Best Canister Vacuums in the UK

Review & Comparison, Last Update January 24, 2024
If you like living in a clean environment but don't want to spend much time on cleaning, you should read our Canister Vacuum review ...Read more
PROS

Thanks to the Silence System Plus system, this is one of the quietest vacuums out there. Besides that, it boasts quieter-than-average wheels and a soft bumper.

CONS

Pet hair may be a challenge for this vacuum.

OUR VERDICT

This ultra-quiet Complete C3 Silence vacuum cleaner from Miele includes special modes for curtains, upholstery, rugs, thick pile carpets, and hard floors and shows excellent results on each of the settings. Also, it offers a generous cleaning radius and a large dust bin.

detailed parameters
WARRANTY

2 years

BAGLESS

No

TYPE OF CLEAN-UP

Dry clean-up

NOZZLES

EcoTeQ floorhead, Dusting brush, Upholstery nozzle, Crevice tool

SUCTION POWER

550 W

DUST CUP CAPACITY

4.5 L

FILTERS

HEPA filter

ATTACHMENTS

Telescopic tube, Flexible hose, Dust bag

CLEANING RADIUS

~ 12 m

CORD LENGTH

9 m

WEIGHT

7.41 kg

CONVENIENCE

Carrying handle and wheels for easy manoeuvrability, Plus/minus foot controls, Automatic cord rewind, On-board tool storage

PROS

A steel extension tube, along with the 10-metre cable of this vac, extends the cleaning radius up to 26.4 metres. Therefore, Henry is able to clean even high ceilings. 

CONS

Dust bags should be purchased separately.

OUR VERDICT

This cute canister vacuum is fantastic for cleaning large rooms as it's designed with a really large dust bag and features a wide cleaning radius. So, there will be no need to shift between power sockets or change a dust bag every now and then.

detailed parameters
WARRANTY
2 years
BAGLESS
No
TYPE OF CLEAN-UP

Dry clean-up

NOZZLES

Combination floor nozzle, Double Taper hose/tool adaptor, Crevice tool, Soft dusting brush, Upholstery nozzle, Slide-on brush for the upholstery nozzle

SUCTION POWER

620 W

DUST CUP CAPACITY

9 L

FILTERS
HEPA filter
ATTACHMENTS
Telescopic tube, Flexible hose, Dust bag
CLEANING RADIUS

26.4 m

CORD LENGTH

10 m

WEIGHT
9 kg
CONVENIENCE
Handle and wheels for easy manoeuvrability, Automatic cord rewind
PROS

The integrated HEPA-filter captures up to 99.97% of small particles, thereby making the air cleaner. The HEPA filter can be removed and rinsed under the tap. There is an extra sponge filter included.

CONS

You'll need to press nozzles quite hard to get a secure fit.

OUR VERDICT

Despite a quite affordable price tag, the Duronic VC7020 vacuum comes with an extended set of attachments. Owing to the inclusion of two main brushes (standard and Turbo nozzle), the cleaner can remove dust and dirt from any floor surface.

detailed parameters
WARRANTY

1 year

BAGLESS

Yes

TYPE OF CLEAN-UP

Dry clean-up

NOZZLES

Standard floor brush, Turbo multi-floor brush, 2-in-1 Crevice tool/Dusting brush

SUCTION POWER

700 W

DUST CUP CAPACITY

2.5 L

FILTERS

HEPA filter

ATTACHMENTS

Comfort telescopic tube, Flexible hose

CLEANING RADIUS

~7.5 m

CORD LENGTH

5 m

WEIGHT

4.6 kg

CONVENIENCE

On-board tool storage, Automatic cord rewind, Carry handle, Wheels

PROS

The EasyEmpty™ bin makes the emptying process fast and hygienic. A built-in carry handle combined with an extremely low weight of just 4.1 kg makes transportation easier.

CONS

Works pretty noisily.

OUR VERDICT

The Hoover SE71WR02 is positively tiny compared to some of the other models, despite having a rather powerful motor and offering great suction. It's a bit noisy during operation but it's one of the most affordable vacuums you could find on the market.

detailed parameters
WARRANTY

1 year

BAGLESS

Yes

TYPE OF CLEAN-UP

Dry clean-up

NOZZLES

2-in-1 Crevice tool/Dusting brush, Standard floor brush, Pet turbo brush

SUCTION POWER

700 W

DUST CUP CAPACITY

1.5 L

FILTERS

Pre-motor and exhaust filter

ATTACHMENTS

Comfort telescopic tube, Flexible hose

CLEANING RADIUS

~7.5 m

CORD LENGTH

5 m

WEIGHT

4.1 kg

CONVENIENCE

On-board tool storage, Automatic cord rewind, Carry handle, Wheels

PROS

The vacuum is capable of purifying the air from all the dust and allergens thanks to the 4-stage HEPA filtration system. This will make the cleaning process as hygienic as possible.

CONS

Some users find it rather bulky.

OUR VERDICT

The VYTRONIX dry vacuum cleaner is excellent for everyday use. It has a quite powerful motor, a large duct container, and can collect pet hair from both hard floors and high-pile carpets. Four attachments come included.

detailed parameters
WARRANTY

1 year

BAGLESS

Yes

TYPE OF CLEAN-UP

Dry clean-up

NOZZLES

Turbo pet hair attachment, 2-in-1 crevice tool/dusting brush

SUCTION POWER

800 W

DUST CUP CAPACITY

3 L

FILTERS

HEPA filtration technology

ATTACHMENTS

Comfort telescopic tube, Flexible hose, Dust container

CLEANING RADIUS

~ 10 m

CORD LENGTH

6 m

WEIGHT

6 kg

CONVENIENCE

Manual suction control, Carrying handle, Power adjustment slider, Cord rewind, Wheels

One of the Quietest

At a glance at the stylish white body of the Miele Complete C3 Silence vac, it becomes obvious that we deal with the premium vac. And what definitely makes it stand out from the crowd is the ultra-quiet operation it offers, just as the name suggests. Made with the innovative silence-proof EcoLine motor, it consumes little electricity and operates at a humble noise output of 64 dB only. So, on its low suction modes, you'll be able to talk with people around you with no issues. It’s certainly not silent (for sure, no vacuum cleaner is) yet it’s much quieter than regular vacuum cleaners rated at approximately 80 dB, which is significantly louder.

Such a quiet operation is also largely achieved due to the extra insulation layer around the motor and the Silence AirClean filter. Speaking of which, the Miele Complete C3 Silence EcoLine vac features the most advanced 11-stage filtering system that eliminates 99.99% of dust particles and has been certified by AllergyUK. In addition to such a good filtration system, the vac boasts a sealed casing that prevents dust from escaping. No wonder this particular model features a class-A dust re-emission level.

Among other peculiarities, we can highlight the DynamicDrive castors that are also designed to be quieter than traditional castors while protecting delicate floors from scratches. One other useful feature is the cable rewind system that rewinds a long 8.5-metre cable at a single touch.

Long Service Life

If you're after a vacuum cleaner with a long service life, the Miele Complete C3 Silence also fits the bill. According to the manufacturer, the expected lifetime of this cleaner is at least 20 years. With that, the power is claimed to remain strong, so the vacuum will provide good suction and amazing cleaning performance for long years to come. The suction of 550 watts along with the EcoTeQ plus floor head and a 4.5-litre dust bin capacity is what makes this cleaner so effective on most surfaces. The vac also offers various cleaning settings depending on what you're hoovering and how much suction you need. These include special modes for rugs, carpets, hard floors, curtains, and upholstery. According to reviews, the Miele Complete C3 Silence really gets high marks for cleaning carpets, hard floors and laminate, but isn't that good when it comes to pet hair pick up. Plus, unlike many other vacuums, it doesn't come with a special pet turbo tool.

What the accessories set includes, though, is the Miele’s EcoTeQ floorhead, a dusting brush, an upholstery attachment, and a crevice tool. All of them can be stored within the body of the vac.

In all, we can definitely recommend the Miele Complete C3 Silence for pet-free families that are looking for an extra quiet, reliable, and powerful vacuum cleaner that comes with a good selection of tools stored onboard.

Additional Info

User Manual

Last updated price £172.22
Stock In stock
ASIN B074P8M6GG

Smiling Vacuum!

The only vac that can make you smile while cleaning your house is the unique Henry HVR200-11 model from Numatic. Its amiable design with a smiling face can easily revive your spirits every time you look at it. Hence, if you have a small love for clean-ups, this canister vac has all the chances to motivate you. Though, the smiling face on the vac's housing is not the only reason why Henry is worth buying. Drawing just 620 watts, it's a quiet energy-efficient yet powerful vacuum that delivers excellent cleaning results on most surfaces including laminate floors, lino, as well as different rugs/carpets.

For more flexible cleaning, it comes with two power settings and a wide variety of interchangeable nozzles. That is to say, Henry is supplied with an upholstery brush, a standard floor nozzle, a dusting brush crevice tool, and a steel extension tube accessory that, along with the hoover's 10-metre cable, extends the cleaning radius up to 26.4 metres. Therefore, Henry is able to handle pretty much any cleaning job life throws at it. And as a nice touch, there is on-board storage allowing you to have all the tools at hand.

Extra Large Dust Bin

It is not only a cool design and great performance that set Henry above the competition though. Actually, the biggest selling point of this vac is its extra-large 9-litre dust cap, which is much more than its rivals offer (up to x5 bigger than traditional bagless vacuums). With this enormous dust capacity, Henry will let you clean your house with maximum efficiency without stops for emptying the dust container. Plus, a massive dust bin like this means the vacuum won't lose suction over time. With that, the innovative self-seal tab will lock all the dust inside the bag, meaning no dust and no mess will escape back into the air.

Bottom line, despite the smiley face, the Numatic HVR200-11 Henry is a really powerful little guy. It not only goes easy on dust and debris but also reaches pretty much anywhere owing to its large cleaning radius. Coupled with an extension tube, it will even let you vacuum the ceilings if needed. And since it comes with an extra-capacious dust container, you'll be able to clean all the surfaces around your house with minimum interruptions.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £149.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B00N3MDSDS

Reasonable Choice

Well-built, reasonably priced, and with a good selection of tools, the Duronic VC7020 has won the hearts of thousands of customers. Besides, it really shines at what it does. Fitted with a powerful 700-watt motor, the vac sucks strongly and can lift away even some stubborn dirt in close to no time. On top of that, unlike many other machines within its price bracket, it boasts an A+ energy rating, meaning it won't have a huge impact on your electricity bills.

To ensure that the Duronic VC7020 can effectively pick up debris, it's shipped with two different brushes for all floor types. The first one is a standard floor brush that ideally works for hardwood floors and short-pile carpets. It's made with a pivoting neck, two wheels, and two front rollers, which give it a good tilt and make sure the brush can easily move over the floor. The other one is a Turbo floor brush. This one has a great carpet cleaning potential and works well even on high-pile carpets.

Also included with the Duronic VC7020 vacuum is a 2-in-1 attachment that can act as a crevice nozzle and an upholstery brush. You also get a long 1.5-metre hose, making cleaning hard-to-reach spaces easier. Moreover, the vac has an extendable telescopic pole that will add extra 90 centimetres to the reach and let users find the ideal height/length for comfortable use. The metal telescopic tubes are very solid and open/close with a positive feel.

Three-Stage Filtration

With one large on/off knob that doubles as the power control, the Duronic VC7020 vacuum is fairly convenient to use. Also, the unit is quite lightweight and comes with an easy-empty dust bin. The bin is not very large but, with its 1.8 litres of useful capacity, will fit quite a lot of dirt inside nonetheless. Once full, the bin can be quickly unclipped from the main unit.

The top of the container rotates and reveals two layers of washable filters and if you flip the cleaner over, you'll find a third post-motor filter on the underside, hidden behind a flap. This way, you get a three-stage filtration system where the first two filters prevent larger particles from getting into the motor and the HEPA mesh filter catches harmful particles such as pollen, pet dander, dust mites, and tobacco smoke. As a nice touch, an extra sponge filter is provided with the purchase.

Using cyclonic technology, the vacuum efficiently separates the dust from the air and then further filters the air with the HEPA filter catching up to 99.97% of airborne particles. Therefore, the vac gets your carpets and floors clean without blowing the dust back into the room. Only filtered air is expelled back, which makes it particularly useful for allergy sufferers.

All things considered, this Duronic vacuum cleaner is packed with nice features and extra accessories that make it a real bargain for its asking price. Owing to the addition of both standard and Turbo floor brush, it can make any floor surface sparklingly clean.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £59.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B0855QYBKV

An Absolute Bargain

Not everybody is willing to spend hundreds of pounds on a simple household appliance such as a vacuum cleaner, even if it’s got some accessories to go along with it. If you’re a thrifty shopper looking for a bargain but don’t want to compromise on the quality of the vacuum, we recommend trying the Hoover SE71WR02 Whirlwind.

This model may be lightweight at a mere 4.1 kg but it’s certainly up to par with the bigger ones in terms of suction power. It may not rip tiles out of the floor but 700 W is enough to suck up any dirt, dust, and clingy pet fur out of carpets. You can, of course, adjust the power level if you need to, for times when you’re cleaning curtains or particularly delicate materials.

We’re not going to pretend that the small size of the vacuum doesn’t have a disadvantage, namely the pretty tiny collection tank of 1.5 litres. You’ll have to empty it out after every cleaning session and, occasionally, maybe even in the middle of one.

Like any good canister vacuum, the Hoover SE71WR02 Whirlwind has a fully flexible hose and a telescopic tube so you can reach any spot in the room with ease. While the official manual puts the cleaning radius at 5 metres, we’d actually estimate it being a bit higher, depending on which nozzle you put on the hose.

Pet Hair Beware!

You won’t ever have to get down on your knees to brush stray hairs or dirt from underneath the couch as the Hoover SE71WR02 Whirlwind comes with a crevice tool. This nozzle lets you slide into any nooks to get to particularly dirty areas that can’t be reached with the regular attachment. You can even clean those little creases between tiles in the kitchen and the bathroom, which we certainly recommend doing since those places are a breeding ground for microbes and other bacteria.

Owners of furry pets will be glad to know that the Hoover SE71WR02 Whirlwind is equipped with a special pet turbo brush designed to suck up animal hairs. No more shedding on your clothes, no stray fur clogging up the carpet, the nozzle lets you pick up fur efficiently. This accessory and the others are kept right on the body of the vacuum so you won’t ever lose the useful nozzle by accident.

Last but not least we want to praise the choice of the motor in this model since it seems to be quite energy-efficient, using up much less electricity than some of the similar competitors. The motor does have its shortcomings, though, as the vacuum can be a bit noisy. Still, a few minutes of noise is worth the savings you get on the electricity bill!

We find the Hoover SE71WR02 Whirlwind to be a great bargain if you’re looking for an effective and compact canister vacuum that’s going to keep your home free of dirt and pet hair. Don’t let the modest design fool you, this hoover is up there with the best!

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £69.12
Stock In stock
ASIN B018ERARFI

Well-Balanced Option

Vytronix is another new brand that has quite a lot to bring to the table. It produces vacuum cleaners that deftly combine excellent performance with high suction power and, what's more important, at price tags you can't but like. The model in question costs less than £45, but despite that, it can give many big names a run for their money.

To begin with, the vacuum is made with a heavy-duty 800-watt motor that provides plenty of suction to lift off stubborn dirt even from long-pile carpets, not to mention hard floors. With that, the cleaner operates relatively quietly, which makes it an optimal choice for families with kids or timid pets. What we especially liked about it though is that despite such a powerful motor, the vac is rated as an A+ energy-efficient device. So, while being heavy on dirt, this model will be pretty light on your wallet.

At 6 kg, this model is also quite easy to move around from place to place. Fitted with an 80-cm telescopic extension tube, a 1.5-meter hose, and 6-meter power cord, the PET01 provides plenty of reach and makes it easy for users to clean all around their homes. Add to that a crevice nozzle and an upholstery brush and you get yourself an ultra-flexible appliance that can easily clean under sofas, tables, and other furniture as well as reach the tightest of corners.

For Homes with Pets

If you live with pets that believe the mission of their life is to shed everywhere and every time, you'll definitely appreciate the special Pet hair attachment included in the set. Not only does it deliver impressive suction power enabling it to easily lift even very stubborn pet hair from stairs, upholstery, and other tricky surfaces but also it sports a beautiful see-through design, allowing you to watch how it all happens. Furthermore, it features a 4-stage filtration system that will make sure all allergens and dust, even that micro-sized that is hard to see, will be reliably trapped inside the dust canister

The cylinder itself is easy to remove for cleaning - you just need to pull it by the handle and lift it out. Unlike cheap, flimsy models, it won't fall apart and will securely click in place afterwards. 

Speaking about filters, they are also easily removable for cleaning. It's recommendable that you lightly brush the main filter and wash the allergy filter from time to time. With proper maintenance, you can expect the vac to serve you for many years and deliver reliable operation during its whole service life. 

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £64.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B075DF5P2R

Infographics


What Is a Canister Vacuum?

People spend a lot of time cleaning. The problem is, it is almost impossible to remove house dust completely as the air keeps transferring it all the time. It should be noted that dusted air has a negative impact on human health. Harmful allergens and germs can cause allergy, headache, and tiredness.

If you want to keep your dwelling clean, consider getting a canister vacuum. This appliance is very manoeuvrable because its cleaning brush is connected to the dust canister with the help of a flexible hose. Thus, you can easily clean between and under the furniture. Featured with various nozzles, a canister vacuum can perform a thorough clean-up of wooden and tiled surfaces, carpets, or louvers in your dwelling. Furthermore, if you have a furry friend, this device will easily remove pet dander and even harmful bacteria!

In this review, we'd like to focus on the five best models of canister vacuums presented on the market so you can choose the one that suits your needs best. And if you are interested in other options, we can offer you to take a look at our selections of cordless vacuums and carpet cleaners where you can find a model that will simplify your chores even more.

What Features to Compare

Type

You should decide on the type before purchasing a vacuum cleaner. Modern vacuums are designed for both dry and wet cleaning. In general, there are three main types of vacuum cleaners.

  • Vacuums with the Cyclonic technology and plastic dust bags (also called bowls or canisters) are considered to be the best. Such appliances never lose their suction power. No filters and dust bags to replace - no extra expenses. For example, Dyson vacuums not only remove dust from various surfaces but also capture microscopic dust particles as small as 0.5 microns. They are perfect for allergy or asthma sufferers.
  • Vacuum cleaners with dust bags are great for dry cleaning. They accumulate dust and dirt in reusable or disposable dust bags. For example, vacuums with disposable bags are considered to be more hygienic because they protect consumers from touching the dust while removing it. Furthermore, these devices are environmentally friendly because they don't need any chemicals for clean-ups. Note, please, that the capacity of disposable dust bags is higher than that of reusable bags.
  • Wet/dry suction cleaners perform a wider spectrum of functions than most dry vacuum cleaners do. For example, they can easily remove the stains of spilt coffee from any surfaces. Moreover, they are also appropriate for removing dirt and dust from carpets, soft furniture or laminate. Such devices can even remove pets' excrement from upholstery and neutralise unpleasant odours. It should be added that these vacuums can easily remove tough stains with a push of a button. All you need to do is apply a wet/dry suction cleaner on the stain or spot and choose a cleaning cycle. That's all!

Performance

The performance of a canister vacuum cleaner primarily depends on a vacuuming speed and dust cup capacity. Air filtration is also very important. Suction power has a direct impact on the vacuuming speed. Consequently, the higher suction power the vacuum has, the more thorough and the faster clean-up it will perform. Note that you will have to clean a large dust cup less often than a small one.

Canister vacuum cleaners are used not only to clean your home though. Another great feature is that they are equipped with filters and can purify the air while in use. This way, you can expect your canister vacuum to capture large particles of dust as well as most bacteria, germs and fungi lurking in the air, making them particularly useful for allergy sufferers. Another function that these cleaners perform is humidifying. Yes, that's right. Fitted with a water reservoir and an aqua filter, not only will they collect all dust leaving behind sparkling clean floors but also they will inject some moisture into the air, making it softer and more pleasant to inhale.

The vac's performance is hugely affected by the nozzles that come supplied in the kit. The more nozzles you get included, the more cleaning jobs the vac will be able to perform. For example, a turbine head will come in handy when you need to remove pet hair from carpets, upholstery and furniture. A crevice tool will work for vacuuming soft furniture, while a brush roller will easily remove dust from household appliances. In addition to these accessories, there are many other options nozzles that you can choose from.

Convenience

When it comes to choosing a canister vacuum cleaner, convenience features are of no less importance. These include adjustable handles providing flexibility when it is necessary to reach hard-to-get spots, the length of cord, making moving with the unit more convenient, and automatic unwind system, letting you hide the cord inside the vac at the push of a button. All of these things are handy additions that can make the use of a vacuum cleaner less of a chore.

It goes without saying that a vacuum cleaner should also be easy to disassemble making it possible to quickly replace the filter and wash the reservoir.

Sources:

1. Megan Wollerton Vacuum buying guide, CNET. October 22, 2013.

2. 3 Ways to Maintain a Vacuum Cleaner, wikiHow

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