When it comes to vacuums, the variety of options available in the market can confuse a number of prospective buyers. There are a number of different types of vacuums available such as upright, canister, robotic, stick and a few more, which add to more confusion.

The Consumer Reports’ tests are a highly effective way through which this decision can be executed efficiently. These tests allow consumers and prospective buyers to decide on the best option according to the specification of their requirements.

Consumer Test Reports

This year, the testers realized that vacuums with bags perform better than the bag-less options, surprisingly. This fact came to the fore when Dyson, which is not usually picked, made the recommended list after the Dyson DC65 Animal came into the market showed an effective performance on carpets available for a price of $600.

However, two other options that delivered the same results also made the list because they were far less pricey than Dyson. Depending on the consumer reports, here is a list of the top ten terrific vacuums.

Best Options for Carpet Cleaning

1.     Eureka Boss Smart Vac 4870

The Vac 4870 model was priced at $160 and was an upright. Along with upright models, Eureka manufactures according to the customers’ different needs. These models are also present as canister, hand and stick, central vacuums and deep cleaners. The uprights generally range from $50 to $200 whereas the canisters range from $60 to $260. This national brand is easily available in a number of stores and some target audience oriented retailers like Lowe’s and Bed Bath & Beyond and Lowe’s.

2.     Kenmore Elite 21814

The second option recommended for effective carpet cleaning is the Kenmore Elite 21814 canister. This costs about $500. The Kenmore canister is the bestselling brand and offers a wide variety of options with prices ranging between $50 to about $600. All Kenmore canisters come with a carpet shampooer and hard-surface .

Initially, uprights supplied by Kenmore were exclusive to Sears, but now, after a merger between retailers, they are available at Kmart as well. These can cost anywhere from $80 to $300.

Best Bag-less Options

3.     Hoover Wind Tunnel T-Series Rewind UH70120

The Hoover Wind Tunnel T-Series Rewind UH70120 is rated as the Best Buys according to the Consumers’ Report. This upright model costs about $130.  The first vacuum manufactured by Hoover was in 1907 and today, not only a wide variety is available, but also it is also reliable and within a reasonable price range from $50 to $300.

4.     Kenmore 22614

The Kenmore 22614 is a canister model available for $350 and rated as a best buy by the Consumers’ Report. The canister weighs about 23 pounds, and includes a 24 foot retractable cord, suction control, HEPA filtration and a brush on and off switch.

Best Lightweight Models

5.     Hoover Wind Tunnel Max UH30600

Rated as the best buy according to the Consumers’ Report, the Hoover Wind Tunnel Max UH30600 has three channels of wind tunnel MAX technology that efficiently sucks out deep and hidden dirt from the carpet. The wide nozzle (15 inches) covers a large area quickly and efficiently and can easily reach places like stairs, windowsills and curtains. One of the best parts about this option is that one would not have to hold the bag while disposing as the bag can directly be released into the trash.

6.     Hoover Wind Tunnel T-Series UH30300

This upright model costs about $140. It weighs about 16 pounds with a 29-foot manual wind cord. The bag consists of a brush on/off switch along with the cord. Hoover also manufactures other vacuum models which include canisters, hand and stick, central vacuums, deep cleaners and an outdoor sweeper. All of these range from about $80 to $300.

Best Options for Pet Hair

7.     Kenmore 31140

Also marked as best buy by the Consumers’ Report, the Kenmore 31140 upright vacuum costs about $200 and is ideal for managing pet hair. This system has a highly efficient performance level on both the carpet and the bare flooring. It works on a 2 motor system that suctions and supplies power to an agitator brush. Its specialty lies in its Powerful Pet Handi mate design that deals effectively with pet hair present on the stairs, floors and furniture.

8.     Kenmore Progressive 21714

The Kenmore Progressive canister 21714 costs about $400 and is the second option for vacuuming away pet hair. It weighs about 24 pounds and has a retractable cord with a length of 28 foot. This bag equipped model has a brush on off switch, HEPA filtration system and suction control.

Best Options for Big Spenders

9.     Kirby Sentria II

This upright model costs about $1,370 and there are a few factors that set it apart from the other options. The LED Headlight used in this system lights up the darkest corners of the house making cleaning more efficient. The airflow is powered through motors and the HEPA 11 filtration system ensures consistent performance.

10.Dyson DC65 Animal

Finally, the Dyson DC65 Animal is an upright model that costs $600. Though new in the market, Dyson has made its place by providing stylish and colorful systems. Their advertising campaigns are highly innovative, because of which, they are considered as a major player in this market. The Dyson DC65 Animal comes with a five year warranty when bought from an authorized retailer. It works on the Radial Root Cyclone technology and the increase of power (up to 25%) allows deeper access into the carpet for dust/dirt removal. A self adjusting cleaner head seals suction on both carpets and hard floors.

The Consumers’ Report is a reliable source of information about commonly used consumer products and services based on surveys. Being available in magazine form since 1936, this non-profit organization aims to Unleash the world-changing power of consumers.