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Many American households have a pet. When you have a pet (cats and dogs specifically), you get a lifetime of cuddles, hugs, and belly rubs, but along with that, you also get a mountain of pet fur to clean. Cleaning pet hair can be a big pain especially in shedding season.
Pet hair can get anywhere in your house. Not only does the hair make your house look untidy, but it can also be unhygienic. The hair coming out of your pet’s body carry a lot of allergens and harmful germs that can prove to be bad for your health.
These allergens affect a person’s respiratory system if they get into the respiratory tract while breathing. To maintain hygiene and keep everyone in the house safe, it is important to clean the house regularly with a powerful vacuum cleaner. You need a device that can clean the hairs from floors, window blinds, furniture, and other possible places.
We have put together this guide for all the pet lovers out there who need a solid canister vacuum cleaner for pet hair.
Why Choose Canister Vacuum Cleaners for Pet Dander and Hair?
The two common varieties of vacuum cleaners available in the market are upright and canister vacuum cleaners. Canister vacuum cleaners have been proven to be more effective for pet dander for two reasons: their flexible design and higher suction power.
The weight of the motor gets distributed across the canister and its long hose is able to reach difficult to clean places, giving you a lot of flexibility while cleaning. Also, it is easier to carry canister vacuum cleaners with you since they have wheels at the bottom
Secondly, since the motor is part of the canister casing (you don’t have to push it with every stroke while cleaning), manufacturers have been able to make canister vacuums more and more powerful. You will find that the suction power of most canister vacuums is higher than that of their upright counterparts.
Features to Look For Before Buying a Canister Vacuum Cleaner
Accessories Included
The two main accessories that I always look for when I buy any vacuum cleaner for cleaning my home are:
- Dusting Brush: A dusting brush picks up fine particles from the floor. As you know, pet hair can be extremely fine, so you need this brush to clean out your carpets after you have finished cleaning them with the normal brush. Dusting brushes are also good for picking up fine particles that are difficult to pick up using a vacuum cleaner.
- Crevice Tool: The crevice tool looks like a long tube with a narrow-shaped mouth. You never know where the fine hair from your pet’s body is hiding, so a crevice tool is perfect for getting into small places (behind the fridge, underneath the sofa, the corner of your sectional that is facing the wall, and so on).
Note that crevice tools are often sold as a 2-in-1 product where a dusting brush is also attached.
Suction Power
How much a canister vacuum cleaner cleans heavily depends on the vacuum cleaner’s suction power. You can see the suction power mentioned in Air Watts Units on the vacuum cleaner pack (sadly, a lot of manufacturers do not mention AW units, and in that case, you can use the wattage as somewhat of a proxy).
Corded/Cordless
You can choose to go with either corded or non-corded canister vacuum cleaners. Corded ones have bigger motors, and therefore they are more powerful and better at picking up dust and pet hair. That said, newer models of cordless vacuums keep coming out with more power than you might expect. However there are a very limited number of cordless canister vacuums on the market at present.
Floor Type
You need to consider the floor on which you will do the most cleaning. Most households have both hard floors and carpeted areas. A canister vacuum cleaner works well in both places when it has adjustable suction power options.
You can increase the suction power of a vacuum while cleaning your rug and decrease it while cleaning floors. Canisters typically score well on mobility since they have wheels under them, but look for larger wheels that make it easier for them to move on all terrains.
Ease of Use
Let’s face it – few of us have a lot of spare time for regular cleaning. We need a vacuum cleaner that is easy to use. Some features that you should look for are simpler controls, easier to adjust suction, digital controls that warn you about brush and motor maintenance, and larger dust bags so that you don’t have to keep replacing the bags every few minutes
Weight
Due to their design, canister vacuums are heavier than upright ones, which becomes a problem if you have to lift them up. The weight matters when you have a house with high and low decks or if you have stairs. Canister vacuum cleaners usually weigh between 15 to 30 pounds. The weight depends on the design of the vacuum cleaner and the motor. If you have stairs in the house, I would suggest you choose a lighter one.
Noise
Canister vacuums have powerful motors. However, powerful motors are unfortunately not quiet motors. A lot of sources can cause noise pollution in and around your house. Of course, you will not want to add another one to your list.
Some canister vacuum cleaners are as loud as a jet plane passing by! Look for a vacuum cleaner having a noise level of no more than 60 dB. These can be hard to find, but you can quite easily get your hands on one with a noise level somewhere between 65 dB and 75 dB. If you want peace in the house, you can also opt for cleaners with a slightly less powerful motor.
Vacuum Dirt Bin Capacity
Irrespective of the size of the bags in the canister vacuum cleaner, the dirt bin attached to the product needs to be cleaned from time to time. You should never buy a vacuum cleaner with a small dirt bin as they get easily clogged with dirt and slow down the cleaning process.
Moreover, keeping dirt for a long period in the dirt bin can create obnoxious odors. Ensure that the dirt bin can be quickly emptied and have a bin capacity of at least 0.3 liters if it is cordless, and if it is corded, it should have at least a bin capacity of 1 liter.
Maintenance
To maintain the performance of the canister vacuum cleaner, proper maintenance is required. The filter needs to be replaced from time to time whereas the dust bin also needs to be cleaned from time to time.
Other than that, the brush roll also needs to be cleaned as some of the pet hairs, threads, and other types of dirt can get attached to it. You need to clean that as well after a certain period.
#1 – Kenmore 81615 600 Series Pet-Friendly Canister Vacuum Cleaner
Check Price and User ReviewsThis canister vacuum cleaner from Kenmore is specifically designed to clean pet dander via its Pet Powermate attachment. The Pet Powermate has a small motor in it which gives additional power to the vacuum to pick up hair and dander, while its unique design prevents pet hairs from getting tangled in and around the brush.
Another great feature is that it uses HEPA filtration, so that you can be sure that your vacuum is eliminating 99.97% of dust and allergens from the house.
The vacuum uses a dual-motor system (one in the canister and the other in the brush) for more efficient and powerful cleaning. It also has an ultra-plush nozzle designed specifically for carpet cleaning, which makes it easier to move on carpets
Features
- Weight: 29 pounds
- Dust capacity: 1200g
- Type of filtration: HEPA
- Bagged/Bagless: Bagged
- Power: 1320 watts
- Warranty: 1 year
- Noise Level: 73
- Included attachments: Pet PowerMate, Crevice tool, dusting brush and others
- Cordless/With Cord: With Cord.
- Cord Length: 26 feet
- Charge Time: NA
- Battery: NA
Pros
- A dual motor system creates powerful suction for all kinds of floors and carpets.
- As the product weighs only 22 lbs, you can easily move it while cleaning.
- Suction control can be changed easily depending on the surface.
- A stair grip feature lets you use it easily on stairs.
- Includes dusting brush and crevice tool for fine hair and dust.
- An ultra-plush nozzle makes it easier to clean carpets
- The attached wand with the vacuum cleaner is telescopic and can also be detached when not needed.
Cons
- It can be a bit noisy at 73dB.
- The aluminum used in the construction does not match the high standards of the brand.
Video Review
#2 – Miele Complete C3 Marin Canister Vacuum Cleaner
Check Price and User ReviewsUsing this premium vacuum cleaner from Miele, I could efficiently clean rugs and carpets. Not only that, but smooth floors can also be cleaned by using this product. Due to the presence of a Parquet twister in this vacuum cleaner, I could clean in a 180-degree circle. It has an automatic settings feature that sets the suction power as per the surface. You don’t have to adjust the suction power when the flooring changes while cleaning. MIele vacuums
Features
- Weight: 19.4 pounds
- Dust capacity: 4.5L
- Type of filtration: HEPA
- Bagged/Bagless: Bagged
- Power: 1200 Watts
- Warranty: 3 years
- Noise Level: No official noise level has been published, but users put it at around 69dB
- Included attachments: Electro Comfort Electrobrush, Parquet Twister, others
- Cordless/With Cord: With Cord.
- Cord Length: 24 feet
- Charge Time: NA
- Battery: NA
Pros
- 6-speed setting controls that you can operate with your foot and switch among them depending on the surface you are cleaning.
- The power brush is very wide, which helps in more efficient cleaning.
- The height of the vacuum cleaner can be adjusted.
- The handle can be twisted at a 180-degree angle for better cleaning performance.
- You get a huge 36 feet operational cleaning area around the cleaner due to its telescopic hose.
- Uses HEPA cleanair filtration. Almost 99.99 percent of lung-damaging particles can be filtered while using this product.
- You will get additional accessories such as a dusting brush, crevice nozzle, and upholstery tool.
Cons
- The handle is at a 90-degree angle and the suction hose is very small at the point of connection, which causes the vacuum to become clogged quickly.
- The wire retraction piece is fragile and can break easily.
Video Review
#3 – Miele Blizzard CX1
Check Price and User ReviewsThis is one of the very few bagless canister vacuum cleaners available in the market these days. I loved that the suction power can be adjusted, and the inclusion of the VORTEX technology ensures more efficient cleaning. For pet hair, Miele has put in a special handheld TurboBrush which is able to pick up hair in a jiffy.
Miele’s bagless Blizzard CX1 is without doubt one of our favorite vacuums here at HVZ. We picked it as the best vacuum for long hair and also one of the best vacuums for hardwood floors. Furthermore it now is one of our top pick canister vacuums for pet hair!
The HEPA filter with this vacuum cleaner has a lifetime warranty. Using this canister vacuum cleaner, I could clean floors, low pile carpets, and even the upholstery.
Features
- Weight: 19 pounds
- Dust capacity: 4.5L
- Type of filtration: HEPA Lifetime filter
- Bagged/Bagless: Bagless
- Power: 1200 Watts with 62mph airflow
- Warranty: 3 years
- Noise Level: No official noise level is published, but users put it at 72dB
- Included attachments: Parquet Twister, Electro+ Power Brush, handheld Turbo Brush, Crevice Tool, Upholstery Tool, Dusting Brush
- Cordless/With Cord: With Cord.
- Cord Length: 13 feet
- Charge Time: NA
- Battery: NA
Pros
- It has a powerful motor that ensures more airflow, which in turn provides efficient cleaning.
- Its suction power can be controlled easily with the help of a rotary dial present on the upper surface of the vacuum cleaner.
- The presence of a fine dust filter leaves no dirt on the floor.
- Additional accessories are also given with the product, enhancing the vacuum cleaner’s performance.
- The bins can be emptied in an utterly hygienic way.
- The HEPA filter is easy to clean, and can be used for the lifetime of the vacuum.
- The product’s look is quite appealing and will match the interior style of a modern household.
Cons
- Though the machine will clean the household properly, you will find it difficult to clean the machine all by yourself.
- The airflow with the attachments is not very impressive.
Video Review
#4 – Miele Complete C3 Cat and Dog Canister Vacuum Cleaner
Check Price and User ReviewsThis bagged canister from Miele is a combination of both compact design and functionality. I liked that the stainless steel wand and body made up of ABS plastic ensure the longevity of the vacuum cleaner.
Features like 36 feet operating radius and silently functioning motor, along with the super-powerful SEB 228 powerhead for cleaning all kinds of surfaces and pet hair make it a must-consider.
Features
- Weight: 39.2 pounds (shipping weight)
- Dust capacity: NA
- Type of filtration: HEPA Lifetime filter
- Bagged/Bagless: Bagged
- Power: 1200 watt Vortex motor
- Warranty: 7 years
- Noise Level: No official noise level is published, but users put it at around 67 dB
- Included attachments: HEPA Filter, Crevice tool, Electro Brush, Powerhead, Paraquet Twister, Mini Turbo Brush
- Cordless/With Cord: With Cord.
- Cord Length: 33 feet
- Charge Time: NA
- Battery: NA
Pros
- This vacuum includes the SEB 228 Powerbrush attachment which has five cleaning modes for cleaning from almost all surfaces including thick pile carpets.
- Due to 4 motor protection filters, the motor will last longer than the other canister vacuum cleaners available on the market.
- This vacuum cleaner is also capable of removing odors while cleaning with its Airclean filter, which also has a HEPA filtration system to prevent clogging of dirt in the vacuum cleaner.
- Moving this vacuum cleaner around is relatively quieter than its counterparts.
Cons
- The HEPA filter attached to the product is quite expensive and can take a toll on your budget as it needs to be changed from time to time.
- Absence of any kind of indicator on the canister vacuum cleaner.
Video Review
#5 – Kenmore Friendly Bagless Compact Canister Vacuum
Check Price and User ReviewsI was looking for a trusted brand, and one of the most trusted brands is certainly Kenmore. This canister vacuum has a unique bagless design that works well irrespective of the floor type.
The wand is telescopic and can extend the radius in which the cleaner can operate up to 33 feet (9-foot wand and 24-foot cord). It can also be attached or detached anytime at the user’s convenience.
It also has two additional accessories with the product, especially the Pet PowerMate which is perfect for cleaning pet hair. You get a dusting brush and a crevice tool to make cleaning easier.
Features
- Weight: 22 pounds
- Dust capacity: NA
- Type of filtration: HEPA filter
- Bagged/Bagless: Bagless
- Power: 1300 watt
- Warranty: 1 year
- Noise Level: 76 dB
- Included attachments: HEPA Filter, Pet PowerMate
- Cordless/With Cord: With Cord.
- Cord Length: 24 feet
- Charge Time: NA
- Battery: NA
Pros
- You can now clean your place more efficiently as this vacuum comes with two cleaning modes.
- The wand is highly adjustable and movable. So, you can reach difficult areas for cleaning.
- After connecting the vacuum cleaner to a single power source, a long power cord makes it easy to cover a large portion of your house.
- As it is a lightweight product, you can quickly move it around the house.
- It is made especially for cleaning rugs and clothes.
- The presence of 2 motors provides more powerful suction.
- The absence of bags and the canister is also transparent.
Cons
- The size of the handle is quite big, which can prove to be quite problematic.
- The dirt canister is placed well inside the vacuum cleaner. When emptying it, you have to almost open the cleaner up to reach the dirt canister.
Video Review
#6 – Dyson Big Ball Multi Floor Canister Vacuum
Check Price and User ReviewsHigh-powered suction, easy ejection of dirt from the dirt bin, and long cord length were enough to make Dyson’s Big Ball Canister Vacuum an excellent choice for my house.
One of the most innovative features that this canister vacuum cleaner possesses is its ability to correct its position after toppling. Dyson also offers a five-year product warranty so you can be sure about the quality of their product.
Features
- Weight: 17.64 pounds
- Dust capacity: 0.47 gallons
- Type of filtration: Non-HEPA
- Bagged/Bagless: Bagged
- Power: 250 AW
- Warranty: 5 year
- Noise Level: 76 dB
- Included attachments: Stair tool, combination tool
- Cordless/With Cord: With Cord.
- Cord Length: 21 feet
- Charge Time: NA
- Battery: NA
Pros
- The bin can be quickly emptied hygienically without even touching the dirt.
- The canister vacuum cleaner will get back if it is toppled because of the self-righting feature.
- Presence of 2-tier radial cyclone technology, you will be able to remove more amount of dirt from the floor.
- The bin has a large capacity of 0.47 gallons, so you need not clean it several times in a short period.
- No bag is attached to this canister vacuum cleaner, eliminating any need to replace this compartment.
- With the help of a long cord, you can take the machine far away from the power source for cleaning purposes.
- Bristles of the brush are made up of durable nylon fibers, so they can withstand the test of time.
Cons
- Does not have HEPA filtration.
- Does not have a pet-specific brush for hair.
Video Review
#7 – Dyson Cinetic Big Ball Canister Vacuum
Check Price and User ReviewsI could not stop myself from adding this fantastic vacuum cleaner from Dyson to my list. This is because this vacuum cleaner can collect even the most microscopic dirt particles from the floors, which often cause clogging of other vacuum cleaners.
No filter is attached to it, and Dyson also promises that the suction power will never get reduced. Isn’t that amazing?
Features
- Weight: 17.64 pounds
- Dust capacity: 0.42 gallon
- Type of filtration: No filters
- Bagged/Bagless: Bagless
- Power: 160 AW
- Warranty: 2 year
- Noise Level: NA
- Included attachments: Tangle Free Turbine Tool, stair tool, Combination tool, Stiff bristle Brush
- Cordless/With Cord: With Cord.
- Cord Length: 21 feet
- Charge Time: NA
- Battery: NA
Pros
- You need not replace the filters attached with the vacuum cleaner.
- This canister vacuum cleaner has a capacity of 0.42 gallons, so you can use it for a prolonged period before you need to empty the dirt bin.
- Compact designing and easy to move from one place to another.
- Higher suction power ensures efficient cleaning.
- An adapter is provided with the vacuum cleaner, making it easy to attach tools to the device.
- Bin designs have been improved compared to Dyson’s older canister vacuum cleaners. So, this creates fewer problems while emptying the bin.
- It makes less noise as no motor is attached to the primary cleaning tool.
Cons
- The power cord is short, so you can only bring it a certain distance from the power source.
- The product is more expensive than the other products available in this category.
Video Review
Final Thoughts
Pet hairs can create many problems in your house, and you don’t want to have to deal with this problem. Using a good canister vacuum cleaner can solve the problem of pet hairs strewn all over the house.
If you are looking specifically for a pet hair problem solver, the two options from Kenmore and the Miele Complete C3 are my favorite choices that I would recommend to you. If you are looking for a well-rounded vacuum cleaner that does a great job on all surfaces, and even pet hair, then I think I would go with the Miele Complete C3 Marin.
Last update on 2024-09-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API