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. carpet cleaning lincoln californiaRob 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. cheap steam cleaning in melbourneAlthough 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. pool cleaning chemicals uk

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. Bottom line: Newer bagless models trump vacuums with bags because these will lose suction and airflow as the bag gets full. Any special features to look out for? Lupton 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. Have something to say? 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 CleanerHow To Choose The Right Miele Vacuum Though it seems daunting, it’s actually pretty easy to narrow it down to a few models in a couple of minutes.

When it comes to buying a Miele vacuum cleaner, all you need to know is one important buying tip and then follow three simple steps to choose the perfect Miele for your home. Continue reading our Miele vacuum buying guide to learn more. Buying Tip:  Miele only makes five vacuums The big tip you need to know before beginning is that Miele does not make thirty different vacuums; they only make five.  That’s right, there are just five vacuums to choose from: Three canisters (C1, C2, C3) and two uprights (H1, U1).  These different vacuums are then paired with different features or accessories to make up the various models.all the C1 series models are the same vacuum cleaner canister. All the C1’s have the same motor, same suction, same body, same cord, same wheels, same plastic.  This is also true within all the other series- all the C2’s are the same, all the C3’s are the same, and even all the U1’s are the same. Where it can get confusing is when you discover that each series has it’s own set of special features, and that each model in the series is paired with different floor tools for different kinds of carpet. 

When you add to that more than a dozen special accessories and three different types of filters to choose from, it does seem a bit excessive until you realize that, instead of having to compromise on a “one size fits all” product, you can find the exactly the right vacuum for your flooring, your filtration needs, and your budget. Before you begin to choose: upright or canister Both Miele uprights and canisters have the same great suction and filtration so if you have a real preference for one or the other, stick with that style to be sure you’ll be comfortable using the vacuum. If you are a bit more flexible in your preference, follow this general rule of thumb:  buy a canister if you have high-end carpet or mostly bare floors and area rugs;  buy an upright if you have mostly wall-to-wall cut-pile carpet. Choosing a Miele upright is very simple.  There are only two model options:  the H1 series Quickstep and the U1 series full-size upright. The Swing H1 Quickstep is a small broom model with a powerful motor and simple rug and floor brush. 

It only comes in one model (H1), but optional carpet and accessory tools are available.  The Quickstep is not intended to do the job of a full-size vacuum, but is perfect for bare floors and area rugs in smaller homes or to be used as a second vacuum in a larger home. The U1 is Miele’s full-size, full-power upright.  It is suitable for most types of carpet and hard flooring, but is not recommended for delicate carpet, long carpet (shag) or rough stone and tile. There are four model variations of the U1.  All are the same basic vacuum paired with different tools filters or advanced suction control.  Here is a simple breakdown of the different features on the four models.  Just choose the one that has the features and tools that best fit your household. Basic model with AirClean filtration Same as Twist plus LED headlight and HEPA filtration Same as Jazz plus Automatic suction control Same as Jazz w/ odor blocking filter plus mini turbo brush Miele canister models are a bit more complicated because there are three different series (C1, C2, C3) and several carpet tool options.

Though there are important differences between each series, these feature options are not nearly as important as choosing the right floor tool.  You may not miss having a foot-tap suction control or rubber bumper (C3), but you will definitely know it if you get the wrong carpet tool for your carpets. Step One: Pick a carpet tool All Miele vacuums- every one of them- work beautifully on wood floors and tile. For carpet though, there are five different tools designed to let you tailor the vacuum exactly to your needs. Below is a brief description of each carpet tool and what kind of carpet it is designed for: Wool, high-quality area rugs and bare floors Area rugs, looped or short pile carpet Med pile carpet, pet hair and High pile, thick or plush carpet, pet hair Same as 228 w/ headlight and bumper Once you have chosen the correct carpet tool, then you can choose among the available models that have that tool packaged with them.  There is usually just one model in each series that comes with a given tool, so really, you have just three models to pick from once you’ve selected your floor tool.

Step Two: Pick a canister series Each time you move up in the canister series (and in price) you get more features and higher quality fit and finish. Starting with the entry level Classic C1 series and ending with the Complete C3 series, all the vacuums have the same great suction and warranty.  Without going into exhaustive details, here are the basic differences between the three series. Classic C1: Basic vacuum body with dial suction control and semi-sealed filtration Compact C2: Adds the following upgrades that are not available on the C1 Complete C3: Adds the following upgrades that are not available on the C2 Step Three: Pick a model Now that you know which carpet tool you need and have chosen a canister series, you’re ready to pick the perfect Miele in your budget.  Here is a quick breakdown of the most popular models for each tool: Rug & Floor Tool Models Classic C1:  Capri   ($399) Whichever Miele model you choose, all come with a full attachment set (dusting brush, crevice nozzle and upholstery tool) so you’ll have all the tools you need for regular cleaning.  

For special jobs, there are special tools; radiator brushes, bendable crevice tools, auto detailing kits, window blind brushes- and the list goes on. There’s a specialty attachment for just about any cleaning job you can think of. Miele AirClean filtration is a basic, low-cost filter that cleans the vacuum exhaust air before it leaves the vacuum.  The Active Air Carbon option filter adds a thick layer of odor absorbing carbon for those of us with pet odor issues. These filters are fine for most people, but if you have serious allergies or asthma, we recommend opting for Miele’s S-Class HEPA filter for absolute protection againt allergy and asthma causing particles. For a full, in-depth discussion of filtration, please see our article on HEPA filter vacuums here.You now have all the inside knowledge of how to choose the best Miele vacuum for your home. But if you’re not quite sure or feel like you’ve spent enough of your life trying to find the right vacuum, it’s time to call the experts.