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The Best Vacuums

Last updated on July 30, 2024
Categories Cleaning, Home Tags
Best Vacuum

Our Review Process

Don't Waste Your Money is focused on helping you make the best purchasing decision. Our team of experts spends hundreds of hours analyzing, testing, and researching products so you don't have to. Learn more.

Look for the DWYM seal for products that are the best in a category.

Our Picks For The Top Vacuums

View All Recommendations
Product Overview
Key Takeaway
  The Best Overall

Tineco iFLOOR3 Upright Self-Propelled Wet Dry Vacuum

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

Tineco

iFLOOR3 Upright Self-Propelled Wet Dry Vacuum

If you're looking for a reliable wet dry vacuum to keep your sealed hardwood floors looking their best, this model is an excellent choice. It's lightweight and easy to maneuver and can run for up to 25 minutes on one charge. It also runs quietly, so you'll be able to clean while your little ones nap.

Overall Take

Top ChoiceThanks to the two-tank technology used on this wet dry vacuum, you don't have to worry about your clean and dirty water mixing.

 We Also Like

Bissell CleanView Anti-Pet Hair Vacuum

Bissell

CleanView Anti-Pet Hair Vacuum

When you opt to purchase this vacuum, you'll also be supporting a charitable pet foundation. The vacuum uses a triple action brush roll and scatter-free technology to lift up pet hair and clean away pet spills. As an added bonus, the unit comes with a pet corner tool and a stair brush.

Overall Take

Great for FidoThe easy to operate vacuum is specially designed for use in homes with cats and dogs.

 Strong Contender

Dirt Devil Endura Easy Empty Compact Vacuum

Dirt Devil

Endura Easy Empty Compact Vacuum

This compact upright vacuum is stronger than it looks, with a multi-floor brush roll and its patented filtration system for a purer clean.

Overall Take

Better Technology, Better SuctionYou can power through pet hair and dirt with this lightweight, easy-to-use vacuum.

 Also Great

Kenmore DU2012 Flexible Hose Swivel Vacuum

Kenmore

Flexible Hose Swivel Vacuum

The 10-foot hose on this vacuum allows you to reach cobwebs in the ceiling and the spaces underneath your furniture. The vacuum is also lightweight and has a swivel, making it easy to maneuver around coffee tables and toy boxes. Pet owners will appreciate the added upholstery brush, which makes quick work of removing pet hair from sofas.

Overall Take

Color OptionsYou can get this versatile vacuum in either blue or green.

Buying Guide

Did you know that 98% of households have a vacuum cleaner and that the sale of these vacuums reached $4.6 billion in 2019? The figure is expected to grow each year by 2%. It’s no wonder why this tool is so popular, as most vacuums are now designed to be used on all floor types, not just carpet. If you’re in the market for a new vacuum, consider the following features:

Look for a model that is easy to operate that doesn’t require great force when you need to change direction. Some models use Rotator Technology Enhanced Swivel Steering, so you can move the vacuum in a new direction with just the twist of your wrist. Swivel technology also makes it easier to reach spots a standard vacuum can’t. 

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Check that the vacuum has a HEPA filter if you or anyone in your home suffers from allergies. You’ll find vacuum cleaners that not only have a HEPA filter, but also utilizes Anti Allergen Complete Seal Technology to get rid of 99.9% of dust and allergens. 

Review the capacity of the vacuum’s dust cup. The larger the capacity, the more the likelihood that you’ll be able to complete this household chore without having to stop and empty the cup. You’ll also want to make sure that the dust cup is easy to remove. Many models now make it so you can remove the dust cup with the press of just one button. 

Consider a vacuum specifically designed for use in homes with pets if you have a cat or dog living in your house. The Bissell Cleanview Upright Bagless 2252, for example, comes with a triple action brush roll and scatter-free technology to skillfully clean up pet hair and spilled food. As an added bonus, BISSELL donates money to the BISSELL Pet Foundation from every sale.

Determine how portable you need the vacuum to be. Some models are lightweight, weighing just 3.3 pounds. Not only are these vacuums light as a feather, but they also doesn’t require the use of a cord. Once the vacuum’s been fully charged, it can be operated for as long as 35 minutes. That’s plenty of time to clean several rooms within your home, if not all of them.

Finally, take a look at any extra features or tools that come with the vacuum cleaner. Does it have an ergonomic handle, an upholstery tool, a pet brush or a wand that extends your reach so you can vacuum cobwebs out of corners? These added features may help you come to a final decision if you’re debating between two models.

What to Look For

  • It’s good practice to empty your vacuum’s dust cup after each use. You’ll also want to schedule a good cleaning of the dust cup once a month. All you need is a little dish soap and hot water to get the job done. You can dry the unit with a lint-free cloth or allow it to air dry before you attach it back to the vacuum.
  • When hair begins to wrap around the bottom brushes of your vacuum, you may find it difficult to remove the hair with traditional scissors. A little trick is to use a seam ripper to completely untangle and remove the hair with less effort.
  • Wiping underneath the vacuum occasionally with rubbing alcohol is good practice, as this helps to disinfect the area.
  • If your vacuum cleaner has filters, you’ll want to keep an eye on them. Foam filters can be rinsed clean, while other types must be replaced from time to time. Your vacuum’s user manual will give you a suggestion as to how often to wash or replace any filters.
  • There are a lot of factors involved in the price of vacuum cleaners, such as the number of features, the inclusion of accessories and the weight of the vacuum. You’ll also find certain brands are more expensive than others.

More to Explore

The earliest vacuums were not as easy to use as today’s modern versions. In fact, many of the early models actually required two people to use them to successfully get the carpets cleaned. The vacuums didn’t have motors, and therefore, would only work after the user first cranked the handle that initiated the belt-driven fan.

If you have an interest in learning how vacuums have evolved over the year, plan a visit to one of several vacuum cleaner museums. There’s the Vacuum Cleaner Museum of Portland, Oregon, the Vacuum Cleaner Museum of North Canton, Ohio, and the Vacuum Cleaner Museum of Rolla, Missouri.

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