Imagine a home where dust bunnies fear to tread and every carpet feels freshly fluffed. Sounds amazing, right? But getting there can feel like a battle when you’re faced with a wall of upright vacuum cleaners. It’s tough to know which one will actually tackle your pet hair, keep your air clean, and not break your back (or your budget!).
Choosing the best upright vacuum can be a real headache. You want something powerful, easy to use, and good for your allergies, but the choices are overwhelming. Do you need extra attachments? What about suction power? This post cuts through the confusion. We’ll dive into what makes an upright vacuum truly great and highlight some top-rated models that consistently impress.
By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clearer picture of the best upright vacuum cleaners out there. We’ll break down the features that matter most, so you can pick a winner that makes cleaning less of a chore and more of a victory. Let’s get started on finding the perfect vacuum for your home!
Our Top 5 Rated Upright Vacuum Cleaners Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Rated Upright Vacuum Cleaners Detailed Reviews
1. Shark Upright Vacuum
Rating: 8.9/10
Tired of pet hair clinging to everything? The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum in Teal (ZU503AMZ) is here to save the day! This vacuum is designed to tackle pet messes and keep your home clean, even if you have allergies. Its smart features make cleaning easier and more effective.
What We Like:
- The self-cleaning brushroll means no more hair getting tangled around the brush. It’s great for picking up pet hair!
- Lift-Away functionality lets you detach the main part of the vacuum. This makes it easy to clean under furniture or carry it upstairs.
- The Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology with a HEPA filter traps dust and allergens. This helps create cleaner air in your home.
- It comes with special tools like the Pet Crevice Tool and Upholstery Tool. These are perfect for getting pet hair out of tight spots and off furniture.
- Swivel steering makes it easy to move the vacuum around furniture and in tight corners.
What Could Be Improved:
- While powerful, the 1200-watt motor might not be the absolute strongest on the market for very deep carpet cleaning.
- The teal color is attractive, but some users might prefer a more neutral option.
This Shark vacuum is a solid choice for pet owners and anyone looking for a versatile and effective cleaning tool. It makes tackling pet hair and allergens a much simpler task.
2. Shark
Rating: 9.4/10
Tired of dust bunnies and pet hair taking over your home? The Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV356E is a powerful upright vacuum that makes cleaning a breeze. Its versatile design tackles everything from deep carpets to hard floors, and it even comes with special tools for those hard-to-reach spots.
What We Like:
- Lift-Away Functionality: Detach the pod to clean stairs and furniture easily.
- Anti-Allergen Complete Seal: Traps 99.9% of dust and allergens, perfect for allergy sufferers.
- Brushroll Shutoff: Switch from carpets to bare floors without hassle.
- Pet Owner Friendly: Expertly picks up pet hair and dander.
- Swivel Steering: Maneuver around furniture and into tight corners with ease.
- Large Dust Cup: Clean longer without frequent emptying.
- Included Tools: Crevice tool and dusting brush for detailed cleaning.
What Could Be Improved:
- The cord length might be a bit short for larger rooms.
- While good for most messes, it may struggle with very large debris.
This Shark vacuum offers excellent cleaning power and convenience for any home. It’s a solid choice for keeping your floors and furniture spotless.
3. Eureka NEU10AE5 Powerful Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner Carpet and Floor
Rating: 9.2/10
Tired of lugging around heavy vacuums? The Eureka NEU10AE5 is a game-changer! This blue bagless upright vacuum cleaner makes cleaning your home a breeze. It’s super light and powerful, tackling dirt and pet hair on all your floors. Plus, it comes with handy tools to clean even those tricky spots.
What We Like:
- It’s incredibly lightweight, weighing only 7.7 pounds, making it easy to carry and maneuver.
- The powerful suction easily picks up dirt and hair from carpets and hard floors.
- A 10.5-inch cleaning path means you can clean bigger areas faster.
- The quick-release handle lets you attach tools for cleaning furniture and high places.
- It’s eco-friendly with a washable filter, saving you money and helping the planet.
- All the tools, like the crevice tool and dusting brush, store right on the vacuum for easy access.
- Its compact design makes it simple to store in any corner of your home.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 10.5-inch cleaning path might be a bit narrow for very large rooms, requiring more passes.
- While lightweight, the dustbin capacity might need frequent emptying in larger homes.
This vacuum truly simplifies your cleaning routine. It’s a fantastic option for anyone seeking a powerful yet easy-to-handle cleaning solution.
4. Bissell 2252 CleanView Swivel Upright Bagless Vacuum with Swivel Steering
Rating: 8.7/10
Tired of pet hair clinging to your carpets and furniture? The Bissell 2252 CleanView Swivel Upright Bagless Vacuum is here to help! This vacuum is designed to tackle even the toughest pet messes with its powerful suction and specialized tools. Plus, every purchase helps save pets through the Bissell Pet Foundation, so you can feel good about your clean home and your contribution to a great cause.
What We Like:
- Swivel steering makes it super easy to clean around furniture and tight spaces.
- The Triple Action Brush Roll really digs in to grab embedded pet hair.
- It cleans multiple surfaces and has scatter-free technology to prevent messes on hard floors.
- Edge-to-edge cleaning means no pet hair or dirt is left behind in corners.
- The large capacity dirt tank means you don’t have to empty it as often.
- It’s easy to empty the dirt tank when you’re done.
- You’re helping save pets with every purchase!
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users found the vacuum to be a bit loud.
- While it’s good for pet hair, it might not be the best for very deep carpet cleaning.
This Bissell vacuum is a fantastic option for pet owners looking for effective and easy-to-use cleaning. You’ll love how much pet hair it picks up and the added bonus of helping animals in need.
5. Shark NV752 Rotator Powered Lift-Away TruePet Upright Vacuum with HEPA Filter
Rating: 8.8/10
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 help! This vacuum is designed to tackle even the toughest messes, especially if you have furry friends. It makes cleaning easier and more effective.
What We Like:
- The 2-in-1 Powered Lift-Away feature lets you detach the pod for deep cleaning under furniture and in tight spots. The brushroll keeps spinning for powerful suction.
- Advanced swivel steering makes it super easy 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 cleaner.
- A large 0.88-quart dust cup means you can clean for longer without stopping to empty it.
- Bright LED headlights on the nozzle help you spot hidden dirt and pet hair.
- Switching between floor types is a breeze with fingertip controls for carpet and hard floors.
- It’s a pet-lover’s dream with a self-cleaning Pet Power Brush that removes stubborn pet hair and dirt.
- The included upholstery tool is great for cleaning delicate fabrics and even walls.
- The crevice tool is perfect for reaching those tricky corners and baseboards.
What Could Be Improved:
- While powerful, the overall weight might be a consideration for some users on stairs.
- Some users have mentioned that the cord length could be a bit longer for larger rooms.
This Shark vacuum offers powerful cleaning and excellent pet hair removal. It’s a solid choice for keeping your home fresh and clean.
Choosing the Best Upright Vacuum Cleaner: Your Guide to a Cleaner Home
Upright vacuum cleaners are workhorses for keeping your home tidy. They stand tall and are great for cleaning carpets and larger floor areas. Picking the right one makes a big difference in how easy and effective your cleaning routine is.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for an upright vacuum, focus on these important features:
- Suction Power: This is how strong the vacuum pulls dirt. More power means it can pick up more debris, especially from carpets.
- Brush Roll: This spinning brush helps agitate carpet fibers to loosen dirt. Some vacuums let you turn it off for hard floors.
- Bagged vs. Bagless:
- Bagged: You throw away a bag when it’s full. This is good for people with allergies because it traps dust better.
- Bagless: These have a bin you empty. It’s more convenient and saves money on bags.
- Filtration System: Look for HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters. They trap tiny particles like dust mites and allergens. This is crucial for cleaner air.
- Attachments: Crevice tools, upholstery brushes, and dusting brushes help you clean different surfaces and tight spots.
- Cord Length: A longer cord means you can clean more space without switching outlets.
- Weight and Maneuverability: A lighter vacuum is easier to push and carry. Swivel steering helps you navigate around furniture.
2. Important Materials
The materials used in a vacuum affect its durability and performance.
- Plastic: Most vacuums use plastic. High-quality, strong plastic lasts longer. Look for sturdy construction, not flimsy parts.
- Metal: Some internal parts, like the motor housing or brush roll components, might be metal. Metal parts can make a vacuum more durable.
- Filter Media: HEPA filters are made of fine fibers that trap small particles. The quality of these fibers matters for effective filtration.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a vacuum better or worse.
- Motor Quality: A powerful and well-built motor provides consistent suction.
- Sealing: Good seals around the vacuum prevent dust and air from leaking out, improving suction and filtration.
- Durability of Parts: Stronger plastics and well-made attachments will last longer.
- Ease of Maintenance: How easy is it to clean the filters, empty the bin, or clear brush roll clogs? Easy maintenance improves the user experience.
- Noise Level: Some vacuums are very loud. Quieter models are more pleasant to use.
- Brand Reputation: Well-known brands often have better quality control and customer support.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
How a vacuum feels and works in your hands is very important.
- Everyday Cleaning: For quick cleanups of spills and daily dust, a lightweight, easy-to-use model is best.
- Deep Carpet Cleaning: If you have thick carpets, you need a vacuum with strong suction and a good brush roll.
- Pet Owners: Vacuums with specialized pet hair attachments and good filtration are essential for dealing with fur and dander.
- Allergy Sufferers: HEPA filters and bagged systems are highly recommended to improve air quality.
- Multi-Surface Homes: A vacuum with adjustable settings or the ability to turn off the brush roll is great for homes with both carpets and hard floors.
Think about your home and your cleaning needs. This will help you choose an upright vacuum that makes cleaning easier and your home cleaner.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the most important feature in an upright vacuum?
A: Suction power is often considered the most important feature. It determines how well the vacuum picks up dirt and debris.
Q: Should I choose a bagged or bagless vacuum?
A: Bagged vacuums are better for allergies because they trap dust more effectively. Bagless vacuums are more convenient and save money on buying bags.
Q: What does HEPA filtration mean?
A: HEPA stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air. A HEPA filter traps at least 99.97% of dust particles, pollen, and allergens that are 0.3 microns in size.
Q: How do I know if a vacuum has good suction power?
A: Look for vacuums with higher wattage motors or those that specifically mention strong suction. Reading reviews can also give you an idea of performance.
Q: What are the benefits of a swivel steering feature?
A: Swivel steering makes the vacuum easier to maneuver around furniture and in tight spaces, making cleaning less of a chore.
Q: Are there vacuums specifically designed for pet hair?
A: Yes, many upright vacuums have special features like stronger suction, brush rolls that resist hair tangles, and specialized tools to remove pet hair effectively.
Q: How important is the weight of an upright vacuum?
A: The weight is important for ease of use. A lighter vacuum is easier to push, carry up stairs, and store.
Q: Can I use an upright vacuum on hardwood floors?
A: Many upright vacuums can be used on hardwood floors. Look for models that allow you to turn off the brush roll or have soft brush rolls to prevent scratching.
Q: What should I do if the vacuum loses suction?
A: Check if the dust bin or bag is full, clear any blockages in the hose or brush roll, and ensure the filters are clean or need replacing.
Q: How often should I clean or replace the vacuum filters?
A: This depends on the vacuum model and how often you use it. Many washable filters should be cleaned monthly, while HEPA filters might need replacing every 6-12 months.
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!