Can you ever get too much suction power from your vac?
Nope, you don’t!
Apart from cleaning usual dust and debris, modern-day vacuums also have to pick up after your furry friends. Add to the mix the dirt entrapped by thick carpets, and only cleaners with a gigantic suction power could tend to all your cleaning needs.
Hence the reason(s) why you need a canister vacuum. With no limitation to their engine size, these vacuum cleaners offer high flow-rate and better suction than uprights. Consequently, regardless of the floor type, they provide faster and easier cleaning.
After testing a number of the most popular models on the market today, we have identified 5 best canister vacuums in 2019 that are suitable for various needs. We also compared the main advantages and disadvantages of the canister and upright vacuum cleaners.
Best Canister Vacuums 2019
Weight7.5 pounds26 pounds8.6 pounds17.64 pounds18.7 pounds
TypeBaglessBaglessBaggedBaglessBagged
Cord Length16 feet24 feet20 feet21 feet20 feet
Warranty1 year1 year1 year5 years5 years
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Canister Vacuum Reviews
Bissell Zing 2156A – Best cheap canister vacuum

KEY FEATURES
- Cyclonic Action technology
- Multiple-floor options
- Automatic rewind cord
Available in three colors, the Bissell canister vacuum boasts considerable suction power and comes with a lot of attachments. Add to the equation its relatively low price tag, and this model raises eyebrows for all the right reasons.
Cyclonic Action Technology
Thanks to this particular feature, the Bissell Zing provides uniform suction power regardless of the cleaning surface. That is, because, this technology creates a whirlwind of air that traps dust and dander from the indoor air.
More importantly, even when the dirt cup is nearly full capacity, the presence of this technology prevents the suction power from going down. As a result, you get almost fade-free suction power with this model.
Multiple Floor Options
Taking the utility of this Bissell Canister Vacuum to a whole new level is its multi-surface floor tool. That doesn’t mean, however, that you’d have to manually change the tool when switching between surfaces.
Instead, assuming you’re switching from hard floor to carpet, all you have to do is flip a switch – and the floor tool would automatically know what is coming its way to adjust itself.
Two Filters
Granted, the absence of a HEPA filtration system seems to us as a cost-cutting measure in this model. To be fair, it has tried to soften the blow by providing two filters in its package, both of whom are washable and reusable.
The first of those filters is a dirt cup filter which does what it claims. Next is the Post-Motor filter which helps capture those particles which were left unharmed by the dust cup. That means you get a two-stage filtration system with this model.
Easy-Empty Dirt Cup
The biggest indictment people level at the door of bagless vacuums is that they are a mess to clean. So, it was only logical that Bissell tackled this issue head-on; by providing this model with an Easy-Empty dirt cup.
All you have to do to clean the cup is press a single button, and it would come out. Also, since the bag cleans sideways, its dirt won’t come at your face.
Attachments
The Bissell Zing comes with a crevice tool to clean fissures and crevices. It also has a dusting brush to clean upholstery, table tops and cushions. Also provided is an extension wand which allows easy cleaning of hard-to-reach areas.
As stated earlier, the absence of a HEPA filtration system betrays the otherwise excellent reputation of this model.
What we like:
- Easy to empty dirt cup
- 15 feet long rewind cord
- Two filters for better cleaning
- Compatible with multiple floors
What we didn’t like:
- No HEPA Filtration system
Kenmore 81214 200 Series – Best bagless canister vacuum

KEY FEATURES
- 2-motor design
- HEPA filtration system
- Suction control
- Full bag/bin indicator and 24-foot long cord
This 23-pound Kenmore canister vacuum provides suction control, has micro-filtration plus a brush on/off switch apart from a 24 feet long cord. Therefore, this model is as high-end as they come.
2-Motor System and Cyclonic Design
Despite being a relatively small canister vacuum, the 2-motor system and interior cyclonic design of this model have imparted it with powerful suction. That is, because, this model uses centrifugal force to suck in the dust, debris, and dander from outside.
Easy to Use Attachments
Apart from the standard vacuum attachment plus a telescopic wand, the Kenmore canister vacuum includes an upholstery tool, a crevice tool, and a motorized pet tool. Also, to release and detach these attachments, all you have to do is to tap the release button located on the vac’s body.
Suction Control
In contrast to most multi-surface vacuums, Kenmore canister vacuum comes with a suction control. This feature lets you increase/decrease the suction power of the vacuum at will. That means if you want to switch from bare floors to carpet, just increase the suction and the vacuum would work like a beaver.
HEPA Filtration system
For the pet owners who are suffering from asthma and/or dust allergy, this feature of the Kenmore is a potential deal-maker. For, the presence of a HEPA-certified filter means that it removes 99% of dust, dander, and other allergens from your indoor air, hence making it safe for you to breathe.
Full bag/bin indicator
Thanks to this particular feature, you won’t even have to look at the bin to determine whether it needs emptying or not. Instead, whenever it starts blinking, it’s time to empty the bin.
Some customers have complained that on emptying the bin, the dirt always gets on their hands.
What we like:
- HEPA-filtration system
- Suction control and full bag/bin indicator
- Easy to use attachments
What we didn’t like:
- No HEPA Filtration system
Eureka Mighty Mite 3670H – Best commercial canister vacuum

KEY FEATURES
- Doubles as a blower
- Manual height adjustment
- Multi-surface cleaning tools
- 3’’ height clearance
In case you are wondering, it is the powerful 12-amp power of the 3670H – plus its multi-surface cleaning capability – which has made it the best canister vacuum in 2019 for commercial purposes.
Manual-height adjustment
The Eureka Canister Vacuum comes with a manual height adjustment feature which allows you to regulate its height based on the cleaning surface. There are two heights on offer, with high-height useful for shag rugs and low-height for bare floors.
Doubles As a Blower
For those of you who have to regularly clean a garage or other outdoor spaces, the blower port of this model offers a huge incentive. Using this port, you can easily blow away dust and debris for a more all-around cleaning.
Lots of Attachments
Just like most other models, the Eureka canister vacuum comes with a crevice tool, dusting brush and upholstery tool. What separates it from the competition is its carrying strap which allows easy carrying of this lightweight canister vacuum.
And it doesn’t stop there; for this model also has an extension wand which gives it extra-long reach to clean hard-to-reach spaces. Finally, it has a turbo nozzle tool which, by shortening its length, increase the air’s velocity for faster cleaning action.
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Easy to Empty Dust bag
Even for a bagged canister vacuum – as they have the reputation of being easy to empty – the dust bag of this model is ridiculously easy to clean. No pushing or shoving is required. Instead, press a single button and the bag comes out, ready to be emptied and start working again.
If you want the best canister vacuum for carpet, you might want to look elsewhere as this model doesn’t come with a brushroll in its package.
What we like:
- Manual height adjustment
- Doubles as a blower
- Dust bag is a cinch to empty
- Lots of useful attachments
What we didn’t like:
- No brushroll
Dyson Big Ball Multi Floor – Best canister vacuum for hardwood floors

KEY FEATURES
- Self-rights when toppled
- 2-tier radial cyclones
- 5-year warranty
- HEPA filtration system
Most canister vacuums – since they have plastic wheels – left scratches on hardwood floors. Fortunately, the Dyson Big Ball offers no such shenanigans, hence making it tailor-made for hardwood floors.
Self-Righting
Ever come across a vacuum which picks themselves up after being toppled? Neither do we – until we come across this Dyson canister vacuum. Without going into technicalities as to how it does that, what’s more, important is that since it self-rights itself, this model won’t interrupt your cleaning.
Carbon Fiber Turbine Tool and Nylon Bristles
The reason we’ve mentioned both these features – which perform radically different – in the same heading is that both of them make this model a cleaning powerhouse.
That’s right; while the carbon fiber turbine tool picks up fine dust, stiff nylon bristles shake carpets to force them to release embedded dirt. As a result, both these features guarantee thorough cleaning.
2-tier radial cyclones
At the heart of this Dyson canister vacuum is Dyson’s very own 2-tier radial cyclone technology. Multiple cyclones not only optimize airflow – but they also capture allergens and dust in the bin, instead of jettisoning them in the room.
This configuration, in turn, reduces the strain on the HEPA-filtration system, hence the reason why Dyson has given a lifetime warranty on the filters.
Hygienic dirt ejector
One of the reasons most people don’t go bagless is because these vacuums are a mess to clean. Dyson, to its credit, has solved this problem. It has a hygienic dirt ejector which drives out trapped dust and debris as you empty it. That means you’ve no need to manually remove the trapped dirt with your hands.
A couple of users have complained that they found the 0.5-gallon dirt cup capacity of this model to be on the smaller side.
What we like:
- Automatically gets up when toppled
- Ejects trapped dirt hygienically
- Lifetime guarantee on filter
What we didn’t like:
- Relatively small dirt cup capacity
Miele Compact C2 Electro+ – Best canister vacuum for pet hair

KEY FEATURES
- Air clean sealed system
- Variable suction
- Huge Suction Power
- Two Cleaner Heads
Go through any Miele vacuum reviews, and you’d see that the 6-variable speed modes of the C2 place it in a class of its own. That, and many other features make it a worth-having vac.
Three stages of filtration
What makes this Miele canister vacuum stand out is its three filtration stages, the first of which is its dust bags. Containing 3-ply polymer fibers, they capture fine dust particles suspended in the air and make the job easy for the remaining two filters.
Next comes the pre-motor filter which cleans the air before it enters the motor. Finally, we have the best of the lot – an HEPA-approved post-motor filter which captures 99.95% of particles up to 0.3 microns in size. What’s more, despite performing so well, the filters require only annual replacement.
Indicators
The dust bags of this model – which have a capacity of about 3.5 liters – have an indicator which tells you when the bag needs to be emptied. Then we have the “Timestrip” – a visual indicator which changes color when the filter needs replacement. Both these filters make sure that you never miss out on the maintenance of this model.
Air Sealed System
It is also worth noting that the Miele canister vacuum comes with a sealed filtration system. This system makes sure that the air – before being exhausted from the vac – gets passed through its filters. It also guarantees that the air doesn’t leak through cracks or seals. As a result, the suction of the model remains the same throughout the operation.
Variable Suction
Turn your attention the body of this vacuum, and you’d see a large rotary dial in the middle. This dial is there for a reason, as it allows you to choose between the model’s 6 stages of suction. These settings include curtain and lightweight fabrics, upholstery and cushions, thick pile carpets and rugs, low pile carpets, hard flooring, and an energy saving mode.
Two Cleaner Heads
The first of these heads is the SEB 228 which is designed to handle all levels of carpets as well as area rugs. It also has 5 different height settings to accommodate different piles of carpet. Next comes the SBB Parquet-3 which is good for wood, stone, tile and other smooth surfaces. The second head also has a very low profile, hence making it easy to reach under low-lying furniture.
The only complaint we have heard about this model is that the replacement dirtbags are pretty expensive.
What we like:
- Two cleaner heads
- Variable suction modes
- Three filtration stages
- Useful indicators
What we didn’t like:
- Expensive replacement dirtbags
Types of Canister Vacuums
Based on whether or not they contain a bag, canister vacuums are divided into two types. Let’s look at both to know which one might suit you more.
Bagged Canister Vacuum Cleaners
These types of vacuum cleaners have a dirtbag which is encapsulated in a cloth section. As a result, the bag isn’t visible from outside. Such closed-construction allows the bagged canister vacuum cleaners to boast hygienic operation. That said, they aren’t without their disadvantages.
Pros
- Provide more capacity
- Easy to empty
- Require less maintenance
- More hygienic operation
Cons
- Bags have to be replaced after a specific time
- Performance of the vacuum might reduce as the bag fills
Bagless Canister Vacuum Cleaners
Pros
- Save replacement cost
- Know when to empty
- Eco-friendly option
Cons
- Not easy to empty, might well create a mess while doing so
The major attraction of these cleaners is that they save your money which you’d otherwise spend on replacement bags. Also, since they have a transparent design, you can know – without stopping the vac – when the dirt cup needs emptying.
Comparison: Upright Vs Canister
Ask any layman about a canister vacuum, and he’d tell that they weigh heavy and are less maneuverable. We know his response because these myths (yes, MYTHS) regarding canister vacs have found their way into the psyche of common man.
And to bust these very myths, we’ve decided to compare canisters with upright vacs.
Upright Vacuum Cleaners
The most common style found in today’s homes, they have a foot lever which allows you to change their angle, hence allowing for added maneuverability. Provided you add motorized brushes to them, they perform well while cleaning carpets. At the same time, however, uprights weigh heavy than other vacuums.
Pros
- Provide a wider cleaning path
- Attachment of motorized brushes makes them efficient at cleaning carpets
- Easy to maneuver and store
Cons
- Noisier, don’t have enough casing around the engine to block noise
- Heavier than canister vacs
Who Should Buy:
Those who have thick carpets in their home, can’t bend due to back problems and want to clean bigger areas.
Canister Vacuum Cleaners
These vacuums have a cleaning nozzle placed at the end of their wand, which is linked via a hose to the vacuum unit. Even if you haven’t gone for the most lightweight canister vacuum, it would still weigh less than an equal-priced upright.
Pros
- Easy to carry and lightweight
- Huge suction power; which means faster and easier cleaning
- Presence of hose equips them to easily clean hard-to-reach places, stairs, upholstery, and crevices
- Compatibility with various attachments makes them efficient on rugs and carpets.
Cons
- Require bending
- Require more storage space than uprights
Who Should Buy:
For those who want thorough cleaning in quick time with best results. Also, top-rated canister vacuums can rival the performance of their upright counterpart on carpets, too.
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Best Canister Vacuums – Buyer’s Guide
After going through innumerable canister vacuum reviews, we’ve prepared a list of factors which separate the best canister vacuum cleaners from the riffraff.
HEPA Filter
Simply put, going for a HEPA filter is a no-brainer when it comes to canister vacuums.
These filters have microscopic-sized fiberglass fibers which trap microscopic pollutants from the air that the vacuum sucks in from your home.
As a result of this operation, these filters can trap mold spores, pet dander, and dust mites. Consequently, they improve the quality of your indoor air. Also, they prevent the flare-ups of asthma and allergies.
Suction Control
As a mere glance on any canister vacuum reviews would tell, a majority of vacuum cleaners do not offer this feature. Still, if you ask us, our vote is in favor of suction control.
Having this feature provides your vacuum with two advantages. First, when you’re cleaning small messes, it lets you decrease your vac’s power – while automatically reducing its noise and suction force.
Conversely, if you want to clean quickly, it prevents multiple passes by increasing suction power.
Self-Propelled Mechanism
Provided you could afford to add a few pounds to the overall weight of your vac, make sure it has a self-propelled mechanism.
As suggested by its name, the “self-propelled” mechanism, by adding a transmission and drive system, makes pulling/pushing of your vacuum easy.
This feature is particularly useful if you’re to clean large rooms, as it makes sure you expend as little effort as possible to maneuver the vac.
Dirt Cup’s Capacity
In case you’re wondering, any vacuum with a dirt cup capacity of more than 1 gallon is recommended. That is regardless of whether your vacuum is bagged or bagless.
Otherwise, as some vacuum users have learned the hard way, you’d have to spend more time emptying the vacuum than doing the cleaning with it.
Fade-free performance
Closely related to the capacity of your vacuum’s dirt cup is its performance. For, in cheap vacuums, the suction power reduces as the dirt cup reaches its capacity.
Therefore, it is imperative that your vacuum offers fade-free performance – which means uniform suction power throughout cleaning.
Long length Power Cord
Nowadays, most top rated canister vacuums offer a power cord in their package, which means a cord which rewinds itself on the push of a button. What the majority fails to offer, however, is a long length cord.
If you ask us, we recommend that your vac’s cord length should be at least 20 feet long. Otherwise, if your vacuum has a small cord – and you want to clean a big room with it – you’d have no choice but to switch electrical outlets.
Attachments
Honestly speaking, canister vacuums were ideally meant to clean bare floors. What has improved their utility over the years – and has made them an all-floor specialist – is their attachments.
For instance, if you’re going to clean thick carpets, your vacuum needs to have a brushroll in its package. Conversely, if you have a hardwood floor in your home, a bare floor brush is what you need.
Or, if want to clean sofas, cushions, and chairs, look for an upholstery tool. Lastly, vacuums with a crevice tool are best for removing dust off cracks, fissures, and other hard-to-reach places.
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