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10 Best Canister Vacuum Cleaners 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Kenmore 600 Series Pet Friendly Lightweight Bagged Canister Vacuum with Pet PowerMate, Pop-N-Go Brush, 2 Motors, HEPA Filter, Aluminum Telescoping Wand, Retractable Cord and 4 Cleaning Tools, Purple

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,343
Suction Power
Filtration System
Bagged vs. Bagless

Most important from
12062 reviews

Suction Power
The vacuum delivers exceptional suction, easily lifting pet hair from carpets and hard floors, even from several inches away from the brush head.
Filtration System
Its bagged dust collection system keeps the process neat and dust-free, eliminating the need to empty dirty cups and reducing airborne dust.
Bagged vs. Bagless
Its bagged dust collection system keeps the process neat and dust-free, eliminating the need to empty dirty cups and reducing airborne dust.
Weight and Maneuverability
Portability and maneuverability make it simple to clean stairs, under furniture, and hard-to-reach areas without strain.
Attachments and Accessories
Onboard storage for essential tools and a retractable cord add great convenience for everyday cleaning tasks.
Noise Level
Quiet operation makes it less disruptive compared to many other vacuums in its class.
Cord Length and Reach
The 28-foot cord provides good range, though a longer cord could improve usability for some households.

The Kenmore 600 Series Pet Friendly canister vacuum is a strong choice if you need a vacuum that can handle pet hair and multiple surfaces around your home. Its suction power is solid, thanks to a 2-motor system delivering at least 183 watts at the hose end, which helps with thorough cleaning on carpets, bare floors, and upholstery. The vacuum uses a bagged system, which can be tidier for disposal but means you’ll need to buy replacement bags periodically.

A major plus is its triple HEPA filtration, capturing 99.97% of dirt and allergens, making it a good option for allergy sufferers. The Pet PowerMate attachment is motorized to lift stubborn pet hair without tangling, and it stows conveniently on the vacuum. It also includes a Pop-N-Go brush and three other tools (crevice, dirt brush, and bare floor), covering a wide variety of cleaning needs.

At 22.6 pounds, it’s lighter than many other canister vacuums, and the aluminum telescoping wand extends reach, making it easier to clean high or hard-to-reach spots. The 28-foot retractable cord offers good range for moving between rooms without switching outlets. Noise level sits at about 75 decibels, which is typical but may be noticeable in quiet environments. It has just one power level and doesn’t offer cordless convenience, so it might not suit users who want variable suction or cordless freedom. While 22.6 pounds is light for a canister vacuum, it’s still heavier than many upright or stick vacuums. This vacuum fits well for pet owners and anyone looking for powerful, allergen-trapping cleaning with the convenience of multiple tools and decent reach. It’s better suited for those comfortable managing a corded bagged vacuum rather than users wanting ultra-lightweight or cordless models.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,343
Suction Power
Filtration System
Bagged vs. Bagless

Most important from
12062 reviews

Suction Power
The vacuum delivers exceptional suction, easily lifting pet hair from carpets and hard floors, even from several inches away from the brush head.
Filtration System
Its bagged dust collection system keeps the process neat and dust-free, eliminating the need to empty dirty cups and reducing airborne dust.
Bagged vs. Bagless
Its bagged dust collection system keeps the process neat and dust-free, eliminating the need to empty dirty cups and reducing airborne dust.
Weight and Maneuverability
Portability and maneuverability make it simple to clean stairs, under furniture, and hard-to-reach areas without strain.
Attachments and Accessories
Onboard storage for essential tools and a retractable cord add great convenience for everyday cleaning tasks.
Noise Level
Quiet operation makes it less disruptive compared to many other vacuums in its class.
Cord Length and Reach
The 28-foot cord provides good range, though a longer cord could improve usability for some households.
#2

Kenmore Elite 21814 Pet Friendly CrossOver Lightweight Bagged HEPA Canister Vacuum with Pet PowerMate, Extended Telescoping Wand, Retractable Cord, 2 Floor Nozzles, and 4 Cleaning Tools-Silver/Gray

Rating
9.1
Suction Power
Bagged vs. Bagless
Weight and Maneuverability

Most important from
13761 reviews

Suction Power
The vacuum delivers powerful suction that consistently picks up more dirt than popular upright models, making it highly effective across various floor types including deep shag rugs and hardwood.
Bagged vs. Bagless
The vacuum maintains strong suction even as the bag fills, avoiding the common loss of power seen in many bagless or less well-designed models.
Weight and Maneuverability
Despite its strengths, the vacuum’s weight and bulkiness can hinder maneuverability, especially on stairs or in tight spaces.
Attachments and Accessories
The self-retracting cord and motorized Pet PowerMate tool make pet hair removal and storage straightforward and efficient.
Cord Length and Reach
The long hose and telescoping wand reach high ceilings and tight spots effortlessly, while onboard tools are conveniently accessible, adding to overall usability.

The Kenmore Elite 21814 is a bagged canister vacuum designed to handle various surfaces like carpets and hard floors, making it a solid choice for homes with pets. Its standout feature is the Pet PowerMate, a motorized tool that effectively lifts pet hair without tangling, which is great if you have shedding animals. The vacuum uses an enhanced HEPA filtration system that traps 99.7% of dust and allergens, helping to improve indoor air quality, especially for allergy sufferers.

It has a dual-motor system powering a CrossOver floor nozzle that easily switches between carpet and hardwood floors, plus an LED indicator that alerts you when the bag is full, so maintenance is straightforward. With a telescoping aluminum wand extending up to 11 feet, it can reach high or tight spots, and it comes with four handy onboard attachments including a dusting brush and crevice tool, covering a variety of cleaning needs.

Weighing 23 pounds, it’s on the heavier side compared to some canister vacuums, which might make it less convenient for frequent carrying or stair cleaning, but the swivel head and retractable cord help with maneuverability and storage. The noise level is moderate at 78 decibels—noticeable but not overly loud. This vacuum suits pet owners looking for strong suction, reliable filtration, and versatile cleaning tools, though its weight could be a consideration if you prefer something lighter for quick or multi-level cleaning.

Rating
9.1
Suction Power
Bagged vs. Bagless
Weight and Maneuverability

Most important from
13761 reviews

Suction Power
The vacuum delivers powerful suction that consistently picks up more dirt than popular upright models, making it highly effective across various floor types including deep shag rugs and hardwood.
Bagged vs. Bagless
The vacuum maintains strong suction even as the bag fills, avoiding the common loss of power seen in many bagless or less well-designed models.
Weight and Maneuverability
Despite its strengths, the vacuum’s weight and bulkiness can hinder maneuverability, especially on stairs or in tight spaces.
Attachments and Accessories
The self-retracting cord and motorized Pet PowerMate tool make pet hair removal and storage straightforward and efficient.
Cord Length and Reach
The long hose and telescoping wand reach high ceilings and tight spots effortlessly, while onboard tools are conveniently accessible, adding to overall usability.
#3

Kenmore BC3005 Pet Friendly Lightweight Bagged Canister Vacuum Cleaner with Extended Telescoping Wand, HEPA, 2 Motors, Retractable Cord, and 4 Cleaning Tools, Blue

Rating
7.9
Suction Power
Bagged vs. Bagless
Weight and Maneuverability

Most important from
12062 reviews

Suction Power
Excellent suction power. It sucks dog hair which is several inches away from the brush head both in front and on the sides.
Bagged vs. Bagless
Using a bag makes it much easier, neater, and dust-free compared to emptying a bagless vacuum cleaner.
Weight and Maneuverability
Despite being lightweight, pulling the canister around takes some getting used to, but it's manageable.
Attachments and Accessories
The main attachment works on both hardwood floors and carpet, and it does a fantastic job on both.
Noise Level
The vacuum is quieter than most other vacuums, making it more pleasant to use.
Cord Length and Reach
The retractable cord is a convenient feature, though some might wish it was longer.

The Kenmore Pet Friendly Lightweight Bagged Canister Vacuum Cleaner is designed to offer a robust cleaning performance with its powerful 2-motor system, delivering a suction power of 210 watts. Its bagged design, coupled with a triple HEPA filtration system, makes it highly effective at trapping 99.97% of allergens and dust, which is particularly beneficial for pet owners and those with allergies. The vacuum weighs less than 20 pounds and features swivel steering, making it relatively easy to maneuver around the home, even though it might still feel a bit heavy for some users.

The extendable aluminum telescoping wand, which can reach up to 9.5 feet, enhances its ability to clean hard-to-reach areas such as ceilings and underneath furniture. The 26-foot retractable cord provides ample reach for most rooms, although it may fall short in larger spaces. The included attachments – a brush, crevice tool, bare floor tool, and upholstery brush – add versatility for various cleaning tasks. However, some users might find the noise level of 78 dB to be a bit loud, making it less ideal for quieter environments.

Assembly is required, but the process is straightforward. With a 1-year manufacturer warranty, the Kenmore vacuum is a reliable choice for comprehensive home cleaning, particularly for those who prioritize strong suction and effective allergen control.

Rating
7.9
Suction Power
Bagged vs. Bagless
Weight and Maneuverability

Most important from
12062 reviews

Suction Power
Excellent suction power. It sucks dog hair which is several inches away from the brush head both in front and on the sides.
Bagged vs. Bagless
Using a bag makes it much easier, neater, and dust-free compared to emptying a bagless vacuum cleaner.
Weight and Maneuverability
Despite being lightweight, pulling the canister around takes some getting used to, but it's manageable.
Attachments and Accessories
The main attachment works on both hardwood floors and carpet, and it does a fantastic job on both.
Noise Level
The vacuum is quieter than most other vacuums, making it more pleasant to use.
Cord Length and Reach
The retractable cord is a convenient feature, though some might wish it was longer.

Buying Guide for the Best Canister Vacuum Cleaners

Choosing the right canister vacuum cleaner can make a significant difference in maintaining a clean and healthy home. Canister vacuums are known for their versatility, powerful suction, and ease of use, making them a popular choice for many households. When selecting a canister vacuum cleaner, it's important to consider various specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your cleaning needs. Here are some key specs to look out for and how to navigate them.
Suction PowerSuction power is a measure of how effectively the vacuum can pick up dirt and debris. This is important because higher suction power means better cleaning performance, especially on carpets and rugs. Suction power is often measured in watts or air watts. For light cleaning tasks or hard floors, a lower suction power (around 200-300 air watts) may suffice. For homes with pets, carpets, or heavy dirt, look for higher suction power (above 300 air watts). Consider your cleaning needs and the types of surfaces in your home to determine the right suction power for you.
Filtration SystemThe filtration system in a vacuum cleaner determines how well it can trap dust, allergens, and other particles. This is crucial for maintaining indoor air quality, especially for allergy sufferers. HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters are the gold standard, capturing 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. If you have allergies or asthma, opt for a vacuum with a HEPA filter. For general use, a standard filter may be sufficient, but ensure it is easy to clean or replace.
Bagged vs. BaglessCanister vacuums come in both bagged and bagless models. Bagged vacuums use disposable bags to collect dirt, which can be more hygienic and better for allergy sufferers as they trap dust and allergens. However, you will need to purchase replacement bags. Bagless vacuums use a dustbin that you empty, which can be more convenient and cost-effective in the long run. Consider your preference for maintenance and convenience when choosing between bagged and bagless models.
Weight and ManeuverabilityThe weight and maneuverability of a canister vacuum affect how easy it is to use, especially if you have a multi-story home or need to carry it up and down stairs. Lighter models (under 10 pounds) are easier to carry and maneuver, while heavier models (over 15 pounds) may offer more stability and power. Consider your physical capabilities and the layout of your home when selecting the weight and maneuverability of your vacuum.
Attachments and AccessoriesAttachments and accessories enhance the versatility of your vacuum cleaner, allowing you to clean different surfaces and hard-to-reach areas. Common attachments include crevice tools, dusting brushes, and upholstery tools. If you have pets, look for a vacuum with a pet hair attachment. For homes with a mix of flooring types, consider models with adjustable floor heads or motorized brushes. Think about the specific cleaning tasks you need to perform and choose a vacuum with the appropriate attachments.
Noise LevelThe noise level of a vacuum cleaner can impact your comfort while cleaning. Noise levels are measured in decibels (dB), with lower numbers indicating quieter operation. Vacuums with noise levels below 60 dB are considered very quiet, while those above 70 dB can be quite loud. If you are sensitive to noise or have young children or pets, opt for a quieter model. Consider where and when you will be using the vacuum to determine the acceptable noise level for your needs.
Cord Length and ReachThe cord length and reach of a vacuum cleaner determine how far you can move around without needing to switch power outlets. A longer cord (over 25 feet) provides more flexibility and convenience, especially in larger homes. Some models also come with retractable cords for easy storage. Additionally, consider the length of the hose and wand, as this affects your ability to clean high or hard-to-reach areas. Think about the size of your home and the areas you need to clean when choosing the cord length and reach.

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