Space Heaters That'll Get You Through the Next Polar Vortex Bagless vacuums are becoming increasingly popular as their technology improves. The big advantage is that they eliminate the hassle of buying and replacing bags, which is better both for the environment and your wallet. Today's bagless vacuums have improved filtration systems to trap allergens and dust, keeping those tiny particles from flying around the room or resettling on the room's furnishings. They're also easier and neater to empty than they used to be. However, if you prefer the additional filtration of a bagging vacuum, see our discussion of the best bagged vacuums elsewhere in this report. Don't like to vacuum? See our recommendations for robotic vacuums and sit back and let them do the dirty work. In the bagless vacuum category it's always a close call between Dyson and Shark, and for this update, the Shark Rotator Professional Lift-Away NV501 (Est. $250) once again takes the top spot. The Rotator NV501 gets top ratings from both experts and owners, scoring just as well as or better than Dyson models in professional testing.

The NV501 is also highly versatile. It can be converted into a canister vacuum using the Shark's "Lift-Away" process to simply detach the main vacuum unit and power head from the upright's framework, which makes it a breeze to clean in tough spots like stairs and under beds. how much does salt water pool maintenance costThe NV501 has an 11.5-inch cleaning path, a bit narrow compared to some upright vacuum cleaners, and some say they wish it were wider; steam cleaners for carpets etchowever, its extreme maneuverability and good array of included accessories make that a non-issue, most say. pool cleaning service simi valley caIn fact, many owners note that it fits into spaces where larger, bulkier vacuums don't, like between and behind furnishings.

Quite a few also comment that it's so easy to push that it doesn't feel like a chore to take those extra passes that its narrow width makes necessary. The power head is equipped with LED headlights, but most say they're too dim to provide much illumination. It weighs just under 16 pounds, which is considered lightweight compared to many other full-sized, upright vacuums. As for accessories, the NV501 has a nice selection, although we saw some comments that, for the price, even more should be included. Out of the box, the Shark Rotator includes an 11-inch crevice too, a dusting brush and a power brush for cleaning upholstery, and that particular attachment gets great reviews for picking up pet hair from furniture. If you need more accessories, there are quite a few that are available to buy separately. Allergy sufferers and pet owners are the biggest fans of the Shark Rotator Professional Lift-Away In addition to the power brush that whisks pet hair off furniture, it features a sealed, HEPA filter to trap allergens.

Owners say they see very few emissions from this vacuum -- and it earns an Excellent in professional tests in that category -- something they say helps keep their air cleaner. Many say they see a noticeable improvement in deeper cleaning of carpets than previous vacuums they have owned. If you primarily have bare floors in your home, you may want to take a look at the Dyson Ball Multi Floor (Est. $400), formerly known as the Dyson DC65. Its self-adjusting cleaner head makes it a breeze to transition from hardwood floors, to area rugs, to carpet and back again, say owners. That makes it easy to use on area rugs without pulling their corners up into the vacuum. It also gets great reviews for picking up everything from the finest dust motes and pet hairs, to chunky challenges like pet food and litter without scattering it across the floor. Some owners say that its ball technology takes some getting used to as it feels skitterish on hard floors, but once they get used to it they praise the easy navigation.

The Dyson Multi Floor may be a better choice than the Shark NV501 for some because it has a 13.5-inch cleaning path, more than 2 inches wider than the NV501. It also includes a combination crevice and stair tool, but has nothing near the overall versatility of the Shark Rotator. Of course, the big downside to the Dyson is that it's pricey. Even the Shark, although it's quite a bit less expensive than the Dyson, may be a stretch for some wallets. The good news is that the Hoover WindTunnel T-Series (Est. $120) beats both the Shark and the Dyson in professional tests -- it's the only bagless vacuum awarded a score of Excellent for pet hair and tool airflow in one independent review. It also earns an Excellent rating for emissions, making it a great choice for allergy sufferers as well. The Hoover WindTunnel gets raves from owners for its performance on pet hair, but many note that it works better on carpet than on hardwood floors -- and professional testing bears that out. This is probably due to the fact that it lacks a brushroll shutoff, which can result in debris being spewed around the floor as it hits the roller.

However, The WindTunnel includes a crevice tool, powered hand tool, extension wand and combination upholstery tool/dusting brush -- a very good number of versatile attachments compared to even high-end bagless upright vacuum cleaners Unlike the 30-foot cords on the Shark and Dyson, the WindTunnel has a shorter 27-foot cord that is retractable, but some owners say the retraction mechanism stops functioning after just a few uses. The dirt cup is reported to be on the small side, owners say, and pet fur tends to accumulate and get stuck in the bottom of the cup, requiring manual cleaning or using your fingers to remove the packed-in fur. Start by determining the best vacuum for the type of cleaning you do. If you have wall-to-wall carpet, or just lots of rugs, uprights, especially with a bag, do best overall. But if you have lots of stairs—or hardwood, laminate, or tile floors—canisters can be easier to maneuver. Stick and hand-held vacuums are great for lighter tasks that need quick attention;

a robotic device is an option for the set-it-and-go crowd. And central vacuums could be an option if you're ready for that installation commitment. (But we don't test that type.) For the best vacuums in all categories at a price that's right for you, go to our Vacuum Cleaner Ratings. Pros: Uprights tend to cost less than canister vacuums and offer a wider cleaning swath. They are generally better at deep-cleaning carpets—particularly the bagged models. Most are easy to store. Cons: Pushing and pulling the weight of the machine. Some top performers weigh 20 pounds or more, although lighter models can still do the job. Uprights tend to be noisier than canisters. Upright Vacuum Cleaner Ratings Pros: Canisters are better than uprights for cleaning bare floors, stairs, drapes, and upholstery, and under furniture – and some are as good as uprights at cleaning carpets. Most are quieter, and the separate power head makes them seem lighter as well. Cons: Overall, these vacuums are bulkier than their upright brethren.

The hose and wand make a canister harder to squeeze into a closet. Canister Vacuum Cleaner Ratings Pros: Like uprights, they have tall bodies and handles, and a powerhead. They're lightweight and convenient when you need to quickly clean up a mess. They also eliminate having to bend over to clean a dirty floor. Cons: Most don't perform as well on carpet as full-size vacuums. They are mainly suited for picking up surface litter and aren't a replacement for a conventional vacuum. The capacity of their dirt bin is typically small. Most are fairly noisy. Stick Vacuum Cleaner Ratings Pros: These miniature electric models come corded or cordless. They're handy for light, quick surface cleaning on short-pile carpets and bare floors; some can handle pet hair on upholstery. They're also useful for cleaning up your car's interior. Cons: They lack the power and capacity of full-sized upright or canister models. Hand-Held Vacuum Cleaner Ratings Pros: Robotic vacuums do the grunge work while you relax.

In uncluttered rooms, a robotic can touch up between regular, manual vacuuming sessions. The better models can find their way out of tight spots and around extension cords. A few of the newest models can even be controlled by an app on your smartphone. Cons: No robotic vacuum can match the deep cleaning you'll get from the best uprights and canisters. Not the ideal choice if you have shag carpeting or area rugs. Robotic Vacuum Cleaner Ratings Pros: They're easier to use than a canister. With no vacuum body to pull along, you carry only the hose and powerhead. Central vacuums tend to be relatively quiet, and their dirt chambers need to be emptied infrequently. Cons: Central vacuums are pricey and can require professional installation. Their 30-foot hoses can be cumbersome and take up storage space. And there's no in-unit place to store cleaning tools while you work. We don't currently test central vacuum cleaners. Interactive Video Buying Guide Watch our interactive video below.

You can skip to different chapters on types, features, robotic vacuums, and stick vacuums. What to Consider While Shopping Modern vacuums come in a range of designs, sleek shapes, and cool colors. But what matters most is how well they clean. Remember that one type of vacuum might have features that appeal to you, but it should also fit your cleaning needs. Pet owners, take note: Upright and canister vacuum cleaners that excel at regular jobs tested best in show for picking up pet hair. A vacuum cleaner with a motorized brush cleans carpets better than one powered only by suction. A switch that can deactivate the brush will help protect the finish of bare floors and avoid scattering debris. Consider models with a manual carpet pile-height adjustment control, along with suction control for cleaning draperies and other delicate fabrics. Bagless vacuum cleaners save on the cost of purchasing bags but they also require more filters that need periodic cleaning or—for HEPA filters—replacing.

The dust and mess of emptying their bins can be a concern if you have asthma or allergies. Even if you order online, go to a store first. Push, pull, turn, and lift the vacuum cleaners you're considering. Check out the controls and features. If an online price is low, see if the store will match it. Keep an Ear Out for Noise No vacuum cleaner reached the level at which we recommend hearing protection, but any vacuum will seem louder in a room with a lot of echo, such as a tiled bathroom. Canister vacuums tend to be quieter. Discounts of 20 to 30 percent off are increasingly available, especially during the holiday season. For mass-market brands, you don't have to wait until Black Friday. Check store circulars or sign up on manufacturer or retailer email lists to receive coupons and news of upcoming promotions. Some vacuum cleaner features improve performance or take some of the drudgery out of cleaning. But don't be dazzled by gadgets. Here are the more useful vacuum features to consider.