The Best Vacuum For Carpets

Buying Guide

When shopping for a vacuum cleaner for carpets, there’s a lot to think about. You will need to consider how much power it has, how much noise it makes, how easy it is to maneuver and more. Of course, the cost is also an important factor.

Beyond this, you’ll need to select a vacuum style. There are upright, stick and canister vacuums out there, all in different sizes and weights. Some are heavier than others, so keep this in mind if you have to carry the vacuum up and down staircases.

Experts recommend bag vacuums for homes that have a lot of rugs and carpets, since bags hold more dirt and don’t need to be emptied as often as dust cups. It requires more effort to remove and replace vacuum cleaner bags, though, and tossing out the bags can be wasteful. Canister vacuums have two separate parts connected by a hose, so the powerhead works better on stairs. However, these can be more challenging to drag around.

Stick vacuums are the lightest option, and you can find cordless and corded models. These do not always perform as well as full-sized vacuums and can also be pricey. Although it is nice not having a cord to deal with, cordless models have batteries that only last for so long, particularly when used on high-powered modes for carpets.

• Since vacuum cleaners can be relatively inexpensive, some people purchase two — one for upstairs and one for downstairs. This eliminates the need to keep lugging a vacuum cleaner up and down the stairs.
• Vacuum cleaner prices vary widely, ranging from under $100 to robotic models that cost over $1,000. It pays to determine what features you really want and need before making a purchase.
• If you have back or neck issues, you may not want a canister vacuum, because these need to be pushed and can be heavy.
• If choosing a bagless vacuum, be sure to clean the dust cup regularly, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.