As part of our multiple vacuum tests, we have purchased and tested over 100 vacuums, many of which were upright. We started each test by unboxing the product and taking note of its setup process and instruction manual. As part of the next step, we evaluated the picks on three types of carpeted surfaces in addition to hardwood. We measured the amount of hair, popcorn kernels, and Cheerios spilled on the covers and noted how many passes were necessary to clean them up. We also noted the movement of each vacuum during this test.
We tested the vacuums’ maneuverability by running them through a living room obstacle course, noting how well they handled tight spaces and transitioned from smooth floors to carpets. After the test, we noted how easy it was to empty the bag or bin, how loud each pick was, and the overall value we received. After testing other upright models, at-home product testers rated the exact attributes. All of this consistently applied testing data from at home, and our editors used lab testing to determine the best upright vacuum available.
How to Choose Upright Vacuum
Floor-type compatible
Choosing an upright vacuum should be based on its compatibility with your floor. Make sure your product is suitable for the surfaces in your space, whether they are hard floors, carpets, laminates, or tiles.
Most vacuums work on all surfaces, but certain materials are more suitable for certain vacuums. Please read the product description and specifications carefully, and reference our lab’s hands-on testing. A product can be ideal for high-pile carpets and hardwood floors, but it’s essential to test the vacuum before making a final purchase decision.
Measurement of weight
Pay attention to the vacuum’s weight when browsing options. Most upright models weigh between 13 and 18 pounds, though lighter and heavier options are available. Even though heavier vacuums are often more powerful, they can also be cumbersome. It may not be easy to carry them upstairs or from one room to another. A lighter model is easy to maneuver and is helpful for cleaning stairs, shelves, curtains, and other hard-to-reach surfaces, but it may have a smaller dust bin or weaker suction power. In terms of lightweight design, the Dirt Devil Endura Reach Upright Vacuum Cleaner was our best budget pick, but its dust bin placement made maneuvering it somewhat tricky.
Minimum features
For a vacuum cleaner to work reliably for more than a few months and to clean your entire home (bare floors, carpets, and some surfaces off the floor), it needs these features.
- Brush roll: Cleaning the carpet with suction alone is impossible, so the carpet fibers must be agitated with a brush roll. It would be ideal if the brush roll could be switched on or off since a spinning brush roll, while great for agitating fibers, can spray large debris on bare floors and choke on light rugs.
- The geared belt: A taut belt must connect the brush roll and the motor for a vacuum to clean effectively. A geared belt with interlocking teeth stays tense longer than a flat rubber belt.
- Cleaning head with a swiveling joint: Having this feature makes vacuum cleaners easier to steer and reduces wrist strain.
- Hoses and attachments: Your primary focus will be on cleaning your floors. Also, you’ll be able to clean windowsills, shelves, curtains, ceilings, upholstery, and tight spaces around furniture and appliances. A crevice tool, combo brush, and hand-held motorized tool are some of the most valuable attachments we’ve found. If these tools are stored or clipped to the vacuum’s body, they won’t get lost.
Best upright vacuum models possess these characteristics.
- Ease of use: The trapdoor dustbin or self-sealing bags make it much easier to empty a vacuum cleaner at the end of each cleaning session. A vacuum with easy-to-clean reusable filters will also last longer and require less maintenance. A vacuum with a low weight is easier to carry upstairs, but it doesn’t affect steering directly. The maximum weight most people can lift comfortably with an upright is about 17 pounds.
- Operation: There are a lot of vacuum cleaners on the market, but we tried to find the quietest vacuum cleaner. According to our research, a vacuum starts to be bothersome around 80 dBc.
- Reliability: As well as the volume, we searched for vacuums that operated at lower frequencies, which are easier to tolerate even at higher volumes.
We have compiled a vacuum buying guide and a complete vacuum rating for you to find out more about vacuums And how to choose the best Upright Vacuum.