Best Vacuum Cleaners

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These cleaning machines really suck.

A growing body of scientific evidence shows that indoor air can be more polluted than the air outside. Frequent vacuuming can help reduce levels of allergens such as dust and other particulate matter. Thats especially important if members of your household suffer from asthma or allergies. But some vacuums perform better than others, without emitting dust and dirt back into the air. The more sensitive the members of your household, the more important it is to find a model that not only cleans well but also releases fewer emissions.

The chart shows 10 vacuums that performed well in tests by Consumer Reports magazine (CR) and have low emissions, filter bags and high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters.

Match the task

For the best results, match your vacuum to your cleaning needs. Nearly any vacuum cleans bare floors well, but some types work better on carpets, and others are handier for curtains, upholstery and cleaning underneath sofas. Consider the following factors when looking for the best type of vacuum for your situation:

Upright vacuums are better than canister models for cleaning carpets. They also cost the least overall and are easy to store.

Canister vacuums are better for cleaning drapes, upholstery, under furniture and other spots that require a hose and tools.

Cordless vacuums are best for light-duty jobs, but typically dont clean carpets well, although some models do handle bare floors nicely.

Stick and hand vacuums are miniatures that typically lack the power of full-size vacuums. Theyre handy for small, quick jobs, and many are cordless.

Central vacuums carry dust through a network of tubing inside the homes walls connected to a central suction unit, often located in the basement or garage. They provide canisterlike cleaning, but you dont have to pull the machine around the house. Because the collector is remote, fine dust isnt recirculated, and these systems have a larger capacity than traditional vacuums, meaning less frequent emptying. But theyre pricey and usually require professional installation.

Make the right choice

Be sure to choose a vacuum with low emissions, such as those listed on Page 66, especially if family members have respiratory problems. A vacuum that doesnt release much dust or other particulates back into the air as you clean means a cleaner home. And dont rely on filter claims alone. Many claims are made about vacuums with special microfiltration systems, such as HEPA filters. Its true that HEPA filters have been effective at reducing particulate matter and have been recommended for asthma sufferers, but many models without them have performed just as well in CRs emissions tests. Such vacuums also may cost less than HEPA models. The bottom line: The amount of dust emitted depends as much on the design of the entire machine as on its filter.