• Last updatedLast updated: Nov 10, 2022

10 Reliable Canister Vacuums – Comprehensive 2022 Buyer’s Guide

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We knew you couldn’t stay away for long. Now, when you’re buying a new appliance or product for your home, it’s quite normal to carry out some research so you don’t end up with a product that completely sucks. Today, we’re flipping things an entire 180 degrees because if you’re looking for the best canister vacuum on the planet, then you’ll want the one that sucks the most.

So, why a canister vacuum?

Simple, these units have been traditionally ideal for hard surfaces such as stone, tile, and hardwood floors and still manage to remain versatile enough to clean drapes, upholstery, and stairs.

Combine that with the fact that canister vacuum cleaners are built with long, adjustable hoses for easier maneuverability, and you’ve got all the reasons you need to get one. Whether you want a bagged canister vacuum or a bagless canister cleaner, there’s always something for everyone.

We know you’re a very busy bee, so we’ve already compiled a list of our top 10 most popular models for you to choose from.

Back again for some casual shopping?

Features
  • Constructed for zero suction loss
  • No dirty filters to wash or replace thanks to Cinetic science
  • Contains self-righting mechanism when toppled
  • HYGIENIC dirt ejector that drives out trapped dust as you empty
  • Carbo fiber turbine head that picks up fine dust

Hands up if you’ve never had a run in with a product from Dyson?

Don’t worry; there’s no shame in it. While Dyson excels in creating absolutely gorgeous and breathtaking vacuums, the brand is also renowned for prices that are off the chain. The Dyson Cinetic Big Ball Animal Canister Vacuum certainly lives up to the name. This sleek, modern vacuum not only stands out in a crowd, but it’s also by far the most expensive bagless canister in our entire top 10 list.

Conclusion

You’ve probably heard this a million times, but the Dyson Ball Animal Canister Vacuum is basically the perfect canister vacuum ever invented by man. The unit handles virtually all surfaces well, and the base even turns around easily as you change directions,  just as if you are playing video games.

The vacuum automatically corrects itself when tipped over with just a slight tug. The larger wheels on the base roll with a reduced level of friction, making movement a breeze. The canister is also super easy to empty, and the bin is large in spite of the vacuum’s featherweight design. For all these reasons and more, the Dyson Cinetic Big Ball Animal deserves all the respect it gets.

It does not come as a surprise that this unit is the preferred choice for many home improvement enthusiasts.

What are our favorite features?

  • Glides along the floor effortlessly
  • Optimal performance on literally all surfaces
  • Unique, self-righting mechanism allows for no messes
  • Non-tangling turbine tool make work easier

What could be better?

  • At 81 dB, the Big Ball multifloor vacuum is quite noisy when running
Features
  • Designed for home, garage, and car cleaning
  • Power-Touch handle with user-friendly fingertip controls
  • Incorporates extra port for shooting leaves and debris
  • Ultra light exterior
  • Long, 20’ cord for more reach

Let me take a wild guess here; most of you probably want something that won’t cost them an arm and a leg, am I right?

Yeah, we thought as much; that’s why we’ve looked for a cleaner that is as cheap and as affordable as they come. You won’t see hefty charges on your credit card statement. Sleek, compact, packed with intriguing features and excitingly affordable, here’s the Eureka Mighty Mite Canister Vacuum.

Conclusion

As the intro said, the Mighty Mite Canister Vacuum a sleek, compact unit that makes bare floor, tile, and wood vacuuming very easy. Equipped with powerful brush rolls for carpet cleaning and an entire set of tools for stair and upholstery, there’s no excuse not to give those blinds and curtains a nice vacuum.

Since the entire setup only weighs less than 9 pounds, you won’t have much problem using the handle to move Mighty Mite 3670g unit around. But just in case you do, the wheels at the canister base will help you roll right where you need it. The icing on the cake is a 20-foot power cord that lets you clean even larger halls without much issue.

What stands out?

  • Wide range of tools and accessories for all round cleaning
  • Powerful suction thanks to 12-amp motor
  • Comes with a full year limited warranty
  • Incredibly durable construction

What cons did we manage to find?

  • Careful with the stiff hose or you’ll put kinks, breaks and weak spots on it
Features
  • Spotlight handle for cleaning dark areas
  • Telescopic, stainless steel wand for extended reach
  • Specialized castor wheels for cleaning uneven surfaces
  • AirClean filtration system that captures 99.9% microscopic elements
  • Integrated accessories, including a dusting brush, upholstery tool and crevice nozzle

If you are a fan of European-made electronics and domestic appliances, then you must have heard about Miele. This German brand has been manufacturing high-end products for American households for centuries. Some popular brands include the Miele compact c2 electro and the C3 Marin Canister Vacuum Cleaner among many others.

The New Miele Complete C3 Alize Canister Vacuum is the latest addition in a long list of high-quality products that walk the talk. The unit is similar to the complete c3 Marin canister vacuum in almost all aspects. It features an AirTeQ floor tool and self-adjusting automatic settings for the ultimate floor care. It can automatically adjust suction depending on the floor that you are working on.

Conclusion

Give credit where it’s due.

The Miele brand has been around for close to two centuries, offering high quality products that live up to the billing. By the time you are done using the New Miele Complete C3 Alize Canister Vacuum, your house will be sparkling clean much to the envy of your neighbors. Some claim that it works better than the Soniclean galaxy canister vacuum, which is another superb cleaner.

Disregarding the price tag, this canister vacuum features everything you would ever want in a cleaner. Compared to its upgraded version, the complete C3 Marin canister vacuum, this unit literally sucks up everything and vacuum cleans all types of surfaces, including low pile carpets, rugs, tiles and other smooth and hard surfaces.

In view of all these abilities, it is safe to say that the Miele brand remains one of the most revered robot vacuums in the industry.

For best results when using a canister vacuum cleaner, always vacuum in slow motion.

What stands out?

  • Versatile cleaner for all types of surfaces
  • Comfort grip handle for maximum control
  • Automatic operation for easy transition from hard to soft surfaces
  • Comes with extra tools and accessories

What cons did we manage to find?

  • The New Miele Complete C3 vac is a little bit pricey
  • Not recommended for medium and high pile carpeting
Features
  • Built for superior performance on super plush carpets
  • Brush roll clean tech for patented self-cleaning
  • Adjustable suction power for safe cleaning
  • Larger rear wheels for lower center of gravity

Here’s another interesting product with all the typical features of a high-end cleaner.

The Electrolux EL4335A Corded Ultra Flex Canister Vacuum is the newest kid on the block designed for excellent performance everywhere. The vacuum is designed with all the accessories you need to get every inch of your house looking spotless.

Conclusion

Don’t you just hate it when your ordinary vacuum just ruffles up your carpet without really getting any of the dirt particles? Me too.

That’s why we have to insist once more that the Electrolux EL4335A Corded Ultra Flex Canister Vacuum is engineered for optimum performance on plush carpets. The UltraFlex incorporates an on and off brush roll switch, and a 3 level height adjust to get to all those different surfaces.

The adjustable suction lets you lower the suction so that you can clean an array of surfaces. We were also impressed by the 21 feet automatic cord rewind as well as an 8-foot hose and telescopic wand that all combine to give users a total of 33 feet of reach.

This product works just as good as a Soniclean Galaxy or a Mighty Mite 3670g canister vacuum cleaner. What is more amazing is that it costs only a fraction of their price.

So what are you waiting for?

Try this unit today for a splendid floor care job.

Why are we impressed?

  • Extremely long cleaning reach
  • Fingertip controls for seamless vacuuming
  • Premium HEPA filter that captures 99.9 percent of allergens and dust

What negatives must you be aware of?

  • Unit is a bit on the pricey side
Features

If you’ve been paying any attention to recent trends in the cleaning industry, you’ll notice that canisters have taken the world by storm.

Aside from being far more lighter, agile and maneuverable than upright models, canister vacuums are ideal for cleaning under tables, chairs, and furniture. It may not be the cheapest product in the shop, but the Bissell Hard Floor Expert Deluxe Canister Vacuum boasts of class and elegance, making it far more superior than its predecessor, the Bissell Zing bagged canister vacuum.

Conclusion

The Bissell 1161 Hard Floor Expert Deluxe Canister Vacuum gives users a lightweight, specialized tool and a way to gently yet powerfully clean an array of floors and surfaces.

This is all made possible by the extra soft bristles that offer peace of mind. Trust me the last thing you want is for your hard floors to get all scratched up. Apart from rubber wheels that don’t mark your floors, the Bissell hard floor expert incorporates digital fingertip controls that let you reduce suction power for area rugs. 

With this excellent addition, floor care has never been easier.

So what are you waiting for?

Pick up your cell phone and call your local supplier as soon as possible for inquiries about the availability of this product.

What stands out?

  • Non-marking wheels make it safe for all hard floors
  • Soft bristles mean no scratches
  • Super easy to empty and clean the dirt tank

What cons did we manage to find?

  • The brush rolls have been pointed out as quite fragile
Features
  • Shoulder strap and integrated handle on canister for portability
  • Powerful two-stage 4-amp motor with more vacuuming capacity
  • 4-foot hose with adjustable extension wand
  • 30-foot power cord gives users more coverage area without changing outlet

Introducing a neat product from one of America’s most beloved brand, it’s quite evident why Oreck boasts of a fiercely loyal customer base. Their high quality, light, and incredibly powerful premium cleaners have already made a name for themselves in both commercial and residential settings.

Today, we’ll be glancing into the Oreck Commercial BB900DGR XL Pro 5 Super Compact Canister Vacuum and all that this mean kid has to offer.

Conclusion

How many of you here remember that ad where a cleaner from Oreck was successfully used to pick up a bowling ball?

If your hand I up, then you’re officially old. The Oreck Commercial BB900DGR XL Pro 5 Super Compact Canister Vacuum is a clever redesign of the older version that is easier to use, incredibly versatile and relatively portable.

Whether you are vacuuming your floor or carpet, always work towards the door to avoid stepping on already vacuumed areas.

In addition to being ideal for commercial settings, the BB900DGR also comes with various cleaning attachments that are optimized for several surfaces. Whether you’re vacuuming ceilings, bookshelves, fans, stairs, furniture, bookshelves, light fixtures, curtains and others.

However, the unit lacks wheels. So you’ll have to either carry it by hand or use the shoulder strap for longer cleaning jobs.

What makes it stand out?

  • Extremely long 30-foot power cord
  • Comes with filter and disposable bag
  • Includes full set of neat detailing tools

Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?

  • Customers have claimed that it takes several passes to get deeply ground dirt
Features
  • High Powered 12-amp motor to cut through any mess with constant power
  • Comes with a premium stretch hose with 32.5“ telescopic handle for extended reach
  • Variable control for the perfect amount of suction
  • Automatic rewind for 20-foot cord
  • Purchase includes a dusting brush, crevice tool, and floor nozzle

Here’s another bagless vacuum cleaner that closely resembles something from Bissell. The only difference is that you won’t have to cough up an arm and a leg to afford this bad boy.

The power cord may not be as long as our previous version, but you’ll still get quite the reach thanks to the 16 feet available. We’ve got, to be honest with you; our reviewers were blown away by the unit’s capability to suck up both human and pet hair.

Conclusion

It’s time to say goodbye to all those stubborn debris that always seem to hide out in the hardest to reach spots. With the Dirt Devil Vacuum Cleaner EZ Lite Corded Bagless Canister Vacuum SD40010 in your home, you have the power to clean virtually any surface. The extensive array of attachments let you clean your upholstery, floors, curtains, drapes, carpets and plenty more surfaces.

All the dirt and particles get trapped in the bagless dirt cup that is super easy to empty and clean out. As if that wasn’t enough, Dirt Devil went ahead and incorporated a two-year limited warranty and a washable HEPA filter.

Why did it make our list?

  • Ideal for cleaning your rug, carpet, curtain, and upholstery
  • Powerful motor with incredible suction
  • Adjustable telescopic wand to get to lower and higher areas

What is not ideal about it?

  • Tends to clog every now and then
Features
  • Comes with a stair grip for easy stair cleaning
  • Features Pet PowerMate for cleaning pet hair from furniture, carpets and even car seats
  • Telescopic wand for extended reach and above-floor cleaning
  • Bare floor nozzle for cleaning bare surfaces
  • HEPA cloth for enhanced filtration

Can we tell you a secret?

If you are looking for a canister Vacuum that is unique in color yet efficient in its operation, then consider the Kenmore 81614 Bagged Cannister vac with Pet PowerMate. Featuring a powerful 2-motor system, coupled with an advanced HEPA filtration system, the unit works magic when it comes to cleaning up the home and removing embedded dirt from high-pile carpets.

It comes with 2 floor nozzles and an exclusive floor brush component that ensure a comprehensive all-round cleaning. Worry not if you have pets at home as this unit picks up pet hair without breaking a sweat. As if that’s not enough, this canister vacuum cleaner comes with a crevice tool and dusting brush for enhanced versatility. With all these amazing features, this unit offers good value for your money.

Let’s face it.

Maintaining a clean house is not an easy task. You have to push and shove until everything falls into place. However, with the Kenmore 81614 Bagged Canister Vac with Pet PowerMate in Purplecleaning has never been easier. Whether you have playful kids or pets, this unit delivers more than impressive results for all types of surfaces. It can clean above-floor surfaces effortlessly, making it a favorite for those looking for a more versatile machine.

What is more amazing is that it comes at a price way below what other brands are offering, making it not only affordable, but also a must-have bagged canister vacuum cleaner for any home improvement project.

Most canister vacuum cleaners come with integrated tools and accessories for a thorough cleaning experience.

What makes it stand out?

  • Kenmore is a reputable brand
  • Comes with a PowerMate unit ideal for pet owners
  • Power Flow technology that never loses suction
  • Automatic cord rewind for enhanced portability and easy storage
  • Pop-n-Go floor brush for versatile cleaning
  • Extremely affordable

Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?

  • Limited information on warranty
  • Power head is a little bit delicate
  • Fragile handle that may break easily
RELATED: 8 Incredible Bagged Vacuums to Clean All Kinds of Surfaces
Features
  • Lightweight powered lift-away w/ zero loss of suction
  • Comes with Anti-allergen complete seal technology
  • Powered motor-powered brush in canister and lift-away modes
  • Cleans rugs, carpets, and bare floors
  • On board convenient storage for dusting brush and crevice tool

If you’re looking for the ultimate, versatile way to clean your home, then there just might be a brand ho ha got your back. The Shark Rotator Powered Lift-Away Canister has been getting plenty of hype for all the right reasons.

One of the most critical features that have put this unit on the map has to be the Lift-Away feature that allows for simple and versatile cleaning all around the home.

Conclusion

The Shark Rotator Powered Lift-Away Canister is Shark’s state of the art vacuum that operates in both hand-held and canister modes. The unit itself is lightweight and upper easy to move thanks to the wheeled caddy. But that’s just the very least of it.

This canister vacuum from Shark has a motorized floor brush nozzle with extremely powerful LED lights that illuminate those dark, dirty areas. For those of you health nuts, you’ll be glad to hear the Shark Rotator includes Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology as well as HEPA, which effectively traps 99.99 percent of dust, mites, and allergens inside the vacuum.

If you are looking for the perfect gift card idea for your wife, then this cleaner is worth checking out. Forget about fancy robot vacuum that does nothing!

What stands out?

  • Incredibly effective suction
  • Longer cord gives you more reach
  • LED light allow for better visibility in the dark

What cons did we manage to find?

  • Main brush head is so small that it takes longer to clean
Features
  • Engineered for multi-surface cleaning at the flip of a switch
  • Three stage filtration system
  • Cyclonic action for powerful suction
  • Bagless convenience for undisturbed vacuuming
  • Washable and reusable filters

Your average nerd will describe canister vacuums as units that are low to the ground with long hoses and a wand attached at the tip. The BISSELL Zing Rewind Bagless Canister Vacuum lives up to this description with a highly portable design that allows you to cart the canister behind as you vacuum.

Offering all the benefits of an upright, full vacuum but virtually none of the weaknesses, the Zing Rewind will feel right at home cleaning hard to reach places. Its lightweight design makes it the preferred option to the Bissell Zing bagged canister vacuum that seems far much heavier.

Conclusion

We wouldn’t want to rip those curtains off the wall now, would we?

You heard it first at the review haven; the Zing Rewind Bagless Canister Vacuum from Bissell is the ultimate home cleaning system. If you’re looking for something lightweight, compact and incredibly flexible, then this bad boy is your new best friend. The unit’s design makes it ideal for cleaning large home and traveling up and down flights of stairs.

Thanks to the carrying handle and wheels, you won’t have to worry about how portable your new unit will be. Some of the fancy features and accessories include crevice and dusting brushes to capture all the dirt as well as variable suction control for lower settings when cleaning curtain and upholstery.

Why did it make our list?

  • Super light and portable design
  • Superior performance on stairs
  • Versatile, multi-surface cleaning function

What is not ideal about it?

  • Not product related, but Bissell may not have the best customer service

Things to Consider

How We Tested

Picking out even one canister vacuum is definitely not an easy job. I’m sure you’re wondering how on earth we managed to get 10 of the best canisters on the planet; and all on one handy list!

Well, I can tell you for a fact that it involved a ton of sleepless nights followed by longer, dusty days. We were mistaken by the neighbors for playing video games late at night! Nevertheless, our review team took time to research some of the most popular models on the markets as well as interview life-long canister vacuum users to make your decision as less confusing as possible.

We recognize that different people look for different qualities in vacuums; that’s why we ranked multiple features of top models, their prices and function too. We even took into consideration their performance on different surfaces such as carpets, curtains, upholstery, cars and hard surfaces.

It’s safe to say that our testing methods took a lot of models through a whole lot of abuse in search of the top canister vacuum on the planet. But in the end, it was all worth it to give everyone products that have been tried and tested through fire, water, and ice and found fit for everyday use.

10 Reliable Canister Vacuums - Comprehensive 2022 Buyer's GuideHow to Choose Best Canister Vacuum

Whether you are following your instincts or using a buying guide, there are plenty of different factors that come into play when choosing a vacuum whether canister one or the whole central vacuum system. However, going for one with a canister requires even more consideration. These factors include:

  • Choose According to Floor Type

It’s common knowledge that most canister vacuums excel on bare floors, while uprights are normally better players on plush carpeting and rugs. But if you’ve got your mind set on a canister vacuum for jobs such as cleaning wall-to-wall carpeting or a ton of area rugs, then you absolutely have to choose a model that either has a dedicated powered attachment for carpets or a powered on/off brush roll.

Fortunately, most of the today’s modern canister vacs come with an array of accessories designed to help you clean a wide range of surfaces all with one handy cleaner.  Additionally, these units come with various features that deliver the ultimate floor care. It’s super important if you are planning to start sleeping on the floor and looking for a good mattress under 300$.

That ought to make anyone decision far much easier, am I right?

  • Consider Your Home’s Layout

One of the most common mistakes that most people make is to hop according to budget and budget alone.

Sure, it’s always nice to save u on a few coins, but then what use is a vacuum that can’t vacuum?

If you have an open floor plan, then maneuverability is probably less of a concern.

Therefore, you could buy a heavier and less mobile vacuum without an issue. However, homeowners with plenty of tight and tiny spaces, small rooms and linear hallways will have to look for a unit with as much portability as possible. Similarly, you should look for a vacuum that’s lighter and pretty well-balanced if you’ll need to haul the unit up and down the stairs often.

  • Anyone With Allergies?

Typically, vacuuming tends to kick up quite a fair amount of dust. This is why it is not advisable to vacuum hen there are asthmatic persons or people with allergies in the house. The perfect vacuum for allergy sufferers is one with HEPA allergen filtration.

HEPA filtration traps all particles down to 0.3 microns in size and keeps them from exiting through the vacuum’s exhaust. That translates to less dust left behind, fewer debris, pet dander and any pollutant that can aggravate allergy symptoms.

A complete buying guide cannot end without highlighting the best features to look out for.

Now for the best part; are you ready to get your geek on? 

10 Reliable Canister Vacuums - Comprehensive 2022 Buyer's GuideMain Features of Canister Vacuums

  • Multiple Filtration Levels

This is without question one of the most crucial features to look out for when shopping for canister vacuums. Typically, vacs with more than a single level of filtration naturally have multiple opportunities to get rid of more particles from the exhaust and trap tinier particles. Not only will this feature give you better performance, but you can also look forward to a significant boost in indoor air quality.

  • Long Hose

Most attachments go right on the far end of your vac hose, so an upholstery tool attached to the end of a long hose means better reach without having to move the canister itself. This also leads to a wider cleaning radius. The wider the cleaning path or sweep, the fewer passes you’ll have to make when cleaning.

  • Bags

Ah yes; the age-old question of to bag, or not to bag?

On the one hand, you’ve got your bagless units where you’ll simply have to rinse out the canister. On the other hand, there are the bagged canister vacuums where you toss the bag in the trash when you’re done vacuuming.

The obvious advantage with bagless vacs is that there’s absolutely no need to chuck out your credit card to buy new bags every time you run out. Not only does this make it much easier to keep your home squeaky clean, but you also save money while you’re at it too. Likewise, anyone who relishes seeing their own progress, will be more than glad to have a canister with a dirt chamber that fills up as you clean.

Of course, the flip-side is that you’ll always have to empty out the dirt chamber without the merits of a neat and tidy bag. Definitely not the most ideal circumstances for those with asthma, allergies and dust sensitivity.

The appeal of having a bagged canister is plenty obvious to anyone who’s emptied an unwieldy vacuum after a major clean. You simply can’t deny the simplicity of tossing an enclosed bag without making a mess. Plus, choosing a bagged cleaner increases your chances of getting one with top rate filters. Many of the top line brands combine HEPA filters with additional filtration systems built into the bags, making these units the perfect gift cards for people with allergies.

One more thing; bagless vacuums are more convenient and cost less to maintain compared to bagged canister vacuums.

Care and Maintenance

Electrolux EL4335A Corded Ultra Flex Canister VacuumUnlike full standing vacuum cleaner, canister vacuums do not really require a lot of cleaning or maintenance; especially if you have a bagged unit.

The only maintenance practice you have to carry out is removing and replacing the dust bag every once in a while when it gets full. And don’t forget to clean the hose and any attachments after a particularly heavy cleaning job.

However, it’s the bagless vacuums that require more cleaning and maintenance. For starters, emptying the collection area can be quite a hassle and can be often messy. If you have any allergies, make sure you are well covered since dust particles will fly all over the place. But if you have a really massive, bagless canister vacuum, then it could be weeks or months before you have to empty it.

Warranty

Canister vacuum cleaners are just like infrared heaters that change rapidly thus, it is not easy foreseeing the quality of fabrication as well as the shelf life of a given model. However, the length of the manufacturer’s warranty is always a good way to determine what to expect.

It indicates the level of trust that the manufacturer has in their own product, and is, therefore, the best reliability indicator you could possibly find. Manufacturer’s warranties may range between 1 year (or even months) all the way to 5 years. However, stronger brands may give decades on their warranty for parts such as motors and casings of vacuum cleaners. When shopping, make sure you check out what other customers are saying about the durability and lifespan.

FAQ

While there isn’t really a set tag or price point where you abruptly crossover from low to high-quality, there is a general rule that the more you pay, the better the quality and number of features you get. However, buying according to features instead of price lead to more customer satisfaction.

The quieter an appliance is, the more pleasant it is considered. While some premium canister vacuums can go a low as the fifties in counts of decibels, others even hit 90db. Always avoid models that generate more than 85 decibels.

Nope. In fact, some of them can barely lift dog fur from certain upholstery. Keep an eye out for special attachments and nozzle designed specifically for pet hair.

Final Verdict

There you have it; the top 10 best canister vacuum of all time and a buyer’s guide to help make shopping that much easier. Our work is all done; it’s now up to you to take the net step. But wait! You didn’t think we’d leave without naming our champion of the day now, did you? After hours of deliberation, debate and a lot of arguing, our reviewers have finally come to a decision. Our principles are that performance, quality and comfort will always beat low prices any day of the week, especially when it comes to you and your family’s health. That’s why today’s winner has to be The Dyson Cinetic Big Ball Animal Canister Vacuum. This sleek, modern vacuum not only stands out in a crowd, but it’s also by far the safest, most compliant and convenient, feature-packed canister vacuum in our entire top 10 list. The Dyson Ball is unrivaled and its very concept makes it worth its weight in gold.

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