When you need to find the best vacuum cleaner for hardwood floors, where do you start? In this article you will learn what types of vacuum cleaners are best for cleaning hardwood floors and which three models we recommend. Our recommendations give you a good range of options, from a high-end vacuum to a very affordable yet suitable vac.
The most important aspect of vacuum cleaners for hardwood floors is that they should not have beater brushes, they need to be lightweight, and should have a maneuverable head that can easily get into corners.
At the same time, the best vacuums for hardwood floors should have strong suction power to effectively pick up pet dander and small dust particles.
Integrated and advanced technology plays an important role in most vacuums, but that is not the key factor for choosing the right machine for cleaning hardwood flooring.
Other useful features to consider include a machine’s ease of use, weight, maneuverability, number of accessories, and efficiency levels.
One of the finer aspects that you should check for is HEPA filtration. HEPA filtration guarantees that a vacuum is able to contain at least 99.97% of particles it sucks up. Most of the top vacuum brands have HEPA filters integrated so that the vacuum can trap dust mites, pollen, and pet allergens.
For brand new hardwood floors, canister style vacuums are ideal. Make sure that the machine you choose has soft rubber wheels, as using a vacuum with hard plastic wheels can scratch or gouge hardwood floors.
Canister vacuum cleaners are designed specifically for bare surface floors, and will do a fantastic job on the bare floors.
Best Vacuum Cleaner for Hardwood Floors: Top 3 Options
Based on our research, industry magazines, and consumer reviews we recommend the following 3 vacuum cleaners that are capable of cleaning your hardwood floors most effectively.
Each model is one of the best vacuum cleaners for hardwood floors in their price range, which we define as Top Model (over $300), Best Value (under $250) and Most Affordable (under $150).
Top Model: The Miele S4212 Neptune Canister Vacuum
The Miele S4212 Neptune canister vacuum cleaner has a lot of style and of course, it is packed with high performance and efficiency. Perfect for hardwood floors, this canister vacuum offers a multilayer filtration system.
With the help of the filtration system and the innovative HyClean FJM dustbag, it is easier to clean every nook and corner of your home.
The dustbag uses electrostatic filter to ensure that all dust particles are cleaned up from your home and returned to the environment. In fact, this dustbag is made from 3 layers of woven polymer fibers.
At the heart of the S4212 Neptune is the 1200 watt powered motor, which can produce strong suction enough to remove the harmful particles from your home.
The Miele S4212 Neptune also comes with a 6-stage motor speed control and you can use it to choose the right amount of suction power while vacuuming your home.
It’s attractive and extremely efficient! For these reasons, the Miele Neptune is arguably the best vacuum cleaner for hardwood floors.
Pros: Special high filtration capabilities, Miele Sealed System™, new HyClean FJM dustbag, one of the lightest and efficient vacuum cleaners, Muti-layer Filtration, Powerful Vortex Suction Motor, and 360 degrees swiveling wheels.
Read our full review of the Miele S4212 Neptune here.
Best Value: The Electrolux UltraSilencer Canister Vacuum
The Electrolux UltraSilencer is a canister vacuum cleaner that operates with very low noise output. The Electrolux EL6986A is not only able to vacuum hardwood floors efficiently but can also spot treat pet hair as well as effectively clean stairs.
You can effortlessly move it from one room to another thanks to the large and smooth wheels.
Some of the other smart features include 360° swivel hose; 2 year limited warranty on parts and labor, high-efficiency dust bags, and Variable suction adjustment.
The Electrolux UltraSilencer also works great on other types of flooring like carpets, tile or linoleum.
Pros: very quiet performance, low-noise level floor brush, well-insulated motor, works well on multiple types of flooring, lightweight, good reach and effective filtration.
Most Affordable: The Dirt Devil EZ Lite Canister
The Dirt Devil EZ Lite canister vacuum cleaner is as powerful as an upright while being amazingly lightweight and small.
The EZ Lite has a 12 amp motor and is a bagless vacuum. The MicroFresh filtration system is efficient enough to eliminate 99% of the allergens and dust while vacuuming.
Dirt Devil’s Permafilter is used inside the cup to help filter left over dirt and debris.
The Dirt Devil EZ Lite canister vacuum goes easily from room to room with a 20-foot cord that lets you move from place to place without having to stop and move the plug.
It has an 11-inch carpet nozzle, and additional attachments for cleaning floors, ceilings and small crevices.
A handy carrying strap and extension wand lets you clean in high places with ease.
Considering the functionality and price, the Dirt Devil EZ Lite is the best vacuum cleaner for hardwood floors for homeowners on a budget.
Pros: HEPA filtration, transparent bagless dirt-collection cup, lightweight, maneuverable, multiple attachments, two extension wands.
