If you want a spotless home, and a vacuum cleaner that’s powerful enough to deal with carpets, stairs, tiled floors and every kind of dirt and debris, then a canister vacuum is your best choice.
Do canister vacuums work better?
While upright and stick vacuum cleaners are lightweight and versatile, and robot vacuums do the job without supervision, canister vacuums are the veterans of the vacuuming world, known for their long-term value and reliable performance.
"They're the best in terms of performance. Canister vacuums are corded and heavy-duty, running on motors that have a high RPM (revolutions per minute). Once you buy one, it'll last you for years and years to come," said Shahzaman Rafik Siddiqui, the owner of Novafix Electronics and Equipment Repairing in Dubai, and a former engineer with Singaporean technology company Dyson.
Since there is no limitation on their motor size, canister vacuums tend to be more powerful than stick and upright ones, with better suction and flow rate – and that often translates to rapid, satisfying clean-ups. Our expert tells us it's why canisters are used in large warehouses and offices.
He said: "Compared to stick and upright vacuums, canisters can carry a full-sized engine, so the motor is bigger. If you live in a villa, they're ideal for large areas, but can be noisy in small apartments."
Luckily, most of the unit's weight is concentrated in the canister, which means, compared to upright models, you'll have an easier time manoeuvering the floor head. Even though they're bottom-heavy, you can still tug them on their built-in wheels from one dusty spot to the next.
What should I look for in a canister vacuum?
You can get canister vacuum cleaners with bags or without. While bagless ones save you money since you don’t have to buy replacement bags, they may need more frequent dirt bowl cleaning or filter replacement.
However, Siddiqui says to opt for bagless models, whenever possible, since they're far more hygienic and optimised in dust collection. All you have to do is upend the bin into the trash, rather than scrub away at the dust clinging to the bag's fabric.
Pay special attention to attachments, he adds. Vacuuming wooden flooring requires a soft floor head, compared to tiles. Will you need a pet tool for the sofa, curtains and the bed? You can always expect a crevice attachment in the body.
There are a few pointers that can extend the life of your durable unit even further. At Novafix Electronics and Equipment Repairing, most canisters face a common problem - the issue of loss of suction power.
"Canister vacuums are not self-cleaning machines - you have to empty the bins on time, clean the filter and check the nozzles every month. Otherwise, dirt can accumulate there, causing a blockage, which can, then, lead to overheating and failure of the engine," advised Siddiqui.
Top-tier manufacturers of canisters, according to our expert, are Miele and Samsung. Others worth looking into are Philips, Hoover, Karcher and Hitachi. Check out our curated list below for the best canister vacuums you can buy in the UAE. Get them delivered to you while they're on sale, with free one-day delivery through Amazon Prime.
1. Best Overall: Miele Complete C3 Cat & Dog PowerLine
Pros
- Powerful suction
- Includes micro-allergen filter with charcoal
- Comes with a separate floor head for picking up pet hairs and lint
- Six power adjustment settings
- Large 4.5-litre capacity
Cons
- Bagged vacuum
Miele’s Complete C3 line hits the top of review lists worldwide for good reason. With a high-efficiency micro-allergen filtration system that has activated charcoal, this vacuum cleaner captures more than 99.95 per cent of fine dust and neutralises pet odours. It's a revelation for people who suffer from dust allergies and asthma. The power nozzle and brush roll adjust to six different settings. Pet owners get a bonus turbo brush head that they can switch to for removing fine hair and lint from various surfaces around the house. Five-star reviewers also attest to the fact that its suction power is exceptional, especially the turbo head that cleans carpets of stubborn dog and cat fur. While this Miele vacuum cleaner is small and sleek looking, with its attachments hidden away in a neat compartment, the device is robust and sturdy and can expect to last you for years without a hitch.
Bonus: Buy with 0% installments and pay Dh141.58 for 12 months with select banks.
Warranty: The manufacturer offers a two-year warranty.
3. Best Bagless: Samsung Bagless Canister Vacuum Cleaner
Pros
- Five-stage HEPA H13 filtration system
- Twin chambers to prevent loss of suction power
- Controls are at the handle
- Washable dirt bowl
Cons
- Cleaning radius is 10 metres, shorter compared to Miele
Samsung's bagless canister vacuum comes equipped with the HEPA H13 filter, a medical-grade filtration system that captures particles measuring 0.2 microns in diameter. It's your best bet at vacuuming away potential allergens wedged into the carpet and crevices. Dust is collected in a two-litre twin chamber, so as to minimise any blockage by dust overflow. The Silencio Force floor head makes sure there's no dust clinging to the bottom plate and the brush. Another excellent feature, reviewers point out, is the ability to adjust the power via the buttons on the hose - this means no crouching over to switch suction levels when moving from the floor to the carpet.
Warranty: The manufacturer offers a one-year warranty. Amazon offers a one-year extended warranty for Dh23 and two years for Dh33.
3. Best Compact Vacuum with Allergen Filter: Philips PowerPro Active
Pros
- Powerful performance
- Only weighs 6.5kg
- HEPA 13-equivalent filtration system
- Can be used on all surfaces
- Deep cleans carpets with its Triactive+ Nozzle
Cons
- Reviewers say dust tends to escape when emptying the canister
With its formidable Powercyclone 7 technology, Philips’ PowerPro Active goes above and beyond for a deeper clean. Its 2,000W motor is powerful, allowing air to quickly circulate in its chamber to separate out the dust. And its fully-sealed Allergy H13 filtration system ensures it captures 99.9 per cent of fine dust, including pollen, pet hair and dust mites. When you have to empty out the 1.5-litre dust container, the one-handed design ensures optimal hygiene. You can use the uniquely designed Triactive+ Nozzle for three-way cleaning, across all kinds of surfaces. Reviewers are also happy with the seven-metre-long cord that retracts into this versatile machine.
Bonus: Buy with 0% installments and pay Dh99.92 for 12 months with select banks.
4. Best Budget: Eureka WhirlWind Bagless Canister Vacuum Cleaner
Pros
- Lightweight at 3.6kg
- Decent 1.2-litre capacity
- Washable filter included
- Affordable
Cons
- Could have more attachments
Looking for a quick cleaner that takes up little space and gets the job done within budget? Pick up the Eureka WhirlWind bagless canister. Despite its 3.6kg weight, the vacuum features a sizeable 1.2-litre dust container for uninterrupted cleanups in a small apartment. You can adjust the suction power according to the surface, whether carpet, hard floor or upholstery. Reviewers confirm the surprisingly strong suction capabilities on carpets, but lament the lack of attachments, besides the crevice tool. The clear tank is another bonus for checking in on the dust capacity. They say it's lightweight enough for kids to follow through with their chores, too.
5. Best Design: Electrolux Canister Vacuum Cleaner
Pros
- Minimal design
- Dust filtration system included
- Quieter than others on the list
- Four levels of adjustable suction
- 1.8-litre dust container
Cons
- Can be heavy at 8kg
With a small 1.8-litre tank, Electrolux’s vacuum cleaner is another unit suitable for apartments or, as reviewers note, a two-bedroom, hall and kitchen combination. It has large, smooth wheels and a two-toned neutral body that's bound to look great in every home. The captured dust is carefully separated by big and small particles using the four-step filtration system, which ensures nothing gets in the way of suction. Move through four levels of power by turning a dial; reviewers note how the lowest suction is strong enough to pick up lint and hair from the floor. And it’s also quieter than most, at 79 decibels.
Our recommendations are independently chosen by Gulf News editors. If you decide to shop through links on our website, we may earn an affiliate commission, as we are part of Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.
