The 6 Best Canister Vacuums for Spotless Floors

ProsStrong suction power options for different types of floor and carpetConvenient to useRetractable cord and storage for attachmentsConsNot designed for shag rugs and high-pile carpetingMiele is one of the most well-known canister vacuum brands, and its Classic C1 Turbo Team is one of the best models we’ve tested. This mid-priced model offers six suction settings that you can change with a convenient floor switch based on the type of flooring you’re cleaning.The canister vacuum offers powerful suction and captures dust and dirt in its AirClean filter system, and while it doesn’t have a HEPA filter, it still does a great job preventing allergens from escaping back into your home. The Turbo Team comes with the TurboTeQ cleaner head for removing hair and detritus from low to medium-pile carpets, as well as a hard floor cleaner to pick up finer debris.Key SpecsWeight12 lbFilter TypeMiele AirCleanAttachmentsUpholstery nozzle, crevice nozzle, dusting brush, TurboTeQ cleaner head, hard floor brushProsIncludes three-piece tool kitOn-board accessory storageConsDoesn’t include pet toolYou’ll be able to clean virtually any surface in your home with the Kenmore 400 Series canister vacuum, which comes with its own handy attachment set. In addition to its carpet floor-head, which offers four height settings, the vacuum includes a hard floor tool, an upholstery and dusting brush, and a crevice tool. You’ll also get a clip for storing all the accessories right on the wand for easy access.This bagged canister vacuum has a HEPA filtration system to capture dust and allergens, and its telescoping wand is useful for cleaning in hard-to-reach areas. However, it may not be the best choice for pet owners, as it doesn’t include a tool for pet hair.Key SpecsWeight19.5 lbFilter TypeHEPAAttachmentsCrevice tool, upholstery brush, bare floor tool,Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsHEPA filterTelescoping wandMotorized pet attachmentConsHeavier than other comparable modelsThis 22-pound bagged Kenmore features a 26-foot retractable cord and four versatile tools for tackling any surface in your home, car, or garage. This vacuum is especially good at tackling pet hair, dander, and dirt with the motorized pet hair remover literally pulling it up as you pass over your furniture.For day-to-day use on your carpets, the Ultra Plush nozzle automatically adjusts to carpet thickness as you vacuum so you’re always getting a close, effective clean.The enhanced HEPA filter also traps 99.97 percent of debris inside the vacuum bag, so it’s ideal if you have pets or allergies.Key SpecsWeight22 lbFiltration TypeHEPAAttachmentsElite dusting brush, crevice tool, Elite floor brush, Pet PowerMateProsDustbin is easy to release and emptyWorks for carpets and hard surfacesEasy to move around furnitureConsBagless design may not be the best option for allergy sufferersThe Eureka WhirlWind is a lightweight, bagless canister vacuum designed to tackle both hard floors and carpets. The swivel steering and multi-surface floor head make it easy to navigate around furniture and transition between floor types, while the washable filters help cut down on maintenance.When you’re done cleaning, the one-button dust cup release makes emptying the bagless dustbin straightforward (though people with severe allergies may be better off with a bagged design).Other convenient features include automatic cord rewind, a telescoping wand, and integrated airflow control that lets you adjust suction levels directly from the handle.Key SpecsWeight16.53 lbFilter TypeHEPAAttachmentsMotorized floor nozzle, pet tool, crevice toolAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsParking system is helpful when vacuuming stairs LED display panel is a nice, tech-forward upgradeTelescopic wand is convenient for cleaning hidden areasConsBulky and challenging to storeIf you’re willing to spend top dollar for a powerful and convenient vacuum, the Miele Guard L1 is worth the splurge. This high-end vacuum has a convenient telescoping wand and a large, powerful floor-head, and five height adjustments that you select via the foot switch controls, and the LED display lets you know exactly what mode you’re using.The universal floorhead attachment is best for hard floors and low-pile carpeting, and it engages or retracts a bristle strip depending on the surface type. This vacuum also comes with an electric floorhead for thicker carpets.In order to park the vacuum in place, you simply just have to lay it down flat and hook the universal vacuum floorhead onto the base. This is helpful when storing the vacuum or taking quick breaks as it keeps everything contained, but this model is still rather bulky and the telescoping wand adds some unique storing challenges.Key SpecsWeight21.6 lbFilter TypeMiele AirCleanAttachments2-in-1 upholstery/crevice nozzle/dusting brush, AllTeQ floorhead, Electro Plus floorheadProsLightweightEasy to maneuverConsLimited attachments includedMost canister vacuums clean hard floors efficiently, but the Bissell Hard Floor Expert with a bagless dirt container takes it to a new level. This model uses an air-powered rotating brush head specifically designed to extract dust and debris from grout lines and crevices in wood and laminate floors, but also comes with an attachment for cleaning carpet.The Hard Floor Expert is much lighter than other canister vacuums we recommend, only weighing just 13 pounds. The canister itself also comes with an easy-to-grip handle that makes traveling up and down the staircase with it a breeze. The hose is 7 feet long, so you’ll have plenty of reach before you have to move the base of the vacuum.Key SpecsWeight13 lbFilter TypeCartridgeAttachmentsDusting brushAmber is a Reviews Editor with bylines on Popular Mechanics, Runner’s World, Bicycling, and Best Products sites. Specializing in kitchen gadgets, small appliances, lifestyle, and consumer tech, she brings hands-on testing and a detail-oriented approach to every review. In her free time you can likely find her trading trinkets at an EDM festival, searching for hidden gems at thrift stores, or cuddling with her two cats.Tom Price is a reviews editor for Popular Mechanics while also contributing to Runner's World, Best Products, and Bicycling. Here at Popular Mechanics, Tom loves testing out home appliances, smart tech, gear for city life and outdoor adventures, small gadgets like watches and multitools, and anything else you can find piled up at his hoarder's nest of a desk. Prior to working here, Tom attended NYU, graduating with a degree in English and a minor in creative writing. He also wrote for Best Reviews, The Daily Beast, and other publications covering tech, fitness gear, gadgets, and lifestyle products. Furthermore, he covered startup news, pop culture, and even professional wrestling. To follow more of his work, check back here for new stories.