Choosing The Best Dyson Vacuum Cleaner

A good vacuum is key for a clean home. And there are plenty of different types of vacuums with all kinds of bells and whistles to choose from. We’ve tested more than 100 models—motoring across 9 miles of carpet and flooring—all in the quest to help you select the right vacuum for your home, whether it’s an upright, a canister, a stick, a handheld, or a robotic model.

Find the Right Features

Keep these things in mind when deciding what vacuum technology and features will work best for your home:

• Cordless vacuums let you move from room to room without stopping to change electrical outlets, and you don’t have to worry about avoiding a power cord. Models with higher volt (V) specifications are more powerful and tend to run longer before needing a recharge.
• Corded vacuums give you unlimited runtime. While they don't have the full portability of cordless models, they tend to offer more cleaning power. Higher amperage (amps) ratings mean more power. Extended cord length lets you clean more floor space without moving the plug. A retractable cord winds into the vacuum at the press of a button or foot pedal.

What Is the Importance of HEPA Filtration?

All vacuum cleaners – bagged or bagless, upright or canister -release particulates back into the air during operation. Most models have a post filter to capture these particulates and prevent them from escaping. The best vacuums are capable of removing approximately 95% of the 0.3 micron-sized particles that pass through the filter (a micron is approximately one third the size of a human hair).

Bag or Bagless?

If you're buying an upright or a canister vacuum, you will have to opt for disposable bags or a reusable bin. Bags tend to hold more dust, but it's much harder to tell how full the bag is without removing it completely from the vacuum. Bags also release less dust into the air during disposal, but you have to deal with buying replacements fairly regularly.

What Level of Filtration Do I Need?

While this may not seem to be a high-level consideration, it probably should be, especially if you or someone in your home suffers from asthma or allergies. Remember, the air exiting your vacuum is flowing through all the debris sucked in with it. The better the filtration, the cleaner the air released back into your home. Almost all vacuums offer some kind of air filtration, from thin washable filters to multi-step filtration systems.

What Additional Surfaces Will I Be Cleaning?

If you like vacuuming away the accumulated dust from surfaces instead of manual dusting, you’ll want a vacuum that includes a variety of accessory tools. Most include at least a combination brush and crevice tool, while others have additional floor nozzles, an upholstery tool, and specialized accessories for specific surfaces. If you own pets, or have a lot of stairs, consider a vacuum that includes a mini-motorized tool. Some offer an even wider variety of specialized tools and extension wands which you can purchase separately as you need them.