Hardwood floors are always high in-demand, and that’s why you always find a growing trend of hardwood vacuums being marketed to you left and right.There are so many different styles and models being introduced into the market each year that finding the best one for your home is becoming a long, tedious, and complicated task.With so many choices available, it’s more important now than ever to understand what makes a vacuum “the best” for cleaning hardwood surfaces.How do you find a great hardwood floor vacuum without spending more than you need to?What are the features to look for, and what should you try to avoid?These are some of the questions that will be answered in this article.The goal is to help you find the best vacuum designed for wood floors, without overspending, or regretting your purchase afterwards. Before you even start looking at all the great vacuums available, you need to understand that vacuums are not only created differently in terms of quality, but also in terms of its purpose.

To get the most value out of your time and money, avoid spending countless hours researching “top rated vacuum cleaners” only to discover that it’s not even a “hardwood vacuum”.What a lot of people don’t realize is that most of these highly rated vacuums got their high ratings because they work great as a general purpose cleaner. They do an excellent job cleaning carpets, but many of them are not designed with hardwood floors in mind.Choosing a machine that’s not specifically designed for hardwood cleaning, can carry a real risk of damaging your valuable floor.best leather clean for ipad smart coverSo, before you dive into your research and start scanning through customer reviews, make sure the vacuum you’re looking at is suitable for hardwood surfaces.best canister vacuum cleaner for dog hair

If there are no specific mentions anywhere in the description, you’ll want to check to see if it meets the following criteria:It goes without saying, but vacuums come in many different types and styles. Here are some questions you need to ask yourself before buying:Regardless of which style of vacuum you choose to meet your specific needs and preference, the important part is making sure that it’s hardwood-friendly and meets as many of the above mentioned criteria as possible (not just added as an after-thought).clean hp laptop cooling fanA lot of canister, stick, backpack and handheld vacuum models fall under the category of lightweight vacuum cleaner, and they tend to be favorite choices for most hardwood floor owners because of their lightweight design, convenience, maneuverability, and ease of use.No matter what you’re purchasing, price is something that almost always needs to be considered.

For many people, price is usually a determining factor. If you’re low on cash, or on a budget, you can still purchase the best vacuum in your price range if you know what features to look for.There are powerful and efficient vacuums available at many different price points.On the other hand, if you don’t have a budget limit, by all means, go crazy. I usually don’t recommend this because the ‘most expensive vacuum’ is often not the best one.There are pros and cons to both approaches.Buying locally usually means you don’t pay any shipping charges, and you also get to physically touch it before buying.Buying online can mean better availability, bigger discounts, better overall pricing, and the convenience of having it sent right to your doorstep. 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. But if you have lots of stairs—or hardwood, laminate, or tile floors—canisters can be easier to maneuver.

Stick 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. If an online price is low, see if the store will match it. Keep an Ear Out for Noise No vacuum cleaner reached the level at which we recommend hearing protection, but any vacuum will seem louder in a room with a lot of echo, such as a tiled bathroom. Canister vacuums tend to be quieter. Discounts of 20 to 30 percent off are increasingly available, especially during the holiday season. For mass-market brands, you don't have to wait until Black Friday. Check store circulars or sign up on manufacturer or retailer email lists to receive coupons and news of upcoming promotions. Some vacuum cleaner features improve performance or take some of the drudgery out of cleaning. But don't be dazzled by gadgets. Here are the more useful vacuum features to consider.