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While the choice between a canister type or upright vacuum cleaner might be personal preference, there are differences between the two types. Read the vacuum cleaner pluses and minuses* below and choose the best vacuum cleaner type for your home or office. See our vacuum cleaner comparison chart - ratings, reviews, reports by consumer experts.
| Canister Vacuum Cleaners |
Upright Vacuum Cleaners |
Pluses
- Best rated design for allergy sufferer since hepa sealed systems are available
- Flexible hose gives excellent versatility
- Most suction power for carpets
- Pushes more easily with the lightweight head as opposed to pushing the entire vacuum cleaner
- Can get under furniture easily because head has lower profile
- Usually has a retractable electrical cord
- Easier and lighter to carry up and down stairs
- Easier to vacuum stairs - a canister vacuum cleaner will often have a tool specially for stairs
- On board tools for convenience and for cleaning special surfaces
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Pluses
- The vacuum cleaner is always in front of you, which some people prefer
- Vacuum cleaner bags are usually larger and require less changing
- Most upright vacuum cleaner models now come with a flexible hose for greater versatility
- An upright vacuum cleaner is easy to use for hallways and large open carpet areas
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Minuses
- Canister is behind you as you pull which some people find awkward
- This kind of vacuum cleaner may require lifting over thresholds
- If using powerhead, may require changing floor brushes when going from carpet to bare floor (This is not true of a canister vacuum cleaner with extra turbo head or straight suction.)
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Minuses
- The hose is usually short and somewhat stiff and can cause the vacuum cleaner to tip over
- Cannot get under furniture easily (except for the Sebo X4 vacuum cleaner)
- Less maneuverable around furniture legs
- Does not have a retractable electrical cord
- Harder to vacuum stairs and much heavier
- An upright vacuum cleaner is more difficult to carry up and down stairs
- Does not have on board specialty vacuum cleaner parts or tools for dusting crevices, upholstery and the like
- The beater bar can damage delicate Persian rugs
- The design is not as friendly to allergy sufferers
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