Switching from Upright to Canister Vacuum

[Anonymous]

I'm a longtime upright vacuum user and based on the research I've done, Miele or Sebo seem to be the brands to switch to for longevity, suction, and great filtration. I see that Miele no longer makes upright vacuums and Sebo tends to have more canisters as well. For those of you who have made the switch from an upright to a canister, how the heck did you get used to having that tank drag behind you? I always vacuum my way out of carpeted rooms so there are no footprints but I imagine that would be tough to do with a canister.

If you've made the switch, is it worth it? I'm looking for something reliable and corded. My cordless Dyson is great but cannot do my whole house on one charge unless I use a lower suction setting and that doesn't cut it for me.

[Anonymous]

I have a Dyson stick on each floor. No regrets. But also no carpet, just rugs.

[Anonymous]

I had a Miele vacuum for years and I hated it! It was heavy, difficult to maneuver around furniture and a PITA to store. Also filters and bags need replacing and are a little pricey. I now own a Shark, love it and wish I’d made the switch years ago..

[Anonymous]

I had quite an adjustment period when I got my Miele canister after using uprights for years. However, the suction is unbelievable and I love not emptying a dust cup after every use. The attachments on the canister are much easier to use and I can get under things that I couldn't with my last vacuum.

I mainly have area rugs and wood floors but my bedrooms are carpeted. I just hold the canister in one hand and steer it with the other hand when I want to back out of a bedroom and not leave footprints.

I do think I'm going to get a cordless stick vac to use in between my weekly cleans because it does feel like a lot of machine to pull out for just a room or two after dinner.

[Anonymous]

I went to a vacuum store and tried a Sebo canister but knew immediately that it would drive me nuts to have the canister portion behind me. I ended up getting a Sebo upright and it's such a great upgrade from my previous Sharks and Dysons.

[Anonymous]

If you have a lot of carpet I would stick with an upright and get a cordless stick for non carpet areas. Canister vacuum is best for a lot of hardwood flooring. I have a canister, stick and roomba and like them all.

[Anonymous]

I love my Kenmore canister. Footprints are not a particular issue of mine but you can pick the canister up in one hand and vacuum with the other as you move out, I guess.

A canister is way better for cleaning our carpeted stairs, it fits under low furniture, and I can more easily reach high cobwebs.

Get a bagged vacuum (i will never go back to bagless) and make sure the canister vac has a power head. Some of the cheaper Mieles don't have power heads and that makes them unsuitable for carpet.

[Anonymous]

I really like my Miele but I'm not concerned about footprints. I also have a vacuum on each floor, so we don't lug it up and down stairs which helps a lot. We use the Miele upstairs on carpet and really only bring it downstairs if we want to deep clean the upholstered furniture. Our main floor vacuum (which is mostly hardwoods and some area rugs) is a Kenmore, I don't know if they still make those.

I will say that I feel strongly about using a bagged vacuum with a HEPA filter because we all have dust allergies.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I really like my Miele but I'm not concerned about footprints. I also have a vacuum on each floor, so we don't lug it up and down stairs which helps a lot. We use the Miele upstairs on carpet and really only bring it downstairs if we want to deep clean the upholstered furniture. Our main floor vacuum (which is mostly hardwoods and some area rugs) is a Kenmore, I don't know if they still make those.

I will say that I feel strongly about using a bagged vacuum with a HEPA filter because we all have dust allergies.

I should have mentioned the Kenmore is an upright, but like a PP I would also ensure your Miele comes with an electric brush head (you can turn it on for carpets, off for floors). The other thing about a canister that I like is how easy it is to switch to a smaller brush to clean furniture, curtains, etc.

[Anonymous]

I also like the Kenmore canister I purchased last summer for our beach house. It doesn't feel as well built as our old trusty Miele but it sure works well and is a lot less expensive.