In that time, we’ve refined our testing methods and assessments in a controlled environment to measure the proficiency of robot vacuums, full-sized models and cordless stick vacuums alike. For more check out this detailed article on how we test vacuums at CNET. You typically hear about HEPA filters in regard to air purifiers, but vacuums also rely on them to clean your home’s air. In that time, we’ve refined our testing methods and assessments in a controlled environment to measure the proficiency of robot vacuums, full-sized models and cordless stick vacuums alike. Pet hairs find their way into every nook and cranny of your home, and different areas require different cleaning attachments.
As you can see, the Dyson V15 Detect is our top overall cleaner in these sand tests, but note that the Samsung Jet 90 actually outperformed it by a considerable margin on thick, plushy mid-pile carpet. Consistently cleaning your vacuum is important to maintain its performance over time, and that’s even more the case when dealing with pet hair, Mock says. Doing so helps prevent clogs and ensures that the vacuum is working at its maximum capacity. She recommends cleaning the vacuum’s filter and brush rolls after every use, and emptying the dustbin or bag as soon as it gets full — not doing so weakens suction power. Be sure to read the manufacturer directions on cleaning your specific model, too.
The Dyson and Tineco models we tested each offer two years of coverage, as does the Samsung Bespoke Jet, though Samsung only offers a single year for its Jet 75 and Jet 90 cleaners. The Dyson and Tineco models all have bin volumes of about 0.6 liter, which is fairly common across the category. Our alternate budget pick, the Moosoo XL-618, has double that capacity (1.3 liters) so you’ll need to empty the bin less often.
If the vacuum is mainly for carpets, the upright models are the best. The Dirt Devil, Shark and Eureka uprights can all provide a deep clean for the shaggiest of carpets. For a flexible vacuum that can handle bare floors or carpeting and can move around and store easily, the Miele C1, Bissell Zing or Dyson Animal are all excellent options.
Regardless of which type of brush head you’re using, be sure to check it for collected hairs or fibers, which can twist around bristles and spinny pieces, reducing their efficiency. Even so, Dyson vacuums consistently test well, and they often come with unique features like dust-revealing lasers and auto-adapting brush rolls that are the result bissell vacuum cleaner of the company’s years of in-house research and iterative design. Eureka and BISSELL vacuums occupy a similar budget-friendly niche, and offerings from each brand tend to have strengths. When comparing like-for-like models, BISSELLs usually have a wider array of convenience features, while Eurekas offer superior debris pickup performance.
The table below tells you the average percentage of sand each vacuum was able to remove from each of our three test surfaces. The vacuums are listed in order of overall sand removed in total, from the most to the least, so feel free to think of this as something of a sand test leaderboard. All of that adds up to a great cordless vacuum at a price that won’t clean out your bank account. There aren’t many viable alternatives to a vacuum when you need a good cleaning of your floors. They only work on one level, which could pose a problem if you live in a multi-story home. While they can be useful, they’re best for maintenance and as an accompaniment to a quality vacuum — unless all you need is a quick sweep.
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Unfortunately, they aren’t usually the best choice for all-out cleaning performance and can feel cheaply made. When you see a vacuum’s brush head described as being “anti-tangle,” it usually means the brush head has features built-in that helps prevent hair from getting stuck around the roller, which can create knots. Some of these features include angled brush bristles or brush heads that automatically clean themselves while you’re vacuuming. Anti-tangle brush heads are especially helpful if your pet has long hair, like a golden retriever, Prouty says.
Dirt Devil has figured out how to bypass this common issue, promising a maximum loss of 5%, which is barely noticeable. It’s possible due to the vacuum model’s patented three-stage filtration system that captures varying levels of fine dirt and debris. Keeping the Endura Max running well is easy bissell handheld vacuum — simply dump out the canister’s contents by pressing on the release button while you’re over a trash bin. Occasionally remove the foam sleeve and the inner pleated filter that catch fine dirt and give them a good shake to get rid of most of the debris or a rinse if they’re extra soiled.
The last time we updated our list of the best cordless vacuums, we pointed to the Tineco A11 Hero as an outstanding midrange option. Now, in 2023, it’s available for $260 or less, if you catch it on sale (we’ve seen it fall below $200 pretty regularly in recent months). That makes it more of a value pick — and as value picks go, it’s one of your best options. The Pure One S11’s black-and-white build is perhaps a bit bland, and we wish that it offered a bit more than 40 minutes of runtime under optimal conditions.