Consumer Reports on Upright Vacuum Cleaners

User Reviews Say a Lot

They are the powerhouse of the floor-care segment, with the largest segment of users and the greatest market share and number of models.

Upright vacuums are equipped with an agitator essentially a beater bar outfitted with bristles that digs up embedded dirt and grit even from high-pile carpeting.

The newer uprights are more lightweight than earlier models, so they are easier to handle on stairs but still not as maneuverable as canisters.

Most upright vacuums come with attached hoses and onboard tools for above-the-floor cleaning.

Consumer Reports on Bagging Upright Vacuum Cleaners

Many bagging uprights have HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters, which are certified to filter 98% of dust particles.

Others have a similar filter system. Consumer reports on upright vacuum cleaners show that most uprights, whether or not they contain HEPA filters or something similar, do a great job in controlling dust emissions.

Based on vacuum cleaner ratings and reviews, the Hoover Wind Tunnel Self-Propelled Ultra is one of the best upright vacuums.

However, there are some troubling comments about this model. Owners report problems with the belt and broken parts.

Some complain that it is heavy and is liable to tip over when using tools. Others have overheating issues after vacuuming. In spite of these complaints, it continues to be a top model in some reviews.

Consumers reported the Eureka 4870GZ Boss Upright Vacuum as one of the top models, with an included HEPA filter working in a completely sealed system.

The Eureka has a see-through hose to cut down on clogs, and sports on-board attachments. The latest includes a brush attachment for stairs.

In recent tests, the Eureka gets better noise scores than some more expensive models, but testers say the Eureka is best for regular carpet vacuuming.

Although they come with some attachments, the Eureka vacuums lost suction while using them.

The Kenmore Progressive 35923 is a better performer with respect to attachments and is a better choice to clean stairs or upholstery.

Reviewers like the Handimate Jr. that also comes with this model. The rotating brushroll helps propel the vacuum across the floor, so maneuvering is easier.

Riccar SupraLite Model RSL3 is sold through authorized dealers, so it is a little harder to find, but it is one of the best upright vacuum cleaners.

This 9-pound upright vacuum is one of the few lightweight vacuums that perform well in tests. However, it has no attachments, and reviews say it is very noisy.

Consumer reports on upright vacuum cleaners also say the SEBO Automatic X-series vacuums are some of the best cleaning machines on the market for people with allergies or asthma. SEBO's S-Class filter (the European equivalent of a HEPA filter) retains 99.97% of particulate allergens, such as pollen and dust mites.

The triple-layer disposable paper bag seals upon removal for extra protection.

The SEBO has on-board attachments, an automatic brushroll height adjustment and low 5.5-inch profile.

Consumer reports show that there are two problems with Kirby vacuum cleaners. They are still sold only via door-to-door salespeople with high price and the salespeople use high-pressure sales tactics.

But the Kirby Ultimate G Diamond is an excellent upright on both carpet and bare floors. Kirby vacuum cleaner has a lot of accessories, including an upholstery nozzle, a wall and ceiling brush, and a skin/scalp massager.

Consumer Reports on Bagless Upright Vacuum cleaners

Bagless upright vacuums avoid the hassle of finding replacement bags for the vacuum and save a bit of extra waste from going to the dump. These have a removable dustbin in lieu of a bag.

But since you will be exposed to some dust while emptying the bin, bagless vacuums are not the best choice for those with allergies.

Although Dyson vacuums get mixed reviews, some experts say Dyson makes some of the best bagless vacuum cleaners.

The Bissell Lift-Off 3760 is the mostly highly rated upright vacuum in tests at Choice magazine.

It performs an excellent job in cleaning hard floors without scratching, and it cleaned the carpet better than others.

One unique feature is that the main vacuum can be separated from the handle and floor head, making it an instant canister vacuum, allowing the easy cleaning of stairs and other areas where an upright cannot reach.

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