Tested and Trusted: The Best Slow Cookers We tested the latest of these helpful, compact appliances. These are the five that really cleaned up. How We TestedHow We TestedLighter than full-size vacuums, easier to push and less bulky for better storage, these compact vacuum cleaners make quick work of minor debris and big spills.To find the best, our lab pros wheeled 11 models over carpet and bare floors, sucking up baking soda, oatmeal, dried orzo and more. They measured noise levels, ease of washing and replacing parts and, on battery-operated models, run and recharge times. And they took note of the number of tools and special features. Finally, our consumer testers scored the vacs' maneuverability. The Winner: Bissell Lift-Off 2-In-1 Cyclonic CordlessThe Winner: Bissell Lift-Off 2-In-1 Cyclonic CordlessWhat We Love About It: The Bissell outperformed the rest with the best combo of floor and carpet cleaning. It did especially well along walls; soft wheels and a bumper won't leave nicks or scratches.

Steering is practically effortless, said testers: "very swivel-y" and "extremely smooth."Every part of its dust cup is washable, so the vac works efficiently every time. Tools store neatly on its charging base. "I like how well balanced its weight feels." "On a scale of one to five, I give it a 10!"best vacuum cleaner carpeted stairs Pursonic i7 Pro Multifunction Vacuumbest vacuum cleaners upright Miele Scout RX1 Robot Vacuum Cleanerbest leather cleaner for king ranch P3 International V-Bot Robotic Vacuum Cleanerbest lightweight vacuum cleaner reviews

Moneual Rydis H68 Pro Plus Robot Vacuum The Robotic Vacuums Worth Your Money Watch Robo-Vacs in Action Start by determining the best vacuum for the type of cleaning you do. If you have wall-to-wall carpet, or just lots of rugs, uprights, especially with a bag, do best overall. air duct cleaning furnaceBut if you have lots of stairs—or hardwood, laminate, or tile floors—canisters can be easier to maneuver. service master air duct cleaningStick and hand-held vacuums are great for lighter tasks that need quick attention; a robotic device is an option for the set-it-and-go crowd. And central vacuums could be an option if you're ready for that installation commitment. (But we don't test that type.) For the best vacuums in all categories at a price that's right for you, go to our Vacuum Cleaner Ratings.

Pros: Uprights tend to cost less than canister vacuums and offer a wider cleaning swath. They are generally better at deep-cleaning carpets—particularly the bagged models. Most are easy to store. Cons: Pushing and pulling the weight of the machine. Some top performers weigh 20 pounds or more, although lighter models can still do the job. Uprights tend to be noisier than canisters. Upright Vacuum Cleaner Ratings Pros: Canisters are better than uprights for cleaning bare floors, stairs, drapes, and upholstery, and under furniture – and some are as good as uprights at cleaning carpets. Most are quieter, and the separate power head makes them seem lighter as well. Cons: Overall, these vacuums are bulkier than their upright brethren. The hose and wand make a canister harder to squeeze into a closet. Canister Vacuum Cleaner Ratings Pros: Like uprights, they have tall bodies and handles, and a powerhead. They're lightweight and convenient when you need to quickly clean up a mess.

They also eliminate having to bend over to clean a dirty floor. Cons: Most don't perform as well on carpet as full-size vacuums. They are mainly suited for picking up surface litter and aren't a replacement for a conventional vacuum. The capacity of their dirt bin is typically small. Most are fairly noisy. Stick Vacuum Cleaner Ratings Pros: These miniature electric models come corded or cordless. They're handy for light, quick surface cleaning on short-pile carpets and bare floors; some can handle pet hair on upholstery. They're also useful for cleaning up your car's interior. Cons: They lack the power and capacity of full-sized upright or canister models. Hand-Held Vacuum Cleaner Ratings Pros: Robotic vacuums do the grunge work while you relax. In uncluttered rooms, a robotic can touch up between regular, manual vacuuming sessions. The better models can find their way out of tight spots and around extension cords. A few of the newest models can even be controlled by an app on your smartphone.

Cons: No robotic vacuum can match the deep cleaning you'll get from the best uprights and canisters. Not the ideal choice if you have shag carpeting or area rugs. Robotic Vacuum Cleaner Ratings Pros: They're easier to use than a canister. With no vacuum body to pull along, you carry only the hose and powerhead. Central vacuums tend to be relatively quiet, and their dirt chambers need to be emptied infrequently. Cons: Central vacuums are pricey and can require professional installation. Their 30-foot hoses can be cumbersome and take up storage space. And there's no in-unit place to store cleaning tools while you work. We don't currently test central vacuum cleaners. Interactive Video Buying Guide Watch our interactive video below. You can skip to different chapters on types, features, robotic vacuums, and stick vacuums. What to Consider While Shopping Modern vacuums come in a range of designs, sleek shapes, and cool colors. But what matters most is how well they clean.

Remember that one type of vacuum might have features that appeal to you, but it should also fit your cleaning needs. Pet owners, take note: Upright and canister vacuum cleaners that excel at regular jobs tested best in show for picking up pet hair. A vacuum cleaner with a motorized brush cleans carpets better than one powered only by suction. A switch that can deactivate the brush will help protect the finish of bare floors and avoid scattering debris. Consider models with a manual carpet pile-height adjustment control, along with suction control for cleaning draperies and other delicate fabrics. Bagless vacuum cleaners save on the cost of purchasing bags but they also require more filters that need periodic cleaning or—for HEPA filters—replacing. The dust and mess of emptying their bins can be a concern if you have asthma or allergies. Even if you order online, go to a store first. Push, pull, turn, and lift the vacuum cleaners you're considering. Check out the controls and features.