Best Upright Shark Vacuum

Plug-in vacuums represent a sensible investment, similar to saving for retirement or sorting your laundry in the long run. 

The best uprights and canisters with plug-ins are more efficient and last longer than cordless sticks and robots. 

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV352 is the best plug-in vacuum we have tested over the years.  

Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV352

TIn terms of maintenance and recurring costs, the Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV352 does not require much.

Because its parts are designed to last a lifetime, unlike most affordable vacuum cleaners, which require fresh filters and belts to function properly. 

It is generally the case that Shark’s customer service honors the five-year warranty if something does happen to break. 

There are few vacuums that are so affordable and come with a policy that guarantees such a long service life. 

The NV352 has proven to be a capable, well-rounded cleaner that can handle most types of debris (dust, pet hair, crumbs, and more) on most surfaces (bare floors, short and long carpets, and tile). 

Using this vacuum is smooth and easy, the extra tools are useful and conveniently stored onboard, and owners usually enjoy its easy emptying system.  

Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe NV360

There is no difference in performance between the Shark NV350, NV360, or NV370 models and the Shark NV352. 

Only minor differences exist between them, including their tool sets, bin sizes, colors, and button placements. 

If our main pick is sold out, you may wish to consider one of the following alternatives. 

At the current time, the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe V360 is the easiest to obtain at a good price, so we recommend you begin your search there.

Miele Complete C3 Calima

The Miele C3 canister vacuum cleaner is the best vacuum cleaner for cleaning the heck out of your house and lasting for decades. 

Our industry experts (even from a competitor brand!) have unanimously praised these vacuum cleaners, while a few technicians have declared them to be the best available. 

The vacuums perform well and are extremely comfortable to use. 

There is excellent filtration, which is beneficial to everyone, but is particularly beneficial to those suffering from asthma or allergies. 

Furthermore, Miele canister vacuum cleaners are among the quietest on the market. 

Despite this, this canister vacuum is not inexpensive, and you will need to replace the filters and bags fairly often (around $20 per year if you purchase online). 

Nevertheless, Miele canisters can last so long-twenty years in some cases-that they are an excellent long-term investment.

The Miele canister vacuum cleaners we tested were each suited to a different type of flooring. 

Find out which one best meets your needs by reviewing our chart. 

In our tests, we found that the air-powered turbo brush head included with the Complete C3 Calima works better on rugs than some of the electrified heads found on other Miele models. 

Among Miele’s affordable models with a turbo brush head, the C3 Calima features a crush-proof hose and a totally sealed body for improved dust control and quieter operations.

Our reasons for trusting us

In addition to reviewing vacuum cleaners, Wirecutter also tests robot vacuums, handheld vacuums, cordless vacuums, and plug-ins. 

More than a dozen experts, including engineers, repair technicians, and indoor air quality specialists, interviewed more than a dozen vacuum owners, and examined over 1,000 different vacuum models. 

We also spent hundreds of hours testing more than 80 contenders in different floors, in apartments, and in houses.

For the Good Housekeeping Institute, Sarah Bogdan covered vacuums from 2017 to 2018, and for Wirecutter since 2018. 

Wirecutter’s Liam McCabe has been covering vacuums since 2013, and at one point his apartment contained 20 different vacuums.

Although we test vacuum cleaners ourselves, we also believe that hearing what other people have to say about them is important. As part of our research, we:

• An interview was conducted with Denis Spindler, proprietor of Mr. Sweeper Sew & Vac in Waltham, Massachusetts, and West Roxbury, Massachusetts.
• We spoke with representatives of Dirt Devil, Dyson, Miele, Sebo, and Tacony (the manufacturer of Simplicity and Riccar vacuums) among many other brands we reviewed. The conversations took place at trade shows during product demonstrations; other conversations were more formal in nature.
• The author of My House Is Killing Me!, Jeffrey May, consulted with three separate indoor air quality experts. There was a helpful discussion between Brian Oliver, the representative for the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America at the time (Dyson is a sponsor) and Caroline Blazovsky, the founder and owner of My Healthy Home, on how to choose a vacuum to promote indoor air quality.
• A consideration was made of the owner-satisfaction information published by J.D. It was also compared to the American Customer Satisfaction Index. Both groups provided us with information regarding their methods and assumptions for evaluating vacuums and other appliances.
• We analyzed video reviews from other publications, including Vacuum Wars, which has excellent reviews as well as head-to-head comparisons of noteworthy models (you can learn more about the editorial strategy of the publication here; the reviewer Chris White has worked with SharkNinja on a paid consulting basis).

As much as possible, we have listened to comments on our guides, emails, Twitter exchanges, and message board posts from our readers. 

This is a very valuable insight that we take very seriously.

Also, we read vacuum cleaner reviews published by other editorial sources that conduct controlled testing, such as CNET, Good Housekeeping, The Spruce, and Reviewed.com.

Which type of vacuum cleaner is best for you?

This guide focuses on upright vacuum cleaners and canister vacuum cleaners with plug-in power that can clean rugs and carpets. 

We believe plug-in vacuums are a good bet for most people, and they have several advantages over cordless vacuums:

• In comparison with other types of vacuum cleaners with similar cleaning abilities, plug-in vacuums have a lower cost and a longer lifespan. For example, our Shark pick is half the price of our favorite Dyson cordless and is covered by a much longer warranty.
• The battery life of plug-in vacuum cleaners is unlimited, so they can be used in homes of all sizes. A plug-in will almost always be the most appropriate choice if your home is larger than 2,200 square feet – the average size of a new home in the United States. Having said that, cordless vacs now offer run times that are almost as long as a battery, depending on the size of the house and whether you plan to vacuum it all at the same time.
• In general, plug-in vacuum cleaners are more powerful than other types of vacuum cleaners. Our top pick for a cordless stick vacuum upgrade, the Dyson V11 Torque Drive, is equally powerful, but drains its battery within 12 minutes at its highest suction. For those who suffer from allergies or asthma and desire the best possible air quality indoors, plug-ins offer the best choice due to their tighter filtration.

Additionally, we have an article that will assist you in determining which type of vacuum will be most suitable for your home.

Are bags or bagless better? Do you prefer a canister or upright vacuum cleaner?

For a plug-in vacuum, we recommend an upright, bagless model since it is convenient and does not require recurring costs. 

There are advantages to bagged canister vacuum cleaners as well, based upon your needs and circumstances. Vacuum cleaners can last longer when they are equipped with bags. 

According to Denis Spindler, owner of a Massachusetts vacuum shop, when you replace the bag, you are essentially starting over with a new vacuum. 

As debris accumulates within the hard-to-clean parts of the cyclonic separators of bagless vacuum cleaners, they can gradually clog over time. 

Asthmatics and allergy sufferers will also find that bags are more convenient to dispose of because they are easier to throw away without accidentally spilling a pile of dust or debris. 

Today’s bagged vacuums do not have the drawbacks that they used to, either–they work at full suction right up until the bag is fully stuffed, just like bagless vacuums do.) 

HEPA filters can also help, but they are not a miracle cure. The good ones can cost up to $5 each, but you’ll need to replace them a few times annually. 

It seems a bit of a bummer to have to take on this additional responsibility in the post-Dyson era, when bags are optional and many filters can be reused. 

Having several long-haired pets can make the bags fill up faster-in this case, you may want to consider a bagless vacuum cleaner like our top choice. 

Despite the fact that pets do not require special vacuums, you do not really need one.

American and Canadian households tend to use upright vacuum cleaners more often than canister vacuum cleaners. 

The first few times you use one, it may seem strange, since you are pulling the pod around behind you with a long hose. 

The majority of people seem to adjust to it after a few weeks. Due to the fact that the majority of the weight of the canister is on the ground rather than in your hand, it tends to feel lighter to steer. 

As a result of their split heft, they are also easier to carry up stairs. In addition, they tend to clog less frequently and are easier to unclog than upright vacuum cleaners.

How we picked upright and canister vacuum cleaners

Our research began with a thorough list of all plug-in upright and canister vacuum cleaners we could find – seriously, every one of them, from every manufacturer. 

As a result of our research over the years, we have compiled a spreadsheet of 560 different vacuum cleaners (though some have been discontinued).

Our priorities are listed below.

Feature requirements that are essential but bare-minimum

In order for a vacuum cleaner to function reliably for more than a few months at a time, and to clean your entire home (bare floors, carpets, and some surfaces off the floor), it needs these features.

• You may need a brush roll to agitate the carpet fibers since suction alone is not very effective at cleaning carpet. 
• A spinning brush roll, while great for agitating fibers, may spray large debris onto bare floors and choke on lightweight rugs when it is turned on or off.
• It is essential that the brush roll is connected to the motor by a taut belt for the vacuum to perform at its best. An interlocking geared belt does not lose tension over time, as opposed to a flat rubber belt. 
• According to Mr. Sweeper Sew & Vac owner Denis Spindler, “They will eventually wear out, but you should expect them to last for several years rather than six months.”
• A swivelling joint at the cleaning head: This feature makes it easier to steer a vacuum cleaner and reduces wrist strain.
• In most cases, you will be cleaning your floors with a hose and attachments. 
• Furthermore, it is convenient to be able to clean windowsills, shelves, curtains, ceilings, upholstery, as well as tight spaces around furniture and appliances. 
• Crevice tools, combo brushes, and motorized handheld tools have proven to be the most useful attachments we have found. 
• If these tools can be stored or clipped onto the vacuum’s body, they will be less likely to be lost.

Important, useful features

A vacuum cleaner that possesses these features can be distinguished from a good vacuum cleaner.

• Three factors contribute to strong cleaning performance. An efficient intake path, coupled with a powerful motor that creates a great deal of suction, ensures optimal airflow. 
• In addition to suction, the vacuum’s capacity to pick up heavier particles, such as sand, depends on its suction. 
• There is also agitation, which occurs when the brush roll strikes the carpet fibers at the right angle with the appropriate amount of force. 
• There have been many different opinions on the most important specifications that affect performance, such as motor watts, water lift, and other factors, from store owners, repair technicians, and reviewers. 
• The numbers do matter, but we have learned that worrying too much about them is a waste of time. Simply using a vacuum cleaner will allow you to determine whether it is able to clean effectively. 
• That being said, the very best models, such as the upgrade pick, also feature motor speeds that can be adjusted as well as a cleaning head that can be adjusted in height. 
• They simplify the process of cleaning long, soft carpets and lightweight area rugs.
• When the time comes to empty the vacuum cleaner, a trapdoor dustbin or self-sealing bags make it much easier. Additionally, easy-to-clean reusable filters improve the maintenance and longevity of your vacuum cleaner. 
• Having a low weight does not directly affect steering, however it makes it easier to carry the vacuum up the stairs. Most people are able to lift a maximum weight of 17 pounds comfortably with an upright. 
• As a consequence of the fact that the weight is distributed among several parts, canister vacuums can be heavier. In spite of the fact that they are not strictly necessary, the controls on the handle are nice.
• We looked for vacuum cleaners that were relatively quiet, although vacuum cleaners are generally noisy. 
• According to our research, a vacuum begins to be totally annoying around 80 dBc. Besides sheer volume, we also looked for vacuums that operate at lower frequencies, which are easier to tolerate despite their increased volume.
• We preferred manufacturers with longer warranties and more comprehensive service, as well as products with a reputation for durability and good customer service.

Recently, we tested 13 vacuum cleaners that met or exceeded our specifications, or were so popular that some readers may wish to know how they performed. 

The competition contains information about some of these models, as well as other models we have previously tested.

Tests we conducted on upright and canister vacuum cleaners

Each vacuum cleaner was subjected to several rigorous cleaning tests. 

More importantly, we were able to experience how pleasant they were to use in the real world: how smoothly they handled, how quietly they ran, and how easily they could be emptied, used with their attachments, and cleared of clogs. 

Several of our longtime picks have been used in our homes for years after we tested them at our test space in Queens, New York.

Using a kitchen scale, we measured the amount of debris the vacuum had collected after sweeping a midsize area rug with 30 grams of sand and 15 grams of baking soda for two minutes. 

Each vacuum was tested twice on medium-pile and high-pile carpets in order to ensure that our results were consistent.

Vacuum cleaners are notorious for pushing large debris around on bare floors, such as cereal, by “snowplowing” (or pushing). 

Thus, we attempted to suck up a handful of Cheerios and Chex with each vacuum.

In order to test how each vacuum tackled corners and baseboards, we sprinkled baking soda on them. 

As a result of the use of air channels, some models were able to clear corners with no effort, whereas others left some debris behind, or picked it up only after several passes.

A specialized gauge was also used to measure each vacuum’s raw suction and an anemometer was used to measure each vacuum’s airflow. 

It is due to the vacuum’s suction power that debris can be lifted off the ground, and it is due to the vacuum’s airflow that debris is pushed to the dustbin. 

The more suction and airflow, the better the cleaning performance, but brush-roll action is also important, especially on carpeting, since debris that is embedded in the fibers of the carpet requires agitation to be removed.

As a result of real-world limitations, our test results should be viewed as rough estimates rather than precise measurements of cleaning performance. 

For instance, none of the vacuums was able to remove all the debris from the rugs we tested. 

The rug was shaken out vigorously between tests in order to remove any residual sand or baking powder. 

While we believe our cleaning tests provided us with valuable information, we did not draw sharp distinctions between models if their results were within a few grams of each other.

In order to determine a few annoyances and frustrations that owners may encounter, we asked 22 testers to run each model through a slalom course, which mimicked the layout of a real-life apartment. 

Certain vacuum cleaners are too heavy or clunky to maneuver around tight corners, for example. 

There are also vacuums that have difficulty switching from bare floors to carpets, and some have dustbins that are relatively more difficult to empty. 

Testing included vacuuming parts of the ceiling, a medium pile carpet, and a high pile carpet, as well as maneuvering the machines into corners and tight spaces.

On an iPhone 8, we used the SPLnFFT app to measure noise levels. Regardless of whether we used an external microphone or not, we obtained the same results. 

When vacuuming medium-pile carpeting and then a concrete floor, we held the phone up to our ears (with the vacuum cleaners and brush rolls operating at maximum power). 

Volume (measured in decibels) as well as frequency (measured in hertz) were both measured by the application.

We clogged and tangled each machine using shredded copy paper, Cheerios, Lego pieces, and toy dinosaurs in an effort to test its ease of maintenance. 

Furthermore, we took apart a few vacuum cleaners in order to determine the difficulty of unclogging them. 

It is best to use as few tools as possible and to spend the least amount of time possible. 

In our test, we found that cheaper vacuums were more likely to come apart in fewer places, making it more difficult to remove clogs.

In order to test the effectiveness of the vacuums’ filters, we needed a test chamber that could measure only the air after it had been filtered by the vacuum. 

In order to accomplish this, the vacuums’ ventilation had to be isolated.

The entire vacuum was sealed in a box, leaving only the hose outside, so that the smoke from burning matches could be fed into the vacuum. 

An AeroTrak 9306 particle counter was attached to the vacuum’s vent, which faced a second sealed box in which we tested air purifiers. 

Despite leaving the far end of the second box open, we covered it with a high-MERV furnace filter so external particles would not be able to enter. 

In this manner, we were able to create a test chamber in which only particles that were permitted by the vacuums’ filters were admitted.

The tests were conducted by lighting five matches and sucking up the smoke with the hoses of the vacuums. 

Using the particle counter, we determined whether the vacuum’s HEPA filter was functioning as claimed if the air coming out of the vent was clean. 

The claims would have been suspect if it had not been.

Wirecutter has never tested vacuum cleaners so rigorously, particularly in the cleaning tests. 

In previous versions of this guide (as well as in our other vacuum guides), we also conducted a great deal of testing, but the results were not measured as carefully. 

Despite continually refining our tests, the same vacuum cleaners consistently emerge as the top performers.

Our pick for the best upright vacuum: Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV352

It is an effective, reliable upright vacuum cleaner at a great price in the Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV352 bagless upright vacuum cleaner. 

We believe that this vacuum cleaner will make the most people happy of the more than 500 available today. As a result of its durable belt and easy-to-clean design, it is likely to be reliable. 

In addition, this model has a five-year warranty, which almost guarantees that it will last longer than anything else at this price point. 

The NV352 effectively collects most types of debris (including pet hair) from pretty much any surface, and it performs significantly better than other models on carpeting. 

A flexible swivel head contributes to the quieter operation, lighter weight, and easier handling of this upright vacuum cleaner. 

There are also attachments included for cleaning hard-to-reach areas, such as window sills, and for removing hair from upholstery.

There are a few downsides: the Navigator Lift-Away does not work well on shag carpets (though that is a common complaint), and some people have complained about its appearance. 

For the price, however, nothing comes close to beating it. The product has been our top pick since 2014, and we are pleased to see that it is still available.

In addition to its low maintenance requirements, the Navigator Lift-Away NV352 is designed with parts that are designed to last a lifetime. 

In comparison to many other vacuums, it will save you a lot of frustration, effort, and money. 

Because the navigator Lift-Away vacuum cleaner uses a geared belt rather than a flat rubber belt, you should not experience any deterioration in carpet-cleaning performance for many, many years to come. 

Many people do not bother to replace the filters in their vacuum cleaners, and this has a detrimental effect on the cleaning performance of the vacuum in the future. 

There is no need to replace the Navigator Lift-Away’s filters, however. The main pre-motor filter is washable, while the post-motor filter just requires occasional shaking. 

In spite of our clogging mixture of shredded paper, Cheerios, Legos, and toy dinosaurs, we were unable to clog the machine. 

Nevertheless, the vacuum comes apart more often than its competitors, even if it had clogged.

TIn addition to being a capable vacuum cleaner, the Shark Navigator Lift-Away is also a powerful air purifier.

We found that it was able to pick up the most common shapes and sizes of debris (from the variety of flooring types that are common in most homes) in just one pass or a few passes. 

In contrast, the Miele Complete C3 Calima performed almost as well, picking up approximately 84% of the baking soda–sand mixture we sprinkled onto medium-pile carpet. 

Our results were similar when we repeated this test twice, as well as when we tested a model that had been used regularly for six months. 

As far as side-suction performance is concerned, the Navigator Lift-Away outperformed some of the more high-end vacuum cleaners we have tested in that regard, as it picked up almost all of the lentils and cat litter we tossed in a corner and up against baseboards.

In addition, Navigator Lift-Away owners are generally pleased with its cleaning capabilities. 

To get a clearer picture of the vacuum cleaner’s strengths and weaknesses, we examined hundreds of customer reviews from Amazon and Google Shopping, including those voted most helpful. 

Many customer reviews, even those that are negative, point out the Navigator Lift-Away’s excellent performance. There is wide praise for the pet hair pickup feature in particular.  

Navigation and maneuverability are also strong points of the Navigator Lift-Away. A typical upright vacuum cleaner weighs about 15 pounds, which is much heavier than this particular model. 

Due to its relatively light weight combined with a swiveling cleaning head, this model can be easily maneuvered around corners and against wall edges. 

Another unique feature of this vacuum is its lift-away feature, which makes it easier to clean under furniture that other upright vacuums cannot reach. 

If you wish, you can remove the canister and leave only the low-profile, stick-like body behind. With its narrower cleaning head, the Navigator Lift-Away is ideal for cleaning tight spaces, and its lightweight design doesn’t cause wrist strain or fatigue. 

Its lightweight frame and ease of handling have been praised by hundreds of Amazon and Google Shopping reviewers. 

According to one senior citizen, they were able to operate the machine without much difficulty.  

Filtering dust and other allergens is not a problem with the Navigator Lift-Away. The post-motor HEPA filter is equipped with rubber gaskets, as are the transfer points. 

An air-purifier enthusiast website reviewed this Shark and concluded that it is well sealed, releasing less than 2,000 particles as small as 0.5 microns per cubic foot (0.5 micron is about the size of a single grain of talcum powder). 

In our own emissions test, we found that less than 2,000 particles larger than 0.5 microns were released per cubic foot by the Navigator Lift-Away. 

This level of filtration is sufficient for most people. High-end bagged vacuum cleaners may be suitable for individuals who are sensitive to dust and other allergens.

A number of accessories are included with the Navigator Lift-Away, all of which attach to a pull-out wand. 

One of the most important features is the mini turbo brush, which is useful for cleaning stairs and upholstery, especially if your household has pets. 

A number of Navigator Lift-Away models, including the NV352, do not come with this brush. We are unable to determine why this is the case.

The list of accessories included on Amazon does not appear to be as clear as it is on other retailers. 

Alternatively, you can buy from one of those other places, such as Target or Bed Bath & Beyond. 

Make sure that you purchase one of the mini turbo brushes. You will also typically receive a long crevice tool, a short crevice tool, and a utility brush for cleaning around window sills and ceilings. 

Our unit was not equipped with a dusting tool, as some versions of the NV352 do. 

Additionally, other configurations of the NV350 series come with different tool bundles, so make sure that you are purchasing the model with the right tools.

Navigator Lift-Away vacuum cleaner owners generally believe that it is relatively quiet in comparison with other vacuum cleaners. 

It was also well received by our internal testers. We measured the volume of the vacuum at about 76 decibels while the brush roller was engaged (its loudest setting). 

Even though this is pretty loud when compared with the best high-end vacuums, it is quieter than other cheap vacuum cleaners we have tested, which consistently exceeded 80 decibels. 

As it operates at a midrange hum rather than a high-pitched whine, it does not become as annoying over time as a high-pitched whine. 

During our testing of the newer Shark models with the anti-wrap brush roll, the machine sounded like a dirt bike with a card attached to the wheel.

A few flaws, but not a dealbreaker

Navigator Lift-Away cannot handle carpets with high piles, such as shag or cable cuts. When long fibers get tangled in the brush roller or plugged up the intake, the vacuum cleaner becomes inoperable. 

Our test vacuum picked up more on a shag rug despite a jammed brush roll, as compared to most other vacuums we tested. In many cases, however, high-pile rugs are not found in homes, so this problem may be irrelevant. 

Except for our upgrade pick, every vacuum we tested struggled to vacuum long-fiber fabrics. 

When using the Navigator Lift-Away or other Shark models, you may come across resistance on thicker carpets. 

The solution is to open the release valve on the hose (which is conveniently located next to the handle), and the suction will drop off enough to allow the vacuum cleaner to roll smoothly and without choking on carpet fibers.

A second side effect of the Navigator Lift-Away’s fixed-height cleaning head is that it sometimes pushes large particles (as in the case of Froot Loops cereal) around instead of sucking them into the cleaning chamber. 

It is a problem with many vacuum cleaners when it comes to snowplowing. It is always possible to use the open wand of the Shark if you have a toddler who likes to throw Cheerios from his high chair.

Due to the Navigator Lift-Away’s predominant plastic composition, some parts may become brittle over time and crack. 

As far as the accordion hose on the wand is concerned, it appears to be a major complaint; it is a little stiff to begin with, and the constant flexing can cause it to wear out over time. 

There is also a complaint regarding the stiffness of the hose and the fact that it is not able to reach places that are high up due to its limited extension. 

In other reviews, reviewers have noted that the clips attached to the dust cup can break after a few years, particularly if you carry the assembly by the handle.

Shark is also not very popular with some repair technicians. The Shark brand was criticized by vacuum shop manager and repair technician Brian Driscoll in his now-famous Reddit AMA from 2013.

Based on the evidence we have seen, the Navigator Lift-Away vacuum cleaner is actually more reliable than most vacuum cleaners in this price range. 

Since the belt is geared and the filter is reusable, performance is unlikely to deteriorate over time. 

It is reasonable to assume that most owners will be able to make use of this vacuum for at least that long due to its five-year warranty.

There are some warranty-related caveats to keep in mind: the warranty does not cover replacement filters, brush rolls, or electrical parts, and you will have to pay for return shipping. 

It has been reported that several owners have been forced to pay for shipping costs when their motors fail (which are uncommon). 

To ensure that you can receive a prompt response if you need to make a warranty claim, make sure you purchase the Navigator Lift-Away from an authorized Shark retailer. 

It has been our pleasure to ensure that the links in this guide lead to authorized retailers, but you should make sure that you double-check them before making a purchase.

The Navigator Lift-Away has a tendency to tip over if you yank the hose too hard, which is a common design complaint (not a problem caused by an aging part). 

This vacuum cleaner falls over more easily than some other vacuum cleaners due to the relatively narrow cleaning head and the top-heavy design. 

In the event that tipping is a constant concern, the main assembly can be lifted and placed on the floor to provide a sturdier base. 

The clips that were used to remove the dust cup were disliked by some of our staff testers. 

While other models we tested detach their dustbins by pressing a button, the Navigator Lift-Away requires two steps and requires you to bend almost to the ground to unbuckle the two clips.

We found the vacuum cleaner to be relatively lightweight and easy to maneuver, but the handle tended to stand back up when we pushed it across bare floors. Having to deal with this was a little frustrating.

Furthermore, the brush roll does not disassemble easily, so if long hair or strings tangle around it (as is normal with vacuum cleaners), you cannot easily remove it to cut them away, as you can with many other models. A razor blade can be used as an effective workaround.

It has been reported that some owners are dissatisfied for other reasons.

• In terms of the cord length, it measures 25 feet, which is a respectable length. Although many owners found it difficult to adjust to the shorter cables (30 feet) of their previous vacuums.
• Using attachments can be difficult due to the curved shape of the handle.
• Generally, the dust cup can hold 1.2 cubic feet of dust, but it can hold much more—the suction simply diminishes over time. 
• The vacuum cup may have to be emptied mid-vacuum for those with several hairy pets (but this is less inconvenience than having to replace the vacuum bag).
• There are only a few plastic nubs attached to the tool holders, and they don’t always do a good job of holding the attachments in place.
• There is a three-way switch located on the main assembly, so I find it difficult to adjust the vacuuming action as easily as if the button were located on the handle. 
• Fortunately, there is no wiring running through the handle, so if the handle becomes damaged over time, the power supply will remain operational.

Almost all vacuum cleaners represent some degree of compromise, and we believe that the Navigator Lift-Away vacuum cleaner resolves those compromises in a way that will be pleasing to most owners.

Long-term test notes

Our NV352 has been in service since January 2014. 

As of yet, no new parts have been required for it to continue to work well. In a few months, the dustbin became permanently dirty, like a foggy wine glass that has not been properly cleaned. 

It is a cosmetic problem, and any bagless vacuum will have this problem if it has a clear cup.

The Navigator Lift-Away has been purchased by a number of Wirecutter staff members since we began recommending it, and everyone is generally satisfied with it. 

Michael Sullivan uses this model once a week after owning it for four years. He states that it is still in good condition. 

It has never caused me any problems, and it is easy to empty.” Senior editor Grant Clauser has owned the Navigator for at least two years and finds it to be far superior to his older, more expensive Dyson upright. 

As far as he is concerned, the only thing that I would change is the way in which the attachments are attached. 

In one pass, it removes cat hair from a shag rug, according to staff writer Signe Brewster. 

She has to dig hair out of the dustbin by hand occasionally, but we have found that is often the case with all bagless vacuum cleaners. 

When Harry Sawyers needs a deeper cleaning of his rugs, he whips out the Shark when he has a cordless vacuum cleaner at home.

The Amazon reviewers have been very diligent about updating their reviews each year for a number of years, sometimes into the fourth or fifth year after the product was purchased.

Runner-up: Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe NV360 (or any Shark Navigator, actually)

There is little difference in the tool sets, colors, or placement of buttons between the Shark Navigator Lift-Away models in the NV350, NV360, or NV370 series. 

Generally speaking, our favorite retailers offer the best value with the NV352. In addition to these models, there are also a number of other options available. 

The Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe NV360 is the easiest to find for a good price these days, and it is identical to the NV352 except for its handle and power button placement. 

There is no motorized brush on the handheld version of the NV351, which is the same as the NV352. 

A “pro” model, the NV356, has a slightly larger dust cup, while a “pro” model, the NV370, has a different handle design and power button placement. 

In our tests, the ADV LA322 delivered essentially the same performance as the classic Navigator Lift-Away models despite being a little lighter and more attractive.  

Upgrade pick: Miele Complete C3 Calima (or any Miele canister vacuum cleaner)

A Miele canister vacuum cleaner, particularly from the series C3, is your best option if you are looking for a vacuum cleaner that will run reliably for decades.

There is a phenomenal reputation associated with Miele canister vacuum models. 

These vacuums are loved by technicians, sales representatives, enthusiasts, testing houses, and regular consumers who have purchased one. 

Some of the experts we spoke with recommended a Miele canister vacuum cleaner if they could recommend just one vacuum cleaner. 

In spite of their high purchase price, these machines are easy to maintain and built to last for many years. 

A Miele canister vacuum cleaner offers excellent filtration and smooth handling, as well as a relatively quiet operation. 

It is true that most Miele models use bags, which are less convenient and incur additional costs over time in comparison with vacuums without bags. 

Miele vacuum cleaners are also canister-style machines; however, most people are familiar with upright vacuum cleaners in North America. 

This is despite the fact that the vacuum is one of the strongest and most effective tools available. 

We did not find the model we tested to be as effective as Miele’s traditional models, even though the company’s new Blizzard line is bagless.)

We recommend the Miele Complete C3 Calima as the most affordable canister in the C2 and C3 series. 

Its air-powered turbo brush performed better in our tests on short-pile rugs than other Miele models with electric heads.

Depending on the variant, cleaning heads and filters can be combined in different ways. 

The Calima’s bare-floor tool allowed it to pick up more debris from hardwood floors than all of the other vacuum cleaners we’ve tested. 

Its soft bristles are kinder to sensitive surfaces than the wheels and brush roll of an upright vacuum.

It may be more appropriate for you to choose a Miele model that has an electrified cleaning head, such as the Miele Complete C3 Kona if you have high-pile carpeting. 

In our test on higher-pile carpeting, we were able to push a similar model (now discontinued) around with some effort when it was set to the correct setting, whereas it was nearly impossible with most of the other vacuums we tested. 

It is also possible to obtain Miele’s C1 line at a slightly lower price. 

While these vacuums clean similarly, the filtration isn’t quite as good, they run a little louder, and the hoses aren’t crush-proof. 

A C3 is our recommendation, but a C1 may be a better choice if you wish to save some money in the short term.

This cheat sheet provides information about all Miele vacuum cleaners, as of January 2022, in roughly descending order of their likelihood of being the best choice for your home. 

There are some older models, such as those from the discontinued C2 line, which are no longer widely available. 

As of early 2022, Miele also offers several “HomeCare” models, which are similar to other products but come with extra attachments. 

These models are only available through small to medium-sized retailers.

Miele canister vacuum cheat sheet (as of January 2022)

Model	Price	Cleaning head	Flooring	Comments
Complete C3 Calima	$800	Air-powered	Short carpet, bare floors	For thin carpeting
Complete C3 for Soft Carpet	$950	Electric	All floors	Larger bag, nicer controls
Complete C3 Cat & Dog	$1,100	Electric	All floors	Odor-snuffing filter, pet-hair tool
Complete C3 Kona	$900	Electric	All floors	Not as good a deal as similar Soft Carpet or Cat & Dog models
Complete C3 Marin	$1,200	Electric	All floors	Slight advantage on longer carpets, has a headlight
Classic C1 Cat & Dog	$700	Electric	All floors	Pet-hair tool, louder, not as sturdy
Complete C3 Alize	$700	Suction only	Flat rugs, bare floors	Not great for carpets
Complete C3 Brilliant	$1,600	Electric	All floors	Lots of “comfort” features, but not the best value
Compact C1 TurboTeam	$500	Air-powered	Short carpet, bare floors	Okay for short rugs (with a smaller canister than the Classic version)
Classic C1 TurboTeam	$400	Air-powered	Short carpet, bare floors	Okay for short rugs
Compact C1 PureSuction	$400	Suction only	Flat rugs, bare floors	The bare-minimum Miele (with a smaller canister than the Classic version)
Classic C1 PureSuction	$300	Suction only	Flat rugs, bare floors	The bare-minimum Miele
Blizzard CX1 Cat & Dog	$900	Electric	All floors	Bagless, pet-hair tool
Blizzard CX1 Lightning	$800	Electric	All floors	Bagless, slight advantage over longer carpets
Blizzard CX1 TurboTeam	$600	Air-powered	Short carpet, bare floors	Bagless, for thin carpeting
Blizzard CX1 PureSuction	$550	Suction only	Flat rugs, bare floors	Bagless, no HEPA filter

It is the impressive durability of Miele canister vacuum cleaners that makes us love them so much. 

According to Miele representatives, all of its products are intended to last for 20 years. 

It has been reported that Brian Driscoll, the Reddit vacuum guy, has seen Miele canisters that are more than thirty years old. 

In today’s technological world, that is an impressive longevity for any electrical product. 

In spite of the fact that Tim Heffernan mistakenly vacuumed up a large amount of plaster dust without a bag in place, his 12-year-old Miele vacuum still runs like new.

The casing of the canister is made of lightweight plastic with an anti-cracking property similar to rubber. 

On C3 models, the hoses have metal wires (similar to a Slinky), which prevents the airway from becoming crushed if it is accidentally stepped on. 

A Miele representative told us (and also wrote in a 2014 press release) that its models’ motors are designed to last for 1,000 hours, which amounts to approximately one hour per week over the course of 20 years. 

Additionally, Miele canister vacuum cleaners have an automatic cord rewinding feature. 

This is an extremely convenient feature, compared to the manual cord hooks on most upright vacuum cleaners.

It is worth noting that some high-end vacuum cleaners from brands such as Riccar and Sebo are similarly durable, but Miele has an extensive service network, which means you will have a greater choice of technicians when your vacuum cleaner requires its inevitable midlife maintenance. 

Furthermore, the warranty period of seven years is among the longest in the industry. It is only the first year of coverage that is comprehensive for most models, but the body casing and motors are covered for seven years. 

All HomeCare-branded models, including the C3 Brilliant, come with a five-year comprehensive warranty and a 10-year warranty on the motor and body.

Furthermore, the Miele C3 has a completely sealed design. It is also self-sealing: When you remove the old bag from the vacuum, it closes its own rubber flap, thus preventing dust and allergens from escaping. 

In addition to the excellent standard filtration, you can also upgrade to HEPA filters if you so desire.

Miele canister vacuums can substantially benefit individuals with asthma, allergies, or any other condition that is affected by indoor air quality. 

It has been reported by multiple Amazon reviewers that they have noticed a noticeable difference in the allergy symptoms of their children after using a Miele in their homes. 

A former board member of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America and an indoor-air quality consultant, Jeffrey May, owns a Miele. 

Keeping your indoor air fresh is a good idea regardless of whether you have a severe reaction to airborne irritants. 

It has been determined by Wirecutter and the EPA that small airborne particles may harm human health as a result of their research on air purifiers. 

We are not aware of any vacuum cleaner that is able to match or exceed the filtration capabilities of Miele’s models.

You can buy some of the quietest vacuum cleaners on the market by purchasing a Miele canister vacuum. 

When the power head was attached and the brush roll was spinning at maximum suction, we measured a C3 model at 74 dBc, which is about five dBc quieter than our main pick. 

Additionally, the motor is a slow starter, meaning that it gradually increases its power over a period of a few seconds rather than beginning at maximum speed. 

The transition is not as abrupt. Some vacuum cleaners are not designed to be used near sleeping people, so you may be able to vacuum while someone is sleeping nearby.

Another advantage of Miele canister vacuum cleaners is their everyday reliability. 

In general, they do not require frequent maintenance. In all carpet cleaning heads, the brush rolls are driven with non-stretch geared belts in order to maintain their spin speed and cleaning performance over time. 

It is likely that you will have to replace the belt of the vacuum cleaner at some point, but this should only happen once every decade. 

Most people can replace the belt themselves, or they can visit a shop to do so.) 

Miele canister vacuums are also not prone to clogging, because the air intake paths are wide and straight.

In the event that they become clogged (which is possible with any vacuum), Miele vacuums can be disassembled without the use of any tools at all major joints. 

In this way, any obstructions can easily be pushed loose from the cleaning head, the wand, or the hose.

It also performs exceptionally well when it comes to cleaning. In our tests, even the brushes with air-powered, turbine-driven brush rolls outperformed those with electrically driven brush rolls from many competing brands. 

84 percent of the sand-and-baking soda mixture was vacuumed up by the Calima in our debris-pickup test on short-pile carpeting.

Despite the fact that our main pick, the Shark Navigator Lift-Away, removed nearly all of the debris, we do not believe that most people will notice any difference. 

In addition, the Miele offers a number of additional features that make it a worthwhile investment.

In North America circa 2020, bagged vacuums and canister vacuum cleaners are the most popular Miele vacuum cleaners. 

Earlier in this guide, we discussed the advantages and disadvantages of this style, so we will not repeat them here. 

It is understandable why people tend to avoid this style of vacuum cleaner, but we think the quality of these vacuum cleaners makes it possible for most people to adjust to the style.

What type of vacuum should you use for your pets?

Pet owners may use any vacuum cleaner. Some vacuum cleaners are referred to as pet vacuums by their brands. 

However, they operate in a similar manner to any non-pet vacuum cleaner, apart from the addition of a mini-brush for removing pet hair from upholstery. 

In addition, many non-pet vacuums feature the same tool, including many variants of the Shark Navigator, so you do not have to search far to find a pet-friendly vacuum. 

Here are some reasons why a robot vacuum is the best method for preventing tufts of pet hair from building up on your floors.

Would you benefit from a vacuum that has HEPA filters?

Most people do not require HEPA filters. They are perfectly fine with regular filters. As defined by the Environmental Protection Agency (PDF), HEPA filters remove 99.97 percent or more of airborne particles smaller than 0.3 microns. 

Asthma and allergies sufferers can benefit from these medications. (See our air purifier guide for more information.) 

However, Caroline Blazovsky, an expert in indoor air quality, states that HEPA filters are not a magic bullet. It is also necessary to tightly seal the remainder of the vacuum cleaner. 

HEPA filters are useless if the gaskets around them are not perfectly tight; the vacuum will still emit dust even with the filter in place. 

It is important to note that even a bagless vacuum cleaner that has been perfectly sealed will eject dust when it is emptied. 

Using self-closing bags and rubber gaskets throughout the system, our upgrade pick does a great job of controlling particle emissions, plus you can add a HEPA filter if necessary.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of Dyson upright vacuum cleaners?

The Dyson plug-in vacuum cleaners are good, but they cost considerably more than they should. 

In recent years, we have tested several Dyson upright vacuum cleaners, most recently the Ball Multifloor 2, but we have not found any compelling reasons to recommend one over another.

You may not need to replace the bags or filters on a $400 Dyson vacuum, but it has a solid five-year warranty, excellent customer service, and it cleans a wide variety of flooring well. 

Is there anything else that meets these criteria? It costs $150 to purchase the Shark Navigator Lift-Away. 

It is estimated that a Dyson canister vacuum will last half as long (10 years), if you are lucky, as compared to a Miele canister vacuum that costs $600.

All of the Dyson upright vacuums we have reviewed have been a strain on our arms and wrists by the end of a cleaning session, as other vacuum reviewers have also noted. 

The Ball Animal 2 weighs 18 pounds, and when you turn and maneuver corners, you feel its full weight in your hands. 

Despite owning a Dyson upright vacuum, staff writer Joanne Chen said, “I vacuum less frequently than I should because it is so heavy and clumsy to operate.” 

Miele’s pick is heavier overall, but most of the weight rests on the floor in the canister body, not on your wrists. 

The Dyson’s swiveling floorhead is difficult to control, and its enormous ball joint does not allow it to fit under most furniture, as compared with Shark’s main pick and Miele’s upgrade pick. 

As a result of Dyson’s super-strong suction, it cannot clean shag carpet or some high-piled rugs, as it chokes on the fibers and cannot be adjusted manually. 

Also, Dyson upright vacuums are made of plastic, which makes them creak when they are moved. 

These vacuum cleaners appear to be of a poor quality for a product of such high price. Their strength and suction make them very powerful machines.

A bagless canister vacuum, the Big Ball Multi Floor, was also tested, but it similarly failed to meet our expectations. 

Despite its two levels of suction, it is too powerful to effectively vacuum shag carpet or very light area rugs without choking. 

The brush roll cannot be turned off, and when we tested it on bare floors, large, crunchy debris was thrown about the room. 

In comparison to the Simplicity and Miele canister vacuums, this vacuum did not glide as easily across floors. 

In advertising, Dyson emphasizes its self-righting feature, which allows it to stand up on its own after being knocked down. 

There is no problem with it, but that is not a significant problem with canister vacuums.

Dyson also announced in March 2018 that it would no longer develop plug-in vacuum cleaners, but would instead focus on cordless vacuum cleaners. 

There is no point in waiting around for newer, better Dyson uprights or canister vacuums. The company has ceased to exist.

Can you recommend a vacuum cleaner that is less expensive?

We have not been able to endorse most of the cheaper vacuum cleaners we have tested (so far). It may be possible to clean carpets with inexpensive uprights at first. 

The inexpensive models we have reviewed, however, require that their belts or filters, or both, be replaced at regular intervals in order to maintain their cleaning efficiency. 

The replacements and maintenance will need to be handled by you as well. 

You will lose most of the cleaning ability of a cheap upright vacuum cleaner within 12 to 18 months if you do not take good care of it. 

It is likely that you will end up spending more money on a cheap upright vacuum after a few sets of new belts and filters after a few years of use. 

Due to the five-year warranty on the Shark Navigator Lift-Away, it is almost always more economical to pay a little more now than you will over the years. 

Furthermore, you will be able to maintain and operate a vacuum cleaner more easily.

The Dirt Devil Razor Vac Plus UD70350B was close to being recommended for anyone seeking a cheap vacuum cleaner, but we decided against it. 

We found it to be easy to use, it cleaned well in our tests, and it comes with a good set of tools. 

Unfortunately, as with other inexpensive vacuum cleaners, replacement filters are expensive ($20 per year). 

If you ignore those, we read numerous reviews indicating that it wears out (or simply breaks) after a year.

When it comes to cheap vacuum cleaners, the Bissell CleanView line is popular on Amazon. In our testing, we have evaluated the 1330, 1822, 1831, and 2252. 

It is also possible to purchase their predecessor, the Bissell 9595A, which is still widely available. All of them have excellent owner reviews and are excellent carpet cleaners. 

If you wish to keep one running well beyond a year, you will need to replace the belts and filters. 

There are also a number of disadvantages associated with Bissell models, including the fact that they are heavier, noisier, and are unable to swivel.

Another popular product on Amazon is the Eureka PowerSpeed NEU182A. 

The poor maneuverability, irritating high-pitched whine, and noticeable shoddy quality of this model led us to dismiss it.

We are fans of Black+Decker’s Airswivel Ultra Pet upright vacuum on Amazon, but its handheld vacuums are disappointing. 

After about one year of use, the belt on this vacuum needs to be replaced, and it has poor maneuverability and a cheaply constructed design.

Other good vacuums

Shark Models

Shark Navigator ZU62 and ZU561 both performed well in our tests. They came in third after the Navigator Lift-Away NV352 and the Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe NV360. 

They are good choices if you can find them at a lower price than the NV352. As with the ZU62, the ZU561 also has a brush roll that is claimed to be self-cleaning – that is, the brush roll should prevent hair from becoming tangled. 

The effectiveness of this feature has been disputed by some reviewers, while others claim it works well. 

During this update, we were not able to test this feature ourselves, but we will attempt to do so in the future. 

It is a Lift-Away model, just like our main pick, the NV352, which means that it has a detachable canister, which makes it easier to maneuver and handle. 

Compared to the ZU62, the ZU62 does not have this feature, however, it has a larger dustbin.

As a result of the ease of emptying the dustbin and the comfort of the handle, we were very close to recommending the Shark Navigator Swivel Pro NV150. 

While it performed well in our test for picking up fine debris, it failed to pick up as much sand and baking soda as any of the other upright models we tested.

Our test of the top-of-the-line Shark Apex revealed that it is a good vacuum, but probably is not worth the extra purchase price over the Navigator. 

There is a dual-brush cleaning head on it that is supposed to assist in the removal of hair and dust from bare floors. 

However, that adds a considerable amount of weight to the vacuum, and we haven’t found bare-floor pickup to be an issue with the single-brush models.

Miele’s bagless canister vacuum

Although we tested the Miele Blizzard CX1 TurboTeam bagless vacuum, we found that it was less effective than Miele’s bagged canisters, such as our upgrade pick. 

With either the air-powered turbo head or the electric head, the CX1 vacuumed up 13 percent less fine debris than the Miele Complete C3 Calima or Miele Compact C2 Electro+. 

The vacuum’s suction is weaker than that of bagged models, as noted by Amazon reviewers who complain about its integrated accessories (which are unique to the Blizzard line).

Higher-end uprights

We recommend the Sebo Felix upright vacuum if you are interested in a high-end bagged vacuum but would prefer not to use a canister vacuum. 

It is lightweight and easy to maneuver, offers great filtration and cleaning abilities, and is extremely well constructed. 

We like how the cord exits the handle rather than the bottom of the unit, which makes it less likely to tangle or interfere with your use of the device. 

Sebo Felix offers a five-year warranty, making it both reliable and long-lasting. 

There are, however, several disadvantages to this vacuum cleaner, including its high price and a relatively limited service network.

Miele Dynamic U1 upright bagged vacuum cleaners used to receive high owner ratings, but those ratings have plummeted over the last few years. 

There is no clear explanation for what happened. But the nosedive began shortly after Miele rebranded the line (it was previously referred to as the S7 series), in late 2014. 

The Miele representatives assured us that nothing had changed except the name, but a growing number of complaints about pet hair clogs and defective units resulted in a downward trend in ratings. 

There is no longer a recommendation for this vacuum cleaner.

Technicians tend to prefer uprights made by Tacony Corporation such as Riccar, Simplicity, and Fuller Brush. 

We tested the Riccar Vibrance R20D several years ago based on recommendations from some technicians. 

The machine is a sturdy, American-made device that can be repaired fairly easily. Our favorite model, even the “lightweight” model, is more expensive, cleans less well, and is harder to steer than comparable models from other brands.

Lightweight uprights

There are a number of great vacuums that are lighter than the Shark Navigator series, which weighs approximately 12 pounds.

Our first recommendation is to consider a cordless stick vacuum. Many of them are excellent cleaners, and almost all of them weigh less than ten pounds.

There are a few that we have used that are well-balanced and easy to maneuver, though some can be top-heavy. Tineco Pure One S1 stands out from the crowd.

The Oreck upright vacuum cleaners are known for their light weight. 

Aside from the basic XL2100RHS and the higher-end Magnesium RS (both of which use bags), we have tested both and are extremely satisfied with their performance. 

They do not have a hose or attachments, and they can only be used on bare floors or short carpeting.

With its sturdy and lightweight design, the Simplicity Freedom S10S is a model from Tacony (best known for its tank-like uprights). 

This machine is somewhat bulkier than an Oreck, but it is better at cleaning some rugs. 

Additionally, it is bagged and does not come with a hose (or attachments).

Affordable canisters

Finding a good one has become increasingly difficult, and it has been a while since we have tested any. 

Suction-only models under $100 are generally recommended for bare floors and flatweave rugs, but may not be suitable for thicker carpets. 

When the Eureka 3670M Mighty Mite was $40, it was an excellent deal. However, now that it has increased to $80, it is harder to recommend.

It is recommended that you consider the Kenmore 81214 if you are looking for an affordable canister that can clean carpets. 

This Kenmore model usually costs around $250, which is reasonably priced given that it has an adjustable-height cleaning head that allows it to be used on carpets of almost any length. 

This particular model has not been tested by us, but we previously recommended an older version, the Panasonic MC-CG902. 

It appears that Panasonic still makes vacuum cleaners for Kenmore, as the 81214 looks a lot like that old Panasonic. It is also possible to order other variants.

In addition to the vacuum cleaners we have included in this guide, we have also reviewed hundreds more. 

These include brands such as Aerus, Bissell, Black+Decker, Dirt Devil, Dyson, Eureka, Electrolux, Hoover, Kenmore, Kirby, Miele, Panasonic, Rainbow, Riccar, Simplicity, Fuller Brush, Maytag, Sebo, and even the now-discontinued LG and Samsung models. 

The reason we did not mention a particular model you are interested in is because we considered it, but decided not to recommend it.

How to clean your vacuum

Maintaining your vacuum is as simple as performing some basic cleaning and maintenance on a regular basis. 

A full description of how to clean a vacuum is available in an article, but here are the basic steps that you should follow in order to prevent your vacuum from losing suction:

• Make sure the bin is regularly emptied or the bag is replaced. There may seem to be no point in mentioning this, but it is essential to maintain strong suction when a bin is stuffed, as a stuffed bin prevents air flow. 
• You do not have to replace a bagged vacuum until it is fully stuffed, which may only occur a few times a year if you are using our upgrade pick. It is recommended that you empty your vacuum cleaner’s canister on a regular basis if you are using a bagless vacuum.
• Filters should be cleaned or replaced. Clogged filters cause a vacuum to lose suction when they become clogged with dust. If you are unsure which filters need to be cleaned or replaced, please consult the user manual (manufacturers differ in their advice). 
• When cleaning reusable filters, let them dry thoroughly before reinstalling them in your vacuum.
• Remove tangles and clogs from the cable. As hair and other fibers accumulate around the brush roll of the vacuum, use scissors or a blade to remove them and keep the brush rolling freely. 
• Check for clogs at narrow transfer points, especially if the vacuum suddenly loses suction. If possible, disconnect the hoses and cleaning head. 
• To clear everything out, you may need to use your fingers, a pipe cleaner, or a can of compressed air.

What to look forward to

The new Miele Boost CX1 bagless canister vacuum is scheduled to be released in May 2022. 

According to a Miele representative, the product is designed to serve the needs of people living in small spaces. 

Having a diameter of 16 inches and weighing just under 13 pounds, the Complete C3 Calima is almost two pounds lighter than the Blizzard CX1.

It will be our pleasure to test the Boost CX1 eventually, as well as to compare it to the Shark Vertex CZ2001 bagless canister. 

A new bagged canister vacuum from Airsign with a HEPA filter will also be tested, as well as a bagless upright vacuum from Shark, the Vertex AZ2002. 

In the future, we will update this guide based on our findings.