Today's increasingly larger houses and households demand more from the floor care products that keep their homes clean; one vacuum machine simply isn't enough anymore. In this product roundup Consumer Guide has picked some unique units to introduce to you that can help you effortlessly clean up all kinds of messes in the home. From a powerful heavyweight deep-cleaner and a lightweight powerhead canister, to a sporty little handheld vacuum and an efficient upright -- not to mention a quirky spot cleaner -- here are a few floor care appliances that can get you quickly started on keeping your home nice and clean -- without missing a corner in the house.


Bissell Pro-Heat 2X Carpet Cleaner 9300P

An outstanding heavyweight carpet cleaner, the Bissell Pro-Heat 2X 9300P stores both water and carpet cleaning solution in separate tanks. And the tanks are much easier to access thanks to an easy-grip handle and a front-to-back design. Its greatest advantage is the onboard heater, which feeds the heated water to the attachment hose as well as to the body of the machine. The heater warms water 25 degrees above tap temperature and keeps it hot and ready for effective cleaning even as you work your way through a room. A superior performer on carpets, this unit also does a wonderful job cleaning stairs and furniture -- and the hose and tool system can apply Scotchguard protector. This model also features 10 cleaning rows of DirtLifter PowerBrushes, which groom the carpet as they clean.

Bissell Pro-Heat 2X Carpet Cleaner 9300P

Hoover FloorMate H2800

Hoover's FloorMate H2800 is designed specifically to clean hard, sealed floors, such as stone, wood and tile. What's more, this machine is also made to vacuum, wash and dry floors. It is lightweight enough to carry around, tall enough so you won't have to bend over and is one of the least expensive plug-in alternatives to a mop and a bucket. With this machine, simply fill the tank with solution, begin vacuuming any debris, then use the trigger to apply the cleaning solution, and end it by running the squeegee over the floor to accelerate the drying process. The collected waste water gathers in the onboard tank. The FloorMate H2800 has two brushes that work together to loosen soil from floors, and both brushes are removable, so you can thoroughly clean them and have them ready for the next time. With this model, never again will you have to ring out a mop!


Euro-Pro Shark Cordless Handheld Vacuum SV736

We are impressed! The Twister Technology on this model is touted as being the number one rechargeable hand vacuum in its class, and we agree. A solid unit, the Euro-Pro Shark Cordless Handheld Vacuum SV736 can hold a charge for up to 30 minutes, while providing a strong suction power without fail. This unit is intended for upholstery cleaning as well as for hard surfaces. A motorized brush is superb at loosening debris from fibers, such as always-annoying and stubborn pet hair. And corners are no problem with the use of the handy crevice tool. This vacuum even gets it own place in the home with the wall-mounting bracket (optional). The Shark SV736 offers excellent performance, is well built and solid, and has an outstanding motorized attachment brush. Clearly, this model is a winner.


Electrolux Oxygen 3 Ultra EL7020 powerhead canister

Specifically built for vacuuming high-pile carpeting, the Electrolux Oxygen 3 Ultra EL7020 powerhead canister is large and powerful. Its HEPA filtration system works with the sealed motor to capture microscopic particles. The powerhead head measures a wide 13 inches, which should cut down on the number of passes you make when vacuuming a big room. And the tools are quite exceptional on this model. Replacement bags utilize a tab-operated auto close system to keep debris locked inside, and electronic indicators alert you when the filter needs cleaning or a new bag is required. Another great feature: adjusting the head to varying depths of pile is done by a simple touch of a button. And the telescopic wands make easy work of cleaning hard-to-reach places. Last but not least, large soft-coated wheels protect your floors.

Dirt Devil Purpose for Pets Portable Extractor SE3890

It's not always easy to find stains from pets, but the Dirt Devil Purpose for Pets Portable Extractor SE3890 makes the task just a little easier. Stains can be tracked down by sight or scent, however the built-in blacklight on this vacuum reveals what can't be seen in regular lighting. The Portable Extractor is easy to move around the house due to its light weight, built-in hose/cord storage compartment and the 15-foot extension cord.

Fill up one of the water tanks with hot water (necessary to produce a steam effect) and cleaning solution. Once you begin vacuuming, all of the dirty water streams into a second tank. Both tanks are clear so you can see how much clean water is left as well as how much of a mess your pet left behind.