Tired of wrestling with a vacuum that just doesn’t get the job done? You’re not alone! Choosing the perfect upright vacuum can feel like navigating a maze. There are so many brands, features, and price tags to consider. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and wonder if you’re making the best choice for your home and your budget.
But what if you could cut through the confusion? This guide is designed to be your compass. We’ll explore the top upright vacuums that Consumer Reports has tested and recommend. You’ll learn what makes a vacuum truly great, what features actually matter, and which models are worth your hard-earned money. By the end, you’ll have the confidence to pick an upright vacuum that tackles dirt and makes cleaning a breeze.
Our Top 5 Upright Vacuum Consumer Reports Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Upright Vacuum Consumer Reports Detailed Reviews
1. Eureka Lightweight Powerful Upright Vacuum Cleaner for Carpet and Hard Floor
Rating: 9.2/10
Meet the new Eureka PowerSpeed, a lightweight but mighty vacuum cleaner designed to tackle all your cleaning needs. This updated model boasts a new cyclone system that grabs everything from big messes to tiny dust particles. It works great on both carpets and hard floors, making your whole house sparkle.
What We Like:
- The upgraded cyclone system handles large debris, small dirt, and even microscopic dust.
- Its powerful suction digs deep into carpets to pull out hidden dirt and dust.
- It’s surprisingly lightweight, making it easy to carry and maneuver around your home.
- With 5 height settings, it adjusts perfectly for carpets, shag rugs, and hard floors.
- The wheels glide smoothly on hardwood, protecting your floors from scratches.
- Comes with handy accessories like a crevice tool, dusting brush, and upholstery tool for cleaning tricky spots.
- It effectively captures 99.9% of dust, dander, and allergens, improving air quality.
- The onboard storage keeps all your tools easily accessible.
What Could Be Improved:
- The roller brush and belt may need cleaning every two weeks to prevent clogs from hair and dirt.
- If not cleaned regularly, there’s a risk of malfunction, smoke, or belt breakage.
Overall, the Eureka PowerSpeed is a fantastic tool for keeping your home clean. It offers powerful performance without the heavy lifting, making chores much easier.
2. Shark ZU102 Rotator Pet Upright Vacuum with PowerFins HairPro & Odor Neutralizer Technology
Rating: 8.9/10
Tired of pet hair clinging to your carpets and floors? The Shark ZU102 Rotator Pet Upright Vacuum is here to help! This powerful vacuum is designed with pet owners in mind, tackling even the most stubborn fur with its innovative PowerFins HairPro technology. Plus, it keeps your home smelling fresh with its built-in Odor Neutralizer Technology.
What We Like:
- The PowerFins HairPro actively grabs and removes all types of pet hair from carpets and hard floors.
- The self-cleaning brushroll means no more annoying hair tangles!
- Odor Neutralizer Technology fights bad smells, leaving your home fresher.
- Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology traps 99.99% of dust and allergens, so you breathe cleaner air.
- The large 3XL dust cup means you can clean more without stopping to empty it.
- An extendable hose gives you 12 feet of reach to clean stairs, furniture, and other high spots.
- Swivel steering makes it easy to move around furniture and into tight corners.
- It cleans both carpets and hard floors effectively.
- Comes with useful tools like a crevice tool and a pet multi-tool.
- Includes a 5-year limited warranty for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the vacuum a bit heavier than lighter models.
- While it handles pet hair well, very fine dust might require extra passes on some surfaces.
This Shark vacuum is a strong contender for any pet-owning household. It offers excellent pet hair removal and allergen control, making cleaning easier and your home healthier.
3. Bissell 2252 CleanView Swivel Upright Bagless Vacuum with Swivel Steering
Rating: 8.8/10
Tired of pet hair clinging to your carpets and furniture? The Bissell 2252 CleanView Swivel Upright Bagless Vacuum is here to help! This vacuum makes cleaning up after your furry friends a breeze. Its smart swivel steering lets you easily move around obstacles, and the powerful brush roll tackles even the most stubborn pet hair. Plus, it cleans right up to the edges of your rooms and corners, so no mess is left behind. Every purchase also helps save homeless pets through the Bissell Pet Foundation!
What We Like:
- Swivel steering makes it super easy to clean around furniture and tight spaces.
- The Triple Action Brush Roll really loosens and lifts embedded pet hair.
- Scatter-Free Technology is a lifesaver for cleaning up dry pet messes on hard floors.
- Edge-to-edge cleaning means you get dirt and hair from every spot.
- A 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 cleaning.
- Buying this vacuum helps save pets through the Bissell Pet Foundation.
What Could Be Improved:
- While powerful, some users might find it a bit heavier than expected for a “lightweight” vacuum.
- The specialized pet tools, while effective, could be more varied for different cleaning needs.
Overall, the Bissell 2252 CleanView Swivel is a fantastic vacuum for pet owners. It offers great maneuverability and powerful cleaning performance.
4. Oreck Commercial XL Vacuum Cleaner
Rating: 9.3/10
The Oreck Commercial XL Vacuum Cleaner is a powerful and lightweight cleaning machine designed for both carpets and hard floors. It boasts commercial-grade suction to tackle tough dirt and messes, making it a reliable choice for busy households and professional cleaning needs. Its user-friendly features and durable construction aim to simplify your cleaning routine.
What We Like:
- It has super strong suction that pulls up even the deepest dirt.
- It only weighs 9 pounds, so it’s really easy to carry around.
- The fast brush roll cleans carpets really well, and side brushes get corners.
- It automatically changes height for different floors.
- It has a special handle that makes it comfortable to hold.
- Wall bumpers protect your walls and furniture.
- Oreck has been making vacuums since 1963, so they know what they’re doing.
What Could Be Improved:
- This model uses bags, which means you’ll need to buy replacements.
- It’s a commercial-grade vacuum, so it might be more expensive than a typical home vacuum.
- Some users might prefer a vacuum with more advanced features like a HEPA filter.
This Oreck vacuum delivers on its promise of powerful and easy cleaning. It’s a solid investment for anyone needing a reliable and efficient vacuum for their home or business.
5. Eureka NEU10AE5 Powerful Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner Carpet and Floor
Rating: 9.3/10
Tired of lugging around a heavy vacuum? The Eureka NEU10AE5 Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner in a striking blue is your solution. This vacuum is designed to make cleaning your home a breeze, tackling dirt and pet hair on all your floors.
What We Like:
- It has powerful suction that picks up dirt and hair from both carpets and hard floors.
- The 10.5-inch wide cleaning path helps you clean large areas faster.
- The handle releases quickly, and you can attach tools to clean furniture and tricky spots.
- It’s super light, weighing only 7.7 pounds, making it easy to carry and store.
- The filter is washable, saving you money and being good for the environment.
- All the cleaning tools, like the crevice tool and dusting brush, snap right onto the vacuum so they’re always ready.
What Could Be Improved:
- While powerful for its size, it might not be ideal for very large homes or extremely deep-pile carpets.
- The dustbin capacity might require more frequent emptying for bigger cleaning jobs.
This vacuum cleaner offers a fantastic balance of power, convenience, and affordability. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking for an easy-to-use and effective cleaning companion.
Your Guide to Finding the Best Upright Vacuum
Picking the right upright vacuum can make cleaning your home much easier. Consumer Reports tests many vacuums to help you choose. This guide tells you what to look for.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for an upright vacuum, check for these important features:
- Suction Power: This is how well the vacuum picks up dirt and debris. Strong suction cleans carpets and hard floors better.
- Brush Roll: This spinning brush helps lift dirt from carpets. Some vacuums let you turn the brush roll off for hard floors. This stops dirt from scattering.
- Height Adjustment: Your vacuum should adjust to different carpet heights. This ensures it cleans well on low-pile rugs and thicker carpets.
- Filtration System: A good filter traps tiny dust particles and allergens. This keeps the air in your home cleaner. HEPA filters are the best for this.
- Attachments: Look for tools like crevice tools and upholstery brushes. These help you clean tricky spots and furniture.
- Cord Length: A longer cord means you can clean more space without switching outlets.
- Weight: Upright vacuums can be heavy. A lighter vacuum is easier to carry and push around.
- Bagged vs. Bagless: Bagged vacuums trap dirt in a bag. You throw the bag away when it’s full. Bagless vacuums have a bin you empty.
Important Materials
The materials used in a vacuum affect its durability and performance.
- Plastic: Most vacuums use plastic. High-quality plastic is strong and lasts longer. Cheap plastic can crack easily.
- Metal: Some parts, like the brush roll or motor housing, might be metal. Metal parts are usually more durable.
- Filters: HEPA filters are made of a special paper-like material. They are very effective at trapping small particles.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make an upright vacuum great or not so great.
- Motor Quality: A well-made motor provides strong, consistent suction. This helps the vacuum clean better.
- Build Quality: How well the vacuum is put together matters. A vacuum with loose parts or a wobbly handle might not last long.
- Ease of Use: A vacuum that is easy to maneuver and empty is a joy to use. If it’s hard to push or the dustbin is difficult to remove, it reduces the quality of your cleaning experience.
- Durability: A durable vacuum can withstand regular use without breaking. Consumer Reports tests for this.
- Noise Level: Some vacuums are very loud. A quieter vacuum makes cleaning less disruptive.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your vacuum and what you need it for are important.
- Home Size: For a large home, you might want a vacuum with a larger dustbin and a longer cord.
- Flooring Types: If you have mostly carpets, focus on strong suction and a good brush roll. For hard floors, a vacuum with adjustable suction or a brush roll you can turn off works best.
- Pets: Pet owners need vacuums that can handle pet hair. Look for vacuums with special pet hair attachments and strong suction.
- Allergies: If you have allergies, choose a vacuum with a HEPA filter. This traps allergens and improves air quality.
- Maneuverability: Can you easily steer the vacuum around furniture? Does it get stuck easily? A vacuum that turns well makes cleaning faster and less frustrating.
Consumer Reports tests many upright vacuums. They check how well they clean different surfaces. They also look at how easy they are to use and how long they last. Reading their reviews can help you make a smart choice for your home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Upright Vacuums
Q: What is the most important feature in an upright vacuum?
A: Suction power is usually the most important feature. It helps the vacuum pick up dirt and debris effectively from all surfaces.
Q: Should I choose a bagged or bagless vacuum?
A: It depends on your preference. Bagged vacuums are good for people with allergies because they trap dust better. Bagless vacuums are more eco-friendly and you don’t have to buy bags.
Q: What does HEPA filter mean?
A: HEPA stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air. A HEPA filter traps at least 99.97% of dust, pollen, and other tiny particles.
Q: How much should I expect to spend on a good upright vacuum?
A: Good upright vacuums can range from $100 to $500 or more. Prices depend on brand, features, and performance.
Q: Are expensive upright vacuums always better?
A: Not always. Sometimes, a mid-priced vacuum performs just as well as a more expensive one. Consumer Reports tests help show which vacuums offer the best value.
Q: How often should I clean or replace the filters in my vacuum?
A: This depends on the vacuum model and how often you use it. Many manufacturers suggest cleaning washable filters every month and replacing them every 6-12 months. Check your vacuum’s manual.
Q: What makes an upright vacuum good for pet owners?
A: Vacuums designed for pet owners often have stronger suction, specialized brush rolls, and tools to remove stubborn pet hair from carpets and furniture.
Q: Can an upright vacuum clean hardwood floors well?
A: Yes, many upright vacuums can clean hardwood floors. Look for models with adjustable suction or a brush roll that can be turned off to avoid scattering debris.
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 maneuver around your home.
Q: Where can I find reliable reviews of upright vacuums?
A: Consumer Reports is a great source for unbiased reviews. Many reputable product review blogs also offer helpful insights.
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!