A good broom can only get you so far when cleaning your floors. Once you hit carpets, the need for a vacuum becomes glaringly obvious. And if you have a sprawling home with ample square footage to clean, sweeping becomes the less attractive and more time-consuming option.
So, you might find yourself shopping for an upright vacuum. They’re a handy alternative to sweeping and can handle multiple flooring types, making them a perfect choice for nearly every part of your home. Some even come with a dual cleaning design, making cleaning compact or awkward spaces easier, like stairs or the narrow gap behind your couch.
But which upright vacuums are the best? We combed through dozens of options to isolate the best upright vacuums in Canada for 2024, so if you’re looking for a comprehensive list, look no further. We’ll dive into the best models, why we chose them, and helpful tips to aid you in your selection process. So, without further ado, let’s explore the best upright vacuums in Canada.
Best Upright Vacuums for Canadians in 2024
- Best Overall: Eureka Home Stick Vacuum
- Best Compact: Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Upright Vacuum
- Best for Pet Homes: Bissel Cleanview Swivel Upright
- Best for Multiple Floor Types: Bissel AeroSwift Turbo Compact Vacuum
- Best for Reusable Filter: Eureka Airspeed Upright Vacuum
- Best Features: Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum
- Best for Advanced Filtration: Shark DuoClean Upright Vacuum
Why Did We Choose These Upright Vacuums in Canada?
Some vacuums are better than others – it’s a simple fact. But why did we choose each upright vacuum on our list? Each model excelled in its class for a unique reason. Some models performed beautifully across the board, while others were clear winners in certain categories.
Here’s a quick overview of why each model made the cut.
The Eureka Home Stick Vacuum earns its place as our best pick for an upright vacuum in Canada. It features a nearly unbeatable price that can fit more restrictive budgets, making it the perfect option for Canadians who want a compact model with an affordable price tag. Don’t let its affordable price fool you, though – it still has impressive features.
The Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Upright Vacuum is a solid option if you’re short on space. This model features a stick-vacuum design with a narrow profile that allows it to fit in smaller storage spaces. It’s lightweight, easy to carry, and offers solid maneuverability, so it’s a strong contender on this list.
Next in line, we have the Bissel Cleanview Swivel Upright. This model is an outstanding choice for Canadian homes with pets, as it has numerous features geared specifically toward pet homes. For example, it features a rubber TurboEraser tool that attracts pet hair and can be used on pet beds. If you have a pet that sheds a lot, this model is a worthwhile consideration.
The Bissel AeroSwift Turbo Compact Vacuum is ideal for Canadians with multiple flooring types in their homes. The vacuum features adjustable height settings, allowing you to tweak things to accommodate various floor types. You can raise the height for higher pile carpets or lower it for hard floors.
Buying filters routinely can be a nuisance, much less remembering to actually change them on a regular basis. With the Eureka Airspeed Upright Vacuum, this becomes a thing of the past. You can pop out the filter for quick and easy cleaning, eliminating the need to constantly buy filters for your vacuum cleaner.
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum is the best option on our list for high-end features. Our experts were impressed with its array of features that combined many of the best features of other options on our list. For example, it features advanced filtration, dual functionality, and excellent maneuverability. If you want a well-rounded option, this model is a great choice.
The Shark DuoClean Upright Vacuum is our top pick for advanced filtration. It features anti-allergen complete seal technology and a HEPA filter that trap dust and allergens inside the vacuum cleaner. If you have allergies, this model might be the perfect pick.
Best Overall
Eureka Home Stick Vacuum
The Eureka Home Stick Vacuum is a clear winner for most Canadian households. It comes at a nearly unbeatable price, making it a perfect option for those without a few hundred dollars to splurge on a new vacuum.
It features a 3-in-1 design to accommodate varying cleaning needs. You can remove the dust bin from the upright vacuum for handheld cleanup or leave it on to use it like an upright vacuum. You can use it in two ways for handheld cleaning: with the precision crevice tool or without one.
It works well for hard floors, including hardwoods, vinyl, and laminate. It’s also suitable for low-pile carpets and rugs but cannot handle high-pile surfaces.
Its 18-foot power cord and extra-large dust bin ensure you can reach areas further from the outlet and go longer between emptying the bin. Its 2-amp motor provides sufficient suction to clean up various types of debris, including smaller particles like dust and pollen.
A washable cartridge filter eliminates the need to purchase disposable filters, making it more environmentally friendly. Its lightweight design, coming in at less than four pounds, is perfect for easy transport. The swivel head is easy to maneuver and can effortlessly move around items in your home.
Key Features
- Lightweight. Weighing less than four pounds, this vacuum is perfect for homes with multiple floors, as it can easily handle stairs, and carrying it isn’t a hassle.
- Budget-friendly. If you’re working with a limited budget, this model is a worthwhile consideration, as it’s priced competitively.
- Swivel steering. The swivel head provides better maneuverability for cleaning around furniture and reaching tight spaces.
- Multi-functional. The dust bin is removable and compatible with a crevice tool for easy cleanup. Use it as a handheld vacuum or an upright vacuum based on your needs.
Our Expert’s Take
“This model is a strong contender for its budget-friendly price and multi-functional design. Our researchers enjoyed the ease of use and maneuverability.”
Best Compact
Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Upright Vacuum
The Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Upright Vacuum is a solid option for Canadians seeking a compact model. It features a stick vacuum design with a narrow profile, making it ideal for smaller homes with limited storage space.
It weighs just 3.4 kilograms, so it’s lightweight enough to cart around your house as you work. It has a swivel steering head that provides better maneuverability around tight corners, furniture, and similar areas.
The swivel head is removable, allowing you to adjust it based on your cleaning needs. For example, if you need to dust the trim around high windows in your home or the tops of your curtains, simply remove the swivel head and start cleaning.
Several included attachments accommodate varying cleaning needs. A crevice tool allows you to clean easily in smaller spaces, whereas a pet multi-tool lets you easily remove pet hair from various places in your home.
The dust cup features a smaller capacity of just 0.3 litres, so you’ll have to empty it more frequently as you work. However, emptying it is a breeze – all it takes is the click of a button to dump the contents of the dust cup into the trash.
Key Features
- Compact design. This model features a stick-style vacuum design, making it perfect for small homes with limited storage space.
- Versatile cleaning. The swivel head can be removed, allowing for easy cleaning from the floor to ceiling. This makes this vacuum a good option for those with ceiling fans.
- Included tools. A crevice tool and pet multi-tool make for easier cleaning based on your specific needs. You won’t have to purchase additional attachments for these purposes.
- Lightweight. At just 3.4 kilograms, this vacuum is light enough to carry around with you or tackle high-up dusting tasks. Even users who have issues with heavy lifting can appreciate this lightweight vacuum cleaner.
Our Expert’s Take
“If you’re short on storage space but want a vacuum that can do more than just clean the floor, this model is a solid pick. Our researchers liked the removable swivel head that accommodates various cleaning tasks.”
Best for Pet Homes
Bissel Cleanview Swivel Upright
The Bissel Cleanview Swivel Upright is designed with pets in mind, making it ideal for Canadian homes with pets. It features a Triple Action Brush roll that effectively collects pet hair on various surfaces. It works well on low-pile carpets and rugs, bare floors, hard floors, and pet beds.
The brush provides edge-to-edge cleaning, ensuring you don’t miss any debris along baseboards or furniture.
The multi-cyclonic suction system provides plenty of power to collect hair, dirt, and debris from your floors, helping you keep them clean. Its Scatter-Free technology prevents it from blowing debris all over, ensuring you can clean up the floors quickly and easily.
An included TurboEraser tool helps attract pet hair using a rubber brush roll, allowing you to eliminate pesky hair from various surfaces in your home. These attachments fit onto a hose mounted on the vacuum that can help you reach multiple surfaces, including stairs, furniture, and other above-floor objects.
The swivel steering head allows you to breeze around furniture, corners, and other objects in your home. The multi-level filtration system, complete with a washable filter, helps trap household dust and particles.
Key Features
- Triple action brush roll. The brush roll design on this vacuum helps loosen, lift, and remove dirt and pet hair from various surfaces in your home.
- Works on multiple floor types. This vacuum is ideal for low-pile rugs, carpets, or hard floors, including hardwoods, vinyl, and laminate.
- Included pet tools. Specialized pet tools help to eliminate pet hair from various surfaces in your home, including your pet’s bed.
- Automatic cord rewind. The cord automatically rewinds, so you don’t have to struggle to manually rewind the cord when you are done cleaning.
Our Expert’s Take
“Not all vacuums can handle pet hair, but this one can. It’s an ideal choice for pet homes, as it delivers a solid array of features tailored to pet cleaning needs.”
Best for Multiple Floor
Bissel AeroSwift Turbo Compact Vacuum
The Bissel AeroSwift Turbo Compact Vacuum is perfect for Canadians with several floor types throughout their homes. It features five height settings, allowing you to adjust based on the type of floor you’re cleaning. Set the height higher for high-pile carpets or lower for hard floors.
It features a 1-litre dirt cup, allowing you to spend less time at the trash can emptying the cup and more time cleaning. When you need to empty the trash cup, opening the lid is simple, eliminating the need to touch any of its contents.
It comes with multiple attachments for easy and versatile cleaning. The TurboBrush tool acts like a mini vacuum head for other surfaces, including cloth furniture. The dusting and upholstery combination delivers dual cleaning capabilities, allowing you to clean everything from furniture to curtains.
The crevice tool effortlessly reaches into compact spaces, like the small gaps between the driver’s seat and the center console in your car. An extendable wand amplifies your reach, allowing you to reach high up places, like the tops of curtains, without a chair or step stool.
This model employs cyclonic technology to deliver powerful performance and keep the filter cleaner longer, making maintenance a breeze.
Key Features
- Multiple height settings. This model features several height settings, allowing it to accommodate different flooring types.
- Included attachments. Several included attachments make it easier to tackle different cleaning tasks, from dusting baseboards to cleaning pet hair off upholstery.
- Extendable wand. An extendable wand allows you to reach higher, eliminating the need to stand precariously on a chair or stool.
- Large capacity. The dirt cup can hold up to 1-litre of dirt and dust. You can vacuum for longer without needing to empty the dirt cup.
Our Expert’s Take
“Finding a vacuum that can accommodate multiple flooring types can be tricky. This model is ideal for these scenarios, as it features multiple height settings to handle everything from carpets to hard floors.”
Best for Reusable Filter
Eureka Airspeed Upright Vacuum
The Eureka Airspeed Upright Vacuum is a strong contender on this list, complete with a well-rounded range of features. It comes with a washable filter, which is ideal for those who vacuum frequently and don’t want to deal with the hassle of constantly buying new filters. Instead, it’s as simple as popping the filter out and giving it a quick bath before letting it dry and popping it back in.
Aside from its handy washable filter, this vacuum offers a solid array of features. Its powerful suction can easily extract dirt, hair, and other debris from various floor types. It performs well on hard floors and low-pile carpets but not as well on high-pile carpets.
It features a 10.5-inch wide head for quicker cleaning via a larger cleaning path. It weighs just 7.7 pounds and features a convenient carrying handle for easy transport around your home. The dust cup pops out of the setup and empties into your trashcan with a single press, eliminating the possibility of making a mess when trying to carefully lift out a dust bag.
A handy detachable handle with a hose lets you clean areas off the floor, including air vents, furniture, and curtains. Two extra attachments live on board to accommodate varying cleaning needs, including a dusting brush and a crevice tool.
Key Features
- Washable filter. Tired of buying a disposable filter for your vacuum every few months? The washable filter used in this model is easy to clean when it’s time to refresh your vacuum.
- Multiple attachments. Two on-board attachments, including a dusting brush and crevice tool, make it easier to clean different surfaces.
- Lightweight. This model is easy to carry around. It weighs less than 8 pounds and features a convenient handle, which allows for easy storage and movement.
- Compatible with varying floors. This model can easily handle hard floors and low-pile carpets for effortless cleaning capabilities throughout your entire home.
Our Expert’s Take
“The washable filter makes it easier than ever to clean up your vacuum and get it ready for another phase of cleaning. Our researchers enjoyed the included attachments for cleaning different surfaces.”
Best Features
Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum is a great option for households that need multiple high-tech cleaning features. It offers a notable array of handy features, combining the best perks of several models on this list into a single package.
While it comes at a steeper cost than many of the models on this list, our experts felt it was well worth the price. It features a sleek design with an extra-large dust cup, minimizing the number of times you’ll need to visit the trash can while cleaning.
Advanced swivel steering promotes superior maneuverability, allowing you to easily skirt corners and furniture. Powerful suction collects dirt, debris, and pet hair from your floors, providing a beautifully clean finish. It can deep clean dander and other deeply embedded debris from upholstery, carpet, and other surfaces.
It comes with a Lift-Away pod for better portability, allowing you to take it with you for cleaning above-floor items, including window frames, stairs, furniture, and ceiling fans. The anti-allergen complete seal technology pairs with a HEPA filter to trap 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the dust cup, making it a great choice for Canadians with allergies.
Key Features
- Anti-allergen complete seal. This sealing technology and HEPA filter ensure vacuumed dust and allergens aren’t released back into the air.
- Large capacity. An extra-large dust cup minimizes the number of times you’ll need to empty it as you work. Even if you are vacuuming your whole house, you won’t have to empty the cup as often.
- Solid warranty. A Euro-Pro 5-year limited warranty protects your investment and ensures you’ll get the most out of your purchase.
- Dual functionality. Use the vacuum in Lift-Away mode for better portability, or stick to Upright mode for traditional vacuuming. The dual functionality make this vacuum ideal for those who want a clean house.
Our Expert’s Take
“If you’re searching for a well-rounded upright vacuum, this model is an excellent option. The dual functionality and anti-allergen sealing technology make this a great option.”
Best for Advanced Filtration
Shark DuoClean Upright Vacuum
The Shark DuoClean Upright Vacuum is an excellent choice for Canadians who have allergies or sensitivities. This vacuum provides advanced filtration via a HEPA filter and anti-allergen complete seal technology. Once the vacuum sucks allergens, dust, and other debris into the dust cup, it remains trapped and sealed away.
If you struggle with allergies due to dust, pollen, or similar debris, this vacuum might be a perfect fit for you. However, its benefits go far beyond its top-tier filtration capabilities.
It offers multi-functional usability, allowing you to use it as a standard upright vacuum or cart it with you using the Lift-Away mode. This makes it easier to clean above-floor areas, including furniture and stairs.
Its advanced swivel steering design on the primary upright vacuum allows you to wiggle into snug spaces for effortless cleaning, including around furniture, around corners, and into tight spaces. Its powerful LED lights, situated on the vacuum handle and nozzle, place dirt and debris in a revealing spotlight to ensure you achieve a thoroughly cleaned result.
Plucking hair out of an upright vacuum, whether it’s human or pet, isn’t particularly enjoyable, especially if it’s grubby or wet. With this model, removing hair from the swivel head is a thing of the past. It features a self-cleaning brush roll that offers nonstop hair removal, ensuring you no longer have to deal with plucking strands from the vacuum.
Key Features
- Advanced filtration. A HEPA filter and anti-allergen complete seal technology trap allergens, dust, and other particles inside the dust cup.
- Swivel steering. A swivel head allows for better movement under furniture and around corners for a better overall clean.
- Self-cleaning. Continuous hair removal technology eliminates the need to pluck hair from the brush roll. If your brush roll gets stuck often, this model can eliminate a ton of cleaning hassle.
- Versatile. Switch into Lift-Away mode for better portability for cleaning stairs, furniture, and other above-floor objects.
Our Expert’s Take
“The included HEPA filter and seal tech make this model perfect for Canadians with allergies. Our researchers enjoyed the self-cleaning hair removal feature.”
Comparing the Best Upright Vacuums for Canadians
Category | Vacuum | Weight | Capacity | Filter Type | Voltage |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall | Eureka Home Stick Vacuum | 1.45 kilograms | 0.6 litres | Cartridge | 120 |
Best Compact | Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Upright Vacuum | 3.4 kilograms | 0.3 litres | Washable Foam | N/A |
Best for Pet Homes | Bissel Cleanview Swivel Upright | 6.35 kilograms | 1 litre | Multi-Level | N/A |
Best for Multiple Floor Types | Bissel AeroSwift Turbo Compact Vacuum | 5.4 kilograms | 1 litre | Cartridge | N/A |
Best for Reusable Filter | Eureka Airspeed Upright Vacuum | 3.5 kilograms | 2.7 litres | Washable | 120 |
Best Features | Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum | 6.2 kilograms | 2.1 litres | HEPA | 120 |
Best for Advanced Filtration | Shark DuoClean Upright Vacuum | 6.03 kilograms | 0.88 litres | HEPA | 120 |
How Did We Select These Upright Vacuums in Canada?
Shopping for home products isn’t easy. Some products proudly boast impressive features, only to disappoint in real life. Other models don’t broadcast fancy features yet deliver shocking results. Because of this, choosing the perfect product for your home can be overwhelming and frustrating.
After all, who wants to spend their hard-earned money on a so-called perfect model, only to find out it doesn’t deliver on its promises? Not us! So, to help consumers like you select the best products for their homes, we have committed our time to conducting extensive research to isolate the best products in various categories.
We’ve tackled everything from the technical world of HVAC for hand-picking outstanding heat pumps to the expansive industry of home appliances, including the best smoothie blenders to create the most delectable frosty treat. Today, we turn our spotlight to upright vacuums. After thorough analysis, our experts landed on the following models.
So, what did we look for in an upright vacuum? We used a couple of factors to base our decisions on, including the following:
- Usability: An oversized, clunky vacuum that is hard to maneuver isn’t ideal for small spaces like apartments, dorms, and similarly sized homes. However, in large houses, the bulkier design is often perfect. We selected various models that accommodate both ends of the spectrum, some offering outstanding maneuverability and others offering steady and less-sensitive maneuverability.
- Functionality: Some upright vacuum cleaners are multi-functional, breaking down into a handheld model for easy cleaning. While not every Canadian might want this feature, we included a couple of models that come apart to match varying cleaning needs and preferences.
- Performance: The best upright vacuum cleaners provide plenty of suction power to collect dirt, dust, pet hair, and other debris from your floors. Each model on this list delivers satisfactory results, providing ample cleaning power to ensure your floors are nice and clean.
- Versatility: While some Canadian homes feature a single type of flooring, others have a mixture of multiple. We selected models that can handle varying floor types to ensure there’s something for everyone.
Factors to Look For in an Upright Vacuum in Canada
When choosing an upright vacuum in Canada, considering all aspects of your home’s cleaning needs and vacuum capabilities is essential. Otherwise, you might end up with a model that can’t effectively handle the cleaning you need in your home. So, to ensure you select the perfect fit for your home, we compiled a list of essential considerations, including the following.
Floor Type
The best vacuums can accommodate varying floor types, but not all vacuums are created equally. Some models are tailored to bare floors, like linoleum, hardwood, and laminate, while others are designed to clean high-pile carpets.
If the flooring in your home is consistent throughout, choosing a model that can handle multiple floor types won’t be as big of a concern. For instance, suppose you have hardwood floors throughout most of your home, save for a few moisture-resistant vinyl floors in the bathrooms. In this case, a model designed for bare floors would be perfectly suitable.
On the other hand, let’s say you have a couple of bedrooms with wall-to-wall carpet, but the main areas feature hardwood floors. A model that can handle multiple flooring types is best in this scenario.
Usability
Ease of use is another important factor to keep in mind as you shop for your next upright vacuum. These vacuums have a middle-heavy design, so some models can be clunky and difficult to maneuver. This isn’t ideal, as you’ll need your vacuum to move with you as you work around furniture and other items in your home.
Many modern vacuums feature a swivelling head that allows them to move effortlessly around furniture legs and underneath low-rise furniture pieces. While the swivel head design can help, a hefty, poorly designed dust bin can impact how well it moves around objects in your home.
Choose a model with top-tier maneuverability if you have numerous furniture pieces and small spaces where the vacuum needs to fit. In contrast, a larger, clunkier model might be fine for sprawling homes with ample space for a vacuum to move around.
Weight
The weight of a vacuum can impact its maneuverability, so keep this in mind as you shop. Most upright vacuums weigh between 13 and 18 pounds, although lighter and heavier models are available. If you have several flights of stairs, high shelves, or multiple floors to vacuum in your home, a lighter vacuum is probably your best bet. They’re easier to maneuver and lighter to carry, making them perfect for these applications.
On the other hand, a heftier vacuum might be a perfect fit if you need a vacuum that delivers impressive power and don’t have multiple floors in your home. Since you won’t need to carry it up flights of stairs and can take advantage of the wheels, these models can be a perfect fit.
Functionality
Some vacuums feature multiple functions for more effortless cleaning, which can be ideal for some Canadians.
For example, some models feature lift-away designs, allowing you to convert your upright vacuum into a more compact model for cleaning other areas. These models are ideal for cleaning stairs and getting into more compact spaces where the full upright model wouldn’t fit.
Some models feature extendable hoses that snap into place on the back side of the upright vacuum. This feature is ideal for cleaning high-up areas, like curtains or hard-to-reach areas.
Keep these features in mind as you shop, as functionality significantly affects how well your vacuum will accommodate your cleaning needs.
Attachments
Consider the attachments included with your vacuum cleaner. Many models come with a handful of attachments, each geared toward a different purpose. Upholstery brushes, crevice tools, extension wands, pet hair tools, and stair tools are the most common inclusions.
Consider your home’s cleaning needs as you shop for your next vacuum. Do you have pets that shed? Do you need to use your vacuum to dust and clean high-up places, like the tops of your curtains? Do you have cloth furniture that needs a good cleaning? Do you want to use your vacuum to get into small crevices, like the little gaps in your car? Do you have stairs?
Use your cleaning needs to select a model with the appropriate accessories. While you can always buy the right attachments later on, choosing a model with the correct attachments saves you a step.
Performance
The performance factor is an essential consideration when shopping for a vacuum cleaner. It should have plenty of suction power to effectively clean your entire home, regardless of whether you’re cleaning your carpets or eliminating dust from hardwood floors.
If the vacuum fails to deliver ample suction power, it won’t be able to effectively lift dust, dirt, pet hair, and other debris from your floor. And since that is the sole job of most upright vacuums, a model that fails in this category isn’t ideal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Upright and stick vacuums are fairly similar in that they both stand erect. However, an upright vacuum follows more of a traditional look, with a bulkier design featuring a dust bag.
In contrast, a stick vacuum features a narrow design that makes it easier to maneuver and use. Its compact design makes it perfect for smaller homes and apartments, as it doesn’t demand nearly as much room as an upright vacuum.
The lifespan of your upright vacuum hinges entirely on the model you choose and how you use it. For example, a lightly used and well-maintained vacuum will likely last much longer than a heavily used or poorly maintained vacuum. If you take care of your vacuum cleaner, you can expect to get between five and ten years of usage out of it.
Each upright vacuum in our review today holds a varying amount of dirt in its dust cups. Smaller, more compact vacuum cleaners will hold about .3 litres of dirt; a full-size upright can accommodate about 2.75 litres. This large difference may sway users to buy one vacuum over another. Some Canadians don’t mind emptying the dust cup after each user, though, and a slimmer design might work great for them. Those who have a set preference for dirt capacity can check the vacuum specs before purchase.
Upright vacuums can be an excellent choice for keeping the floors in your home nice and clean. Even Canadian households without a lot of carpeting or rugs will find that an upright vacuum is a solid asset to their home. Upright vacuums are great at vacuuming hardwood floors, as well as carpets, and have great features that will work for all users. Whether you need a lightweight stick or a heavier-duty option, there is sure to be a vacuum that will be perfect for you.
An upright vacuum can cost anywhere from $50 to $300, although several models may cost more or less. The cost of your vacuum depends on factors specific to it. For instance, larger models or those with more features generally cost more, whereas their smaller, simpler counterparts are less expensive.
Many Canadians live in small homes or apartments and don’t have the storage space that a bulkier upright vacuum might take up. Those needing a portable option that is sleek and slim will love the Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Upright Vacuum. This lightweight vacuum works like a high-powered upright with a compact design that is great for storing in tiny closets. With a name brand you can trust, this vacuum has multiple attachments and is great for families.