A Guide To The Best Vacuum Cleaners (Updated)

Another new year is around the corner before we know it! The new year heralds new opportunities, and new year’s resolutions are either broken in a month or kept with perseverance. Many will decide to improve their daily routine and self-care and organize and clean their home. This means starting the year with a good clean home using the best vacuum cleaners, which is probably essential after a week of guests, glitter, party food, and Christmas tree pine needles.

This is much easier to achieve with the right tools. Therefore, all homeowners or renters should consider upgrading their vacuum cleaners for the year ahead.

With all the choices currently available to consumers, the right vacuum cleaner is out there. Today’s market brings a range of options in upright, stick, and canister models. There are lighter, smarter, and more powerful machines in corded and cordless models. There are also plenty of attractive new robotic vacuum cleaners.

This updated guide covers the following topics for the best vacuum cleaners:

  • the best upright cleaners for those short on space
  • the best canisters for homeowners that need a little more power
  • the best pet hair vacuums for those that struggle to keep up with shedding pets
  • the best robotic aids for those that want to spend a little less time cleaning

The Best Upright Cleaners For Limited Storage Space

The best place to start with this 2020 vacuum cleaning buying guide is with some of the best upright models for the coming year. Upright vacuums are popular with many buyers because of the more convenient shape.

They are easier to carry and store than most canister options. The best will also provide enough power and an effective performance across the home. Cordless options often lead the way with their ease of use, portability, and improved power.

The following models are sure to be popular in the coming year with apartment owners in need of an upgrade.

1. Hoover ONEPWR Evolve

The Hoover ONEPWR Evolve ticks a lot of the right boxes for consumers in need of cordless convenience. This model is battery-operated, not too expensive, about $210, powerful and pretty lightweight.

The bonus with this battery-powered solution is that there are two 20v lithium-ion batteries included. This means users can swap them out as needed without interrupting cleaning sessions.  Also, it weights around 9 pounds.

It is also pretty easy to change between the hard floor and carpet cleaning modes with the electronic brush roll.


Credit: Hoover

2. Shark Navigator Lift-away Professional NV356E

The Shark Navigator Lift-away Professional NV356E also has a lot going for it but stands out with the 2-in-1 functionality. This is a Lift-away model, which means a smaller device within the 2-in-1 functionality for smaller spaces. This adds to the convenience of this light 14lbs device. There is also decent suction here and multi-floor cleaning. The brush roll easily switches between hard floors and carpeted areas. Meanwhile, the narrow head gets into the tighter spaces. This small model should handle most needs without weighing users down.

3. Dyson V8 Absolute Pro

Those that want to go small and light could find that a stick vacuum is an answer to their problem. Few brands can design a stick like Dyson. The Dyson V8 Absolute Pro is a tiny, although top-heavy, device. It promises a 40-minute run time with tough suction and high filtration.

The effective clean comes from the two cleaner heads, crevice tools and lots of quick release heads. When the cleaning session is over, it goes back to its docking station, ready for next time.

Best Canisters For Homeowners That Need More Power

Canister vacuums can seem a little old-fashioned to many homeowners these days. There is no need to drag a large hose and canister around the home anymore. Still, some people prefer this method because of its ease of use, power, and capacity.

There are still plenty of top brands producing effective canister vacuum cleaners for 2020. They are much smaller and more maneuverable than older options.

The following three highlight some of the best canister vacuum designs for the coming year.

1. Bissel Powergroom Multicyclonic Bagless Canister Vacuum

The Bissel Powergroom Multicyclonic Bagless Canister Vacuum is a great starting point. There isn’t too much that is that innovative here, aside from the indicator when the dirt canister is full. It covers all the basic needs pretty well. There are a nice rotating floor brush and turbo brush with the option of adjustable suction. It is also easy to maneuver with a long retractable cable. This is a great option for those that want the power and have the space for something bigger than an upright vacuum.

2. Miele Compact C2 Electro+ Canister Vacuum

 

The Miele Compact C2 Electro+ Canister Vacuum isn’t much to look at compared to some of the other canisters available. It is small, bland and just out to offer a good clean. It may be compact, but it is still powerful.

Miele Compact C2 Electro vacuum cleaner

It has a 1200w vortex motor with 6-speed settings, which allows for good suction from the electro plus floorhead. It is also easy to carry, has a 33ft cord and has effective filtration. This is a great upgrade for those on a budget that isn’t after the flashy extras of other brands.

3. Dyson Ball Total Clean

Alternatively, homeowners may prefer a Dyson cylinder vacuum. There is no doubt that they look better than the old compact Miele. This one stands out from the crowd with the sleek design and those large wheels. There is also the promise of more power and convenience. There are the one-click dirt elimination system and a self-righting design, so can’t fall over. This Dyson Ball Total Clean works on all floor types with many quick release tools for a more multi-functional approach. Of course, this comes at a cost. It all depends on how much people are willing to pay for the name and the performance.

Best Pet Hair Vacuum Cleaners

The best pet hair vacuum cleaners for those that struggle to keep up with shedding pets.  Pet hair vacuum cleaners are a must-have item for dog owners with heavy shedding breeds. These animals have no choice but to shed lots of hair on the carpet and upholstery.

This is even worse during seasonal sheds when owners feel they live in a cloud of fur. A good pet hair vacuum won’t solve the shedding problem, but it will help the owner keep on top of the mess. The best offer tough brush, filtration and great tools to improve the performance. The following three models have the power, design and helpful tools needed to ensure a great result.

1. Dyson Ball Animal 2

It is a good idea to go back to Dyson for a moment. Dyson has their pet hair vacuums in the aptly named “animal” range. One of the best vacuum cleaners for 2018 here has to be the Dyson Ball Animal 2. This machine promises impressive cleaning power and excellent results. This is due to lots of different, tough brushes for getting the pet hair out of the services, carpet, and upholstery. There is also a 50ft power cord and extendable hose. Then, of course, there is that large ball that Dyson is so proud of that provides greater maneuverability around the home.

2. Bissel Powerglide Pet Vacuum Cleaner

There is no doubt that the Bissel Powerglide Pet Vacuum Cleaner excels with animal hair. This model boasts the pet turbo eraser for pet hair with powerful suction. There is also the benefit of the swivel heard and filtration. However, buyers should note that it is not a HEPA filter, for those insistent on this form of filter. This pet vacuum is cheaper than other equally powerful competitors, but there are some minor downsides in the weight and assembly. At 16.6lbs, it is heavier than some expected.

3. Neato Botvac D80 Robotic Cleaner for Pets

Some consumers don’t always associate pet hair vacuum cleaners with robotic vacuum cleaners. They expect something a little bigger and more powerful. This is partly because many still see robot vacuum cleaners as small aids that are a fun toy, not an active disinfectant. This isn’t the case with the D-shaped Neato Botvac D80 Robot for Pets. This smart device specializes in pet hair and allergens. It has a tough rotating brush, a good sense of direction and a homing instinct for its charging dock.

Neato Botvac D series for Pet owners

The best robotic aids for those that want to spend a little less time cleaning.

This Neato Botvac D80 Robot for Pets leads nicely into the final section of this 2020 vacuum cleaner buying guide.

Robotic Vacuum Cleaners

Robot vacuum cleaners are still a popular option for all kinds of homeowners. There are lots of different brands out there trying to rule the market and improve on past models. This means some exciting new models that could make life more comfortable in 2018. Robot vacuum cleaners are smarter, smaller and more efficient than ever. There is also a broad price range from the more affordable models to the expensive, top-brand cleaners.

1. Eufy RoboVac 11c

The first model is the Eufy RoboVac 11c. The name and design may not stand out that much to consumers compared to a famous brand like iRobot. This machine is pretty impressive for the price. This bot is considerably cheaper than the top brands. It still offers a long battery life of 100 minutes, scheduling options, and simple controls. It is important to note that this recommendation goes to the 11c, not 11 – although both are impressive. The 11c edges ahead because of the additional phone controls.

2. Neato BotVac Connected

A little higher up the scale is the Neato BotVac Connected. This machine stands out at the higher end of the range because of the running time and intelligence. It has the virtual wall, a running time of 120 minutes, phone controls via a user-friendly app and a beautiful design. The suction is also pretty good, so this isn’t a case of all-flash and no substance. Many compare it to the iRobot range regarding its capabilities but prefer it for its lower price. This could be the next best thing for those that can’t afford the following option.

3. iRobot Roomba 980

Regardless of price points, there are still some consumers that love the iRobot range and merely wish to upgrade. Therefore, they could do much worse than buy the iRobot Roomba 980 for their 2018 cleaning needs. This isn’t cheap, but it has the intelligence, look, and performance that current Roomba owners expect. The controls have improved with the new app, and there is excellent performance on carpets. Users can also leave it alone with peace of mind. The downside is that high price and a little too much noise.  This model continues to rank high year after year.

4. Dyson 360 Eye Model

There is no better way to end this list than with the company that dominates it – and most other lists. Naturally, Dyson entered the race for the best robot vacuum to compete with iRobot, Neato, and other top brands.

The Dyson 360 Eye doesn’t come cheap – in fact, it is pricier than the comparable iRobot 980. In addition to this, it has a shorter running time – by 20 minutes – and is less intelligent.

There is also the problem that it is quite tall and boxy at 9.5×9.5×4.7 inches. This means less clearance under furniture and a smaller cleaning path. By comparison, the iRobot Roomba 980 is 13.8×13.8×3.6 inches

 

Source: Warren Nash

This list of the best vacuum cleaners for 2020 highlights the depth in the range.  There is an apparent desire to improve upon modern tech and robotic devices for improved convenience. These machines are smarter than ever, with an excellent performance at the higher price ranges.

Other developers haven’t given up on improving more traditional designs. This is clear from the new upright and canister vacuum cleaners. Then there are those top brands with an option in all categories, such as Dyson.

This all means an excellent choice for the consumer for the new year. There is no excuse not to excel with the new year resolution to clean better and efficiently. There are many compatible, exciting vacuum cleaners to suit all kinds of people.