Upright Vacuum Reviews
- Details
Top Rated Upright Vacuum Cleaners - 2022
Model | Type | Avg Rating / 100 |
Shark Vertex | Upright Vacuum | 95 |
Shark Rotator NV752 TruePet | Upright Vacuum | 94 |
Dyson Ball Animal 2 | Upright Vacuum | 94 |
Shark Rotator with DuoClean NV801 | Upright Vacuum | 94 |
Shark Navigator ZU632 | Upright Vacuum | 93 |
Dyson Ball Animal 3 | Upright Vacuum | 93 |
Shark Stratos | Upright Vacuum | 93 |
In the above table an effort has been made to highlight machines currently available
Avg. consumer rating = 93/100
The Dyson Ball Animal 3 is the latest upright vacuum cleaner in the Dyson stable. The term “Animal” denotes that this machine is designed for households with pets. This vacuum is hugely powerful and also a bit of a handful to wield. In our opinion the Animal 3 is something of a brute. It does a fantastic job of pulling up almost everything you throw at it - both carpet and hard floors - and it has the added convenience of a no-tangle cleaner head (no more pulling/cutting hair off the brushroll). However, it is on the heavy side and it takes some effort to move it around, despite the maneuverabiity of “Ball Technology”.
Avg. consumer rating = 93/100
Move over Vertex. The Shark Stratos is the new kid on the block and this feature-rich vacuum also includes odor neutralizer technology. The Stratos sports two brushrolls, anti-wrap technology, a powered lift-away pod, HEPA-level air filtration, LED headlights and more. This is a large, full size upright so it is a bit on the hefty side, but it is also powerful. In this review we run it through a host of tests including carpet pickup, hard floor pickup, noise level, hair tangling, edge cleaning, etc.
Avg. consumer rating = 93/100
We were excited to get our hands on the new Shark Rotator Powered Lift-Away ZU632 upright vacuum. It looks and feels a lot like the Shark Rotator NV752 TruePet, the most popular vacuum cleaner on our website for several years running. At a glance the machines are very similar but Shark has added a self-cleaning brushroll to the ZU632 which should really help in households with pets. In this review we break down the ZU632, run it through a series of tests, and also determine if it is an improvement on the already excellent NV752.
Avg. consumer rating = 90/100
Shark refers to the APEX series as their “most advanced upright vacuums”. These are full size vacuums with DuoClean Technology (2 brushrolls), HEPA filtration, an anti-allergen complete seal system, noise reduction technology, a lift-away canister, and Active-Glide Technology. There are several APEX models and in this review we discuss the AX952. Owners are mostly very pleased with this powerful, all-around, bagless upright vacuum. This is a versatile machine and it can clean bare floors and carpet, it can do overhead cleaning, and also portable vacuuming (using the lift-away feature). The full size APEX vacuums are not particularly lightweight however.
Avg. rating = 90/100
The Shark Navigator DLX (model NV70) is a reasonably inexpensive bagless upright vacuum cleaner. It does not come with a lot of bells and whistles but it does have a HEPA filter, a sealed system, and a large dust canister. Owners also report that the NV70 has powerful suction and is quite easy and cheap to maintain. However, the power cord and wand are a bit short and the cleaner head is rather narrow. The vacuum color is gold, or what Shark refers to as “champagne”.
Avg. consumer rating = 95/100
Shark recently launched their “Vertex” series of vacuum cleaners. They are powerful machines with a host of features including two brushrolls, one soft and one with fins (Shark calls them fins but we think of them more as flexible, rubbery blades). We’ve always liked Shark’s willingness to try new and different ideas and they sometimes hit upon something that really works. We analyzed the Vertex AZ2002 upright vacuum, compared it to other popular Shark uprights, and ran it through a series of tests. This vacuum performed extremely well and in our opinion Shark may have found another keeper.
Avg. rating = 87/100
The Shark Navigator Zero-M Pet Pro upright vacuum is designed for homes with pets. It is capable on carpet and bare floors and has a very large dust canister so you do not have to empty it frequently. It also has a special self-cleaning brushroll that removes tangled hair while you vacuum (the hair is removed and sent to the dust canister for disposal). In addition, the vacuum provides quality air filtration through its HEPA filter and sealed body. On the downside, it feels a little hefty and it doesn’t maneuver as well as some of the other Shark uprights we’ve tested. We also wish it had a longer power cord.
Avg. rating = 88/100
We looked at the Shark APEX (model AX952) back in December of 2017. It is a popular machine and it comes with the lift-away feature, two brushrolls, and a powered tool. The Shark APEX in this review is a newer machine and is model AZ1002. It has all the same features as the older APEX but also includes Zero-M Technology. Zero-M Technology utilizes a specially designed brushroll and comb in the cleaner head which remove tangled hair as you vacuum.
Avg. rating = 86/100
The APEX Uplight bagless vacuum is another interesting machine from Shark. It is somewhere between an upright and a stick vacuum, but Shark has packed it with technology and features usually only found on their premier uprights. The Uplight has a HEPA filter, a sealed system, LED headlights, DuoClean Technology, Zero-M Technology, and the popular lift away feature. The vacuum even has retractable wheels that pop out when the unit is vertical, allowing it to stand on its own. So, does all this work while packed into such a small vacuum? For the most part yes, but the Uplight is not without issues.
Avg. consumer rating = 89/100
This is a reasonably-priced bagless upright vacuum cleaner and it has plenty of power. Pet owners report that it does a great job of picking up all manner of pet hair on both carpet and smooth flooring. It also comes with a handheld pet turbo tool that works well. On the other hand the UH74110 is bulky, heavy and not easy to steer – it just doesn’t maneuver that well. It is also a bit loud and the hose is difficult to stretch out limiting cleaning reach.
Avg. consumer rating = 82/100
If you are looking for good bang for your buck, the Bissell CleanView Rewind Deluxe model 1819 may fit the bill. This vacuum is designed for bare floors, low & high pile carpet, stairs, upholstery, and even pet hair. It is also affordable and can often be found for under $120. The 1819 is a bagless upright and has a wide cleaning path, scatter-free technology, a turbobrush tool, and an automatic rewind power cord - a great feature not often seen on an upright. The brushroll cannot be turned off however, and the vacuum doesn’t maneuver as well as machines that use swivel steering.
Avg. rating = 90/100
The Shark Navigator Zero-M Lift Away Speed is a bagless upright vacuum with an interesting technology Shark calls “Zero-M”. This technology is designed to automatically remove tangled hair from the brushroll. In this review we test the claim. The vacuum is also capable of cleaning both carpet and bare floors, and it has HEPA level filtration as well as Shark’s famous lift-away system. Most owners seem very pleased with the vacuum and cite powerful suction, light weight, and the Zero-M technology as reasons. However, the power cord is a bit short and while there are several tools, only one stores on-board.
Avg. consumer rating = 83/100
There are a number of different PowerSeries Pro cordless vacuum models from Black + Decker but the vacuums are all quite similar. They are lightweight, use a lithium-ION battery, and have the portable canister feature. Consumer ratings for the vacuums are reasonable and the price point is not too high (base model is about $150). These machines should be a consideration if you want cordless convenience and you have a smaller home with lots of bare floors.
Avg. consumer rating = 94/100
The Shark Rotator Powered Lift-Away Speed with DuoClean Technology (model NV801) uses the latest in upright vacuum technology from Shark. We’ve used this vacuum for a number of weeks and have also run it through several tests - so far we have been impressed. It is great on bare floors, effective on carpet, and capable on pet hair. DuoClean technology does appear to add to the cleaning ability of the vacuum. This is also a lift-away machine which really adds to its versatility. All of this has helped the NV801 make our list of the best Shark vacuums for pet hair. In terms of drawbacks, we would have liked a longer hose and the unit does have a rather narrow cleaner head.
Avg. consumer rating = 85/100
The blue Miele Twist upright vacuum has been replaced by the obsidian black Miele Dynamic U1 Maverick. The Maverick is pretty much an entry level Miele upright and it does not have some of the bells and whistles you will find on the more expensive uprights – such as LED headlights, a HEPA filter, turbo brush tool, etc. Even so, owners are pleased with the vacuum’s variable suction feature (great when cleaning delicate materials), lengthy cleaning reach, and sealed body. They also feel the unit has strong suction. However this is a heavy upright and some people find it difficult to lift and move around. In addition, the hose, while a decent length, is hard to stretch out.
Avg. rating = 90/100
The Shark Navigator Light NV105 is a very basic, simple vacuum cleaner. It does not have a lot of features or bells and whistles. Its competitive advantages are that it is very lightweight for an upright and that it is not particularly costly. This approach seems to have worked and most owners are pleased with their purchase. They like the light weight, powerful suction, lack of consumables (filters/bags), and small footprint of the machine. However there are some drawbacks such as the limited capacity of the dust canister, the short hose, and the small cleaner head.
Avg. consumer rating = 91/100
The Shark Navigator Lift Away Deluxe model NV360 is reasonably priced for what you get. It is one of the higher consumer-rated vacuums in its price point. Owners like the strong suction, lift-away feature, rinsable filters, and swivel steering. It also has brushroll on/off controls which make the vacuum effective on both carpet and bare floors. In addition, it comes with four handy tools. However, the lack of height controls can make it difficult to push on deeper carpet, and it is also a bit top heavy so it gets pulled over easily when using the hose/wand/tools.
Avg. consumer rating = 94/100
The Dyson Ball Animal 2 is one of the latest upright vacuums in the Dyson stable. The term “Animal” is intended to highlight its capabilities in households with pets, however there may be another reason. This vacuum cleaner is something of a beast. It is hugely powerful and also a bit of a handful to wield. Is this is a good thing? Well, for the most part it is good but in some cases it isn’t. The machine’s colossal suction ensures top notch cleaning of pet hair, bare floors, carpet, etc. but the weight of the vacuum makes it a little cumbersome despite the added maneuverabiity of “Ball Technology”.
Avg. rating = 88/100
Like a number of other Shark vacuums we have tested, the P50 is somewhat unique. Shark has managed to pack a host of features into one machine and in so doing created a vacuum that is both fascinating and a little hard to classify. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t good. On the contrary, the P50 does many things well. It is lightweight for an upright, it is cord-free, it has a removable battery, it uses two brushrolls, and it can be used - to some degree - as an upright, a stick vac, or a handheld. However, it’s not as powerful as most full-size corded uprights, and it’s not as light and maneuverable as most smaller stick vacs.
Avg. consumer rating = 80/100
The Hoover Air Lift Deluxe is another upright that provides the popular lift away canister feature (similar to those we have seen with the Shark Lift Away and Bissell Lift Off vacuums). Consumer ratings are average but the unit isn’t too pricey and it does perform well on carpet. It also includes a host of tools and the swivel nozzle is remarkably maneuverable. However it is a hefty machine and quite a few owners report having issues with the vacuum weight. The Air Lift canister itself is also on the heavy side but it is a great feature for cleaning stairs and getting into hard to reach areas.
Avg. consumer rating = 79/100
The Hoover WindTunnel 2 Whole House Rewind upright vacuum (model UH71250) is getting fairly average reviews and ratings from owners. The vacuum is on the heavy side and some folks find it bulky and a bit of a chore to move and maneuver. Also, the power cord, while auto-retract, is a bit short which can be frustrating when cleaning a large area. On the plus side it does excel at picking up pet hair and is a relatively affordable vacuum cleaner. In addition it comes with a HEPA filter that includes a layer of carbon for odor elimination.
Avg. consumer rating = 90/100
This vacuum is the smaller brother of the Dyson Ball Animal 2. Does that mean it is not as good? No – not necessarily. While the Dyson Ball Multi-Floor 2 has less suction than its big brother, it is also lighter, less expensive, and there is still more than enough suction for most cleaning jobs. In our opinion the Dyson Ball Multi Floor 2 packs a punch and is actually a very good fit for some households. Consumers are pleased with the vacuum’s maneuverablity, capability on different surfaces, and easy maintenance. However, there are some issues, one of them being the machine’s difficulty in moving on some deep pile carpet. We see this on both the Multi-Floor and the Animal.
Avg. consumer rating = 76/100
The Black and Decker Air Swivel Lite (model BDASL202) is a very lightweight, bagless upright vacuum cleaner. It is also compact and easy to maneuver. The suction is good, it performs well on pet hair, and the machine is affordable. It does have some issues however. A number of owners have reported that it just stops running for no apparent reason and it either has to be repaired or replaced – there doesn’t seem to be an easy fix. In addition, there are several instances of the belt breaking.
Avg. consumer rating = 92/100
The Shark Rocket Complete TruePet with DuoClean (HV382) is an interesting vacuum. In many ways it adheres to typical vacuum design but in some ways it does not. First, it is something of a hybrid between a stick vac and an upright. Second, it has 2 brushrolls in the main nozzle, and comes with an odd looking “under-appliance” wand. Differences aside, does it work? In our testing & analysis the vacuum works quite well. It is versatile, has great suction, includes useful tools, and has a long power cord. But it does have a few drawbacks - there's no HEPA filter and it won't stand on its own.
Avg. consumer rating = 86/100
The Bissell 1984 Air Ram vacuum is a cordless, bagless upright. Its extreme light weight and swivel steering make it very maneuverable and easy to lift. It is designed for carpet and bare floors and most owners are pleased with the suction power. The dust canister is easy to empty and also has a feature to push dust/debris out. It has a respectable run time of about 30 minutes on a charge. It is not great on deep pile carpet however and it does not come with a HEPA filter. Also, the Air Ram is compact and it may be better suited for a small home, dormitory or apartment.
Avg. consumer rating = 89/100
The Oreck XL Classic Limited Edition (UK2200) upright vacuum cleaner is getting pretty solid reviews and ratings from owners. This bagged, “no frills” machine is very lightweight and easy to move and maneuver. It is also reasonably priced and it performs well on carpet and bare floors. However there is no hose and no tools or attachments, and some folks struggle with moving it on deeper pile carpet. In addition, the power cord is also a little on the short side.
Avg. consumer rating = 80/100
The Hoover WindTunnel 3 High Performance Pet (model UH72630PC) is a popular vacuum cleaner that Hoover refers to as "Our Best Cleaning Bagless Upright". Consumers report that it has tremendous suction and that it cleans bare floors and carpet well. It also excels at pulling up pet hair from upholstery and carpet. In addition, it has an exceptionally long cleaning reach due to a lengthy power cord and stretch hose. However, the vacuum is heavy, hard to maneuver, and can be difficult to push or pull on carpet.
Avg. consumer rating = 84/100
The Eureka Airspeed Unlimited Rewind (model AS3030A) is a bagless upright vacuum cleaner. It performs fairly well on carpet and bare floors and the powered brushroll has on/off controls. In addition, it comes with a retractable power cord and 5 nozzle height settings. Consumer ratings are reasonable but common complaints include that the machine is rather loud and that it suffers from poor build quality. The MSRP on this vacuum is about $130 but you should be able to find it for under $100.
Avg. consumer rating = 86/100
The Bissell Aeroswift 1009 is a small, compact vacuum cleaner and is good for those with an apartment or small area to clean. This is also a very affordable unit and we’ve seen it available for $50-$70. It includes an optional Febreze filter which helps eliminate odors and also leaves behind a fresh, clean smell after vacuuming. The size of the machine is both a pro and a con. It is lightweight and easy to carry but it also has a short hose/wand and the dust canister is quite small resulting in the need for frequent emptying. It also does not come with HEPA filtration.
Avg. consumer rating = 87/100
The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser (model 1650A) is a bagless, corded upright vacuum cleaner. As the name suggests it is designed for households with pets and while it can also be used on bare floors, it excels at removing pet hair from carpet. Specialized features include an effective tangle-free brushroll, a system that separates hair from debris which helps when emptying the dust canister, a Febreze filter for removing pet odor, and a sealed filtration system. These all work fairly well and result in a good pet hair vacuum, however this machine is quite heavy and the hose & wand assembly is a little short.
Avg. consumer rating = 90/100
The Shark Navigator Deluxe NV42 is quite popular. It is also reasonably priced and can generally be found for under $150. Owners like the fact that the machine has strong suction and performs well on both carpet and bare floors. In addition, it works well on pet hair and is fairly quiet. However It is advertised as lightweight but is really more of an average weight if compared to most uprights today.
The Shark NV682 is a popular bagless upright vacuum cleaner and it has achieved a very high score on our site, placing it near the top of our Vacuum Cleaner Finder tool.
We have done a very detailed review of this machine which can be found here – Shark NV682 Review – but we thought it would be helpful to put together a short article with 2 quick videos highlighting the vacuum’s pros and cons. A video is worth a thousand words.
Avg. consumer rating = 92/100
The Shark Rotator Powered Lift-Away Speed (model NV682) is a 3-in-1 vacuum cleaner. It can be configured to operate as an upright, a canister and a handheld. It has plenty of great features including HEPA filtration, a sealed system, a 30 foot power cord, 2 floor cleaning nozzles, and a very lengthy 7-year warranty. The NV682 is a good looking vacuum and is easy to use and maintain – it is bagless and all 3 filters are washable. The NV682 is lighter and smaller than its big brother the NV752 and as a result is easier to move but also has a shorter hose and smaller dust canister.
Avg. consumer rating = 75/100
The Hoover WindTunnel 2 Rewind bagless upright vacuum (model UH70825) is a very affordable machine and can often be found for under $100. It is fairly basic and comes with HEPA filtration and several tools. But its claim to fame is the retractable power cord – something not very common in uprights. This is a feature that consumers are very pleased with. However the vacuum itself doesn’t get stellar reviews from owners and it is a bit on the heavy side. It also has no brushroll on/off control and it has an annoying propensity to clog and to shut off.
Avg. consumer rating = 73/100
The Dirt Devil Vigor model UD70222 is a lightweight, inexpensive, bagless upright vacuum cleaner. It is fairly plain but it does have a headlight and also HEPA filtration with carbon to help alleviate odors. It suffers from several issues however. The power cord is short, it tips easily when using the hose, and it requires frequent filter cleaning and dust canister emptying. It also carries a 1-year limited warranty. Consumer ratings are not spectacular.
Avg. consumer rating = 94/100
Ranked as our best upright for 2019 and one of our best vacuums for dealing with pet hair, the Shark Rotator NV752 Powered Lift-Away TruePet Vacuum delivers solid performance and is popular with consumers. Owners give it consistently high ratings, and cite its powerful suction, 3-in-1 capabilities, and easy maneuverability as reasons. It also comes standard with a host of useful attachments and tools. However, like almost any vacuum the NV752 is not quite perfect and there are some issues.
Avg. consumer rating = 77/100
The Bissell 1534 is a cordless, bagless vacuum that is somewhere between an upright and a stick vac. If you are expecting an upright then you will feel this vacuum is very lightweight. If you are expecting a stick vac then you may feel the 1534 is on the heavy side. As it is not entirely a full size vacuum it isn’t a good fit as the sole machine for a large home (canister fills quickly and narrow cleaning path width). This, like most compact vacuums, is best for quick, smaller cleaning jobs. If you know what you are buying this vacuum can be a good choice. If you expect something else you may be disappointed.
Avg. consumer rating = 73/100
The Hoover UH72450 generally retails for between $180 and $230 so it is not at a particularly low price point. Consumer ratings are ok but not stellar. The vacuum generates powerful suction, has HEPA filtration, is very maneuverable, includes a turbo tool and carries a lengthy 5-year warranty. But the lack of height adjustment creates some problems for folks with thicker carpet and area rugs.
Avg. consumer rating = 83/100
The Sebo X4 is a bagged upright vacuum cleaner designed and manufactured in Germany. It has hospital-grade filtration and is approved by the British Allergy Foundation. It is well-built and reliable but expensive. The X4 is noted for being powerful, capable on both carpet and bare floors and excellent at pulling up pet hair. It is a tad on the heavy side however and the machine, while highly effective, looks a bit dated.
Avg. consumer rating = 94/100
The DC65 is Dyson's latest upright vacuum and is the replacement for the DC41. This is a full size upright and consumer ratings to date are fantastic. The DC65 animal is very powerful and the suction, amplified by an active base plate system in the nozzle, is tremendous on both bare floors and carpet. The vacuum also performs well on pet hair and it comes with Dyson's tangle-free turbine tool. The vacuum is expensive however and the price is often over $500. It is also a little on the heavy side at over 17 lbs.
Avg. consumer rating = 73/100
The Hoover WindTunnel 3 Pro Pet model UH70931PC is a bagless upright that comes with several pet related attachments. It also includes a HEPA filter with carbon for odor removal, and an auto retractable power cord. However it is notorious for overheating and many owners feel it is not that well built. While the vacuum seems fairly popular, consumer comments and ratings would suggest it is not a great buy.
Avg. consumer rating = 90/100
This is a simple, inexpensive vacuum cleaner that is getting some good reviews and ratings from consumers. It is very similar to the Bissell CleanView 9595 but has a new brushroll designed for better pickup (according to Bissell). The vacuum is very reasonably priced and is usually under $100. It is also capable on pet hair, carpet and hard surfaces, and it has strong suction. However the brushroll cannot be turned off and the power cord is a bit short.
Avg. consumer rating = 94/100
The Shark Rocket PowerHead model AH452 is something of a hybrid between an upright and a stick vacuum. It is fairly lightweight (for an upright) and has some unique design features including placing most components in the cleaner head and interchangeable brushrolls. Consumer ratings are excellent and owners like the strong suction, easy operation & maintenance, and also the performance on bare surfaces and carpet. It does not come with a hose or attachments however and this reduces the machine’s ability to be an all-around vacuum cleaner.
Avg. consumer rating = 91/100
We recently got our hands on the new Dyson Cinetic Big Ball Animal + Allergy upright vacuum cleaner. Dyson is known for pushing the boundaries of technology and this machine is no exception. Not only is it bagless, but it also has no filters to clean or replace. All you have to do is empty the dust canister once in a while.
Avg. consumer rating = 80/100
The Hoover Air Cordless Series 3.0 was just released in April of this year. It is a cordless, lightweight upright that is somewhere between a stick vac and a full size vacuum - perhaps best described as a mid-size, cordless upright. It comes with 2 long-life batteries so run time is excellent and the machine is very easy to maneuver. The hose and wand assembly is awkward however and a few owners report that the tools are not particularly high quality.
Avg. consumer rating = 73/100
The Eureka AirSpeed ONE (AS2013A) is inexpensive and rather cheaply made but it has tons of suction. This is a bagless upright where compromises have clearly been made in an effort to offer a unit that can be found online (at some retailers) for as low as $55. The power cord is short, the fit and finish isnt great and the dust canister is small. However the unit is very lightweight and consumers report that the suction is rather astounding.
Avg. consumer rating = 89/100
The Oreck Insight upright vacuum (model U7010ECS) gets very solid ratings from owners and is noted for being exceptionally lightweight and powerful. It is a bare bones machine however and while it includes HEPA filtration it comes with little else. It is bagged and performs well on low pile carpet and bare floors but is difficult to push on deep pile carpet.
Avg. consumer rating = 78/100
The Electrolux Precision EL8807A is a bagless upright with fairly average consumer ratings. Highlights of the machine include an easy-to-use hose and wand assembly, and a unique brushroll cleaning system. The Precision is designed for both carpet and bare floors and it includes a couple of tools that increase cleaning flexibility. However some owners report being concerned about the extent of plastic used in the unit's construction. Also the limited number of height settings make movement and cleaning on carpet a bit tricky.
Avg. consumer rating = 88/100
The Dyson DC50 Animal is the latest upright in the Dyson stable. Consumer ratings are quite good to date, but bear in mind the vacuum has only been on the market in the US for a few short months (at the time of this writing). The DC50 is compact compared with previous Animal uprights and this results in a very lightweight and maneuverable machine. The vacuum also uses Dyson Ball Technology and includes several tools, such as the new tangle-free turbine tool. Owners report that the DC50 is effective on pet hair but some feel the dust canister is too small and that it is perhaps a bit too expensive.
Avg. consumer rating = 81/100
This is a compact, lightweight vacuum that is designed for smaller homes. It is bagless, has washable filters and is inexpensive. It also has respectable suction, and this, combined with the aforementioned characteristics, elicits reasonably good ratings from owners. However, owners who are not aware that this machine is about 2/3 full-size sometimes report being disappointed. They highlight that the unit has less power, a shorter power cord, and a smaller dust canister than expected.
Avg. consumer rating = 93/100
The Shark Rotator TruePet NV652 is getting top notch reviews and ratings from owners. The TruePet is a 3-in-1 vacuum cleaner and it operates as an upright, a canister, and to some extent a handheld. It has powerful suction and comes with a host of features and accessories including a pet tool with a motor-driven brush. The hose however, is a bit stiff and can sometimes tip the vacuum when it is stretched, and some owners feel that the dust canister is a bit small.
Avg. consumer rating = 92/100
This is a no-frills upright vacuum designed to clean large areas of both carpet and bare floors. It is a commercial unit but is frequently used by owners for residential cleaning as well. It is very lightweight and quite powerful. In addition the U2000R-1 has an industrial length 40 foot power cord, but like many commercial machines it is loud. Most owners feel the vacuum provides very good value for your dollar.
Avg. consumer rating = 55/100
Oreck is famous for its simple yet effective bagged vacuum cleaners. The Oreck Touch, however, deviates from this formula as it is bagless. This move is somewhat understandable given the recent popularity of bagless machines. But the move hasn't been particularly successful. The touch has very powerful suction and its large wheels, swivel neck and weight distribution make it highly maneuverable, but a number of owners report that the unit is heavy and the dust canister a little small.
Avg. consumer rating = 77/100
The Bissell PowerGlide Pet upright is getting some respectable ratings from consumers although not all of them are thrilled. It comes with a lift-off feature that allows for portable cleaning. This feature, far from being a gimmick, has proved to be a real asset when cleaning stairs or cleaning overhead. Unfortunately the vacuum does not have HEPA filtration or manual height adjustment but it does carry a lengthy 5-year limited warranty.
Avg. consumer rating = 84/100
This modern looking Hoover upright is very maneuverable and lightweight. It is also bagless and has cleanable filters. Owners generally like the UH72400 finding it easy to assemble and to move up and down stairs. On the downside the unit has a smallish dust canister so emptying is frequent, and it does not come with an air powered hand tool a popular tool that upright owners often use for cleaning stairs and upholstery.
Avg. consumer rating = 83/100
The Oreck Magnesium gets fair reviews. On average it does not rank as highly with consumers as some of Oreck's XL units however. The Magnesium is well-liked for its extreme light weight, powerful suction and easy maneuverability. Detractors point out the need for frequent maintenance, noisy operation, and the units inability to get into tight areas.
Avg. consumer rating = 81/100
The Bissell Healthy Home (model 16N5F) gets fairly good reviews from owners. It is a bagless upright machine and can generally be found online for under $200USD. It has HEPA filtration, a 30 foot power cord and includes several tools that store on board. It also has 7 nozzle height settings and carries a lengthy 5-year warranty. Some owners report, however, that it is a bit heavy and that the turbo brush gets bogged down if pressed too hard into the carpet.
Avg. consumer rating = 65/100
This bagless upright is fairly popular but that is likely because it is inexpensive. It can be found online for between $50 and $70. Consumers do not give this vacuum cleaner very high grades. Many owners feel that, despite the low price, it still isnt worth the money, and they cite the need to frequently clean the filter, the short hose, and the small dust canister as reasons.
Avg. consumer rating = 90/100
The Dyson DC40 Multi-Floor is one of the more recent Dyson upright vacuum cleaners. It uses Dyson's latest version of radial root cyclone technology which provides better airflow, and it has updated Dyson Ball Technology. The Ball Technology now has more components inside the Ball and less clutter outside. The DC40 is one of the more lightweight Dyson uprights yet it still manages to generate a respectable amount of suction. Owner ratings are excellent and most folks feel that the DC40, while expensive, is worth the money.
Avg. consumer rating = 91/100
The Oreck XL 2100RHS is an upright that is getting good owner reviews and if you like no-frills machines that deliver then this one is worth looking at. Consumer ratings are excellent and the vacuum is extremely lightweight, easy to maneuver, and it comes with a very long industrial power cord. Were not sure how much longer we will see this unit on the market however, as it can no longer be found on the Oreck website but perhaps appearance on the website is not indicative of product continuity.
Avg. consumer rating = 89/100
The Bissell CleanView 9595 is a fairly inexpensive bagless upright but it still includes a nice array of tools and it carries a 2-year warranty. The OnePass idea seems like marketing noise to us but owners do report that the unit has solid suction and good pickup. The power cord, hose and extension wand are all on the short side however.
Avg. consumer rating = 84/100
The Bissell Rewind Premier Pet (model 67F8) is geared towards households with pets and it gets mostly good reviews from owners. Consumers like the automatic cord rewind feature, the easy assembly and the ability of the vacuum to pull up pet hair. Most also highlight that the machine has great suction and is reasonably priced. The most significant area of discontent however is the unit's weight. A number of owners note that the vacuum is a little heavy and in some instances can be a chore to push.
Avg. consumer rating = 85/100
Designed for 20 years of residential use, the Miele Jazz (recently renamed the Miele Dynamic U1 Jazz) gets very solid ratings from consumers. Like most machines from this German manufacturer the Jazz is expensive, but it does deliver. Powered by a 1200 watt ultra quiet motor, it has very strong suction and does an excellent job cleaning carpet and bare floors. It also includes 3 levels of filtration and the HEPA filter with activated charcoal ensures fresh smelling air free of most allergens. Some consumers find the machine a bit heavy however and consumables like bags and filters are not cheap.
Avg. consumer rating = 92/100
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Rotator is yet another vacuum cleaner from Euro-Pro that is getting great consumer reviews - other popular Euro-Pro vacuums include the Shark Navigator and the Shark Lift-Away. The Shark Rotator is an upright, a canister and it also has a portable component. In addition, it has powerful suction, a brushbar with on/off controls, several useful tools, and a 5 year warranty. Criticisms of the machine are limited to secondary concerns such as the average fit and finish and headlights that only provide moderate illumination.
Avg. consumer rating = 79/100
Consumer ratings for the Hoover Windtunnel Air UH70400 run the gamut from 5 stars to 1 star. For some owners the unit's respectable suction, easy-to-empty dust canister, light weight and maneuverability make it a great fit for their cleaning needs. But others cite problems with removing and reattaching the hose, limited ability on pet hair, and small vacuum size as issues. This is indeed a fairly compact and light vacuum cleaner and this combination often has both pros and cons.
Avg. consumer rating = 88/100
This bagless upright gets pretty good consumer ratings and is not too expensive. It has most of the usual features and includes HEPA filtration, several nozzle height settings and a turbo tool. It also carries a 3-year parts and labor warranty which is quite good in this price range. However the brushbar, while motorized, does not come with an on/off switch and some folks may not like this when cleaning bare floors.
Avg. consumer rating = 73/100
The Eureka SuctionSeal - model AS1104A - is a bagless upright that uses special moving plates under the nozzle to increase suction. Owners generally agree that this approach works and that the vacuum generates powerful suction at the floor surface. The AS1104A can be found online for about $160, making it a reasonably priced upright. Consumer ratings are ok, but not stellar. Owners like the pet power tool, the low profile nozzle and the ability to clean right up to baseboards. However it is somewhat heavy and can be difficult to maneuver and carry.
Avg. consumer rating = 72/100
We previously looked at another Eureka Pet Lover vacuum, the 3684F canister, and it subsequently ended up on our list of Best Vacuum Cleaners Under $100. In this review we are investigating the more recent Eureka Pet Lover Deluxe upright (model 8811AVZ). It has been getting reasonable reviews and consumers report that it has strong suction, is reasonably priced, and is very good at removing pet hair. However a few owners find it rather loud and it also does not have brushbar on/off controls.
Avg. consumer rating = 83/100
Eureka now has over 10 different AirSpeed models on the market. Consumer ratings for the Eureka AirSpeed AS1051A are not bad, but not stellar - owners like that the machine is light, powerful, and maneuverable but some find it a bit loud. The AS1051A is formally known as the AirSpeed ABS (Advanced Bag System) PET AS1051A and it has a few features that make it popular with pet owners. The vacuum includes a pet hair brush, a pet hair tool (PET Power Paw) and a HEPA filter with charcoal to remove allergens and help eliminate odors.
Avg. consumer rating = 75/100
Ratings for the Hoover UH30600 used to be very high but they have dropped in the past few years. Consumer ratings are now somewhat average. The UH30600 is a bagged upright designed for both carpet and bare floors. It has HEPA filtration, a long power cord, a range of on-board tools, and seven different height settings. Owners feel that it has outstanding suction and that it is not too expensive (about $150 at certain outlets). Some consumers find it a bit heavy however.
Avg. consumer rating = 84/100
This bagged upright is getting fairly good consumer ratings. At the time of this writing, for example, some 65% of the Amazon customer reviews have given the Hoover C1404 5 stars out of 5. However, it is important to understand what you are getting in this machine. It is a no frills, very basic and somewhat loud commercial vacuum cleaner. But for the consumer looking for a bare bones unit that simply does what it is supposed to do, it would appear this one delivers. It is also popular with both commercial and residential users alike.
Avg. consumer rating = 71/100
Consumer ratings vary widely for the Hoover C1660-900 Hush Commercial vacuum. Some owners report that it is powerful, has an easy-to-empty dirt canister, and is a capable vacuum cleaner. Others, however, feel it is not entirely worthy of the commercial designation, citing a short power cord and handle.
Avg. consumer rating = 92/100
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Pro (NV356E) is getting top notch reviews. As a matter of fact, over 5000 consumers on Amazon - at the time of this writing - have so far given this vacuum 4.6 stars out of 5. This machine is similar to the Shark Navigator Lift Away (NV350) but it comes with a special professional dusting bare floor tool, and there are a few other differences as well. Most owners praise this unit for its strong suction, light weight, maneuverability, large dirt canister and Lift-Away feature.
Avg. consumer rating = 82/100
The Eureka Airspeed Gold is a relatively inexpensive bagless upright vacuum that provides strong suction through Eureka's Airspeed technology. It comes with a number of attachments and is also getting good reviews from owners. Consumers like the unit's powerful suction and easy-empty dirt canister but the vacuum is a bit heavy and several owners note that the filters need to be cleaned frequently.
Avg. consumer rating = 88/100
The Dyson DC41 is a fairly new product from Dyson (at the time of writing). It is their latest Ball Upright vacuum cleaner and reviews are quite good to date. The DC41 has undergone significant redesign to optimize performance and the result is a very powerful machine with automatic nozzle height adjustment (and a few more upgrades). Consumers like the long power cord and the machine's ability to pick up pet hair, but some find that the vacuum profile makes it difficult to get under furniture.
Avg. consumer rating = 83/100
The Miele S7580 Bolero is now known as the Dynamic U1 AutoEco (Miele's new name for this machine). It is one of the Premium Class vacuums in the S7 upright series. It is powerful, quiet, maneuverable and loaded with features such as suction control, automatic height adjustment and a special HEPA filter that includes activated carbon for odor removal. Consumer reviews are few but generally quite good and most owners are pleased with their purchase. The machine is a little heavy however and, like many Miele vacuum cleaners, it is not cheap.
Avg. consumer rating = 74/100
This is an inexpensive, bagless upright that used to get get good consumer ratings. However updated ratings are rather poor. It is fairly basic but still comes with a number of nice features like HEPA filtration, a carbon filter for odor removal, several height settings, a headlight, and a number of tools and attachments. Owners almost unanimously feel that this unit has powerful suction but some comment that the hose is short and that the vacuum is a bit loud.
Avg. consumer rating = 71/100
This vacuum cleaner seems to evoke a number of emotions from consumers. Comments range from "wonderful" to "you basically get what you pay for" to "do not buy this vacuum". It is a relatively inexpensive machine with a unique v-shaped base, the idea of which is to channel the dirt into the main suction area of the vacuum.
Avg. consumer rating = 73/100
The LG LuV250C is a compact bagless upright vacuum cleaner. It is popular with some owners but not with others. It is well designed and it has strong suction, a motorized brushbar, a long power cord and an easy-to-empty dirt canister. It also uses LGs Kompressor technology which allows the canister to hold up to 3 times more debris. Some owners comment however that the exhaust air can blow dust away from the nozzle.
Avg. consumer rating = 84/100
The Dirt Devil Dynamite M084650 is very reasonably priced and it receives mostly good grades from owners who are impressed with its strong suction, HEPA filtration, light weight and compact size. It can be found online for between $50 and$60 (at certain retail outlets) and is great for quick pick-ups and small area cleaning such as apartments. Due to its compact size however, it may not be the best choice for vacuuming large areas.
Avg. consumer rating = 70/100
According to the Hoover.com website the Hoover UH50000 TurboPower WindTunnel Anniversary-Edition Upright Vacuum Cleaner is a Consumers Digest Best Buy. However consumer ratings and reviews (from those who have bought and experienced the vacuum) are average at best. The Hoover Windtunnel vacuums do seem to get a lot of repeat customers however, and this may show a certain level of satisfaction with the brand and products through the years.
Avg. consumer rating = 75/100
The Miele Cat and Dog S7260 (now known as the Miele Dynamic U1 Cat & Dog) is part of Miele's S7 line of upright vacuum cleaners. The Cat and Dog gets reasonable consumer ratings and is loaded with features. Owners like the the look and feel of the unit with many commenting on the quality fit and finish. It has powerful suction yet still manages to be fairly quiet and is capable on both carpet and bare floors. It is also very effective at pulling up pet hair. The downsides of this machine are its weight, its cost, and, more recently, increasing problems over the lifetime of the vacuum.
Avg. consumer rating = 89/100
The Euro-Pro Shark NV22L Navigator gets great reviews, has a solid 5 year warranty and can often be found for under 200USD. This is our first look at a Shark vacuum but after repeatedly seeing good reviews and ratings for this particular model, the Euro-Pro Shark NV22L Navigator, we decided to dig a little deeper. We were not disappointed.
Avg. consumer rating = 75/100
The LG LuV400T is a very interesting vacuum cleaner with a tremendous range of features and tools. Some of the more atypical features include vacuum RF controls from the wand and a special dust compacting system that allows you to get up to 3 times more dirt in the canister before emptying is necessary. Consumer ratings are not bad and the vacuum is also Certified Asthma and Allergy Friendly by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. The cost for this machine tends to be similar (or slightly less) than a Dyson.
Avg. consumer rating = 82/100
Owners of the Hoover UH70210 WindTunnel Pet Vacuum give it very good marks for its ability to pick up unruly pet hair. They are also pleased with its strong suction and washable HEPA filter. However some find the hose a little short and the dirt canister tricky to empty. All-in-all consumer reviews are quite favorable, giving the UH70210 consistently 4 out of 5 stars or better.
Avg. consumer rating = 80/100
The Electrolux Nimble looks great on paper and has good features but some owners struggle with certain aspects of the machine. As a result, consumer ratings are not as high as one might expect. The machine does have its proponents and some folks swear it is better than a Dyson but there are a number of detractors who feel that it is too heavy, hard to push on carpet and the plastic used in the construction of the machine isnt sturdy enough.
Avg. consumer rating = 71/100
The Hoover WindTunnel UH70105 is a bagless upright that gets average consumer reviews. A powerful yet relatively light vacuum cleaner, it can sometimes be found for less than $100USD. It comes with a number of tools, HEPA filtration and it carries a 2-year warranty.
Avg. consumer rating = 79/100
Miele have been manufacturing floor care products for 80 years and they are famous for making quality vacuum cleaners. We've reviewed several of their canister vacuums and stick vacuums in the past and in most cases have found them to be solid products. The S7210 Twist (now renamed the Miele Dynamic U1 Twist) is the first full-size Miele upright we have looked at, but it does not rate as highly as their canister machines. It uses a powerful Miele-made vortex motor, has automatic height adjustment, a very long 39 foot power cord and also comes with variable suction control.
Avg. consumer rating = 84/100
The Hoover WindTunnel T-Series UH30300 is not fancy but it is light, has powerful suction, is easy to maintain and is also very reasonably priced. The general owner consensus is that this machine is fairly good value for the money. There are some comments however that the vacuum is a bit loud and that too much plastic is used in the construction.
Avg. consumer rating = 64/100
The Eureka Boss SmartVac Pet Lover 4870SZ is a bagged upright vacuum and has been rated as a Consumers Digest Best Buy. However it is getting pretty average consumer reviews and some owners have highlighted a number of issues issues. The 4870SZ was created for households with pets, and as such comes with several pet-friendly features including odor-eating vacuum cleaner bags, a sealed system, and High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filtration.
Avg. consumer rating = 83/100
The Hoover WindTunnel T-Series Pet Upright Vacuum (model UH30310) is a bagged upright that comes with a few extra tools for vacuuming up pet hair. Consumers report that this machine is indeed very good at picking up pet hair, and they also like the long power cord, the light weight and the fact that it is not too expensive. However some folks wish that the vacuum came with more than one wand and it does have a lot of plastic in its construction.
Avg. consumer rating = 84/100
The Bissell Rewind SmartClean 58F8 is another reasonably priced Bissell vacuum that is getting good consumer reviews and ratings. It can be found online at some sources for under $150 and it comes with HEPA filtration, a retractable power cord, an array of attachments, and a carpet clean sensor that many folks really like. It is also a bagless machine with a respectably long warranty for the price. Some people, however, have commented that it is a little heavy, although it is only just slightly heavier than your average upright.
Avg. consumer rating = 81/100
This machine seems to have all the key vacuum cleaner features as well as very strong suction. It is also not as expensive as some of the other Dyson uprights, however many consumers love this machine or hate it. It does not get the very consistent high ratings of the Dyson DC25 Animal for example. Owners are pleased with the powerful suction, long cord and large dirt canister however there are numerous comments regarding the less-than-stellar wand design and the noise generated when vacuuming on short carpet.