The Basics: Canister Vacuums

A vacuum cleaner is a lightweight, easily portable alternative to an upright vacuum. The majority of canister vacuums possess a rolling tank linked by a flexible hose to a wide nozzle. Numerous canister vacuums also possess a tool caddy attached towards the canister body, also as rotating bristles within the nozzle. Canister vacuums might be used on carpeted surfaces, including areas that will be hard to reach with an upright vacuum, like stairs.

Canister vacuums are a versatile option for all those who require to clean multiple surfaces, ranging from carpets to tile to hardwood floors. Thanks to an option to turn off the rotating brushes on the main nozzle, many of these vacuums are safe to make use of on bare floors. Canister vacuums with adjustable suction are perfect for the cleaning fabrics and rugs.

Canisters are usually simpler to push than upright models, but might be much more hard to store if the versatile hose doesn't nest on the canister physique. Hoses that swivel in the base are the best choice for ease of use and maneuverability.

Best canister vacuums have some kind of filtration system, onboard attachments and retractable power cords. Most function collection bags, but a few bagless varieties are available. Although a greater selection of upright vacuums are typically found on shop shelves, canister vacuums are slowly gaining in market share and popularity, and have usually maintained a loyal following of tried-and-true canister users.

Canister vacuums range in cost from $60 to more than $1,000. Most canister vacuums possess a 1-year warranty that covers parts and labor. Some brands offer a 3- to 5-year warranty. Nearly all brands offer an extended warranty for an additional price.

How to Shop

When you shop for the best Canister Vacuum, search for needs-based functions, such as versatile tools if you have a great deal of furniture, molding and drapes to clean; longer cords and hoses when you have a big space; and lighter-weight machines in the event you need to transport the unit in between floors. If feasible, take a vacuum for a test drive and make sure the attachments are simple to use, the collection canister is easy to empty, and the unit is simple to maneuver.

If the occupants of one's house are allergy prone, think about a HEPA (high efficiency specific air) system. A HEPA system is a sealed filtration system that retains up to 99 percent of the dirt, dust, pollens and mites encountered throughout vacuuming.

Carefully examine the brush roll located on the primary nozzle. Some units have independent motors that let the brush roll dig deeper into thick-pile carpet. Other people have turbo- or suction-driven brush tools, which have less strength but might nonetheless be adequate for the requirements. A few models now include "pet" tools, which are essentially hand tools with rotating, agitating brushes marketed to tackle problem pet hair.

Do not be fooled by gimmicky functions. Although a vacuum might possess a pet hair program or the newest HEPA filtration system, that doesn't mean it is a perfect performer. For instance, a vacuum's ability to choose up all the dust, dirt and pollen feasible depends just as much on the style of the vacuum as on its filter program. The same applies for dirt sensors. Some canister vacuums possess a light-up "dirt sensor." Nevertheless, this sensor only indicates when the vacuum has stopped picking up dirt, not necessarily whether there's nonetheless dirt left within the rug.