Vacuuming your home can be a daunting task, and frustration is usually due to a lackluster machine that just isn't doing the trick quickly and efficiently. But with so many models out there and several new technologies, how do you choose the best vacuum cleaner for your home? Luckily, our buying guide will help you determine the features and styles that are right for you, and our roundup includes models on the market at every price point. How often do you vacuum? There's no need to be embarrassed. Some of us just don't have the time to get to this task everyday. But you should consider the frequency when choosing a unit. If you do vacuum daily, Michele Lupton, Communications Director for Rowenta USA, says a light-weight stick model is perfectly fine for maintaining your home. Although, if you tend to wait for a week or more to vacuum, a larger upright or canister model with a more powerful motor will help you get the job done. Lupton also noted that even if you are a constant cleaner, if you have a large home with wall-to-wall carpeting, a small stick vac may just be too small.

How much power do you need? Lupton says suction is the single most important factor while choosing the most effective model in addition to cyclonic action, which is what draws the dust and particles into the machine. Rob Green, Design Engineer for Dyson, also explains that air flow and agitation, or the ability of the vacuum cleaner to penetrate and remove dirt from the carpet fibers as well as the filtration level, which measures how much of the debris is expelled back out, all have to do with suction. Although many manufacturers boast about the amount of AMPS their product uses, Green says air watts are the more accurate measurement for a machine's cleaning power. Bottom line: Green says a vacuum with over 200 air watts is a good indication that it will be a powerful cleaner. Which style is best? Bagless models are great because you don't have to worry about stocking up on bags, and in most cases, you don't even have to touch the canister to release the mess -- just press the button and hold it over the garbage can.

But on the other hand, with a bag, all of the grime is contained, and you have less exposure to the particles when throwing it away. Although, sometimes less powerful, upright models have better maneuverability than canister type cleaners. Delta Tub Shower UnitsBottom line: Newer bagless models trump vacuums with bags because these will lose suction and airflow as the bag gets full.Where To Buy Dedon Outdoor Furniture Any special features to look out for? Homes For Sale On Georgia St In Vallejo CaLupton also suggests that the shape of the vacuum's head is important to check out, as you'll want one with channels to whisk away the dirt and dust. Also, a spinning brush is great, especially for carpeting, because it will comb through fibers and extract more debris.

Although strings and hair can wrap around the brush and must be cleared away with a scissor. While shopping, flip the appliance over and take a look for these features. Cordless models are beneficial if you are cleaning large spaces but make sure that the model has a long enough run time. Bottom line: Dyson has a new model with a tangle free turbine tool that cuts through caught hairs (great for pet owners), and Lupton suggests if you are going for a cordless vac, look for at least forty minutes of power, because some models only provide ten or twenty. Click through our slideshow of the best vacuums on the market now.Check out HuffPost Home on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Tumblr and Instagram. Appliance Buying Guide Buying Guide Vacuum Cleaner Buying Guide Vacuum Cleaner Models Best Vacuum Cleaner Age 18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65 and older Gender Male Female Verified purchaser I ordered this product based upon the primarily good reviews I had read over the internet.

Unfortunately, one of the reviews mentioned that the electrical relay system has provided problems and I believe that is what occurred with the product that I had. When I originally hooked up the machine, it ran like a dream for the 5 minutes that I had it plugged in (simply just checking it out!) I loved the way it handled, movement, etc as I have a small duplex space and my upright is very cumbersome. Unfortunately, when I plugged in the machine the next day, it wouldn't start until I manipulated the plug on the beater bar and then the motor only ran for 5 minutes and quit. Therefore, although I marked that I would recommend this to a friend and I believe the machine would have been sufficient for my needs, it had to be returned, and I won't be reordering. If a person purchases this item, I would strongly suggest that any item be carefully checked out before it is shipped.First time I used it, the hose did not have a secure connection to the canister and it would lose power. I had to push down on the hose connection on the canister every now and then to get the vacuum to work.

I thought no problem I will just re-order the vacuum and take the defective one back to Walmart in the US. The problem in doing that is I will lose money on my credit card because I had to pay in Canadian funds $243. My credit card company will give me less the $199. So the amount of money lost is not really worth the chance in driving back to the US, paying customs and possibly getting another defective vacuum. Although I like the vacuum, if the hose would stay in securely I wouldn't have to deal with trying to figure out whether it is worth losing money. Yes (7) No (0)  Report Yes (7) No (0) Verified purchaser I have this one for our home and just ordered one as a gift for our son. It's lightweight enough for easy manageability but very powerful. It has a retractable cord which makes vacuuming quick and easy. We got rid of a bagless upright (our son has one now and hates it, too). Cleaning the dirt collection chamber was a real mess; using hand tools was virtually impossible.

I feel bad even donating it to charity. You won't regret buying this gem of a vacuum cleaner. Don't make the same mistake I did...I didn't look at the "purchase together" recommendation before I placed my order, which had replacement bags plus the vacuum. It was cheaper than the cost of the vacuum alone, without the extra bags! Yes () No (0)  Report Yes () No (0) Verified purchaser I did a lot of searching on the net....This one was on sale at the time, had good reviews, was very similar to the one I own. It was going to be a gift for my granddaughter who just bought a home. She's had it for a week or two now (she does have a shedding dog) and says it's working well. I think it's going to be a good one. I'm a little sorry it has bags, but that's the only negative I can think of. Yes (1) No (0)  Report Yes (1) No (0) Verified purchaser sucks great works fine so far Yes (3) No (0)  Report Yes (3) No (0) Verified purchaser I have had the canister only a couple of weeks but so far I love it.

I replaced another brand which lasted but not without issues. This one has none of those issues. For instance, the hose on this one is reinforced not a cheap one that will kink cutting off airflow. The hose swivels 360 degrees which is great. No having to turn the entire body of the vac around. I have hardwood, tile and very large area rugs with various thickness/textures in my home. Since this vac has height adjustments and not just an adjustable airflow (which this one does as well) , the suction on vac picks up on all surfaces without a problem. It so easy to go from one surface to the other with a flick of the switch on the handle to shut off the brush on the power head. (be aware that the light shuts off as well when the brushes are off?) The whole unit handle and body glide and maneuver easily on all surfaces. None of this canister turning over while using it or when you stop and walk away the nozzle falls over and dings the floor, walls or furniture (like my old one did) The cord retracts easily and quickly.

it also releases easily as you go too so you don't wind up having to pull the cord out before you start because it unplugs itself from the wall if you don't. Only con I see on this so far is this puppy is heavy. I don't think I would want to make a habit of having to haul it up and down stairs. Otherwise the weight is not an issue . Love that the tools are stored on board as well. No running to get the tools you need. Yes (1) No (0)  Report Yes (1) No (0) Verified purchaser Verified purchaser I was looking to replace my old Kenmore vacuum, but the reviews for the newer models weren't that great, they had too many bells and whistles that I didn't want or need, and they were rather pricey (plus the colors were not of my liking). I found this Panasonic online which looks identical to another Kenmore I owned in the past (so clearly, Panasonic made certain Kenmore models). Great suction, it's easy to switch between the attachments, the motorized floor attachment is easily removed with a foot pedal, the cord is easily retracted by stepping on a pedal on the back of the canister, and I love the on/off switch on the handle.

I'm glad I found this! Yes () No ()  Report Yes () No () Verified purchaser Firstly, let me say that two other websites had this vacuum for the same price. But, I purchased it from Walmart because I knew that if anything was wrong I could simply return it to my local store and not have the hassle of shipping it back. And, thankfully, it arrived in perfect shape and ahead of the scheduled delivery date. Customer service was also very helpful with delivery updates. As to performance, I do not think this vac has quite the suction power of the upright it's replacing, but I feel this is the case with most bagged canister vacs. It is, however, more powerful than a friend's Hoover Wind Tunnel bagged canister. It is also very easy to maneuver and light weight, but not flimsy. The onboard tools are convenient, full size and well made. The headlight on the power head is wide and far brighter than my old vac. I do like the adjustable pile height on the power head, as well. Assembly was quick and easy.

The instruction manual was easy to understand and complete. And, since this is a bagged canister, bag changing and dirt removal is a snap. I realize that bagless vacs are all the rage today, but I prefer to change a bag instead of removing the dirt canister, cleaning the canister filter, cleaning the canister filter holder, cleaning the basket below the filter holder, cleaning my hands which are now filthy from handling the aforementioned parts and cleaning the pile of dirt which fell on the floor when I was disassembling the aforementioned parts. Just call me "Old School". So, all in all, I think I made a good purchase and I hope it lasts a long time. I don't have pets or kids so it won't get a heavy workout. And the best thing about this vacuum? It (and the box it was packed in) are made in a country which is A: not seeking world economic domination, B: not having any major conflicts with the U.S., and C: is close by. I would definitely recommend it. Yes () No (1)  Report Yes () No (1) Verified purchaser I have always owned Sears Kenmore canisters which were made by Panasonic.