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Miele Vacuum Cleaners

Miele is a household name when it comes to the manufacturing of top quality vacuum cleaners and other household equipment. The company has been around for over a century and it has different types of vacuum cleaners in its product line. These include:
- Bagged Canister Vacuum Cleaners;
- Bagless Canister Vacuum Cleaners;
- Corded Stick Vacuum Cleaners;
- Full Size Upright Vacuum Cleaners; and
- Robot Vacuum Cleaners.
Miele vacuum cleaners are made in Germany and built to last about 20 years, although the company only places 7 years warranty on motors and casing and one year warranty on parts. However, you should expect to have value for every penny you might spend on Miele’s products.
Miele Canister Vacuum Range - Bagged Models
Miele produces a broad range of bagged canister vacuum cleaners with each having one or more sub-models that come with their own peculiarities and cleaning suitability.
Generally, Miele's bagged canister vacuums are classified as Classic, Compact and Complete.
In terms of models, they are further referred to as:
Altogether, there are 18 different submodels of canister vacuum cleaners under the models mentioned above.
It’s pretty easy to make a choice between two or three models of a product. However, when choices lie between 18 different sub-models, you probably require more information to make an informed choice.
We have carefully studied and compiled the similarities and differences, as well as the pros and cons for these range of bagged Miele vacuum cleaners. As a result, you will find out which one is best suited for you between Miele C1, C2 and C3 canister vacuum models.
Miele C1 vs C2 vs C3 - General Features, Similarities and Differences
Similarities
The main similarity between all models of Miele canister vacuum cleaners is their maximum suction power. While some previous low-end models operated at 800W - 890W maximum suction power, all models now operate at a maximum suction power of 1200 W.
Other features common to all of them include the Practical Locking System, which ensures that all the parts connect securely into each other and are also able to disengage at the touch of a button.
There is also the Park System for vacuuming breaks/with automatic shut off: that makes it possible for floorhead & suction tube to be parked at the rear, and in some models, switches the motor off automatically.
All of Miele's bagged canister models are also acoustically insulated making them amongst the quietest vacuum cleaners you can buy.
Furthermore, all Miele canisters, except the Classic C1 models, feature a Sealed System known as the Air Clean Sealed System™, meaning that they are designed to keep 99.9% of particles inside the vacuum.
Miele Vacuum Cleaners Are Airtight

Miele vacuums meet the requirements of the TÜV Nord (environmental testing board in Germany), which are reviewed annually. TÜV Nord recommends Miele canister vacuum cleaners with HEPA AirClean filters for people suffering from allergies.
Additionally, the Miele AirClean Sealed System® seals the entire vacuum and not just the exhaust filter, reassuring that bacteria and allergens are not released back into the air. The filtered and discharged air is cleaner than the normal room air.
Lastly, they all come with a complete range of accessories which include 3 high-quality standard attachments: upholstery nozzle, crevice nozzle, and dusting brush. These accessories either come Integrated or on a VarioClip for easy access.

Miele canister attachment tools Vario-Clip

Miele canister on-board attachment tools
Differences
The major differences between Miele Classic C1, Compact 1, Compact C2, Complete C1, and Complete C3 can be found in their types of filter, operating radius, brush type or floorhead type, weight, dust bag capacity, pet hair removal, as well as price.
Miele canister vacuums come with three different types of filters.
- There is the AirClean Filter which filters more than 99.9% of all fine dust particles.
- There is the Active AirClean Filter that neutralizes unpleasant odour from pets or smoking.
- There is also the HEPA AirClean Filter for those with allergies. This filter removes fine dust and allergens and it also comes with a timestrip® that lets you know when the filter is due for change.
Miele Classic C1 Canister Vacuum
Vacuum Model | Filtration | Weight in lbs (kg) | Floorhead & Tools |
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AirClean filter | 12 (5) |
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AirClean filter | 14 (6) |
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Miele Classic C1 Cat & Dog | Active AirClean filter | 20 (9) |
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Miele Classic C1 HomeCare | HEPA AirClean filter | 12 (5) |
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Miele Classic C1 Features
All Classic C1 models:
- Have a maximum power output of 1,200W
- Come with upholstery nozzle, crevice nozzle and dusting brush in addition to the floorheads noted in the table above.
- Have a Cord Length of 18ft (5.5m)
- Have an Operating Radius of 29ft (9m)
- Have a 4.76 qt dust bag.
The Miele Classic C1 models weigh about 13lbs including accessories. However the Turbo Team and Cat & Dog models are slightly heavier due to the added accessories.
They have an operating radius of 29.5ft for effortless vacuuming and large enough dustbin capacity of 4.76 qt to hold your dirt. They also come with rotary power selector and their accessories are on VarioClip.
They all use AirClean Filter System, except the Cat & Dog which uses Active AirClean Filter System to remove odour.
In addition, the HomeCare model includes HEPA filtration. In the Classic C1 range, Miele has 4 sub-models with prices ranging from $299 - $799. Below are more features and details.
Miele Classic C1 Pure Suction
The Pure Suction model comes with universal floorhead for versatile applications and high suction power for thorough vacuuming.
Miele Classic C1 Turbo Team
The Turbo Team uses soft parquet brush to work gently on sensitive hard floors.
Its turbo brush makes it suitable to use on hard floors as well as low-medium pile carpeting. The turbo brush is also effective in removing pet hair and lint.
Miele Classic C1 Cat & Dog
The Cat & Dog uses the electrobrush for intensive cleaning which is most suitable for thorough cleaning of heavy-duty carpeting.
It comes with the Active AirClean Filter for neutralizing odours more effectively.
Another interesting feature is its Comfortable Handle, which comes with a flexible hose connector that makes it possible to manoeuvre the floorhead more easily. As a result, it takes the pressure off your wrist.
Miele Classic C1 Home Care

The Home Care model uses the electrobrush for optimum carpet care. It is also suitable for thorough cleaning of heavy-duty carpeting and comes with Comfortable Handle.
In the Classic 1 range, the Turbo Team, Cat & Dog and Home Care models all have a stainless steel telescopic tube that can be adjusted to work at different heights.
Miele Classic C1 - Pros
Miele Classic C1 - Cons
Miele Classic C1 Video Review
Miele Compact C1 Canister Vacuum
Vacuum Model | Filtration | Weight in lbs (kg) | Floorhead & Tools |
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Miele Compact C1 Pure Suction | AirClean filter | 14 (6) |
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Miele Compact C1 Turbo Team | AirClean filter | 16 (7) |
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Miele Compact C1 HomeCare Powerline | HEPA AirClean filter | 16 (7) |
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Miele Compact C1 Features
All Compact C1 models:
- Have a maximum power output of 1,200W
- Come with upholstery nozzle, crevice nozzle and dusting brush in addition to the floorheads noted in the table above.
- have a Cord Length of 18ft (5.5m)
- Have an Operating Radius of 29ft (9m)
The Compact C1 has three sub-models with names similar to those of Classic C1. Their weight range is 14-16 lbs and their prices range from $399 - $799.
They all have a stainless steel telescopic tube that can be adjusted to work at different heights. They also have rotary power selector and their accessories are on VarioClip.
Meile Compact C1 Pure Suction
The Compact C1 Pure Suction comes with the AllTEQ floorhead and uses high suction power and telescopic tube for thorough and convenient vacuuming.
It is ideal for hard floors and low-profile carpets and will remove 99.9% of dirt and dust, thanks to its AirClean filter.
Meile Compact C1 Turbo Team
The Compact C1 Turbo Team has similar features as the Classic C1 Turbo Team.
The main difference is the compact system for space-saving storage. It is also more expensive ($100 extra) than Classic C1.
Meile Compact C1 Home Care Powerline

The Compact C1 Home Care PowerLine uses the turbo brush to clean hard floors and low, medium carpeting. The turbo brush is also able to remove pet hair and lint.
However, the machine only uses the AirClean Filter system which is incapable of removing pet odour.
Miele Compact C1 - Pros
Miele Compact C1 - Cons
Miele Compact C1 Video Review
Comparison of Classic C1 vs Compact C1
Miele Classic C1 Turbo Team | Miele Compact C1 Turbo Team | |
---|---|---|
Price ($) | $399 | $499 |
Weight (lbs) | 12.9 lbs | 14.8 lbs |
System Design | AirClean System | AirClean Sealed System (for enhanced air quality) |
FilterBag Capacity | 4.76 qt | 3.7 qt |
Ideal Floor Types | Hard Floor and Low-Medium Pile Carpet | Hard Floor and Low - Medium Pile Carpet |
Floorhead | STB 305-3 Turbo Brush (enhanced dust pick-up & slim design) | STB 205-3 Turbo Brush |
Miele Compact C2 Canister Vacuums
Miele Compact C2 Electro Plus
The Compact C2 Comes with the Electro Plus Floorhead that is designed for deep, intensive cleaning of heavy-duty carpeting.
If you have medium to high pile or plush carpets then you need a Miele model that has a motor-driven floorhead like this. The electrical beater bar in the Electro Plus brush removes dirt from deep within carpets.
Its soft parquet brush also works gently on sensitive hard floors.
Because it is a compact system, it can be safely saved in a storage space. It also has a Floorhead and Telescopic Suction Wand that can be parked on either side of the vacuum cleaner.
The vacuum is ideal for families with dust allergies as it comes with a HEPA filter which works to filter fine dust and allergens, thereby ensuring maximum air hygiene.
It weighs about 14.3 lbs and has an operating radius of 36 ft and 3.7 qt dust bag capacity. Perhaps, the compact design has had its toll on the dust bag as this is the Miele canister model that has the smallest dust bag.
Miele Compact C2 comes with rotary power selector and its accessories are on a VarioClip.
It also comes with a Comfort handle as well as Comfort cable rewind with single-touch control. This is a foot switch which makes the power cords to rewind at a single tap. So you don't have to stoop to pack the cables.
Miele Compact C2 Electro+ Pros
MIele Compact C2 Electro+ Cons
Miele Compact C2 Video Review
Miele Complete C2 Canister Vacuum
Miele Complete C2 Hardfloor
The Miele Complete C2 weighs about 17 lbs with an operating radius of 33 feet and dust bag capacity of 4.76 qt.
At 17 lbs, it is at the heavier end of the Miele product line and is suitable for larger homes. This model is also our top pick for the best vacuum for hardwood floors in the premium bagged category.
The C2 Hardfloor comes with a protective parquet AllTeQ Floorhead to handle delicate hard floors and low-pile carpets. It also has a stainless steel telescopic tube for height adjustment.
It comes with an additional safety feature known as Bumper Strip, an all-round plastic strip that protects furniture and appliances in the event of accidental collisions.
Furthermore, the Complete C2 comes with rotary power selector and its accessories are integrated. The vacuum also uses the AirClean Filter.
Pros
Cons
Miele Complete C2 HardFloor Video Review
Miele Complete C3 Canister Vacuum
Vacuum Model | Suction Controls | Filtration | Weight in lbs (kg) | Floorheads |
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Miele Complete C3 Calima | +/- Footswitches | HEPA AirClean filter | 20 (9) |
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Miele Complete C3 Alize | +/- Footswitches | HEPA AirClean filter | 20 (9) |
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Miele Complete C3 Kona | +/- Footswitches | HEPA AirClean filter | 23 (10) |
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Miele Complete C3 Soft Carpet | +/- Footswitches | HEPA AirClean filter | 23 (10) |
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Miele Complete C3 Cat & Dog | +/- Footswitches | Active AirClean filter | 23 (10) |
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Miele Complete C3 HomeCare | +/- Footswitches | HEPA AirClean filter | 18 (8) |
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Miele Complete C3 Marin | +/- Footswitches | HEPA AirClean filter | 23 (10) |
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Miele Complete C3 Brilliant | Comfort Handle Controls | HEPA AirClean filter | 23 (10) |
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Miele Complete C3 HomeCare+ | Comfort Handle Controls | HEPA AirClean filter | 23 (10) |
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Miele Complete C3 Features
All Complete C3 models:
- Have a maximum power output of 1,200W
- Come with upholstery nozzle, crevice nozzle and dusting brush in addition to the floorheads noted in the table above.
- have a Cord Length of 24ft (7.5m)
- Have an Operating Radius of 36ft (11m)
The Complete C3 has different varieties of sub-models to choose from, most of them being high-end vacuums. They have a weight range of 20-23lbs including accessories and so are heavier than both the Miele C2 and C1.
The C3 models all have a cord length of 24ft (7.5m) and total operating radius of 36 ft (11m), which is the largest reach in the Miele canister range. In addition the dust bag capacity at 5.2 qt is larger than on the C2 and C1 models.
Furthermore, compared to the Miele C2 and C1, the Miele C3 is a more powerful full sized canister vacuum that excels on all types of carpets. The different sub-models will allow you to choose the type of floorhead that is most suited to your floor types.
Their accessories are integrated and their suction power is regulated via either foot or handle controls.
All C3 sub-models except one, the Cat & Dog has the HEPA Air filter for maximum air hygiene. The suction power is also controlled by plus/minus foot controls to eliminate stooping, except for the Brilliant and Homecare+.
Miele Complete C3 Calima
Miele Complete C3 Calima comes with HEPA filter for the greatest filtration demands.
The machine is ideal for corners, nooks and crannies, thanks to its unique double-Swivel Neck.
It uses Turbo brush which works gently on delicate hard floors with flexible Parquet Twister. The turbo brush also reliably removes pet and lint. It comes with Cable comfort rewind, Bumper strip, and Comfort telescopic suction wand.
The wand has a Comfort telescopic tube which can be extended intuitively to the desired working height and locked into position. The larger diameter increases the airflow to facilitate outstanding cleaning results. The rubber coating on the upper end of the tube also prevents the tube from sliding down if it is leaned against the wall.
Miele Complete C3 Alize
Miele Complete C3 Alize comes with AllTeQ floorhead ideal for the care of delicate hard floors, and low-pile carpet. It also comes with an adjustable working height enabled by Stainless steel telescopic tube.
Apart from the Comfort handle, Comfort Cable Rewind, Comfort telescopic suction wand, and Bumper Strip, the Alize also has an extra feature; Dynamic Drive Swivel Castors.
These unique castors rotate at 360°, mounted on steel axles and are equipped with shock absorbers. The rubberized castors move smoothly, and are scuff-proof and long-lasting, making the machine to operate extra quietly, protecting delicate floors.
Miele Complete C3 Kona
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The Miele Complete C3 Kona comes with electrobrush for intensive deep cleaning of heavy-duty carpeting. The electrobrush is powered by the electro telescopic suction wand. Its unique double-Swivel Neck is ideal for cleaning corners, nooks and crannies.
The flexible Parquet Twister also works gently on delicate hard floors. The extra features include Comfort handle, comfort cable rewind and bumper strip.
Miele Complete C3 Soft Carpet
The Miele Soft Carpet vacuum has similar features with Kona. However, it is essentially designed for soft carpets as the name implies.
The electro powerhead has high pile adjustments for soft carpets; it works fine on rugs too. Switching between heights on the power head is easy with just a tap of the foot.
The C3 Soft Carpet also features a Park System with Automatic switch-off.
When you want to pause from vacuuming, you can slot the floorhead into the rear of the vacuum cleaner, which also switches the vacuum cleaner off automatically. The vacuum switches on again automatically when the floorhead is withdrawn.

In addition with this model you also get some added indicators for ease of use: a filter change indicator to notify you when the exhaust filter should be replaced in order to maintain optimum filtration and a thermal protection indicator for safety.
Miele Complete C3 Cat & Dog
The Miele C3 Cat & Dog shares some of the features of Kona and Soft Carpet. Like the other C3 models it is designed to operate at maximum suction power, even when the dust bag is full.
It is also a versatile machine that can be used on any kind of floor. Another different thing it has is that instead of HEPA filter, it comes with Active AirClean filter to neutralize odours more effectively.
This full sized Miele canister is best for large homes with pets and is one of the best canister vacuum cleaners you can buy.
Miele Complete C3 Home Care
The Miele C3 HomeCare offers the best performance and convenience in the Miele canister range. This ultra premium model comes with comprehensive accessories for nearly every cleaning requirement.
In addition to the long, flexible crevice, nozzle for cleaning narrow gaps, it also has the AllTeQ floorhead suitable for hard and low-pile carpet.
Furthermore, with the Complete C3 HomeCare you get to choose between 3 different Electro Brush Floorheads to design your perfect vacuum:
- Electro Comfort Power Nozzle (SEB 217-3)
- Electro Plus Power Nozzle (SEB 228)
- Electro Premium Power Nozzle (SEB 236)
Miele Complete C3 Marin
The Miele C3 Marin comes with a premium electrobrush complete with LEDs for optimum carpet care. Good for thorough cleaning of heavy-duty carpeting and comes with adjustable height features.
The Marin's electronic suction power settings are controlled by plus/ minus footswitches rather than on the handle.

Miele Complete C3 Brilliant
The top of the line model for those who want ultimate performance and versatility. Together with the Miele Complete C3 Homecare+ it is the most expensive model in the Miele canister range.
The Miele C3 Brilliant comes with 3 premium floorheads and an illuminated Park system.
It also has Comfort handle with a SpotLight that lights up every corner.
Moreover, it is gentle on delicate hard floors with its XL flexible Parquet Twister.
Miele Complete C3 HomeCare+
In the same rank as the C3 Brilliant, the Miele C3 HomeCare+ uses the AllTeQ floorhead for optimum care of hard floors and low-pile carpet.
It also has deluxe comfort handle controls and the premium electrobrush with LEDs for medium to high pile carpet.
The Home Care+ is convenient and versatile for different uses and offers ultimate deep cleaning of all carpet types.
MIele Complete C3 Pros
Miele Complete C3 Cons
Miele Complete C3 Video Review
Comparison between Miele C1, C2 and C3 Canister Vacuums
Making comparison between C1, C2 and C3 models is not a straightforward task. There are benefits and shortfalls spread across the broad range of models. You might find that what you need most is found in one of the sub-models in either C1 or C2 or C3.
That said, Miele C3 models are more expensive. However, what place them above others is their design, aesthetics and additional features that come with them. All except one include a HEPA filter which is suitable for people with allergies. However, some C2 models also have HEPA filter or Active AirClean Filter for odour removal.
Compact C2 is more compact, light and easy to move around. They are also suitable for homes with multiple floors. Classic C1 and Compact C1 have models with low - medium range prices and they are known for performance.
Another way to make comparisons is to also compare sub-models with similar names in other models.
For example, below is a comparison between Classic C1 Cat & Dog and Complete C3 Cat & Dog.
Both vacuums are designed for homes with pets and excel in terms of filtration and odor removal. As a result, the choice between the Miele C1 and C3 two mainly comes down to the size of your home and budget.
Miele Classic C1 Cat & Dog | Miele Compact C3 Cat & Dog | |
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Price ($) | $699 | $999 |
Weight (lbs) | 12.9 lbs | 15.6 lbs |
Power Control | Rotary Dial | +/- Footswitch Controls |
Operating Radius (ft) | 29.5 | 36 |
Motor | 1200W Vortex Motor | 1200W Vortex Motor |
Dustbag Capacity | 4.76 quarts | 5.2 quartz |
One-Touch Auto Rewind Cord | No | Yes |
Cord Length | 18ft (5.5m) | 24ft (7.5m) |
Filtration | Active AirClean filter | Active AirClean filter |
Illuminated power indicator | No | Yes |
All-round bumper strip | No | Yes |
Tool Storage | On VarioClip | Integrated |
Included tools |
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Last update on 2025-02-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API