Tired of wrestling with dust bunnies and stubborn pet hair? You’re not alone! Keeping your home clean can feel like a never-ending battle, and choosing the right weapon for the job is crucial.
Upright vacuum cleaners are workhorses for many households, but the sheer variety can be overwhelming. Do you need powerful suction? What about maneuverability for tight spaces? And how do you choose one that won’t break the bank? These are the questions that can leave you feeling frustrated and unsure.
This post is here to help! We’ll break down what makes a great upright vacuum. You’ll learn about key features to look for, understand the differences between models, and discover how to pick the perfect vacuum cleaner to tackle your specific cleaning needs. Get ready to say goodbye to dirt and hello to a sparkling clean home!
Our Top 5 Vacuum Cleaners Upright Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Vacuum Cleaners Upright Detailed Reviews
1. Shark NV352 Navigator Lift Away Upright Vacuum
Rating: 9.2/10
The Shark NV352 Navigator Lift Away Upright Vacuum in a lovely lavender shade is designed to make your cleaning tasks easier and more effective. This vacuum tackles everything from deep carpets to delicate bare floors, all while keeping your home free from dust and allergens.
What We Like:
- Lift-Away Functionality: The detachable pod lets you clean above your floors easily, like on stairs and furniture.
- Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology: It uses a HEPA filter to trap dust and allergens inside, so they don’t escape back into your air.
- Powerful and Lightweight: It has strong suction for deep cleaning but is light enough to carry around without a struggle.
- Brushroll Shutoff: You can switch from deep carpet cleaning to gentle bare floor cleaning with just a touch.
- Swivel Steering: Maneuvering around furniture and into tight corners is a breeze.
- Perfect for Pets: It comes with special tools, like a wide upholstery tool, that are great for picking up pet hair.
- Crevice Tool: This tool helps you reach into corners, along baseboards, and even on ceilings for a complete clean.
- Includes Useful Accessories: You get a wide upholstery tool and a 12″ crevice tool right in the box.
- Long Warranty: It comes with a 5-year limited warranty for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- The product is made in the USA or imported, but specific country of origin isn’t always clear for every component.
This Shark vacuum is a solid choice for most homes, offering powerful cleaning and smart features at a great value. It makes cleaning less of a chore and more of an efficient task.
2. Bissell 2252 CleanView Swivel Upright Bagless Vacuum with Swivel Steering
Rating: 9.0/10
Dealing with pet hair can be a real challenge, but the Bissell 2252 CleanView Swivel Upright Bagless Vacuum is here to help. This vacuum is designed to make your life easier when it comes to cleaning up after your furry friends. Its clever design tackles pet messes from every angle, leaving your home looking and feeling fresh.
What We Like:
- Swivel Steering: This makes cleaning around furniture and obstacles a breeze. You can easily maneuver the vacuum where you need it to go.
- Triple Action Brush Roll: It powerfully loosens, lifts, and removes embedded pet hair from carpets. Your carpets will look much cleaner.
- Multi-Surface Cleaning with Scatter-Free Technology: This feature stops dry pet messes from scattering on hard floors. It makes cleaning up spills much tidier.
- Edge-to-Edge Cleaning: You can effectively clean pet hair and dirt right along walls and in corners. No more leaving dusty spots behind.
- Large Capacity Dirt Tank & Easy Empty: The big dirt tank means you can clean more without stopping. Emptying it is also super simple.
- Saves Pets: Every purchase helps BISSELL Pet Foundation save homeless pets. You’re doing good while cleaning your home.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has specialized pet tools, the effectiveness of these tools for all types of pet messes might vary.
- The airflow indicator is helpful, but some users might prefer a more advanced dustbin full indicator.
This Bissell CleanView vacuum is a strong contender for pet owners. It offers great maneuverability and effective pet hair removal, making your cleaning routine much more efficient.
3. Shark NV752 Rotator Powered Lift-Away TruePet Upright Vacuum with HEPA Filter
Rating: 9.4/10
Tired of pet hair and dust bunnies taking over your home? The Shark NV752 Rotator Powered Lift-Away TruePet Upright Vacuum in a stylish Bordeaux color is here to save the day. This vacuum is designed to tackle even the toughest messes, making your home cleaner and healthier. It’s a powerful tool that makes vacuuming less of a chore.
What We Like:
- The 2-IN-1 POWERED LIFT-AWAY TECHNOLOGY lets you easily clean under furniture and in tricky spots. The brushroll keeps spinning, so you get a deep clean everywhere.
- ADVANCED SWIVEL STEERING makes it a breeze to zip around furniture and into corners.
- The ANTI-ALLERGEN COMPLETE SEAL with a HEPA filter traps 99.9% of dust and allergens, keeping your air clean.
- A LARGE-CAPACITY DUST CUP means you can clean for longer without stopping to empty it.
- Bright LED HEADLIGHTS on the nozzle help you see dirt and pet hair you might otherwise miss.
- It’s GREAT FOR PETS, with a special Pet Power Brush that removes hair and dirt from stairs and furniture.
- The UPHOLSTERY TOOL and CREVICE TOOL are included to help you clean everything from delicate fabrics to tight corners.
What Could Be Improved:
- While powerful, some users might find the overall weight noticeable when carrying it up and down stairs.
- The dust cup capacity, while large, might require emptying for very extensive cleaning sessions in large homes.
This Shark vacuum is a fantastic choice for pet owners and anyone who wants a cleaner home. It offers powerful cleaning and helpful features to make your life easier.
4. Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet Reach Full-Size Vacuum Cleaner
Rating: 8.5/10
Tackling pet messes just got easier with the Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet Reach Full-Size Vacuum Cleaner. This vacuum is designed to make cleaning up after your furry friends a breeze, from stubborn pet hair on carpets to dust bunnies hiding in corners. Plus, every purchase helps save pets through the Bissell Pet Foundation!
What We Like:
- Powerful cleaning for pet hair on all surfaces.
- The Triple Action Brush Roll and Scatter-Free Technology work wonders.
- The Quick Release Extension Wand is always ready for quick cleanups.
- Swivel steering makes it easy to maneuver around furniture.
- It’s lightweight, so you don’t have to strain yourself.
- Specialized pet tools reach tricky spots like stairs and upholstery.
- Edge-to-edge cleaning gets dirt and hair right up to walls and corners.
What Could Be Improved:
- The color may vary, which might not suit everyone’s style.
- While great for pet hair, it might not be the best for very deep carpet cleaning.
Overall, the Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet Reach is a fantastic tool for any pet owner looking for effective and convenient cleaning. It makes keeping your home tidy a much simpler task.
5. Eureka Lightweight Powerful Upright Vacuum Cleaner for Carpet and Hard Floor
Rating: 9.2/10
Get ready to experience a cleaner home with the new Eureka PowerSpeed vacuum cleaner! This powerful, lightweight machine is designed to tackle dirt and dust on all your floors. Its sleek blue and black design looks great in any home.
What We Like:
- Powerful Cleaning: It easily picks up big messes, small dirt, and even tiny dust particles thanks to its upgraded cyclone system.
- Works Everywhere: This vacuum is great for carpets, fluffy rugs, and hard floors like wood or tile. Its wheels won’t scratch your nice floors.
- Lightweight Design: You can move it around easily without it feeling heavy. It does the hard work for you!
- Versatile Cleaning: It comes with tools that let you clean above the floor. Reach dusty ceilings, clean your car, or freshen up curtains and furniture.
- Allergen Control: It traps 99.9% of dust, pet dander, and allergens, making your home healthier.
- On-Board Storage: All the handy tools store right on the vacuum, so you never lose them.
What Could Be Improved:
- Maintenance Needed: You should clean the roller brush and belt every two weeks to prevent clogs from hair and dirt. If you don’t, it might stop working well or even break.
The Eureka PowerSpeed is a fantastic choice for keeping your home clean and healthy. It offers great power and versatility for a spotless finish.
Choosing the Best Upright Vacuum Cleaner: Your Guide to a Cleaner Home
Upright vacuum cleaners are workhorses for keeping your floors spotless. They stand tall and offer powerful suction. Picking the right one can make cleaning easier and more effective. This guide will help you find the perfect upright vacuum for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for an upright vacuum, keep these important features in mind:
- Suction Power: This is the most crucial feature. Strong suction means your vacuum can pick up dirt, dust, and debris efficiently. Look for vacuums with good wattage or airflow ratings.
- Brush Roll: The brush roll spins and agitates carpets to loosen dirt. Many vacuums have adjustable brush rolls for different carpet heights. Some also have an on/off switch for bare floors.
- Filtration System: A good filtration system traps allergens and fine dust. HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters are the best for this. They capture 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns.
- Weight and Maneuverability: Upright vacuums can be heavy. Consider the vacuum’s weight and how easy it is to push and steer. Swivel steering makes it easier to move around furniture.
- Attachments and Tools: Many vacuums come with useful attachments like crevice tools, upholstery brushes, and dusting brushes. These help clean hard-to-reach places and different surfaces.
- Bagged vs. Bagless: Bagless vacuums have a dustbin you empty. Bagged vacuums use disposable bags. Bagless can be more convenient, but bagged vacuums can be better for allergy sufferers as they contain dust better.
- Cord Length: A longer cord means you can clean more area without unplugging.
Important Materials
The materials used in a vacuum cleaner affect its durability and performance.
- Housing: Most upright vacuums have a durable plastic housing. High-quality plastics are stronger and last longer.
- Brush Roll: Brush rolls are often made of nylon or a mix of nylon and bristles. Sturdier materials can withstand more wear and tear.
- Hoses and Wands: These are usually made of flexible plastic. Stronger, reinforced plastic prevents cracks and leaks.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several factors can make an upright vacuum better or worse.
- Build Quality: A well-built vacuum feels solid and sturdy. Parts fit together nicely. Poorly built vacuums might feel flimsy and break easily.
- Motor Durability: The motor is the heart of the vacuum. A reliable motor ensures consistent power and a longer lifespan for the machine.
- Ease of Maintenance: How easy is it to clean filters, empty the dustbin, or clear brush roll clogs? Simple maintenance makes your cleaning routine smoother.
- Noise Level: Some vacuums are very loud. Quieter models are more pleasant to use, especially if you have pets or young children.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your vacuum matters.
- Carpet Cleaning: Upright vacuums excel at cleaning carpets. They have the power and brush action needed to lift embedded dirt.
- Hardwood Floors: For hardwood or laminate floors, look for vacuums with adjustable brush rolls or a setting to turn off the brush roll. This prevents scratching.
- Pet Owners: If you have pets, choose a vacuum with strong suction and specialized pet hair attachments. Good filtration is also important to capture dander.
- Allergy Sufferers: HEPA filtration and bagged systems are best for people with allergies. This helps remove airborne irritants.
- Large Homes: For larger homes, consider a lighter model with a longer cord and a larger dustbin capacity to reduce interruptions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the main Key Features to look for in an upright vacuum?
A: The main Key Features are strong suction power, an effective brush roll, a good filtration system (like HEPA), easy maneuverability, useful attachments, and considering whether you prefer a bagged or bagless model.
Q: How important is suction power?
A: Suction power is very important. It determines how well the vacuum can pick up dirt, dust, and debris from your floors.
Q: What is a HEPA filter and why is it good?
A: A HEPA filter is a special filter that captures 99.97% of tiny particles like dust and allergens. It’s great for people with allergies or asthma.
Q: Should I choose a bagged or bagless vacuum?
A: It depends on your preference. Bagless vacuums are convenient as you just empty the bin. Bagged vacuums can be better for allergy sufferers because they contain dust more effectively when you dispose of the bag.
Q: How does weight affect using an upright vacuum?
A: A lighter vacuum is easier to push, carry, and maneuver around furniture. If you have a lot of stairs or a large area to clean, weight is a big factor.
Q: What are some common attachments and what are they used for?
A: Common attachments include crevice tools for tight spaces, upholstery brushes for furniture, and dusting brushes for surfaces. They help you clean more than just floors.
Q: How can I tell if a vacuum has good build quality?
A: A vacuum with good build quality will feel sturdy and well-made. The parts will fit together tightly, and it won’t feel flimsy.
Q: Are upright vacuums good for all types of floors?
A: Upright vacuums are excellent for carpets. For hard floors, make sure the vacuum has a setting to turn off the brush roll or adjust its height to avoid scratching.
Q: What makes a vacuum cleaner better for pet owners?
A: Vacuums for pet owners usually have stronger suction, specialized tools for pet hair, and good filtration to capture pet dander and odors.
Q: How long should the power cord be?
A: A longer power cord lets you clean a larger area without having to stop and switch outlets. Aim for a cord that is at least 25-30 feet long for convenience.
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!