Home Vacuum Zone is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
Canisters are one of the most popular type of vacuum cleaner, particularly for homes with lots of hard flooring.
In these Canister Vacuum Reviews we've chosen our top 5 picks. There is a quality canister vacuum in here that will suit every budget!
The table below gives a quick snapshot of the comparable features of each cleaner in these canister vacuum reviews.
Canister Vacuum | Amazon Price | Bag/ Bin Capacity | Filter | Power | Bagged/ Bagless | Weight | Cleaning Radius | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dyson Cinetic Big Ball Animal | 0.42 gallons | Cinetic™ | 263AW | Bagless | 15.7lbs | 32ft | 5 Years | |
Miele C3 Cat & Dog | 1.2 gallons | Active Air Clean | 1200W | Bagged | 12lbs | 36ft | 7 Years - Motor 2 Years - other | |
Miele Compact C1 Pure Suction | 1.18 gallons | Air Clean Sealed | 1200W | Bagged | 9.4lbs | 29.5ft | 7 Years - Motor 2 Years - other | |
Eureka Mighty Mite 3670M | 0.66 gallons | N/A | 10 amp | Bagged | 8.6lbs | 20ft | 1 Year | |
Eureka WhirlWind NEN110A | 0.68 gallons | HEPA | 10 amp | Bagless | 8lbs | 16ft | 1 Year |
Best Canister Vacuum Reviews
Detailed reviews of our Top 5 Canister Vacuums are below.
Dyson Cinetic Big Ball Animal - Best Bagless Canister Vacuum
This vacuum features Dyson's latest Cinetic™ Science technology that they claim captures the microscopic dust that clogs all other vacuums.
The technology generates centrifugal forces high enough to separate the smaller particles of dust and dirt. This compares to other vacuums that try to capture these particles via a filter.
As a result, the Dyson never loses suction power, which can be a problem with other vacuums when the filter's pores become clogged with dirt and block airflow.
The 54 flexible Cinetic tips inside the canister vibrate at up to 5,000 times per second to separate microscopic particles. The centrifugal forces generate up to 313,000G, which spins the tiny dust particles as small as 0.5 microns including pollen and mold spores from the air into the bin.
Key features
- No dirty filters to wash or replace the vacuum will never lose suction and guarantees only clean air will be expelled.
- The Dyson Ball technology - provides stability and a low centre of gravity for easy mobility and accurate steering when pulling it along.
- Designed for homes with pets - the turbine tool is tangle free due to its counter-rotating heads.
- Hygienic and quick to empty - just push the button to release the dirt.
- Certified asthma & allergy friendly™ by Allergy Standards Limited.
The Dyson Cinetic comes with the following tools:
Tangle free turbine tool
Stair tool
Combination tool
Main Turbine Head
Pros:
- Incredible lossless suction - this is the number one comment from the majority of users;
- Very quiet, some users say this is so quiet they had to check it was working properly!
- Telescopic wand suits people of all heights;
- No bags to change or filters to clean - zero maintenance machine!
- Great mobility due to the big ball design, moves easily across carpet & hard floors;
- 5 year warranty.
Cons
- There is no storage for tools on the body of the cleaner. The wand caddy carries only two small accessories. There is no storage place to put the small furniture power head.
- There is no height adjustment or being able to turn off the beater bar for differing pile carpets - except by using the controls to lessen the suction and slowing down the beater bar.
- Emptying the canister has proved difficult for some users, who have experienced the contents of the bin getting stuck in the bin and nothing falling out when the bin is opened necessitating use of the scraping tool to empty the bin.
- Many users have complained that the dust bin has to be emptied too often. The dust bin size is similar to other Dyson’s, however users have complained that the fill line is very low.
We conclude this review with an excellent demonstration video of the Dyson Cinetic Animal Canister courtesy of QVCtv.
If you're really interested in this canister be sure to check out the video, which provides a deep dive into all the features and workings of this cleaner.
Dyson Cinetic Big Ball Animal
Is available for a discount price on Amazon
Miele Compact C1 Pure Suction - Best Bagged Canister Vacuum
The Pure Suction is the entry level version of the Miele Compact C1 series, which are also the entry level series canisters from Miele.
The Miele brand is synonymous with quality, durable vacuum cleaners and the C1 series are designed and built to last an average of 20 years (German engineering at its finest!).
For those wanting proven quality without breaking the bank this lightweight, powerful machine is suitable for homes with hard surfaces and low pile carpets.
The exclusive Air Clean System has been thoroughly researched, developed and tested by Miele's quality control laboratories.
You can rest assured that it effectively captures and retains dust, dirt and other indoor air pollutants. Miele's stringent testing regime guarantees it is one of the most effective and hygienic methods of removing particulate matter from the home.
This canister also features a variable speed motor that enables control of the suction power via a rotary dial with 6 different settings including a silent mode to vacuum quietly.
Furthermore, the Compact C1 offers superb value for a Miele canister vacuum cleaner at this price point!
You are getting almost the same Miele quality filtration and cleaning capability as the top of the range Miele models minus some of the extras and luxury features at a fraction of the cost.
As this is the entry level Miele C1, it doesn't have some of the extra features found on the more expensive models but the quality, performance and durability is reported to be superb.
If you are interested in the extra features there are a wide range of head nozzles that fit the Compact C1, which can be purchased separately. Additionally you can get the HEPA filters for this model (which we would recommend for allergy sufferers) as an alternative to the AirClean Filter, which comes as standard.
Key features
- 1200 watt, high output Miele-made Vortex Motor System™;
- Sound insulation layer for quiet operation;
- AirClean Filter made of multi-ply material, which is electrostatically charged to retain 99.95% of particles down to 0.5 microns and 94% of particles down to 0.3 microns. The active HEPA filter can be purchased separately, which are certified to retain 99% of particles less than 0.3 microns in diameter;
- Dust bag change (airflow) indicator light;
- Rug & floor combination nozzle (SBD 285-3): easily transitions from smooth floors and low pile carpets or rugs with a quick click of the switch located on the floor tool;
- Three accessory tools: crevice nozzle, dusting brush, upholstery tool with VarioClip;
- 7-year manufacturer warranty on motor and casing, and 1-year manufacturer warranty on parts and labor.
Pros
- Powerful motor and 6 suction settings accommodate a variety of vacuuming tasks.
- AirClean Sealed System (for enhanced air quality) - this is an upgrade over the Miele Classic C1 series which does not feature this. With the Compact C1 Pure Suction, the room air is cleaner than it was before vacuuming.
- Very low noise output due to the sound insulation layer especially when used on the silence setting.
- Lightweight design weighing only 11 lbs, which makes it very easy to maneuver around the house and carry up or down stairs.
- Medium capacity 3.5L AirClean dust bags. These bags are 9 layers thick for filtration quality and durability, have excellent air flow for efficient use, and include spring-loaded self-sealing covers for no-mess disposal.
Cons
- Does not support electric power brush attachments (unlike the more expensive C1 Titan and C1 Delphi, which come equipped with electric hoses and wands). This is not the best vacuum choice for someone who has lots of carpeting or thick, plush rugs, where an electric brush is necessary rather than purely suction.
- Accessory tool storage is not directly on the canister. The tools are kept on the wand with a clip-on tool caddy.
- The Compact C1 has a slightly smaller dust bag to the Classic C1 (3.7qt vs 4.76qt), but this still packs a lot of dust.
To conclude this review, below is a short video overview of the features of the Miele Compact Pure Suction C1.
Miele Compact C1 Pure Suction
Is available for a discount price on Amazon
Miele Complete C3 Cat & Dog - Best Canister Vacuum For Pet Owners
The Miele Complete C3 Canisters are the premier Miele canister vacuum cleaners for those wanting to make a serious investment. There are six models in the Miele Complete C3 range, each distinct from one another.
The Miele C3 Cat & Dog is our no.1 choice as the best canister vacuum for pet owners.
It features an Active AirClean filter, which is unique to the C3 range and to provide excellent filtration of dust and other allergens (99.95% of particles 0.5 microns and larger, 94% of particles down to 0.3 microns) as well as pet odors.
The Miele C3 Cat & Dog also includes a mini turbo brush for cleaning furniture, stairs or other small areas where pet hair collects.
The full-size SEB 228 Electro Plus powerbrush can accommodate all carpet types and the parquet floor brush is great for all smooth flooring, especially tile and hardwood.
Key Features
- 1200 watt, low-noise, high output Miele-made Vortex Motor System™.
- 6 suction settings with +/- suction controls on canister.
- Integrated silence insulation plus an encapsulated motor.
- Air Clean Sealed System™ Design retains 99.9% of particles inside the vacuum.
- Active AirClean filter (SuperAir Clean filter w/Active Charcoal cassette).
- The Miele Parquett Twister SBB 300-3 has 90° rotation - makes cleaning around obstacles such as table legs and other tight places a cinch. This attachment is lightweight yet large, and there are periodic spaces in the brush to allow crumbs, etc. to be picked up without lifting the head.
- The Miele SEB 228 Electro Plus Full-Size Electrobrush has a 14-inch wide brush roll, swivel neck, self parking and 5 height adjustments - recommended for use on medium to high-pile or plush carpets.
- Miele STB 101 Mini Handheld Turbobrush - for removing pet hair from stairs, upholstery and car interior.
- 3 accessory tools: crevice nozzle, dusting brush, upholstery tool.
- Integrated tool storage compartment directly on the canister.
- Electric, telescopic, stainless steel wand.
- Dust bag change (airflow) indicator light.
- Safety shut-off on overheating.
Pros
- Though the Active AirClean filter is not a HEPA-grade filter, it still offers excellent particle retention of over 99.9% down to 0.5 microns. Additionally, it helps reduce odors that can be exhausted from pet hair and dirt inside the vacuum bag.
- Mini turbo brush tool is handy for removing dirt and pet hair that collects on upholstered furniture, stairs and inside the car.
- Easy to use +/- suction adjustment controls on canister. The controls are designed so they can be adjusted with your foot or by hand. The foot controls allow for vast changes in levels of suction, power on and off, and cord rewind.
- LED panel on the canister displays what suction setting you are on.
- Extremely quiet vacuuming, even on the highest suction setting.
- Very lightweight (impressively so for it size), easy to carry and impressive manoeuvrability.
- Electro Plus power brush SEB-228 is very easy to use and maneuver, and is rather lightweight for its large size. It is 14" wide with 5 carpet height adjustments to handle all types of carpets. It parks on its own for convenient stopping and storage. It is simpler in design than the Electro Premium power brush SEB-236 and does not have a headlight or protective molding which allows it to be more affordable in price.
- The cord rewind button only requires a single touch and the entire cord will retract.
- The G/N AirClean filter bags hold a lot of debris (more than double all of the other canisters we came across and included in these Canister Vacuum Reviews).
- Rubber bumper guard will protect against scuffs and scratches.
- Unmatched quality and reliability.
Cons
- Included filter is not a HEPA filter, although the difference is miniscule in terms of filtration capabilities. HEPA Filter can be purchased separately as an option too.
- No automatic suction setting. One must pay attention to the suction setting when using the air powered mini turbo brush to prevent the brushes from possibly damaging upholstery material.
- Carpet head is heavy, weighing nearly 8 pounds and combined with the powerful suction and drive, using the machine on carpets can be quite a workout for the shoulders and back for some people;
- This Miele cleaner is expensive and you also need to consider the ongoing costs of replacement bags and filters.
To conclude this review, the video below courtesy of the Vacuum Warehouse provides a demo of the Miele Complete C3 Cat & Dog.
Miele Complete C3 Cat & Dog
Is available for a discount price on Amazon
Eureka Mighty Mite 3670M - Best Budget Bagged Canister Vacuum
The Eureka vacuum brand is a popular manufacturer of budget vacuum cleaners. Their vacuums are durable, compact and lightweight. The Eureka Mighty Mite is one of their long-standing best sellers. This is evidenced by the thousands of satisfied customers publishing highly positive reviews dating back many years.
This canister has powerful suction and is very lightweight at only 8 lbs. As a result, once awkward tasks like stair vacuuming are a breeze.
This is a simple, reliable little canister vacuum that is ideal for those that have a limited budget.
The Mighty Mite canister comes with several multi-surface cleaning tools: a crevice tool, dual purpose dusting brush and upholstery nozzle to clean the hard-to-reach places in your house. The main floor head is suitable for all floor types but is best suited to bare floors, wood floors and tiles.
Key Features
- Very lightweight and compact
- 20ft power cord
- 7' crush resistant swivel hose with suction control and a blower port
- Triple filtration dust bag
- Two extension wands and a floor tool with 2 height settings
- Automatic Shut-off for motor overheating
- Tools included: dusting brush, small pet power brush, straight suction nozzle and 5-inch crevice tool (The dusting brush and crevice tool are able to be stored on board the canister);
Pros
- Great for use on stairs due to its lightweight, compact design.
- Extremely easy to carry and store.
- Excellent value for money - this is the cheapest model in our canister vacuum reviews!
- Powerful 10amp suction
- Reliable and durable
Cons
- Fairly short cord at only 20ft
- No HEPA Filtration
- No retractable cord
- Small 2.5L dust bags require more frequent replacement than larger models
To conclude this review, below is a full demonstration video of this Eureka canister in action. The video gives you a detailed look at the vacuum. We recommend flicking through to check out the features so you can decide if it is the right canister for you.
Eureka Mighty Mite
Is available for a discount price on Amazon
Eureka WhirlWind NEN110A - Best Budget Bagless Canister Vacuum
The second Eureka in our canister vacuum reviews is a bagless design. No more replacement bags required. This model is also the lightest canister in these reviews and is suitable for all floor types. Stand out features are the integrated airflow control on the handle and three settings: carpet, upholstery & hard floors.
Key features
- Lightweight and easy to move with the swivel steering and telescopic wand
- 2-in-1 integrated crevice tool - built into the hose handle so it is at your fingertips whenever you need it!
- Automatic Cord Rewind
- Cyclonic Filtration System
- 16 ft power cord
- One button release easy dust cup emptying
- 1-year limited warranty.
Pros
- Lightweight design & very maneuverable.
- Washable filter and no bags to replace
- Very cheap and easy to use
- Highly rated by users over a number of years
- Good size 2.6 liter dust container, 60% bigger than on the Dyson Cinetic!
Cons
- Very short power cord, only half the length of the Dyson Cinetic.
- No HEPA Filtration
- No powered brush head
Eureka Whirlwind NEN110A
Is available for a discount price on Amazon
Summary
In these Canister Vacuum Reviews we have considered the pros and cons of 5 of the best canister vacuums that you can buy right now. The choice comes down to your particular needs, desires and budget.
The outstanding performer is the Miele C3 Complete Cat & Dog, which has had fantastic feedback from everyone that has the pleasure of cleaning with this machine. Whilst the price tag of this unit may be prohibitive for many, when you take into account it's design life and long warranty it does represent great value and is a worthy investment if you can afford it.
The Dyson Cinetic Big Ball Animal and the Miele Compact C1 Pure Suction are great options for a mid-range budget and both are premium cleaners in terms of performance, reliability and durability.
The Eureka Mighty Mite and the Eureka Whirlwind are budget canister vacuums and similarly performing units. They don't have the features, performance and warranty of the other canisters in these reviews. However they are extremely cheap and are the best canister vacuums we have found in this price category.
The difference between these really comes down to whether you want a bagged or bagless vacuum. We talk about the pros and cons of each in our vacuum buying guide.
We hope that our canister vacuum reviews have been helpful in your search for a cleaner that is right for you!
Last update on 2024-10-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API