability, detachable handheld unit, lots of accessories, can get under furniture
- Hoover BH55500 ONEPWR HEPA Cordless - 5-layer HEPA filtration, LED headlights, cordless with up to 45 minutes runtime
When Should You Use a Canister Vac?
If you’ve got several stairs in your home or building, you may want to use a canister vacuum. They’re best for stairs because they have a strong head that extends away from the vacuum, making them ideal for areas upright vacuums couldn’t reach. Canister vacs also perform better than uprights when it comes to hard-to-reach spaces, like upholstery and above and below furniture.
Since canister vacuums are really light and easy to transport, they work better as travel vacuums (ie: cleaning service applications). They’re also not as noisy as upright vacuums, which may make them a strong choice if you’d like noise reduction (ie: hotel rooms, hospital rooms, apartments with thin walls).
Canister vacuums are also fantastic when it comes to cleaning hardwood floors, since most canisters come with specific hard-floor attachments. Usually these attachments will feature a squeegee to further improve hard floor cleaning.
If you’re looking to get a canister vacuum, we recommend the Henry vacuum mentioned above, along with these 5 other choices:
- Power Team Perfect - Like an Electrolux canister vacuum, with premium attachments and a 15-inch L-shaped nozzle to get under furniture
- - 6 suction settings, can be converted to HEPA filtration, Active AirClean charcoal filter, numerous attachments
- SEBO Airbelt E3 Premium - Allergy filtration, long-lasting warranty, 37-foot cleaning radius, wider hose to reduce clogging and promote airflow
- Miele Marin Complete C3 - Comprehensive accessory kit, large capacity, HEPA filtration, multiple accessories - Top rated in Consumer Reports, HEPA filtration, several attachments and suction control)
- NaceCare Henry Allergy 160 - Comprehensive accessory kit, large capacity, HEPA filtration, multiple accessories
