As far as people who use vacuum cleaners, there are those who prefer canisters and those who will only use upright machines. According to the vast majority, the upright edges out the canister slightly for the popularity vote.
But that doesn’t necessarily mean that the tall, slender version can outperform it’s floor-model rival. For the most part quality will be represented by cost. A machine with a higher price point is going to do a more efficient job than a less expensive unit.
Another factor that needs to be taken into consideration is the level of versatility and capacity for multi- functionality that the vacuum can offer due to the massive selection of flooring materials on the market where at one point there were often merely carpeted areas or tiles.
For someone who is torn between the two models, it’s a matter of researching to see which options appeal to you, looking at the areas that the equipment will need to maneuver around in the home – if it will be capable of doing so, comparing features for each, and deciding which might be easier for you to handle. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference.
Comparisons Between Canister And Upright Vacuums
In choosing between a canister and an upright vacuum, it’s important to ensure that the machine has the power and maneuverability on any surface within the home in any given situation whether it be stairs or small, confined areas to produce effective results.
Given the features on modern equipment and the variety of tools provided, either option should prove equally efficient. But let’s look at some of the different advantages that stand out for each unit.
Canister Cleaner Advantages
Performance: The canister model is fitted with a long hose and cord allowing the ability for cleaning the stairs without stress or extra effort in lugging the machine. Maneuvering the hose takes little effort over any surface material, whether it’s carpeting, hardwoods, or anything in between. These have the power to lift heavy dirt dragged in from pets or kids as well as hair that’s become tangled into carpet fibers.
These don’t offer the “brush-roll technology” of an upright (some offer mechanized brushes) but do have a significantly larger motor offering more power that creates greater suction. A canister comes with multiple tools that typically include an upholstery brush, crevice piece, and wand, for virtually any circumstance.
The machines are generally quiet at minimally 70 dB with current options going as low as 64 dB, compared to the uprights which produce nearly 80 dB of sound. Follow here for details on how canisters function.
User Friendly: The body of the canister notes to be lightweight comprising a long hose with significantly simple usability. These options are ideal for fabric and upholstery such as with furniture or draperies. Where stairs were at one time difficult for the units, it is no longer a daunting chore due to the smaller, round body, longer cords and hoses.
These vacuums for long hair have the capacity to clean most types of flooring types with incredible suction showing powerful results.
Upright Cleaner Advantages
Performance: Most of the modern upright machines offer motorized brushes that are well suited for thick carpeting or area rugs in pulling out tough particles such as tangled pet hair which has the potential to create reactions when left embedded into the fibers. These machines are beneficial on most floor surfaces in addition to carpeting, adjusting easily from one to the other with a control switch that is operated using your foot.
Some of the more expensive (but higher quality) options have “auto intelligent” features allowing the unit to “read” the material and adjust itself accordingly. Regardless of the price point, tools come with each option, including hoses, brush rolls, upholstery tools, and “pet claws,” that are meant to eliminate hair.
An upright path for cleaning notes to be as much as 14” where the canister path is up to 10,” meaning the same floor space would take less time to clean with an upright.
User Friendly: The motorized brushes give the upright greater ease of use, especially when it comes to carpeting regardless of the pile thickness. It makes quick work of pet hair. For anyone with physical challenges like back issues, the upright doesn’t require bending or stooping – unless there’s a need for the hose.
Some of the latest designs offer “swivel’ giving them the capacity to turn swiftly so that working around a great deal of furniture is simple. Some are even capable of going completely flat to fit under beds or sofas.
The hose, typically substantial in length, with the wand attachment allows cleaning in tight, small, confined spaces. These machines are also slender creating less storage needs where a canister is less friendly in that aspect.
Clearly the modern designs of the canister vacuums and the upright models have advanced to the level that either is capable of working in a multi-functional capacity on a variety of different floor surfaces. Versatility and power are the essential requirements for people searching for equipment followed by maneuverability and cost.
You don’t want to opt for the least expensive unit you can find. With this choice will come inefficiency and poor quality. For those who are budget conscious, you want to go for the highest price point that you can afford within your budget in order to receive some of the advantages mentioned here with the more current models.
Final Thought
There is never a winner in the “which one is the best” race. That game is subjective and always depends on the person that you ask. Each person will give you a completely different answer. The canister has its positive points and is ideal for a certain group of people for reasons only they know. And the same is true for the upright.
In order to find out which is the “better one for you,” you need to look at your lifestyle, your home, your capabilities, and make your own determination. You can always try each before committing, so you can make a more informed decision. But don’t let other people decide for you – which one is best.