Does your vacuum cleaner feel more like a chore than a cleaning tool? You’re not alone! Many of us face the frustrating challenge of finding an upright vacuum that actually makes cleaning easier, not harder. The sheer number of brands and features out there can feel overwhelming, leaving you wondering which one will truly tackle dirt and dust without breaking your back or your budget.
Choosing the right upright vacuum is a big deal. A good one can transform your cleaning routine, making your home sparkle and your life a little less stressful. But a bad one can leave you with missed messes and a sense of disappointment. That’s why we’re diving deep into the world of rated upright vacuums.
In this post, we’ll break down what makes a truly great upright vacuum. You’ll learn about the top-rated models that customers love. By the end, you’ll have the knowledge to pick the perfect upright vacuum that fits your home and your needs, so you can get back to enjoying a clean space!
Our Top 5 Rated Upright Vacuum Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Rated Upright Vacuum Detailed Reviews
1. Bissell 2252 CleanView Swivel Upright Bagless Vacuum with Swivel Steering
Rating: 9.4/10
The Bissell 2252 CleanView Swivel Upright Bagless Vacuum is a powerful cleaning companion designed with pet owners in mind. Its swivel steering lets you easily navigate around furniture and tight corners, while the triple action brush roll tackles embedded pet hair. Plus, with scatter-free technology on hard surfaces, you can say goodbye to messy cleanups after dealing with pet messes.
What We Like:
- Swivel steering makes it super easy to move around furniture and obstacles.
- The triple action brush roll really lifts and removes stubborn pet hair.
- Multi-surface cleaning with scatter-free technology is a lifesaver for hard floors.
- Edge-to-edge cleaning helps grab dirt and hair along walls and in corners.
- The large capacity dirt tank means fewer trips to empty it.
- Easy empty feature makes disposing of dirt quick and simple.
- Every purchase helps save homeless pets through the Bissell Pet Foundation.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has specialized pet tools, the effectiveness of these tools can vary depending on the type of pet hair and surfaces.
- The air flow indicator is helpful, but knowing when the filter needs cleaning could be more intuitive.
This vacuum offers excellent maneuverability and strong pet hair pickup. It’s a solid choice for keeping your home clean and tidy, especially if you have furry friends.
2. Shark
Rating: 9.5/10
Tired of dirt and pet hair taking over your home? The Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV356E is here to help! This powerful upright vacuum makes cleaning easier with its smart design and helpful tools. It tackles everything from deep carpets to hard floors, leaving your home fresh and clean.
What We Like:
- The Lift-Away feature lets you detach the pod to clean stairs and furniture easily.
- Its Anti-Allergen Complete Seal with a HEPA filter traps 99.9% of dust and allergens, which is great for allergy sufferers.
- Swivel steering makes it simple to move around furniture and into tight corners.
- It’s a pet owner’s dream, powerfully picking up pet hair and dander.
- The brushroll shutoff lets you switch from carpet to bare floors smoothly.
- The large dust cup means you can clean more without stopping to empty it.
- Included crevice and dusting tools help you reach every nook and cranny.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s good for most homes, some users might find the cord length a bit limiting in very large spaces.
- The dust cup, while large, still needs regular emptying for the best performance.
This Shark vacuum is a fantastic tool for keeping your home clean and healthy. It offers great performance and versatility for everyday cleaning needs.
3. Shark NV752 Rotator Powered Lift-Away TruePet Upright Vacuum with HEPA Filter
Rating: 8.8/10
Tired of battling pet hair and dust bunnies? The Shark NV752 Rotator Powered Lift-Away TruePet Upright Vacuum in Bordeaux is here to make your cleaning life easier. This powerful vacuum is designed to tackle messes, especially those left behind by our furry friends. Its smart features and helpful attachments make it a great choice for keeping your home clean and fresh.
What We Like:
- 2-in-1 Powered Lift-Away Technology: You can lift the pod away from the base to clean under furniture easily. The brushroll keeps spinning for deep cleaning.
- Advanced Swivel Steering: It’s super easy to steer this vacuum around furniture and into corners.
- Anti-Allergen Complete Seal: The HEPA filter traps 99.9% of dust and allergens, so the air you breathe is cleaner.
- Large-Capacity Dust Cup: The big dust cup means you can clean for longer without stopping to empty it.
- LED Headlights: Bright lights on the nozzle help you see dirt and pet hair you might otherwise miss.
- Perfect for Pets: The special Pet Power Brush cleans pet hair and dirt from stairs and furniture.
- Versatile Tools: It comes with an upholstery tool for delicate fabrics and a crevice tool for tight spots.
What Could Be Improved:
- While powerful, the vacuum might feel a bit bulky for some users.
- The cord length, while generous, may require repositioning in larger rooms.
Overall, the Shark NV752 Rotator Powered Lift-Away TruePet is a fantastic vacuum for pet owners and anyone who wants a cleaner home. Its pet-specific features and easy maneuverability make it a strong contender.
4. Eureka PowerSpeed Lightweight Upright Vacuum Cleaner for Carpet and Hard Floor
Rating: 8.8/10
Tired of lugging around a heavy vacuum? The Eureka PowerSpeed Lightweight Upright Vacuum Cleaner in a vibrant blue is here to make your cleaning routine a breeze! This vacuum is designed to tackle dirt and debris on all your home’s floors, from plush carpets to smooth hard surfaces. It’s perfect for keeping your home tidy, especially if you have pets running around.
What We Like:
- It’s super light! Weighing only 10 pounds, you can easily carry it up and down stairs or move it around furniture.
- It cleans really well on different floors. The strong motor makes sure it picks up dirt from carpets and hard floors alike.
- You won’t have to stop cleaning to empty it very often. The large dust cup holds a lot of dirt.
- Emptying the dust cup is simple and clean. Just flip it over, and the dirt goes out.
- You can adjust the brush height. This helps you clean different types of carpets and bare floors perfectly.
- It comes with special tools for pet messes. The Pet Turbo Brush, crevice tool, and dusting brush are stored right on the vacuum, so they’re always ready when you need them.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s great for general cleaning, some users have noted that the cord could be a bit longer for very large rooms.
- The dust bin, while large, might need frequent emptying in homes with very heavy pet shedding or large messes.
This Eureka PowerSpeed vacuum offers a lot of cleaning power for its lightweight design. It’s a solid choice for keeping your home clean and fresh.
5. Eureka NEU10AE5 Powerful Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner Carpet and Floor
Rating: 8.8/10
Tired of lugging around a heavy vacuum? The Eureka NEU10AE5 is a game-changer! This bagless upright vacuum cleaner tackles dirt and pet hair on all your floors with ease. Its bright blue color and super light design make cleaning less of a chore and more of a breeze.
What We Like:
- It has powerful suction that cleans carpets and hard floors really well.
- The cleaning path is wide, so you can clean bigger areas faster.
- The handle can be taken off to clean furniture and other hard-to-reach spots with included tools.
- It only weighs 7.7 pounds, making it super easy to carry and store.
- The filter is washable, saving you money and helping the environment.
- All the cleaning tools, like the crevice tool and dusting brush, store right on the vacuum.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s great for general cleaning, it might not be powerful enough for very deep carpet cleaning.
- The dustbin capacity is smaller, so you might need to empty it more often for larger homes.
This Eureka vacuum makes cleaning simpler and more enjoyable. It’s a fantastic option for keeping your home tidy without the struggle.
Your Guide to Finding the Best Rated Upright Vacuum
Picking out a new vacuum can feel like a big job. You want one that cleans your floors well and makes your life easier. Upright vacuums are popular for a reason. They are good at cleaning carpets and can handle different messes. This guide will help you find a great one.
Key Features to Look For
What makes a vacuum great?
- Suction Power: This is super important. Strong suction pulls dirt and debris right up. Look for vacuums that mention powerful motors or strong airflow.
- Brush Roll: A good brush roll agitates carpet fibers. This helps loosen dirt so the vacuum can pick it up. Some have adjustable heights for different carpet types.
- Filtration System: If you or someone in your home has allergies, this is a must. HEPA filters trap tiny particles like dust and pollen.
- Attachments: Crevice tools, dusting brushes, and upholstery tools are very useful. They help you clean furniture, stairs, and tight spots.
- Cord Length: A longer cord means you can clean more rooms without unplugging.
- Weight and Maneuverability: You’ll be pushing and pulling the vacuum. A lighter one is easier to use. Swivel steering makes it easy to turn around furniture.
- Dustbin Capacity: A bigger dustbin means you won’t have to empty it as often.
Important Materials
What are vacuums made of?
Most upright vacuums are made from strong plastics. These plastics help keep the vacuum light but still tough. The brush roll might have nylon bristles. Metal parts are used for durability in areas like the handle or motor housing. Look for vacuums with sturdy construction that feels like it will last.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes one vacuum better than another?
- Motor Quality: A well-made motor will last longer and provide consistent power.
- Build Quality: When a vacuum feels solid and well-put-together, it’s usually a sign of good quality. Cheaper plastics or loose parts can mean it won’t last.
- Ease of Maintenance: Can you easily access and clean the filters or brush roll? Simple maintenance means you’ll keep the vacuum working its best.
- Brand Reputation: Some brands are known for making reliable vacuums. Reading reviews can help you find these brands.
User Experience and Use Cases
How will you use your vacuum?
Think about where you’ll be cleaning. Do you have mostly carpet? Or a mix of carpet and hard floors? Some vacuums are better on carpets, while others work well on both. If you have pets, you’ll want a vacuum that’s good at picking up pet hair. A lightweight vacuum is great for carrying up and down stairs. If you have allergies, a vacuum with excellent filtration is crucial. Easy-to-use controls and simple emptying of the dustbin make cleaning less of a chore.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the main Key Features I should look for?
A: You should look for strong suction power, a good brush roll, an effective filtration system (like HEPA), useful attachments, a long cord, and a vacuum that is easy to maneuver and not too heavy.
Q: Are all upright vacuums good for pet hair?
A: Not all of them. Vacuums designed for pet owners often have special brush rolls or stronger suction to grab stubborn pet hair. Check the product description for mentions of pet hair performance.
Q: How do I know if a vacuum has good suction?
A: Look for terms like “powerful motor,” “deep cleaning,” or “strong airflow” in the description. Reading user reviews often gives you real-world feedback on suction power.
Q: Is a HEPA filter really necessary?
A: A HEPA filter is highly recommended if you have allergies or asthma. It traps very small particles that can make breathing difficult. If clean air is important to you, a HEPA filter is a great feature.
Q: What does “swivel steering” mean?
A: Swivel steering means the vacuum’s head can turn easily from side to side. This makes it much simpler to move around furniture and in tight spaces.
Q: How important is the weight of an upright vacuum?
A: The weight is very important for ease of use. A lighter vacuum is easier to push, pull, and carry, especially if you have stairs or a large area to clean.
Q: What are the benefits of having different attachments?
A: Attachments let you clean more than just your floors. Crevice tools get into tight corners, dusting brushes clean shelves, and upholstery tools refresh furniture and stairs.
Q: How often should I clean or replace the filters?
A: This depends on the vacuum model and how often you use it. Most manufacturers suggest checking and cleaning filters monthly and replacing them every 6-12 months, or as recommended in your vacuum’s manual.
Q: Can I use an upright vacuum on hard floors?
A: Many upright vacuums can be used on hard floors, especially those with adjustable brush rolls or a setting to turn the brush roll off. This prevents scratching and scattering debris.
Q: What should I do if my vacuum loses suction?
A: First, check if the dustbin is full and needs emptying. Then, check the filters to see if they are clogged and need cleaning or replacing. Also, check the hose and brush roll for any blockages.
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!