Best Upright Vacuums Of 2021

“>Best Upright Vacuums Of 2021

Ten models tackle dirt floors, pet hair and carpet with remarkable results. The nonprofit we support receives 100 percent of the revenue.

Alex Nasrallah (test technician) takes stock in CR’s vacuum-lab of all uprights.

Consumer Reports. An upright vacuum is better than a canister. There are pros and cons to both, but upright vacuums sell better than all the other models. According to NPD (a market research organization), upright vacuums make up almost half of all vacuums currently on the market.

Additionally to being lighter and easier to transport, upright vacs can also be more effective at carpet cleaning. Frank Rizzi (a senior lab technician with CR) says, “With the entire weight of the vacuum over the powerbrush, it is easier to push it down into carpet pile to suckup the debris trapped deep within.” Our tests revealed that the most effective uprights can clean bare floors as well.

Consumer Reports is continually testing vacuums in its labs. Our carpet-cleaning tests use pet hair and talc to make sure that the carpet is clean. For bare floors, we use the same type of debris to observe whether the vacuum picks it up or scatters it around instead. To judge how easy an upright is to operate, we maneuver the vacuum around and under furniture just like you would.

The model’s overall score includes both the test results and user ratings. These are based on specific member survey data. Our members shared their opinions about the 63073 upright vacuums they have used in the past ten years.

Why Buy An Upright Vacuum?

Canister vacuums tend to be more bulky, expensive, and heavy than upright models. However, they are much more powerful and efficient than stick- or handheld vacuums.

Because they are all-in one products that have the motor within the main unit, upright vacuums make it easy to move around the house and can stand on their own when being stored. They often include accessories to help with above-the-floor chores like drapes, upholstery and stairs. However, because the motor is embedded in the floor head they’re not as suitable for such tasks as cordless sticks vacuums or canister vacuums. But, lift-off models, like the top recommendation, address this problem.

With wider cleaning heads embedded with a turbo brush, upright vacuums are also a good choice if you have lots of rugs or wall-to-wall carpets, and since there’s less stuff to lug around, you’ll be able to clean much larger areas in a shorter period. Since you won’t be dragging any canisters behind you, it feels more natural to push them.

They may not be as easy to maneuver around obstacles or furniture because everything is interconnected. These vacuums are not ideal for moving up or down stairs and the motor unit is directly in front of them, making them more noisy.

Many uprights have a lift off feature, which reduces potential problems and enhances overall performance. These allow you to disassemble the motor unit from its frame and make it possible for the vacuum to be used individually with a hose or other accessory heads above the floor, such as miniature canister vacuums.

Runner-Up

Shark Navigator Liftaway Deluxe NV360 Almost the exact same as our choice for the best upright vacuum. If the NV352 has sold out, you can choose any of the NV350 or NV360 series models. There are very few differences.

It may not be in stock. $260 Target Target $169 Walmart

Any other models in the Shark NV350, NV360, or NV370 series are essentially the same vacuums as the NV352. The only things that make the vacuums different are their tool sets, bin sizes and colors. This is a good alternative to the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe V360, which may be out of stock. Our current favorite Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe V360 model is the best deal. So get there.

9 Best Vacuum Cleaners To Buy In 2021

Whether you need an upright vac, a canister vacuum for pet hair or something in between.

This story was updated in December 2021 to include more specifications on the vacuums recommended by the Good Housekeeping Institute , what to consider when buying a vacuum cleaner and a new Dyson model that reflects updated testing.

Buying a new vacuum cleaner can be a confusing proposition. You have many options. There are many models, brands and styles to pick from. All claim to be great at cleaning pet hair and keeping families clean. They come in a range of prices, from $100 up to over $1,000. The best vacuum cleaners for your home and lifestyle should consider how it can be used, the tools that it offers and its suction. It’s important to consider the surface that you are going to be vacuuming and how you arrange your home. For us, vacuum cleaners make up a large product review segment. Our team is constantly acquiring new products for testing. As members of ASTM International’sF11 Vacuum Cleaner Committee, we interact with engineers and technical representatives of all brands twice a year to help create the vacuum cleaner standard test methods we use to measure performance, ease, durability and much more.

The GH Institute Cleaning Lab tested many types of vacuum cleaners including stick vacs HEPA vacuums canister vacuums and robot vacuums. We also tried handheld vacuums that vacuum hardwood floors for pets hair. Because we test each model three times for cleaning performance and suction, our latest test of 20 models quickly multiplied into 320 separate tests. You can read more about how we test vacuum cleaners as well as our top recommendations for vacuum cleaners.

Best Upright Vacuum For Bare Floors: Shark Rotator Lift-Away Adv

Shark Rotator Lift Away ADV Carpet Stairs Bagless Cordless anti-allergy filter (HEPA), is the most effective upright vacuum we tested. This upright vacuum delivers outstanding performance on flat surfaces, such as hardwood and linoleum. You can use the twin-brushroll model to easily remove any stuck-on dirt and another uses plastic fins that reduce hair wraps.

This vacuum’s bagless design and washable, reusable pre-motor and allergen-trapping HEPA filters result in low recurring costs. This vacuum feels sturdy and easy to assemble. The ‘Lift Away’ function lets you unlatch and transport the canister while keeping its wand in one hand. This makes it easier to clean messes from shelves or furniture. Its power cord is fairly long, so you shouldn’t need to swap outlets even when cleaning larger spaces.

However, the vacuum hose can get tangled up in tight spaces or high-up on shelves. The vacuum hose has many components that will need cleaning. The bulky dirt box can block access to under-table or chair cleaning, and sometimes rug tassels get trapped in the main vacuum head. Aside from that, the vacuum’s excellent bare floor performance combined with its allergen-trapping HEPAfilter make it one our top picks.

Please see our review

Bissell Powerforce Helix – The best vacuum for under $100

The highest-pile BISSELL PowerForce PowerForce (HEPA) upright vacuum is the PowerForce. You can move the vacuum easily from one place to another or up stairs. It is light and portable. It also has a good-sized dirt compartment, so you shouldn’t have to empty it too frequently. You will enjoy low ongoing costs because the only component that must be replaced is the premotor motor filter.

You can use it on all surfaces. It does a great job picking up pet hair. Because of its ever-spinning brushroll, which can spread material such as cereal and rice, this carpet is less well suited for use on bare floors. However, you have five options to adjust its surface type manually so that it suits your needs.

Unfortunately, it can be hard to maneuver. There is no rotating head to make it easier to maneuver in tight areas or corners. Also, its dirt compartment may be too bulky so that you might have difficulty reaching underneath tables and couches. The vacuum doesn’t have many tools. However, it can be used in semihandheld settings to get into tight spaces or difficult to reach places. This upright vacuum is a great choice for budget-minded people.

Read our review

The Spruce Tested the Top 7 Upright Vacuums

Our editors test, research, and then recommend only the most effective products. Find out more about our. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.

The Spruce / Chloe Jeong While you may only mop your floors and steam your carpets every so often, there’s no escaping the need for regular vacuuming. Dust, dirt, and debris can collect in all the areas of your home, and it’s important to suck up those materials before they become too troublesome, or before completing a deep clean . Here’s where the upright vacuum comes in. Bulkier in design, this style of vacuum is made for whole-home cleaning, and is often characterized by its spacious dust bin and suction power. If you have used this more traditional style of vacuum before, you know it’s pushed from behind and often accompanied by a cord.

In order to determine the most effective upright vacuum, we tested 28 models from different manufacturers and put them under the microscope in The Lab. These eight vacuums had an upright configuration. The timed set-up of each product was done to get started. Then, we tested the effectiveness of each product by placing hair, popcorn kernels and Cheerios onto four different types flooring. We also measured how long it took for each vacuum to collect them. After, we brought them through a living room obstacle course to see how they would navigate a low couch or coffee table in your home. Other models were tested in our homes, and brought through a multitude of real-world scenarios. In reality, an upright vacuum is not the best choice for spaces that are limited in storage or have multiple surfaces. While some vacuums are great on hard floors and others can handle high-pile rug, you should also consider the purpose of your space before you purchase one.

A good upright vacuum can clean well for many years. Mint Cleaning co-founder Robyn Pook recommends that you get a range of attachments to clean different surfaces. It is important to take into account the size and weight of your pick, as well as its cleaning path width.

Ahead, the best upright vacuums on the market, according to our testing.

Lowe’s’s top picks: The Shark Navigator SwivelPro Complete Upright Vacuum. This upright vacuum is well-equipped and includes attachments that are suitable for pets.

Dirt Devil Endura Reach Vacuum Amazon

This budget-friendly vacuum packs a serious punch when cleaning floors, stairs, carpet, and other surfaces around your home.

Dyson Ball Multi-Floor 2 at Amazon

With a 31-foot power cord and a self-adjusting cleaner head, you can easily capture messes with this colorful vacuum cleaner.

Here’s How We Tested the Upright Vacuums

We tested 28 vacuums in The Lab in Industry City, Brooklyn, during our 16-hour vacuum test eight of which were upright vacuums. First, we opened the boxes and began to take notes regarding the product’s setup. We also took note of the clearness of the manual. Next we tested their effectiveness on hardwood flooring and three types carpeted floors. We spilled measured amounts of hair, popcorn kernels, and Cheerios on the surfaces, and noted how many passes were needed to clean them up. Additionally, this was a test to see how the vacuums moved.

Next, we tested the vacuums’ maneuverability in a course inspired by living rooms. The obstacles were designed to test how easily they could navigate tight spots and switch from flat floors to carpeting. For the final part of the test we noted both the ease in emptying the bags or bins and the sound level. When they used the models in their daily lives, our at-home product testers rated them similarly to each other. We compiled this data and narrowed it down to just seven upright vacuums.

These are the Best Vacuums for All Types of Homes as Tested by Strategist Editors

Photo: 20th Century Fox/Blue Wolf/Kobal/Shutterstock vacuum is not the most thrilling purchase. You won’t get a boost from wearing it the first time, or new jeans. This vacuum is not the kind of product you would proudly display in your home, such as a coffee table or lounge chair. Vacuums that are the best make their vacuum invisible. Only after they have been used, do we enjoy their clean floors and beautifully groomed rugs. A bad vacuum will, on the contrary, make its presence felt. Maybe it is so hard to maneuver, making cleaning a tedious task. Perhaps the vacuum has poor suction, leaving your floors covered in dust andcrumbs even after repeated passes.

It is difficult to pick a vacuum that promises big results. (No company is going to tell you that every time you try to empty the canister, the filter is going to fall out.) The Strategist editors and writers took the initiative to review vacuums. These top models were chosen from a variety of options and had been well reviewed. If you’re not interested in scrolling through every option, click on any of these links to get to the vacuum that suits you best.

Deep-cleaning upright vacuum. Best vacuum for carpets and rugs. Best vacuum for daily cleaning. Best vacuum for pets. Best vacuum for children and pets. Best vacuum under $100.

Best Deep-Cleaning Upright Vacuum

Dyson Ball Animal 2, Upright Vacuum Dyson vacuums, (like their fans hair dryers) are known as engineering marvels. These vacuums can be powerful and ergonomically designed. The Ball Animal 2 is a great vacuum. This is a heavy-duty cleaner that catches everything from food scraps to tufts of cat fur with a single pass. A large and easily visible dirt container allows you to vacuum for long periods of time, without the need to empty it. The Dyson found layers of dirt and crumbs in my living room rug that were not cleaned regularly, despite what I thought was consistent vacuuming. Although it did not get too stuck on my rug or pull up on it as I expected, I found it to be worth the effort for the monthly deep clean. The glides smoothly on hardwood floors, sucking every crumb it comes across.

I had used handheld and stick vacuums previously so I didn’t find it annoying that the vacuum doesn’t have a cordless option. But, the cord is very long. I only needed to plug the vacuum into 2 outlets in order to clean the entire house. Since the vacuum itself is much heavier than others I’ve had, and because it can’t pivot or move around in tight places like smaller vacuums, I found moving it around was more complicated. The Ball Animal 2 seems too big for my small apartment. After trying out the Eureka Stylus stick vacuum, I found that I was less inclined to use my Dyson due to its heavy weight and difficult maneuverability. The Dyson is definitely worth looking into if it’s something you are able to afford and that has the potential to clean seriously. K.I.A.