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4 Best Cylinder Vacuums, Tried and Tested in a Busy Family Home
I've found the best cylinder vacuums to get into tight spaces, up stairways, and more. These hardworking machines will make cleaning your home a lot easier, offering powerful suction and versatility that professional cleaners swear by.
Why Cylinder Vacuums Excel in Home Cleaning
Professional cleaners often use cylinder vacuums for good reason. While other vacuums like cordless models or robot cleaners have their place, cylinder vacuums generally deliver more powerful suction and are lighter to carry. According to Kiril Natov, a carpet and upholstery cleaning technician at Premium Clean, cylinder vacuums boast "lighter cleaning heads, better reach under furniture, and more attachments", making them highly versatile.
When choosing a cylinder vacuum, deciding between bagged or bagless models is a key consideration. Bagged models trap dust effectively, making them ideal for allergy sufferers, but they involve ongoing costs and environmental waste. Bagless models allow you to see when the cylinder needs emptying but may release more dust, making them less suitable for those with allergies.
How I Tested the Vacuums
I tested each vacuum in my busy home alongside my three messy children, focusing on real-world scenarios. I lugged models up and down stairs, stored them in small cupboards, and used all attachments. Key criteria included maneuverability, ease of storage, performance, value for money, and accessory usefulness. Only vacuums that passed rigorous testing made the cut.
The Best Cylinder Vacuums for 2026
1. Best Cylinder Vacuum Overall: Hoover H-power 300 Bagless Cylinder Vacuum Cleaner with Allergy Care
Price: £99 (often discounted to £89 on Amazon.co.uk)
This Hoover model impressed during testing with its compact storage and lightweight design. It features a 2l bin, 7m cord, and weighs 4.5kg. With two hoses, it covers a wide cleaning zone up to 12m, allowing easy reach to curtain rails and stairs. The HEPA filter is washable, making it great for allergy sufferers, and the self-winding cord adds convenience.
2. Best Budget Cylinder Vacuum: Russell Hobbs atlas2 Cylinder Bagless Vacuum Cleaner
Price: £55 (on Amazon.co.uk)
Designed for big houses and pet owners, this vacuum has a 2.5l bin and 5m flex, offering an 8m cleaning radius with the pole attachment. It includes a pet turbo tool for hair removal and a three-in-one tool for crevices, upholstery, and dusting. Weighing 3.8kg, it's relatively lightweight and easy to maneuver on stairs.
3. Best Cylinder Vacuum for Pet Owners: Miele Boost CX1 Cat and Dog Powerline Cylinder Vacuum
Price: £399 (on Currys.co.uk)
This Miele model is compact and modern, with an 8m cord and weighing 5.8kg. It includes attachments like an upholstery nozzle, crevice nozzle, dusting brush, and turbobrush for different floor types. The bagless design features a HEPA filter for clean air output, but the 1l bin fills quickly, and it's heavier and more expensive than others.
4. Best Cylinder Vacuum for Versatility: Numatic Henry Home Cylinder Vacuum
Price: £158 (on Amazon.co.uk)
Known for its iconic design, this Henry vacuum has a huge 6l bin, 10m cord, and weighs 7.5kg. It comes with multiple attachments, including a dusting brush and mattress tool, and uses a bagged system for mess-free emptying. However, it's heavy and bulky, making storage and portability challenging.
Your Questions About Cylinder Vacuums Answered
What is the Best Cylinder Vacuum?
Based on testing, the Hoover H-power 300 stands out for its balance of performance, affordability, and allergy-friendly features. For those with a higher budget, the Miele boost CX1 offers excellent cleaning power, especially on hardwood floors.
Cylinder vs. Upright Vacuums: Which is Better?
Kiril Natov highlights pros and cons for both. Cylinder vacuums are versatile with lighter attachments but bulkier to store. Upright vacuums are better for open spaces and have an easy push-and-go design but are heavier on stairs.
Types of Cylinder Vacuums
Key varieties include bagged models for cleaner emptying and allergy sufferers, bagless models to save on bag costs, allergy vacuums with HEPA filters, and pet models with turbo brushes and odour filters.
Why Cleaners Prefer Cylinder Vacuums
They handle multiple surfaces, stairs, and tight spaces without extra machines, offering a wide range of tools. Bagged models often have large bags, reducing emptying trips, and lighter wands minimise fatigue.
Disadvantages of Cylinder Vacuums
- Storage can be tricky due to their shape.
- Portability may be cumbersome around furniture.
- Controls are low to the ground, requiring bending.
- High suction might not suit high-pile carpets.
Why You Can Trust Our Reviews
Zoë Phillimore is a journalist with years of experience reviewing products for The Independent. Testing in a family home of five ensures real-world conditions, similar to how you'd use vacuums in your own home. For more trusted reviews, explore our guides on the best Shark and Dyson vacuums.
