The Basics: Upright Vacuum Cleaners
Most manufacturers claim their upright vacuums have similar benefits, such as cleaning tools with powerful suction, useful attachments, clean air exhaust, convenience features and more. This can make it difficult to separate the gimmicky from the truly great. In fact, the most difficult part of owning an upright vacuum is probably buying one. Consumer Guide has created an in-depth rating system that spells out, at a glance, which vacuums best suit your needs and budget.What is the first step in choosing an upright vacuum? Identify what you will most often clean with the vacuum. This may seem obvious, but giving it some thought allows you to prioritize certain features, such as bare floor attachments, onboard upholstery attachments or powerful main bristles. Is your home carpeted from one end to another? Or, do you have a combination of area rugs and hardwood floors? If you'll want a vacuum to do double-duty by dusting ceiling fans and windowsills, make sure it has a lengthy extension hose and the right attachments. If you have special considerations, like allergies or an abundance of pet hair, look for models with clean air exhaust, HEPA filters or pet hair removal attachments.
Many vacuum manufacturers offer one-year warranties, but we recommend warranties that last at least two years. Some companies, like Dyson, offer a five-year warranty. It's also important to know if a company offers separate warranties for "parts" and "labor." For example, the parts warranty could be one year and the labor warranty could be as little as 90 days.
Expect to spend $100 to $500 for an upright vacuum. At the lower end of the price spectrum, you'll find only the most basic models. These are OK if you plan to only use a vacuum for light cleaning. If a vacuum will be a big part of your cleaning routine, shell out a few more dollars for performance and convenience features. It will be worth it.
How to Shop
The current trend in upright vacuums is "bagless." This means the vacuum foregoes the traditional disposable bag in favor of a reusable, often filtered canister to collect debris. Bagless vacuums use centrifugal force to separate particles from air flowing through this cylindrical collection vessel.Most manufacturers now offer a bagless upright vacuum, but many perform with varying degrees of success. One of the biggest problems we've encountered during our testing of bagless models is that, unless designed correctly, the canister filters can easily become clogged and cause the vacuum to lose suction. A bagless vacuum that really works, however, can make a real difference. Not only does it do a better job of removing carpet debris, but it also saves you the cost of buying replacement bags.
Traditional models that use a disposable bag are still widely available. One manufacturer has added germicidal UV light to kill dust mites and allergens while vacuuming. All bagged models should have a light that indicates when the bag needs changing. Otherwise, you'll have to open the vacuum and check the bag to find out.
Whether a bagless or traditional model, an increasing number of vacuums are incorporating a HEPA filter. A "true" HEPA filter has a sealed airflow system that removes more than 99 percent of 0.3 micron diameter or larger particles from air passing through the filter system. Alternatively, HEPA-type filters still filter the air passing through the system, but trap a lesser percentage of dust and allergens.
Most upright vacuums have cleaning paths that range from 12 to 15 inches. If you have a lot of room to cover, look for vacuums with a wider cleaning path. A handful of upright vacuums have additional bristles, called edge cleaners, on each side of the main vacuum head. This makes it easier to clean next to baseboards or in corners.
The main vacuum head should be covered with a soft bumper guard to protect furniture, walls and baseboards. An always-on headlight can help illuminate dark areas under furniture and in corners. A self-propelled vacuum can make it less of a chore to push.
The majority of upright vacuums come with standard attachments, such as a crevice tool and upholstery tool. These tools usually fit onto an onboard hose or extension wand. Some models include a dusting brush, and the current trend is to also include specialized tools for picking up pet hair. If you plan on using accessories during your cleaning routine, look for a vacuum with a hose at least 9 feet long attached to a vacuum stable enough not to easily tip.
Many upright vacuums have a carpet height adjustment so the vacuum performs more efficiently on deep pile versus a thin area rug. An increasing number of upright vacuums now come with a bare floor cleaning attachment or an adjustable setting on the main vacuum head designed for bare floors. This setting should turn the main bristles off so there is not a risk of scratching hardwood or other bare floors.
A power cord of at least 25 feet will allow you to vacuum most rooms without switching to a closer outlet. Some models now have power cords of more than 30 feet.
