Tired of wrestling with a vacuum cleaner that just doesn’t get the job done? You know the feeling – dust bunnies mocking you from under the sofa, pet hair clinging stubbornly to your carpets, and a machine that feels heavier than it should. Choosing the right upright vacuum can feel like navigating a maze. There are so many brands, features, and price points, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to even begin.
But what if you could finally conquer those cleaning challenges? What if you could find an upright vacuum that makes tidying up less of a chore and more of a success? This post is here to help you do just that. We’re diving deep into the world of rated upright vacuums, breaking down what makes them stand out and how to pick the perfect one for your home.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll have a much clearer picture of what to look for. We’ll guide you through the essential features, explain what those confusing terms actually mean, and highlight some top-rated models that consistently impress. Get ready to discover the upright vacuum that will transform your cleaning routine and leave your floors looking spotless.
Our Top 5 Rated Upright Vacuums Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Rated Upright Vacuums Detailed Reviews
1. Shark Upright Vacuum
Rating: 9.0/10
Meet the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe NV360, your new best friend for a cleaner home. This blue upright vacuum is designed to make your cleaning tasks easier and more effective, whether you have carpets, bare floors, or even pets!
What We Like:
- It has super strong suction that cleans carpets deeply and works well on hard floors too.
- You can lift away a part of the vacuum, called the pod, to clean under furniture easily. Or, you can take off the nozzle to clean stairs, couches, and other spots off the floor.
- The special Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology works with a HEPA filter. This means it traps dust and allergens inside the vacuum so they don’t escape into your air.
- It’s great for homes with pets! The included upholstery tool helps you pick up pet hair without a struggle.
- Swivel steering lets you move the vacuum smoothly around furniture, into corners, and in tight spaces.
- You can turn the brush roll off. This lets you switch from cleaning carpets to cleaning bare floors gently.
- The dust cup is large, holding 0.9 quarts. This means you can clean for longer without stopping to empty it. It’s also super easy to empty in seconds.
- It comes with an upholstery tool and a crevice tool to help you clean different areas.
What Could Be Improved:
- The filters need to be rinsed and air-dried for 24 hours. You can’t wash them in a dishwasher or washing machine.
This Shark vacuum is a powerful and versatile cleaning tool. It makes tackling dirt, dust, and pet hair much simpler for a fresher living space.
2. Bissell 2252 CleanView Swivel Upright Bagless Vacuum with Swivel Steering
Rating: 8.6/10
Tired of battling pet hair all over your home? The Bissell 2252 CleanView Swivel Upright Bagless Vacuum is here to help! This vacuum is designed specifically for pet owners, offering powerful cleaning and smart features to tackle even the toughest messes. Plus, every purchase helps save pets through the BISSELL Pet Foundation.
What We Like:
- Swivel Steering: This vacuum turns and twists with ease, making it simple to clean around furniture and tight spots.
- Triple Action Brush Roll: It effectively loosens, lifts, and removes embedded pet hair from carpets.
- Scatter-Free Technology: Cleaning up dry pet messes on hard floors is no longer a messy job.
- Edge-to-Edge Cleaning: It gets right up to baseboards and into corners to capture all the dirt and hair.
- Large Dirt Tank: You can clean more without stopping to empty the tank.
- Easy Empty: Emptying the dirt tank is quick and mess-free.
- Dedicated Pet Tools: Specialized tools help you get those hard-to-reach places and stubborn pet hair.
- Saves Pets: Your purchase supports the BISSELL Pet Foundation.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s great for pet hair, some users might find the overall suction power could be a bit stronger for very deep carpet cleaning.
- The cord length, while standard, might require you to switch outlets more often in larger rooms.
This Bissell vacuum is a fantastic tool for keeping your home clean and fur-free. It makes tackling pet messes much easier, and knowing you’re helping animals makes it an even better choice.
3. Shark NV752 Rotator Powered Lift-Away TruePet Upright Vacuum with HEPA Filter
Rating: 8.5/10
Tired of pet hair clinging to every surface? The Shark NV752 Rotator Powered Lift-Away TruePet Upright Vacuum in Bordeaux is here to help! This vacuum is designed to tackle even the toughest pet messes. It’s a powerful cleaning machine that makes tidying up easier.
What We Like:
- The 2-IN-1 POWERED LIFT-AWAY TECHNOLOGY lets you detach the pod for cleaning under furniture and in tight spots. The brushroll keeps spinning for deep cleaning.
- ADVANCED SWIVEL STEERING makes it super easy to steer the vacuum around obstacles and into corners.
- The ANTI-ALLERGEN COMPLETE SEAL with a HEPA filter traps 99.9% of dust and allergens, keeping your air cleaner.
- A LARGE-CAPACITY DUST CUP means you can clean more without stopping to empty it. It’s also easy to empty.
- Bright LED HEADLIGHTS on the nozzle help you see dirt and pet hair you might otherwise miss.
- MULTI-SURFACE CLEANING is a breeze with fingertip controls that let you switch between floor types.
- It’s PERFECT FOR PETS, featuring a self-cleaning Pet Power Brush that’s great for stairs and upholstery.
- The UPHOLSTERY TOOL grabs pet hair from delicate fabrics and other surfaces.
- The CREVICE TOOL reaches into tight spaces, corners, and even ceilings for thorough cleaning.
What Could Be Improved:
- While powerful, some users might find it a bit heavy for very long cleaning sessions.
- The cord length, while decent, could always be longer for larger homes to reduce plug-and-unplugging.
This Shark vacuum is a fantastic tool for pet owners. It offers powerful cleaning and smart features that make keeping your home tidy much simpler.
4. Bissell CleanView Rewind Upright Bagless Vacuum with Automatic Cord Rewind & Active Wand
Rating: 8.6/10
Tired of wrestling with tangled cords and struggling to reach every dusty corner? The Bissell CleanView Rewind Upright Bagless Vacuum, model 3534, is here to make your cleaning routine a breeze. This powerful vacuum tackles messes big and small, leaving your home sparkling clean.
What We Like:
- Saves Pets: Every purchase helps homeless pets through the Bissell Pet Foundation.
- Easy Cord Storage: The automatic cord rewind means no more fussing with tangled cords. Just press a button, and it’s neatly stored away.
- Reaches Everywhere: The active extension wand stretches up to 10 feet, so you can easily clean high shelves, ceiling fans, and tight spaces.
- Fast Cleaning: OnePass Technology cleans carpets in just one pass, saving you time and effort.
- No More Messy Scatter: Scatter-Free Technology keeps messes on hard floors contained, so you don’t have to chase them around.
What Could Be Improved:
- For very deep carpet cleaning, a more powerful suction might be desired.
- While the wand is helpful, some users might prefer a longer hose for even greater reach.
This vacuum is a fantastic tool for keeping your home clean and tidy. It’s especially great for pet owners who want an effective way to manage pet hair and dander.
5. Eureka Lightweight Powerful Upright Vacuum Cleaner for Carpet and Hard Floor
Rating: 9.0/10
Meet the Eureka PowerSpeed, a new model vacuum that makes cleaning easier! This vacuum is designed to tackle dirt on both carpets and hard floors. It’s lightweight, so you can move it around your house without a struggle. Plus, it comes in a stylish blue and black color.
What We Like:
- Upgraded Cyclone System: It can pick up big pieces of dirt, small bits, and even tiny dust.
- Powerful Pick-Up: It cleans deep into carpets to get out stuck-on dirt and pet hair.
- Lightweight Design: It’s easy to carry and use without getting tired.
- 5 Height Settings: This vacuum works great on different floor types, from low carpets to thick shag rugs. It’s also gentle on hardwood floors.
- Multiple Accessories: It includes tools for cleaning furniture, tight spaces, and even your car. Everything stores right on the vacuum.
- Traps Allergens: It captures 99.9% of dust, dander, and allergens, making your air cleaner.
What Could Be Improved:
- Maintenance Needed: You should clean the roller brush and belt every two weeks to prevent clogs and ensure it works properly.
The Eureka PowerSpeed is a strong contender for an everyday vacuum. It offers great cleaning power and versatility for many home cleaning needs.
Choosing the Best Upright Vacuum: Your Guide to a Cleaner Home
Navigating the World of Upright Vacuums
Upright vacuums are workhorses for cleaning your floors. They stand tall and are great for carpets and larger areas. This guide will help you pick the right one for your home.
1. Key Features to Look For
Powerful Suction
Suction is the most important thing. It pulls dirt and debris from your carpets. Look for vacuums with strong suction power. This helps get deep-down dirt.
Brush Roll
The brush roll spins to agitate carpets. This loosens dirt. Some vacuums have adjustable brush rolls. This is good for different carpet heights.
Filtration System
A good filtration system traps dust and allergens. HEPA filters are the best. They capture tiny particles. This is important for people with allergies or asthma.
Bagged vs. Bagless
Bagged vacuums use disposable bags. They are good for allergy sufferers because they seal dirt away. Bagless vacuums have a bin you empty. They are more eco-friendly and save money on bags.
Weight and Maneuverability
You’ll be pushing the vacuum around. A lighter vacuum is easier to use. Look for swivel steering. This makes it easy to move around furniture.
Cord Length
A longer cord means you can clean more without unplugging. Aim for at least 25 feet.
2. Important Materials
Plastic Components
Most vacuums use plastic. Higher-quality plastics are more durable. They won’t crack easily. Look for sturdy, thick plastic.
Brush Roll Material
Brush rolls are usually made of bristles. Stiff bristles are good for carpets. Softer bristles are better for hard floors.
Hose and Attachments
Hoses should be flexible but strong. Attachments help clean different surfaces. Crevice tools are good for tight spots. Upholstery tools clean furniture.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Motor Power
A stronger motor means better suction. This helps clean more effectively. Cheap motors can overheat.
Build Quality
Well-built vacuums last longer. They have fewer parts that can break. Look for vacuums with solid construction.
Ease of Maintenance
How easy is it to clean the filters or empty the bin? Simple maintenance means you’ll actually do it. This keeps your vacuum working well.
Brand Reputation
Trusted brands often make better vacuums. They have good customer service. They also stand behind their products.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
For Pet Owners
If you have pets, you need a vacuum that handles pet hair. Look for strong suction and specialized pet hair attachments. Some vacuums have anti-tangle brush rolls.
For Allergy Sufferers
A HEPA filter is crucial. Bagged vacuums are often preferred. They keep allergens contained.
For Large Homes
A lightweight vacuum with a long cord is helpful. Consider a vacuum with a larger dustbin. This means fewer interruptions.
For Small Apartments
Compact and lightweight models work well. Swivel steering is important for tight spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the most important feature to look for in an upright vacuum?
A: Powerful suction is the most important feature. It ensures dirt and debris are effectively removed from your floors.
Q: Are bagged or bagless vacuums better?
A: It depends on your needs. Bagged vacuums are better for allergy sufferers. Bagless vacuums are more eco-friendly and cost-effective in the long run.
Q: How do I know if a vacuum has good filtration?
A: Look for vacuums that mention HEPA filters. These filters capture tiny particles like dust and allergens.
Q: What does “swivel steering” do?
A: Swivel steering allows the vacuum to turn easily. This makes it simpler to clean around furniture and in tight corners.
Q: Is a heavier vacuum always more powerful?
A: Not necessarily. While some powerful vacuums are heavier, weight doesn’t directly equal suction power. Maneuverability is also important.
Q: What are crevice tools and upholstery tools used for?
A: Crevice tools are narrow. They are used for cleaning tight spaces like between couch cushions. Upholstery tools are wider. They are used for cleaning furniture and curtains.
Q: How often should I clean or replace vacuum filters?
A: This depends on the vacuum and how often you use it. Check your vacuum’s manual. Generally, filters should be cleaned monthly and replaced every 6-12 months.
Q: What should I look for if I have pets?
A: Look for strong suction. Also, look for specialized pet hair attachments and brush rolls designed to prevent tangles.
Q: How does motor power affect vacuum performance?
A: A stronger motor creates more suction. This leads to better cleaning performance. It helps lift dirt from deep within carpets.
Q: What is the benefit of a longer power cord?
A: A longer cord lets you clean larger areas without having to unplug and replug the vacuum. This saves time and effort.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Tom Scalisi, and welcome to The Saw Blog! I started this blog to share my hands-on experience and insights about woodworking tools—especially saws and saw blades. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of tools, and I’m here to help both professionals and hobbyists make informed decisions when it comes to selecting and using their equipment. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips, or just advice on how to get the best performance out of your tools, you’ll find it here. I’m excited to be part of your woodworking journey!