Best Upright Vacuums
Every homeowner has at least one vacuum cleaner at home so we can say this appliance is as popular and indispensable as a fridge or a television. Some people own a classic canister model and others are more into the upright one because it’s more compact and easier to maneuver. If you don’t have one yet, perhaps our article will help you discover the utility of this standing vacuum.
Top 5 Upright Vacuums Comparison
Reviews of the Top Upright Vacuums of 2018
Dyson 206900-01
The reasons why this vacuum is the best sellers are endless. As soon as you take it out of the box you will notice that it has a sleek design and it’s lightweight compared to its competitors. When you start testing it you will realize that it has a self-adjusting head which means that there won’t be any more of those awkward moves and steering. In addition to this, the product also has a strong suction on carpets or any type of flooring. This is a great feature to have if you have children or pets. Another great feature that this product has is that it traps bacteria or dirt which can cause allergies inside of the machine. When you want to release the dirt, you can do it fast by pushing just one button to empty it. Furthermore, the company is known that before they release a product on the market, they test it for many years so they are sure to put only the best for their customers.
PROS |
CONS |
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| Great customer service | Some people claim the item is heavy |
| Easy to clean | |
| Long cord so it’s perfect for large areas | |
| Durable item | |
| Sucks up pet and long human hairs | |
VERDICT |
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The reason why this is the bestseller is because you can count on it to vaccum whatever surface you may have. As well as, you will be pleased to know that it’s powerful enough to vacuum pet or human hairs. This means that in the long term, you will save a lot of money. |
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The reasons why this product is so popular is because it provides superior cleaning. It really is a great vacuum to have if you want a spotless home. This item sucks-up even stuck-on debris, not many vacuums can do such thing. In addition to this, it even has an anti-allergen seal technology which means that you can confidently use it if you want to get rid of bacteria or dust. You can carry this item all over the place because it’s lightweight at only 13.7lbs. The item cleans microfiber carpets and bare floors. When you receive it, you will also get an accessory bag in which you can store them.
PROS |
CONS |
|---|---|
| It’s incredibly powerful | Some claim that the buttons are flimsy |
| 5-Year Warranty | Hasn’t got a soft brush attachment |
| It has a Lift-Away canister | |
| Swivel base allows you to easily maneuver it | |
| Affordable price | |
VERDICT |
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This is another bestseller because it has a feature that sets it apart from many of its competitors. This is because many of its competitors will clean the area but it will leave behind a horrible smell. The Shark Navigator will leave you with a nice pleasant and clean smell. |
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Hoover T-Series
This product is one of the best sellers because of its flexibility. There’s a 25ft long cord and you can also attach an extension cord. However, do not worry as you can store it inside. As well as, you will be pleased to know that the item is lightweight and you can carry it with you wherever you go. The product has a unique feature which many of its competitors do not have, it will indicate when the filter needs to be checked or cleaned. Furthermore, when you receive it you will also get a service tool which will allow you to clean hard to reach cracks and corners. You can also use it on your curtains because it comes with a dusting brush. The many great reviews this product has all over the internet describe it as one of the best on the market and very easy to use on carpets and bare floors.
PROS |
CONS |
|---|---|
| Picks up hard to get debris | Some say that pet hair can get stuck in the canister |
| It’s one of the most quiet vacuums | Some people claim that the canister has to be changed frequently |
| It’s durable | |
| You do not need to buy extra filters or bags | |
| Affordable product | |
VERDICT |
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This is another bestseller because it has a feature that sets it apart from many of its competitors. This is because many of its competitors will clean the area but it will leave behind a horrible smell. The Shark Navigator will leave you with a nice pleasant and clean smell. |
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BISSELL CleanView Complete Pet
Those with pets trust this product to firmly clean their homes because of its amazing features. When you want to clean the tank you can easily do this by pushing a simple button. The powerful suction control will allow you to do the job fast and get on with your day. In addition to this, you can also use it on upholstery or anything as such. The extension cord is 27ft long with an automatic rewind. The reviews this product has described it as one of the easiest vacuums to use because it has an indicator light which shows if the suction is compromised. What it basically means is that if there’s an object or blockage of some kind, it will let you know that it won’t function as good as it should. This isn’t the case in normal and cheaper vacuums.
PROS |
CONS |
|---|---|
| One-touch button for easy access | It does not pull itself forward |
| Accessories are included | Some people say the canister is small |
| It’s durable | |
| People describe as lightweight | |
| Pockets friendly | |
VERDICT |
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The reason why we have chosen to include this item is because The triple-brush has long and silky bristles which will remove all the little hairs from your floor regardless if you have carpet or bare floor. This means that you can kiss goodbye to your allergies. |
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Dirt Devil Simpli-Stik
This product sells so well because of its features. The item is lightweight which means you can carry it with you wherever you go. The company took years to test and develop it and they promise it that you will get an item which will last for many years to come rather than a meaningless purchase. It comes with 1-year warranty and the brand has an excellent customer service team and they are always ready to answer any of your questions or deal with any of your concerns.
PROS |
CONS |
|---|---|
| It has a rinse filtration | It does not come with a spinning brush |
| Easy assembling | Some people say it’s too big |
| It’s durable | |
| You will not have to buy dust bags | |
| Great for multi-purpose cleaning | |
VERDICT |
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This is another popular model because you can do more than one thing with it. This product is basically 2 in 1 because it has an easy to detach hand vacuum which you can use on your tables or anywhere else you wish. |
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Types of Vacuums Available
When it comes to your options, you can choose between several types that are very much alike but differ in certain aspects, one of which is the power cord. There are corded and cordless vacuum cleaners and going for a certain type is based on your preferences and how convenient each type is. It will be easier for you to make a pick after reading the following lines.
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Corded vacuum cleaners
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Cordless vacuum cleaners
The category of corded vacuums includes both upright and canisters that are highly powerful so they can suck more debris thanks to the powerful motor they rely on. The power cord means you won’t be able to turn them on without a power supply so you need to make sure you have a socket and electricity available. You will also be limited by the length of the cord although it’s long enough to allow you to clean wide areas. They are preferred by most homeowners because they don’t rely on a battery with a short life and a long recharging time. The best models feature a retractable cord so you won’t have to worry about it lying on the floor in your path while cleaning. If you prefer fast and on-spot cleaning, you will be attracted towards a handheld vacuum that lets you clean small and tight areas like under the table or the bed.
The vacuums that don’t rely on a power cord in order to operate include a battery that needs to be recharged before every use. The battery usually takes a few hours to recharge and it lasts for a maximum of 30 minutes, depending on its power. This means that once the battery runs out, you won’t be able to use the vacuum unless you recharge it. Although the lack of a cord makes it more independent in use, the short battery lifespan makes it less helpful if you want to clean the entire house. If you are attracted to the cordless design, you must know that you might not be able to clean for more than half an hour before needing a refill.
You can choose between two types of cordless vacuums, namely a robot vacuum or a stick. Robots are small disk-shaped gadgets that operate on their own, based on a navigation system that guides them around the house. Sticks are very similar to the upright hoovers only they are more lightweight and don’t use a power cord to function.
Particularities of Standing Vacuums
The most popular type of vacuum cleaner is the canister one that includes a large compartment that contains the dust canister and a long hose with a telescopic pole and a wide brush at the end. It needs to be dragged around the house in order to reach every area, which is why some people might find it a little hard to use. For them, the upright model has been designed and it is more lightweight and comfortable to lift and carry. The upright cleaner consists of a tall pole that holds the dust can upright and features a large brush on wheels. Their effectiveness is long known due to the wide cleaning head that covers a wide area of carpet, linoleum, tile, or wood floor. It moves easily due to the 2 or 4 wheels that sustain the brushes and the swivel head that enables it to rotate and move towards each area.
When it was first introduced back in 1940, the upright hoover was advertised as a time-saving help for housekeepers who needed a compact and easy to use aid for cleaning floors and carpets. It has proven to be highly effective in cleaning spills that required immediate vacuuming because it’s so much easy to grab and start. Back then, they didn’t have a retractable cord so it would lay on the floor or required the owner to wrap it around the latches on the side of the handle. Nowadays, this problem was solved due to the retractable cord that makes it so much easier to manoeuvre.
Advantages of Upright Vacuum Cleaners
Having a vacuum cleaner around the house is a great help with the cleaning chores, which is why it’s one of the most popular and indispensable appliances. The regular canister type and the upright model are equally sought after for various reasons, each bringing a set of benefits to the user. Since we need to focus on the upright cleaners, here are the advantages you will enjoy if you pick this model.
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Compact design
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Easy to carry
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Easy to store
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Fast and clean emptying
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Affordable price
The first thing you will notice is that this model is slimmer and more compact than the regular vacuum cleaner. It’s very tall and slim, just perfect for a small apartment or for on-spot cleaning. If you have children who spill a lot, you will love how small and easy to use it is.
Canister vacuums need to be dragged around the house and they often hit the furniture or get stuck in thresholds or carpets. Upright models don’t have this problem because you can easily lift them over obstacles and you can carry them up and down the stairs.
A bulky appliance also requires plenty of storage space, which can be a problem if you don’t have a big house. Since it’s so small, the vertical hoover can be stored behind a curtain, behind a wardrobe, or in a corner of a room.
If you are tired of bulky canister vacuums that require you to get your hands dirty when emptying the dustbin, you will be happy to learn that the upright ones feature a hassle-free mechanism that allows you to empty the dirt bin without much effort. All you have to do is remove it, open the lid, and dispose of the collected dust.
Regular hoovers cost hundreds of dollars but the vertical ones are a more affordable option that provides almost the same performance. You can find excellent models for prices starting at $300 if you want a high-end unit but you can also enjoy great versatility for under $50 if you decide to go for a simpler version.
Downsides of Vertical Vacuums
Since not everything can be perfect, there are also some disadvantages you will experience if you choose an upright model instead of a canister vacuum. It’s important to know both sides before making a purchase so make sure you write down the drawbacks of this appliance.
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Loud noise
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Less effective
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Cumbersome for some
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Bulky cleaning head
Since the motor doesn’t have a very good sound insulation, this type is louder than the canister vacuum. Therefore, you might find it disturbing especially if you decide to use it when someone is asleep in the house.
The large cleaning head makes it less effective in cleaning corners, stairs, and hard-to-reach places that are easier to clean with a canister model. However, the hose attachment that is usually a narrow brush makes it easier for you to clean tight areas so you might manage the outcome of this drawback.
Some people don’t like the idea they have to lift the entire vacuum and carry it around the house, although it is more comfortable than dragging a canister vacuum by the hose. Some models weigh around 20 lbs and they can be difficult to lift and carry up and down the stairs.
Given the size of the head that holds the brushes, this type of hoover is harder to use underneath furniture because it can hardly fit in short places. The canister model is far more convenient when it comes to sweeping under a bed or a closet.
Tips for Buying a Good Vacuum Cleaner
Before choosing a certain type or model, you need to analyze your needs and see which feature would be helpful for you. It’s important to determine the size of the area you will want to vacuum, the budget you are willing to spend, or how often you plan to use it. Our buying guide will help you make up your mind.
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Cheap or expensive?
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Power cord length
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Lift-away
It’s true that state-of-the-art vacuums with a futuristic design and the latest technologies are the best option but you might not need to invest many hundreds of dollars in expensive models. An average model with a sturdy housing and a powerful motor can be all you need to keep your house clean.
Since it will be limited by the cord, make sure you get one to a generous length. Models with 25 or 30 feet power cords are enough to enable you to vacuum multiple rooms without changing the socket. The additional wand brush attached to the hose will increase the cleaning area.
There might be times when you need to reach tight areas or you will need to lift the vacuum to an elevated spot to remove some dirt. In situations like this, a lift-away model that lets you lift the dust canister along with the hose will help you reach every dirty area. Also, if you pick a model with a detachable bin that turns into a handheld vacuum, you will be twice as satisfied with your purchase.
What’s Behind Our Ratings
There are many upright cleaners available on the market and with so many features and designs, it’s confusing knowing which one is actually worth the attention. In order to decide on the best hoovers out there, we first tried to find the answers to the following questions.
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What type of floor it can clean?
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How easily can you empty the bin?
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How well does the head move?
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What type of filters it uses?
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How many attachments it comes with?
Some vacuums do very well on carpets while others are more effective on hard floors like wood, tile, or linoleum. Luckily, the most recent models have brushes that can adapt to any type of surface so you will be able to clean any type of floor with one vacuum. The models we picked feature a smart carpet adjustment that enables it to lower or raise the head depending on the height of the floor. Therefore, it will transit from bare floor to carpet without a problem.
The most modern hoovers are bagless meaning the dust and debris won’t go into a cloth bag but directly into a plastic bin that can be easily emptied. We chose vacuums that featured a one-hand bag emptying so you won’t make a mess and you will be able to easily get rid of the dirt you have collected.
The head must be very flexible so you will be able to manoeuvre it by moving your hand. For this to run smoothly, the vacuum’s head must rely on a swivel system that makes it easily manoeuvrable. Our top pick, the Dyson, features a patented ball head that enables for a 360-degree rotation of the head. The wheels that help the head movement can be 2 or 4, depending on the model and the size of the head.
The level of cleanliness provided by an upright hoover depends on the filters it uses to retain dust and debris. Make sure you choose one that comes with at least two filters, one of which should be a HEPA filter. The HEPA media is able to retain dangerous allergens and to prevent them from going back into the room. The other filter is usually a washable one that will be easily maintained clean for the next vacuuming session.
Aside from the head with several brushes that rotate and collect dirt, vacuums also feature a hose that matches a series of attachments designed to extend their range of use. As such, you can enjoy the functionality of a stair tool that makes it easier for you to dust in between the stairs, a crevice tool that enables for vacuuming in really tight places such as behind the car seats, or an upholstery brush that helps you keep your chairs and sofas clean.
