Canister vacuums tend to be helpful lightweight cleaning assistants with flexible hoses that make reaching dirt easier. There are numerous canister vacuums available in Canada, so you might now know which would be the best choice.
Thanks to hours of extensive research, we have curated a tailor-made selection of the best canister vacuums in Canada in 2024. This list features a wide variety of options, each carefully chosen according to the preferences of Canadians when it comes to cleaning with a canister vacuum. Here’s what the best canister vacuums can offer you.
Best Canister Vacuums for Canadians: Top Cleaning Machines for 2024
- Best Overall: Kenmore 600 Series Canister Vacuum
- Best Lightweight: Eureka Whirlwind Bagless Canister Cleaner
- Best Suction Power: Hoover Pro Deluxe Bagless Canister Vacuum
- Best Multi-Function: Eureka Mighty Mite Corded Canister Vacuum
- Best Bagless: Dirt Devil Express Canister Vacuum
- Best Reach: Miele Complete C3 Excellence
- Best for Pets: Bissell Hard Floor Expert Multi-Cyclonic Canister Vacuum
Why Did We Choose These Canister Vacuums in Canada?
We chose the canister vacuums on our list because they offer a variety of features that make cleaning life’s dirty messes a little easier. Each of the options on our list is there for a reason, so here’s why we chose these models as the best canister vacuums in Canada.
The Kenmore 600 Series Canister Vacuum is our choice for best overall thanks to its many impressive features. This is a great option for Canadian households that include pets, as the powerful suction provided by the 2-motor system can make quick work of pet hair and other embedded dirt.
If you’re looking for the best lightweight canister vacuum in Canada, we recommend the Eureka Whirlwind Bagless Canister Cleaner. At just 3.6 kilograms, this small but mighty canister vacuum is portable and easy to carry around the house or anywhere you want to use it.
The Hoover Pro Deluxe Bagless Canister Vacuum is our choice for the best suction power because of its unique Windtunnel 3 technology. This canister vacuum uses three individual channels to create powerful suction. Plus, it uses a multi-cyclonic system to prevent clogging and help keep dirt out of the filter.
If you’re looking for a vacuum that does more than just suck up dirt, we suggest the Eureka Mighty Mite Corded Canister Vacuum. This powerful unit can handle carpets and hardwood floors but is versatile enough to clean nearly any surface in your home. But the feature we love the most is the blower function, which is powerful enough to function as a leaf blower.
The Dirt Devil Express Canister Vacuum is a high-performance bagless option. This canister vacuum is lightweight and features a manoeuvrable design that can help get to hard to reach areas with ease. The vacuum includes extended reach and convenient one-touch cord rewind.
For Canadians who want to vacuum large spaces without unplugging and replugging the vacuum every two minutes, we suggest the Miele Complete C3 Excellence as the best option. This canister vacuum features a power cord that is 7.3 metres in length, so you can vacuum even large spaces without moving the plug.
The Bissell Hard Floor Expert Multi-Cyclonic Canister Vacuum is our top choice for Canadians who have pets in their home. This canister vacuum is great for removing pet hair from both carpets and hard floors, and it won’t damage your floors in the process.
Best Overall
Kenmore 600 Series Canister Vacuum
- Weight: 2.72 kg
- Filter Type: HEPA Filter
- Hose Reach: 3 m
- Cord Length: 8.5 m
- Bagless: No
It's Great For:
- Canadian households with pets
- Powerful suction
- Those seeking in-depth filtration
- People who want an adjustable wand
The Kenmore 600 Series Canister Vacuum is a great overall choice for Canadian households, especially those with pets. It is ideal for use on hard floors, carpets, and surfaces with embedded pet hair. This high-performance design focuses on multifunctionality, thanks to the included swivel head that can be used on a wide range of surfaces with ease. The canister vacuum includes a triple filtration system with an upgraded HEPA filter that can be used to trap up to 99.7% of dirt in the canister without spreading the mess everywhere.
The powerful performance of the canister vacuum is ensured by the stand-out 2-motor system it uses. This includes 2 floor nozzles with an exclusive brush. Adding to the convenient accessories are 3 extra attachments that can get into even the smallest crevices to get rid of embedded dust and dirt at any time. There is also a motorized attachment that is designed to remove pet hair efficiently, preventing it from tangling around the brush and the vacuum. These accessories are easily stored in the vacuum itself, reducing the need for extra storage space.
The vacuum canister comes with a lightweight telescoping wand made from aluminum that extends the overall reach of the appliance to 3 metres. This can provide further assistance with hard to reach areas like cornices or above wardrobes. This versatile option can be used for efficient and in-depth whole-home cleaning.
Key Features
- 2-Motor System. The high-performance 2-motor system delivers impressive power to Canadian households. It reaches deep into carpets to remove hair, dirt, and debris.
- Easily Tackles Pet Hair. The attachment for pet hair is motorized and easily removes embedded pet hair from carpets, floors, and furniture.
- Great Reach. Thanks to the telescoping wand, this canister vacuum can reach up to 3 metres. Those hard-to-reach places will be cleaner than ever before.
- Various Accessories. There are various tools that come with the vacuum, including an upholstery brush and a bare floor option.
Our Expert’s Take
“This powerful canister vacuum offers an exclusive design that you won’t find elsewhere. It also comes with various useful tools that enhance cleaning. You won’t have to purchase these attachments separately.”
Best Lightweight
Eureka Whirlwind Bagless Canister Cleaner
- Weight: 3.62 kg
- Filter Type: Disk
- Hose Reach: Not Specified, Telescoping Wand
- Cord Length: 4.86 m
- Bagless: Yes
It's Great For:
- Easy portability and super lightweight design
- Easy cleaning from floor-to-ceiling
- Multi-surface cleaning
- Easy access to on-board tools
For those Canadians who don’t appreciate having to drag a heavy vacuum around, our choice for the best lightweight option is here to help. The Eureka Whirlwind Bagless Canister Cleaner is just 3.62 kilograms, making it light enough to carry with you anywhere in your house, and even up the stairs between floors.
Despite its lightweight design, this canister vacuum doesn’t sacrifice suction power. It uses whirlwind technology inside the canister for powerful suction. And it includes cyclone filtration to prevent loss of airflow and a cleaner environment for your family and pets. We also love the easy-empty dust cup, which opens from the bottom and keeps dirt where you want it.
The Eureka Whirlwind is perfect for cleaning carpets, rugs, hard floors, and upholstery, and you can easily transition between settings with a simple foot pedal. The hose attachment features a telescopic wand to help reach those high places where cobwebs love to hide. It comes with a hose with integrated airflow adjustment, a telescopic tube, and an upholstery brush stored on board for easy access. And the accessories are designed to snap easily into place. Add to the package the retractable power cord with a 4.86-metre reach, and you’ve got a lightweight, portable cleaning machine.
Key Features
- Lightweight Portability. This canister vacuum is highly portable thanks to its lightweight design. Users who struggle with heaver vacuums can easily move this option through their homes.
- Easy Maintenance. The canister vacuum features an easy-empty dirt cup that requires no effort to wrangle. This makes the vacuum easy to take care of.
- Onboard Convenience. There are various tools included with the canister vacuum, and they are all conveniently stored within the unit. You’ll have everything you need to get started.
- Telescopic Wand. The wand can be used to get to hard-to-reach areas. If you have a lot of hard-to-reach places that need cleaning, this is a great option for you.
Our Expert’s Take
“This canister vacuum is extremely lightweight. It’s convenient and practical, making it easy to clean your house without too much trouble.”
Best Suction Power
Hoover Pro Deluxe Bagless Canister Vacuum
- Weight: 5.4 kg
- Filter Type: HEPA Filter
- Hose Reach: 3 m
- Cord Length: 5 m
- Bagless: Yes
It's Great For:
- Multi-surface cleaning jobs
- Getting embedded dirt and pet hair from carpets and floors
- Reaching floor to ceiling with a 3-metre hose
- Keeping the air free of allergens with a HEPA filter
If you need a canister vacuum that takes its job seriously and gets the job done right the first time, then we recommend the Hoover Pro Deluxe Bagless Canister Vacuum. It has some serious suction power and versatility that make this the perfect vacuum for Canadians who don’t want to spend a lot of time cleaning.
The Hoover Pro features Windtunnel 3 technology – a super-powerful design that uses three separate channels of suction. The multi-cyclonic system is designed to limit the amount of dirt and dust that make it to the filter, which prevents the filter from clogging. The filter itself is a HEPA Media style filter, capable of trapping 99.97% of dust and allergens from the air, down to 0.3 microns.
This canister vacuum transitions easily between hard floors and carpets, and it comes with helpful attachments to make it easier to tackle any job. Included are the dusting brush and upholstery tools for cleaning delicate upholstery, curtains, window shades, and more. The power brush roll nozzle makes vacuuming carpets and rugs easy, and the hard floor brush is meant to vacuum and protect your hard floors. Just push the button to move from carpet to hard floors. The hose reaches up to 3 metres, so you get floor-to-ceiling cleaning for the whole house.
Key Features
- Exclusive Technology. This vacuum features Windtunnel 3 technology that provides in-depth powerful suction. You won’t find this technology in any other canister vacuum on our list.
- Multi-Surface Ease. The vacuum includes various tools that make it great to use on multiple different surfaces, including hardwood, carpet, vinyl, and beyond.
- Time Saver. The powerful suction and convenient accessories can save a lot of time spent on cleaning that can be dedicated to something else.
- Effective Filtering. The HEPA filtration system keeps most allergens trapped, preventing them from circulating in the air during cleaning.
Our Expert’s Take
“The Hoover Pro Deluxe Bagless Canister Vacuum features extremely strong suction, making it easier to clean your entire home. The multi-surface functionality works well for all surfaces.”
Best Multi-Function
Eureka Mighty Mite Corded Canister Vacuum
- Weight: 5.3 kg
- Filter Type: Cartridge
- Hose Reach: Not Specified, 2 Extension Wands
- Cord Length: 6 m
- Bagless: No
It's Great For:
- Multi-surface cleaning
- Lightweight portability from room to room
- Reaching high ceilings or hard-to-reach areas
- Vacuuming or blowing with the blower operation
If you’re looking for a vacuum that does more than just vacuum, check out the Eureka Mighty Mite Corded Canister Vacuum. This lightweight, portable unit not only handles typical cleaning jobs but doubles as a blower. The blower operation makes it perfect for blowing leaves around the backyard, clearing dirt and debris from patios and porches, or even cleaning up the garage floor.
As a vacuum cleaner, the Eureka Mighty Mite hits all the marks. It features a 10-amp motor that is powerful enough to create strong suction. We love it for its extra lightweight design. At just 5.3 kilograms, this canister vacuum is portable and easy to carry around with you from room to room or even outside. This is great because the Eureka Mighty Mite is perfect for all those jobs that other vacuums can’t handle.
Adding to its flexibility is the 6-metre-long power cord, which provides plenty of length for tackling any job. Even better are the included attachments, which make reaching even the tallest ceilings a cinch. This canister vacuum comes with a floor nozzle, a crevice tool, and a double-sided upholstery brush. Plus, you get not one, but two extension wands, so you won’t need a step ladder to clean those hard-to-reach areas. It’s also perfect for vacuuming out the car, or nearly any other use you can think of.
Key Features
- Versatile Use. The canister vacuum can also be used as a blower. These additional functions make it one of the most versatile options on our list.
- Strong Suction. The powerful motor included with the vacuum delivers strong suction on various surfaces, helping keep your house cleaner than ever before.
- Lightweight Design. This vacuum is highly portable thanks to the convenient lightweight design. You can move it around your home without struggling.
- Easy Reach. The 2 wand extensions help Canadians reach difficult areas with minimal effort involved. If you want to clean all the areas above your floors, those canister vacuum is great.
Our Expert’s Take
“The Eureka Mighty Mite canister vacuum is a versatile tool that you can use throughout your house, including on your lawn. It works to powerfully remove dirt from your floors, but it can also blow leaves off of your driveway.”
Best Bagless
Dirt Devil Express Canister Vacuum
- Weight: 4.54 kg
- Filter Type: HEPA
- Hose Reach: N/A
- Cord Length: N/A
- Bagless: Yes
It's Great For:
- Canadians seeking bagless convenience
- Those who want extended reach
- People looking for easy maintenance
- Various surfaces
The Dirt Devil Express Canister Vacuum offers great performance in a bagless design. This option features extended reach thanks to the hose and cord, which add flexibility to the vacuum. These features make it easy to get to previously hard to reach areas like ceilings and over or under furniture.
Additional convenience is brought to the cord with the easy one-touch cord rewind feature that removes the hassle from dealing with the cord once the cleaning process is finished. This canister vacuum has a compact design but nevertheless delivers high performance thanks to the cyclonic technology it uses. The vacuum is a great choice for various surfaces, from hard floors to carpets, cleaning them all effectively while keeping effort at a minimum.
The HEPA filter included with the canister vacuum is easy to clean with a quick rinse whenever you notice it getting clogged up with dust. This vacuum is also easy to maintain thanks to the easy-empty dirt cup that can be easily removed at any time.
There is a 2-in-1 crevice brush tool that is a great choice for deep cleaning. This is a great canister vacuum to use in Canadian households with stairs or with tall ceilings. The floor nozzle and adjustable want add practicality to the streamlined experience.
Key Features
- Convenient to Use. A straightforward, helpful design makes this bagless canister vacuum extremely easy to use. With a few simple controls and easy movement, this vacuum is great for ease of use.
- Easy Rinse Filter. When the filter needs to be washed, you can rinse it out and put it back into the vacuum. It’s like new each time you rinse it, and you won’t have to pay for frequent replacements.
- Good for Multi-Surface. Multi-surface functionality makes this canister vacuum versatile. It offers the same power no matter which surface you use it on.
- Lightweight Build. The lightweight design makes this both a portable and an efficient option. Users who need a lightweight option will be able to manoeuvre it easily.
Our Expert’s Take
“This convenient canister vacuum offers a lightweight build, which doesn’t at all detract from its efficient performance.”
Best Reach
Miele Complete C3 Excellence
- Weight: 5.4 kg
- Filter Type: Multi-stage Miele Filter
- Hose Reach: Not Specified
- Cord Length: 7.3 m
- Bagless: No
It's Great For:
- Reaching the whole room without moving the plug
- Multi-surface cleaning with 5 height adjustments
- Removing allergens from the air with a triple filtration system
- Multiple attachments for cleaning a variety of surfaces
Next on our list is a canister vacuum cleaner that can clean the whole room from a single outlet. The Miele Complete C3 Excellence canister vacuum features a power cord that reaches 7.3 metres with an 11-metre operating radius – long enough to vacuum even large spaces without needing to unplug and re-plug the cord every few minutes. This super-long cord saves you time and saves your back since you won’t need to bend over repeatedly during use.
That’s not all these powerful canister vacuum offers, however. The Miele Complete C3 Excellence uses an ergonomic foot control pedal for adjusting the power of the vacuum up or down. Or use the symbol buttons on the display to easily select the power level that matches the surface you’re cleaning, including curtains, upholstery, rugs, carpets, and hard floors. It really couldn’t be any simpler.
This canister vacuum has a 1,200-watt motor for powerful suction and performance. It cleans ground-in dirt from your carpets and is gentle on your hard floors. And it features a triple filtration system that includes the Miele AirClean dustbag, Miele exhaust filter, and an additional filter that protects the motor. Combined, these filters remove more than 99.9% of allergens and fine dust particles from the air.
With the Miele Complete C3 Excellence, you also go on-board storage for all the included attachments, which include the dusting brush, crevice nozzle, and upholstery nozzle, as well as the electric power head for carpets and rugs, and the universal floor head for all your hard floors.
Key Features
- Convenient Reach. The 3-metre cord gives you plenty of freedom to move around your house, cleaning multiple areas without moving the cord.
- Triple Filtration. The triple filtration system provides an effective way to keep the air free of particles while preventing dirt clutter around the motor.
- Easy Storage. The canister vacuum includes various accessories that can be easily stored within it. You won’t have to search your home for the correct attachment.
- Ergonomic Pedal. You can use the ergonomic foot pedal to adjust the settings on the vacuum. This eliminates bending and stooping to adjust the settings.
Our Expert’s Take
“This practical vacuum features a long cord, which extends its reach without moving the cord from one plug to another. The ergonomic features make it easy to handle and comfortable to use, too.”
Best for Pets
Bissell Hard Floor Expert Multi-Cyclonic Canister Vacuum
- Weight: 3.76 kg
- Filter Type: Multi-level
- Hose Reach: 2 m
- Cord Length: 5.4 m
- Bagless: Yes
It's Great For:
- Cleaning carpets and hard floors
- Automatically rewinding the power cord
- Portability from room to room
- Powerful suction for removing pet hair from surfaces
For the next canister vacuum on our list, we looked for a model that is designed for powerful suction and performance on both carpets and hard floors. The Bissell Hard Floor Expert Multi-Cyclonic Canister Vacuum fits the bill. Additionally, it’s perfect for homes where pet hair seems to wind up everywhere.
This canister vacuum features multi-cyclonic technology, which is designed to create powerful suction regardless of the surface you’re cleaning. The power cord is 5.4 metres long, which provides excellent reach even in larger spaces. And the power cord has an automatic rewind feature, so there’s no more wrestling with the power cord when you’re done vacuuming.
The Bissell Hard Floor Expert has a hose with a telescoping wand and a 2-metre reach, so you can easily clean hard-to-reach areas above-floor, such as curtains and upholstery, as well as those annoying dust bunnies under the couch or cobwebs in the corner. It comes with a dusting brush, an upholstery tool, and a tool for cleaning cracks, crevices, and narrow spaces, all of which are stored on board for easy access. Plus, there’s a sliding air regulator on the handle so you can adjust the airflow for gentle cleaning.
Key Features
- Versatile Surfaces. Whether you have carpets or hardwood floors, this canister vacuum offers great performance on a variety of surfaces. You can even take it above your floors for great results.
- Automatic Rewind Cord. Tired of winding up the cord manually? The cord on the Bissell Hard Floor Expert vacuum can automatically rewind to save you the hassle.
- Adjustable Airflow. The sliding air regulator included on the handle adjusts the airflow through the vacuum. You can find the perfect suction level for the surface you are cleaning.
- Useful Attachments. This vacuum includes many useful accessories, which can make it easier to clean various surfaces without purchasing additional equipment.
Our Expert’s Take
“This canister vacuum is great for various surfaces. The adjustable airflow helps you find the right setting for each surface, so you always have the suction you need.”
Comparing the Best Canister Vacuums for Canadians
| Category | Canister Vacuum | Weight | Filter Type | Hose Reach | Cord Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Kenmore 600 Series Canister Vacuum | 2.72 kg | HEPA Filter | 3 m | 8.5 m |
| Best Lightweight | Eureka Whirlwind Bagless Canister Cleaner | 3.62 kg | Disk | Not Specified, Telescoping Wand | 4.86 m |
| Best Suction Power | Hoover Pro Deluxe Bagless Canister Vacuum | 5.4 kg | HEPA Filter | 3 m | 5 m |
| Best Multi-Function | Eureka Mighty Mite Corded Canister Vacuum | 5.3 kg | Cartridge | Not Specified, 2 Extension Wands | 6 m |
| Best Bagless | Dirt Devil Express Canister Vacuum | 4.54 kg | HEPA | Not Specified | Not Specified |
| Best Reach | Miele Complete C3 Excellence | 5.4 kg | Multi-stage Miele Filter | Not Specified | 7.3 m |
| Best for Pets | Bissell Hard Floor Expert Multi-Cyclonic Canister Vacuum | 3.76 kg | Multi-level | 2 m | 5.4 m |
How We Selected These Canister Vacuums in Canada
We’ve been evaluating household and lifestyle products for years to help Canadians make the most efficient and sensible choices for their homes, their lives, and their families. We’ve evaluated products in nearly every category, from mattresses to exercise equipment and beyond. We look for the very best products that include the features that matter the most in Canada.
Our experts evaluate each product based on a list of features aht we think are important. Each product is put through hours of research and in-depth analysis. Based on those observations, we compiled a list that we are certain contains products that you will love and get great use from. When evaluating products to find the best canister vacuums in Canada, we looked for the following features:
- Suction Power. A canister vacuum doesn’t serve much purpose if it doesn’t sufficiently do the job it was intended for, and that’s to suck up dirt, dust, and debris from your home. For our list, we looked for canister vacuums that performed the best and had the most power behind them.
- Filter Capabilities. The air filter on a canister vacuum is what protects your home and your family from dangerous allergens, dust particles, and bacteria. When you vacuum, these particles are stirred up, and without a powerful filter, may be blown out into the air that you breathe. We chose vacuums that provided HEPA filters for multi-filtration systems so we could be sure that our recommendations were designed with your health in mind.
- Weight and Portability. Canister vacuums were designed to be lightweight and maneuverable. So, we looked for models that incorporated those features into the design. The vacuums on our list are lightweight and easy to move around or carry from room to room.
- Attachments. Vacuums are for more than just sweeping the floors. They are used to clean upholstery, curtains, under the couch, or even in the car. Canister vacuums are perfectly suited for these types of jobs because of their design. We looked for vacuums that included helpful attachments to make cleaning any space or surface a breeze.
Why Use a Canister Vacuum in Canada?
When most people think of a vacuum cleaner, they picture a traditional, upright model. Vacuum cleaners of this kind have been a staple in Canadian households for decades. However, they are typically cumbersome, and not very maneuverable. They also have limited power because of the small space allowed for the motor and have a shorter reach as far as the hose attachment is concerned. Most people assume that this is as good as it gets when it comes to vacuuming their floors.
However, the canister vacuum is becoming more popular in Canadian households – and for good reason. All the shortcomings and limitations provided by the standard, upright vacuums are solved by a good canister vacuum. These powerful, functional, and lightweight vacuum cleaners offer a variety of benefits, including:
More Power
Canister vacuums have greater power and suction capacity than their upright counterparts, mostly because there is more space available to house a larger motor. With upright vacuum cleaners, the base of the unit is the only space available for a motor. And because uprights are typically heavier, to begin with, this motor is usually smaller in size, and therefore, less powerful.
With canister vacuums, the motor is housed in the canister itself. This canister is significantly larger than the front part of a standard upright vacuum. This extra space allows for a much larger motor or even multiple motors. Many canister vacuums use cyclone technology or multiple airflow channels to create powerful suction action that an upright model simply can’t duplicate.
Better Manoeuverability
If you’ve ever used an upright vacuum, you know that they only travel in one direction: forward. To manoeuver the vacuum, you have to point it in another direction. The front of an upright vacuum, where the roller brushes are housed, is typically wider than a canister vacuum as well. Although this means a wider cleaning path, it also limits the maneuverability of the vacuum. Upright vacuums do not fit easily into tight spaces, under furniture, or in corners.
A canister vacuum is designed to be easily manoeuverable and suitable for cleaning in even tight spaces. Because the vacuum includes two separate parts – the canister itself and the cleaning nozzle itself – which are connected by a detachable hose, there are no limitations on where you can reach with one of these handy vacuums.
Flexible Functionality
Canister vacuums are intended for use on multiple surfaces. While some newer models of upright vacuum cleaners include height adjustments to make them usable on hard floors as well as carpets, there is no comparing them to the increased functionality of canister vacuums. Upright vacuums that include height adjustments rely on that higher height to protect hard floors from damage. Canister vacuums, however, may include both height adjustments and additional tools specifically designed for hard floors. They also typically come with a variety of tools and attachments to handle a multitude of cleaning tasks, such as crevice tools, upholstery brushes, and more.
Quieter Operation
Canister vacuums are almost always quieter during operation than their upright cousins. This is because canister vacuums are designed so that extra insulation of the canister component, where the motors are housed, is possible. This means less noise while vacuuming.
Still, most vacuum cleaners will advertise a decibel rating for how loud they can get. This usually only represents their noise level on the lowest possible setting. Make sure to check out the noise setting listed for the vacuum you have your eye on, as it may determine whether it fits your lifestyle.
How to Choose a Canister Vacuum for Canadians
While there aren’t as many canister vacuums on the Canadian market as other types, the choice can quickly become overwhelming. To combat this, we’ve put together this guide with tips, tricks, and features to help you navigate your choices before you decide on your next canister vacuum cleaner in Canada.
Reach
The reach of your canister vacuum can refer to the length of the cord or the length of the hose. Either way, you may want to choose the longest option you can find. Nobody wants to stop cleaning to move the plug around repeatedly. A longer hose and extension attachment means you can reach many different levels of your home, including high ceilings or ceiling fans without the use of dangerous ladders. Choosing a canister vacuum with a longer reach can make cleaning easier for you in the long run.
Filter Type
Canister vacuums can use a variety of filter types to help clean your air and your floors. Many use HEPA filters to remove allergens from the air, filtering out dirt and leaving your home cleaner overall. Multi-level filtration systems often have the best benefits, as they offer multiple filters for your air to pass through before the vacuum releases it back into your home.
When considering the type of filter your vacuum cleaner uses, make sure to consider the cost. Your canister vacuum may have washable filters that don’t need to be replaced often. Some models have replaceable filters, and these may cost more than you expect. Look into the filter in each canister vacuum you consider before making a purchase.
Weight
Canister vacuums are lightweight options in general, which is why the weight of each unit is so important. You want to make sure that the vacuum is comfortable to use, especially if you have special needs or limited mobility.
Most canister vacuums will be extremely portable. Some even come with wheels on the canister section, allowing you to easily move the vacuum from one location to the next. Consider choosing an option with wheels if you can’t (or don’t want to) move the heaviest part of the vacuum around with you.
Capacity
How much dirt can the bag (or cup) hold? Since canister vacuums can remove a lot of dirt and debris at once, the dirt cup or bag tends to fill up quickly. You don’t want to stop to empty the bag multiple times during the same cleaning session, so you should pay attention to the capacity of each canister vacuum you’re considering.
Choose a canister vacuum that will last through a full cleaning session without cleaning. The larger the capacity, the better off you’ll be. Keep in mind that high-capacity vacuums will get heavier with use, and may be bulkier to transport. It’s a trade-off you might have to consider.
Attachments
Canister vacuums are useful for cleaning a variety of surfaces, and are helpful for refreshing upholstery, getting those hard-to-reach cobwebs from the corners of your home, and even sweeping out your car. Each of these functions requires a different attachment to get the job done right. Because canister vacuums are made to be used in a variety of locations, many come with a host of attachments for different jobs.
Make sure to look for the attachments you’ll be reaching for most often. It’s important to choose a vacuum that comes with these attachments rather than purchasing them later. While you can purchase additional attachments as you need them, this can quickly become expensive for some models. Instead, look for a model that includes all the attachments you need with the purchase of the machine.
Frequently Asked Questions
The filter is designed to catch dirt and debris and prevent it from escaping into the air. When the filter becomes too full of dirt, it can block the airflow and cause your canister vacuum to lose suction power. It’s advised to clean washable, reusable filters every one to four months, depending on how often you use the vacuum and how much dirt passes through the filter. Replaceable filters follow the same timetable unless they are HEPA filters, which have a lifespan of between two to three years. Overall, replace or clean the filter when it becomes saturated with dirt and debris.
The best way to wash a reusable vacuum cleaner filter is by running it under room temperature water. As the water passes through the filter, it will take the dirt with it. You can use a soft sponge to remove any remaining dirt. Rinse the filter until the water runs completely clean. Then, allow the filter to air dry for between 24-48 hours. Ensure the filter is completely dry before reinstalling it in the vacuum to prevent damage.
A bagged vacuum cleaner, whether canister style or a traditional upright, includes a “dirt bag” that is used to collect the dirt and debris that the vacuum cleaner sucks up. When the bag is full, it is simply thrown out and replaced with a new bag. A bagless vacuum cleaner, however, collects dirt and debris in a dirt cup or dirt container. When the container is full, you simply empty the dirt into the trash and reattach the container to the vacuum cleaner to use again. Many newer dirt containers feature an easy-empty design that opens from the bottom to make emptying easier and cleaner.
While most canister vacuums deliver powerful suction, some of them are more well-suited to removing pet hair than others. Many canister vacuum options specifically include tools or attachments that are designed for pet hair removal.
This depends on the canister vacuum, but many of them feature a lightweight build. This makes them more portable and convenient to use around the house and up and down stairs. The lightweight frame usually does not impact the power or capacity of a canister vacuum.
