Does your current vacuum cleaner leave you feeling more frustrated than refreshed? You’re not alone! Many of us face the same challenge: finding an upright vacuum that actually makes cleaning easier, not harder. With so many brands and features out there, it’s like trying to navigate a maze just to pick the right one. You want a vacuum that’s powerful, easy to use, and tackles dirt without a fuss, but the sheer number of choices can be overwhelming.
Choosing the perfect upright vacuum is a big deal for keeping your home sparkling. It’s about more than just picking a pretty machine; it’s about finding a reliable partner for your cleaning routine. This guide is here to cut through the confusion. We’ll explore what really matters when you’re shopping, from suction power to how easy it is to move around. By the end, you’ll feel confident about choosing an upright vacuum that fits your needs and your home.
So, let’s dive in and discover how to find the upright vacuum cleaner that will truly transform your cleaning days!
Our Top 5 Upright Vacuum Cleaner Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Upright Vacuum Cleaner Detailed Reviews
1. Shark NV352 Navigator Lift Away Upright Vacuum
Rating: 8.8/10
The Shark NV352 Navigator Lift Away Upright Vacuum in Lavender is a versatile cleaning companion. It tackles dirt and allergens on all floor types, making your home cleaner and healthier. Its thoughtful design makes cleaning easier and more efficient.
What We Like:
- The Lift-Away feature lets you detach the canister for easy cleaning of stairs and furniture.
- Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology with a HEPA filter traps dust and allergens, keeping your air cleaner.
- It’s powerful yet lightweight, making it simple to carry and maneuver.
- The brushroll shutoff lets you switch from carpets to bare floors smoothly.
- Swivel steering helps you navigate around furniture and into tight corners with ease.
- It’s great for pet owners, with tools designed for picking up pet hair.
- The included crevice tool reaches into small spaces for thorough cleaning.
- It comes with a 5-year limited warranty for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dustbin capacity could be larger for bigger cleaning jobs.
- While lightweight, some users might find it a bit bulky for very small spaces.
This vacuum offers impressive cleaning power and user-friendly features. It’s a solid choice for keeping your home spotless.
2. Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet Reach Full-Size Vacuum Cleaner
Rating: 8.7/10
The Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet Reach Full-Size Vacuum Cleaner (model 3198A) is a powerful tool designed to tackle pet hair and messes around your home. It features a swivel steering system and a lightweight design, making it easy to maneuver. Plus, a portion of every purchase goes to the BISSELL Pet Foundation to help save homeless pets.
What We Like:
- It makes cleaning pet hair on stairs and furniture simple.
- The Triple Action Brush Roll and Scatter-Free Technology grab pet hair effectively.
- The Quick Release Extension Wand is always ready for quick cleanups.
- Swivel steering makes it easy to move around furniture.
- Specialized pet tools help you reach tough spots.
- It cleans close to edges and corners.
- Every purchase helps save pets through the BISSELL Pet Foundation.
What Could Be Improved:
- Color may vary, which might not suit everyone’s preference.
This vacuum offers a great combination of power and convenience for pet owners. It’s a solid choice for keeping your home clean and tidy.
3. Bissell 2252 CleanView Swivel Upright Bagless Vacuum with Swivel Steering
Rating: 8.7/10
Tired of pet hair clinging to every surface? The Bissell 2252 CleanView Swivel Upright Bagless Vacuum is here to help! This vacuum is designed with pet owners in mind, making quick work of even the toughest pet messes. Its swivel steering makes cleaning around furniture a breeze, and the specialized pet tools tackle embedded hair with ease. Plus, every purchase helps save pets through the BISSELL Pet Foundation!
What We Like:
- Swivel steering offers excellent maneuverability, making it easy to clean around furniture and tight spaces.
- The Triple Action Brush Roll effectively loosens, lifts, and removes embedded pet hair from carpets.
- Scatter-Free Technology prevents dry pet messes from being flung around on hard floors.
- Edge-to-edge cleaning tackles dirt and hair along walls and in corners.
- The large capacity dirt tank means less frequent emptying.
- Easy Empty feature makes disposing of collected debris simple and mess-free.
- BISSELL proudly supports pet adoption, so your purchase makes a difference.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it excels with pet hair, some users might find the suction power could be stronger for very deep-pile carpets.
- The hose length might be a bit short for some users who prefer to clean higher areas or more distant spots without moving the vacuum.
Overall, the Bissell 2252 CleanView Swivel Upright Bagless Vacuum is a powerful and convenient tool for any pet-loving home. It tackles pet hair effectively and offers great features for easy cleaning.
4. Bissell CleanView Compact Upright Vacuum
Rating: 8.7/10
The Bissell CleanView Compact Upright Vacuum, model 3508, is a fantastic cleaning tool designed for smaller living spaces like dorm rooms and apartments. It’s super light, making it easy to carry around and store. Plus, its powerful suction tackles dirt and debris effectively, and the removable extension wand helps you reach tricky spots.
What We Like:
- Saves Pets: Every purchase helps the BISSELL Pet Foundation save homeless pets.
- Scatter-Free Cleaning: It cleans hard floors without scattering messes everywhere.
- Powerful Suction: It offers strong cleaning power in a compact machine.
- Lightweight Design: Weighing less than 8 pounds, it’s very easy to move from room to room.
- Easy Dirt Disposal: The dirt container empties with just the push of a button.
- Maneuverable: It’s easy to steer and get around furniture.
What Could Be Improved:
- Cord Length: Some users might find the cord a bit short for larger rooms, requiring them to switch outlets more often.
- Bagless Capacity: For very large messes, the dirt container might need to be emptied more frequently than a vacuum with a larger bag.
- Carpet Effectiveness: While good on hard floors, its performance on high-pile carpets might not be as robust as larger, heavier vacuums.
This Bissell vacuum is a smart choice for anyone needing a powerful yet portable cleaning solution. It makes keeping your space tidy simple and even helps a great cause.
5. Eureka Lightweight Powerful Upright Vacuum Cleaner for Carpet and Hard Floor
Rating: 9.1/10
Meet the new Eureka PowerSpeed, a lightweight yet powerful vacuum cleaner designed to tackle messes on both carpets and hard floors. This new model in blue and black is ready to make your cleaning routine easier and more effective.
What We Like:
- The upgraded cyclone system can handle big and small debris, plus tiny dust particles.
- It powerfully picks up dirt and dust, even deep in your carpets.
- This vacuum is lightweight, so it’s easy to carry and use.
- With 5 height settings, it works great on different floor types, including hardwood without scratching.
- It comes with helpful tools like a crevice tool, dusting brush, and upholstery tool that store right on the vacuum.
- You can easily clean above the floor, like furniture, curtains, and even your car.
- It traps 99.9% of dust, dander, and allergens, which is great for allergy sufferers.
What Could Be Improved:
- You should clean the roller brush and belt every 2 weeks to prevent clogs from hair and dirt.
- If not cleaned regularly, the roller and belt could malfunction or break.
The Eureka PowerSpeed is a solid choice for keeping your home clean. It offers great cleaning power and versatility for everyday messes.
The Upright Vacuum Cleaner: Your Guide to a Cleaner Home
Picking the right upright vacuum cleaner can feel like a big decision. These powerful machines are workhorses for keeping your floors spotless. This guide will help you find the perfect one for your home.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping, keep these important features in mind:
- Suction Power: This is how strong the vacuum pulls dirt. More suction means it cleans better, especially on carpets. Look for vacuums with good airflow.
- Brush Roll: This spinning brush helps lift dirt and debris from carpets. Some have adjustable heights for different carpet types. Others can be turned off for hard floors.
- Bagged vs. Bagless:
- Bagged vacuums trap dust in a bag. This is good for people with allergies because it seals dust away. You just toss the bag when it’s full.
- Bagless vacuums use a canister you empty. This saves money on bags but can be a little messier to empty.
- Filtration System: A good filter, like a HEPA filter, traps tiny particles like dust mites and pollen. This makes the air cleaner.
- Attachments: Many vacuums come with tools like crevice tools for tight spots and upholstery brushes for furniture. These make cleaning easier.
- Weight and Maneuverability: You’ll be pushing and pulling this vacuum. A lighter model is easier to move around. Swivel steering helps you get around furniture easily.
Important Materials
The materials used in an upright vacuum affect its durability and performance.
- Plastic: Most of the vacuum’s body is made of plastic. High-quality plastic is strong and lasts longer.
- Metal: Some parts, like the motor housing or wand, might be metal. This adds strength and durability.
- Bristles: The brush roll bristles are usually nylon. Different stiffness levels are used for different cleaning needs.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things make an upright vacuum better or not as good.
- Strong Motor: A powerful motor means better suction and longer life for the vacuum.
- Good Seals: Air leaks can reduce suction. Well-made vacuums have good seals around the hose and canister.
- Durability of Parts: Cheaper vacuums might use flimsy plastic that breaks easily. Higher-quality vacuums use stronger materials that hold up better.
- Ease of Maintenance: Can you easily clean filters or unclog the brush roll? Simple maintenance makes a big difference.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you’ll use your vacuum matters.
- Home Size: For smaller homes, a lighter, more compact model might be best. For larger homes, you might want more power and a larger capacity.
- Floor Types: Do you have mostly carpets, hard floors, or a mix? Choose a vacuum designed for your floor types. Some vacuums are better on carpets, while others excel on hardwood.
- Pets: If you have pets, look for a vacuum with strong suction and a good brush roll to pick up pet hair. Special pet hair attachments are also very helpful.
- Allergies: If allergies are a concern, a bagged vacuum with a HEPA filter is your best bet. It keeps allergens from escaping back into the air.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the most important feature in an upright vacuum?
A: Suction power is usually the most important feature. It determines how well the vacuum cleans your floors.
Q: Should I get a bagged or bagless vacuum?
A: Bagged vacuums are better for allergies because they trap dust. Bagless vacuums are convenient because you don’t buy bags, but emptying them can be messy.
Q: How do I know if a vacuum has good filtration?
A: Look for vacuums that mention a HEPA filter. This filter is very good at trapping small particles like dust and pollen.
Q: Are heavier vacuums more powerful?
A: Not always. While some powerful vacuums are heavier, weight doesn’t always mean more power. Maneuverability is also key.
Q: What does “swivel steering” mean?
A: Swivel steering means the vacuum head can turn easily. This makes it simple to steer around furniture and obstacles.
Q: How often should I clean or replace vacuum filters?
A: It depends on the vacuum and how often you use it. Check your manual, but usually, filters need cleaning monthly and replacement every 6-12 months.
Q: Can I use an upright vacuum on hardwood floors?
A: Yes, many upright vacuums work well on hardwood floors. Look for models with a brush roll that can be turned off or that has softer bristles.
Q: What are “attachments” for?
A: Attachments are tools that come with the vacuum. They help you clean different surfaces like stairs, upholstery, and tight corners.
Q: How does a brush roll help clean carpets?
A: The brush roll spins and agitates carpet fibers. This loosens dirt and debris so the suction can pick it up more easily.
Q: Is it worth buying a more expensive upright vacuum?
A: Often, yes. More expensive vacuums usually have stronger motors, better filtration, more durable parts, and better features, leading to a longer lifespan and better cleaning performance.
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!