Imagine walking into a freshly cleaned room. The air smells sweet, and the floors gleam. But getting there can feel like a chore, especially when your trusty vacuum cleaner is more of a hassle than a helper. Picking out a new upright vacuum can be a real puzzle. So many brands, so many features – it’s enough to make anyone feel overwhelmed!
You want a vacuum that tackles dust bunnies, pet hair, and crumbs without breaking your back or your budget. But how do you know which one will truly make your cleaning life easier? We get it. The sheer number of choices can be confusing, and you might worry about picking the wrong one and regretting it later. Don’t let the confusion stop you from achieving that sparkling clean home.
That’s where we come in. This post is your secret weapon for navigating the world of upright vacuum cleaners. We’ll break down what really matters, helping you understand the features that make a difference. Get ready to discover how to find an upright vacuum that’s powerful, easy to use, and perfect for your home. Let’s dive in and find the vacuum that will make your cleaning days a breeze!
Our Top 5 Upright Vacuum Cleaners Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Upright Vacuum Cleaners Detailed Reviews
1. Shark NV352 Navigator Lift Away Upright Vacuum
Rating: 9.0/10
Tackle your cleaning chores with ease using the Shark NV352 Navigator Lift Away Upright Vacuum in a lovely lavender color. This vacuum is designed to make cleaning your home simpler and more effective, from deep carpets to delicate stairs and even your car. Its smart features help you get a thorough clean without all the usual hassle.
What We Like:
- The Lift-Away functionality lets you detach the canister for easy cleaning of stairs, furniture, and other above-floor spots.
- Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology paired with a HEPA filter traps dust and allergens, making it great for allergy sufferers.
- It’s powerful yet lightweight, offering deep cleaning on carpets and bare floors with easy carrying.
- The brushroll shutoff feature lets you switch from carpet to bare floors instantly.
- Swivel steering makes it easy to move around furniture and into tight corners.
- It’s perfect for pets, coming with a wide upholstery tool to pick up pet hair effectively.
- The included crevice tool reaches into small spaces and corners for a complete clean.
- It comes with a 5-year limited warranty for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- While powerful, the dustbin capacity might require frequent emptying in larger homes.
- The cord length, while decent, could be longer for more flexibility in very large rooms without switching outlets.
This Shark Navigator vacuum offers a great balance of power, convenience, and allergen control. It’s a solid choice for keeping your home clean and healthy.
2. Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet Reach Full-Size Vacuum Cleaner
Rating: 8.5/10
The Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet Reach Full-Size Vacuum Cleaner (model 3198A) is a powerful tool designed to tackle pet hair and messes. It helps you clean your home thoroughly, from floors to furniture, with features made specifically for pet owners. Plus, every purchase supports the BISSELL Pet Foundation in their mission to save homeless pets.
What We Like:
- Powerful Pet Hair Pickup: The Triple Action Brush Roll and Scatter-Free Technology work together to grab pet hair easily.
- Convenient Reach: The Quick Release Extension Wand is always ready for quick cleanups on stairs and furniture.
- Easy Maneuvering: Swivel steering and a lightweight design make it simple to move around and clean without heavy lifting.
- Specialized Pet Tools: It comes with tools made for getting pet hair off stairs, upholstery, and other tricky spots.
- Thorough Edge Cleaning: The vacuum cleans right up to edges and corners, leaving no spot untouched.
- Supports a Good Cause: Buying this vacuum helps save pets through the BISSELL Pet Foundation.
What Could Be Improved:
- Color Variation: The product color may vary, which might be a surprise if you have a specific color preference.
This vacuum cleaner is a strong choice for any pet owner looking for effective and convenient cleaning. It makes tackling pet hair much simpler.
3. Bissell CleanView Compact Upright Vacuum
Rating: 8.9/10
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 incredibly lightweight, weighing less than 8 pounds, making it a breeze to carry from room to room or even up and down stairs. Don’t let its compact size fool you; this vacuum packs a powerful punch with its strong suction, tackling dirt and debris with ease. Plus, its special Scatter-Free Technology means less mess on your hard floors. And for every purchase, you’re helping save pets through the BISSELL Pet Foundation!
What We Like:
- It’s super lightweight, making it easy to move around.
- The powerful suction cleans up messes effectively.
- Scatter-Free Technology keeps hard floors clean.
- It has a removable extension wand for reaching tricky spots.
- The dirt container is simple to empty with just a button push.
- Every purchase helps save homeless pets.
What Could Be Improved:
- For very large homes, a corded vacuum might be more convenient.
- The dustbin capacity might need frequent emptying in bigger cleaning jobs.
The Bissell CleanView Compact is a smart choice for efficient cleaning in smaller spaces. It offers great power without the bulk, and you can feel good knowing your purchase supports a great cause.
4. Bissell CleanView Compact Turbo Upright Vacuum with Quick Release Wand
Rating: 9.0/10
The Bissell CleanView Compact Turbo Upright Vacuum, model 3437F, is a cleaning powerhouse designed for small spaces. It packs full-size cleaning ability into a compact and lightweight frame, making it ideal for apartments, dorm rooms, or anyone who needs a quick and easy clean.
What We Like:
- It’s very lightweight, weighing only 10 pounds, which makes it easy to carry and move around.
- You get full-size vacuum power, so it cleans effectively.
- The compact design is perfect for smaller homes where storage is limited.
- Its scatter-free technology helps keep hard floors clean by reducing mess spread.
- The quick-release extension wand makes cleaning above the floor or in tight spots much simpler.
- Plus, every purchase helps save pets through the BISSELL Pet Foundation.
What Could Be Improved:
- While powerful for its size, it might not be the best choice for very large homes with extensive carpeting.
- The dustbin capacity might require more frequent emptying in larger cleaning tasks.
This Bissell vacuum offers a great balance of power and portability. It’s a smart choice for efficient cleaning without the hassle of a large, heavy machine.
5. Shark NV752 Rotator Powered Lift-Away TruePet Upright Vacuum with HEPA Filter
Rating: 8.7/10
Tired of pet hair and dust bunnies taking over your home? The Shark NV752 Rotator Powered Lift-Away TruePet Upright Vacuum in Bordeaux is here to save the day! This powerful vacuum is designed with pet owners in mind, tackling messes with ease. Its special Lift-Away technology lets you detach the canister to clean tricky spots like under your couch or stairs, all while the brushroll keeps working. Plus, the swivel steering makes it a breeze to zip around furniture and into corners.
What We Like:
- The 2-in-1 Powered Lift-Away technology makes cleaning under furniture and in tight spaces super easy.
- Advanced swivel steering lets you move the vacuum smoothly around obstacles.
- The Anti-Allergen Complete Seal with a HEPA filter traps 99.9% of dust and allergens, keeping your air cleaner.
- Its large dust cup means you can clean more without stopping to empty it.
- Bright LED headlights on the nozzle help you spot hidden dirt and pet hair.
- It’s great for all floor types, with easy controls to switch between carpet and hard floors.
- The included Pet Power Brush is specifically designed to get rid of stubborn pet hair from carpets and furniture.
- The upholstery tool is perfect for cleaning delicate fabrics and even walls.
- The crevice tool reaches into those hard-to-get-to corners and baseboards.
What Could Be Improved:
- While powerful, some users might find the vacuum a bit heavy when carrying the main unit upstairs.
- The cord length, while decent, could be longer for very large rooms to avoid frequent unplugging.
This Shark vacuum is a fantastic tool for keeping your home clean, especially if you have furry friends. It offers great features for a thorough and effective clean.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Finding Your Perfect Upright Vacuum
Upright vacuum cleaners are workhorses for keeping your home clean. They stand tall and tackle dirt and debris with powerful suction. Choosing the right one can make cleaning easier and more effective. Let’s explore what makes a great upright vacuum.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for an upright vacuum, keep these important features in mind:
- Suction Power: This is how strong the vacuum pulls dirt. More suction means it can pick up more from carpets and floors.
- Bagged vs. Bagless: Bagged vacuums use disposable bags to collect dirt. Bagless vacuums have a bin you empty. Bagged vacuums can be better for people with allergies because the dirt is sealed away. Bagless vacuums save money because you don’t buy bags.
- Filtration System: This is how the vacuum cleans the air it releases. HEPA filters are the best. They trap tiny particles like dust and allergens. This makes the air you breathe cleaner.
- Brush Roll: The brush roll spins to help lift dirt from carpets. Some have adjustable heights for different carpet types. Others can be turned off for hard floors.
- Weight and Maneuverability: An upright vacuum should be easy to push and steer. Lighter vacuums are easier to move around furniture. Swivel steering helps you navigate tight spaces.
- Attachments and Tools: Look for vacuums that come with useful tools. Crevice tools clean tight spots. Upholstery tools clean furniture. Extension wands help you reach high places.
- Cord Length: A longer cord means you can clean more rooms without switching outlets.
Important Materials
The materials used in an upright vacuum affect its durability and performance.
- Plastic: Most vacuums use plastic. High-quality plastic is strong and lightweight. Cheaper plastic can crack or break easily.
- Metal: Some parts, like the handle or the base, might be made of metal. Metal parts are usually more durable.
- Brush Roll Materials: Brush rolls often have bristles made of nylon or other synthetic fibers. Some may have rubber fins to help agitate dirt.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make an upright vacuum better or worse.
- Motor Quality: A good motor means strong and consistent suction. A weaker motor might lose power over time.
- Build Quality: How well the vacuum is put together matters. Solid construction means it will last longer. Loose parts can signal a less durable vacuum.
- Ease of Maintenance: Can you easily clean the filters or the brush roll? A vacuum that’s hard to maintain might not get cleaned properly, reducing its effectiveness.
- 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 service.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your vacuum will influence your choice.
- Home Size: For larger homes, a lighter vacuum with a longer cord is helpful.
- Floor Types: If you have a lot of carpet, a vacuum with a powerful brush roll is important. For mostly hard floors, a vacuum with a brush roll you can turn off is ideal.
- Pets: If you have pets, look for vacuums designed to handle pet hair. They often have specialized brush rolls and good filtration.
- Allergies: People with allergies should choose vacuums with HEPA filtration and consider bagged models.
- Ease of Storage: Some upright vacuums can be bulky. Consider where you will store it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)**
Q: What is the most important feature in an upright vacuum?
A: Suction power is very important. It helps the vacuum pick up dirt and debris effectively.
Q: Should I choose a bagged or bagless vacuum?
A: Bagged vacuums are good for allergies because they seal dirt away. Bagless vacuums save money on bags.
Q: What does HEPA filtration do?
A: HEPA filters trap tiny particles like dust and allergens. This makes the air cleaner.
Q: How do I know if a vacuum is easy to use?
A: Look at its weight and how well it steers. Lighter vacuums and swivel steering make cleaning easier.
Q: Are attachments important?
A: Yes, attachments like crevice tools and upholstery tools help you clean different surfaces and tight spots.
Q: What if I have a lot of pet hair?
A: Look for vacuums made for pet owners. They often have special tools and strong suction for pet hair.
Q: Does the cord length matter?
A: A longer cord lets you clean more space without stopping to plug it into a different outlet.
Q: How can I tell if a vacuum is well-made?
A: Check the build quality. Sturdy construction means it will likely last longer.
Q: Is there a difference in noise levels between vacuums?
A: Yes, some vacuums are louder than others. Quieter models can make cleaning more pleasant.
Q: Where is the best place to store an upright vacuum?
A: Consider the size of the vacuum and the space you have. Some are more compact than others.
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!