Consumer Reports' Biggest Vacuum Test Finds Top Picks at Affordable Prices

November Issue Reveals Results of Tougher Pet Hair Tests

YONKERS, N.Y., Oct. 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Consumer Reports' new, more-challenging pet-hair vacuum tests reveal some of the best uprights and canisters that suck up fur without clawing too deeply into the budget. The November issue of the magazine features Ratings of more than 80 upright and canister vacuums and highlights top picks that breeze through pet-hair pickup and other key cleaning chores for all homes.  

Consumer Reports' latest tests also uncovered some pricey vacuums that came up short on performance. Sebo's Automatic X5 upright, $820, touts "anti-allergy, hospital grade" filtering, but didn't impress when it came to carpet cleaning and airflow.  Pricey canisters from Sebo and Aerus Lux, which cost $900 and up provided mediocre carpet cleaning.  And while Dyson has been tops in Consumer Reports' brand-repair surveys, subpar carpet cleaning and pet-hair pick-up helped the compact DC22 Turbinehead, $700, land near the bottom of the Ratings.

"Our tests show that some of the priciest canisters and uprights offered a slew of extra features but gave only a mediocre performance in carpet cleaning," said Bob Markovich, home and yard editor at Consumer Reports. "Shoppers should be wary of buying by price and instead prepare a list of must-have features that best suit their home -- then check our Ratings."  

Pet-hair pickup is especially challenging. Consumer Reports testers used a special rake with a series of rolling washers to push tufts of long, Maine Coon cat fur deeper into carpet so this test matched the cleanup pet owners face. Kenmore's Intuition 31100, a CR Best Buy at $250, is among the uprights that aced the new test without disappointing on regular carpet cleaning. Among canisters, Kenmore's Progressive 27514, $300, was also impressive in pet-hair and carpet tests while Panasonic's MC-CG902, $210, cleaned carpets comparably for less.

How to Choose

Before you buy, Consumer Reports offer the following tips for choosing a vacuum that truly meets your needs:

• Upright or canister? Uprights tested better for overall carpet cleaning, but canisters offer easier pushing and maneuverability, especially on stairs. Start by deciding which would better suit your home's needs.  
• Check the features. Look for edge-cleaning tools, along with suction control to protect drapes and a brush on/off switch to safeguard bare floors and prevent scattered dust and debris. And don't choose a vacuum just for its HEPA filter claims; some models with regular filters kept in dust just as well.
• Don't assume green means cleaner. The $300 Electrolux Ultra Silencer Green canister uses partially recycled plastic for its housing, but the lack of a powered head meant middling carpet cleaning.
• Try before buying. Even if you're buying online, visit a store first to try out an upright or canister. Push, pull, turn and lift to see how it feels.

The full report features ratings on vacuums and identifies the most and least reliable brands, appears in the November issue of Consumer Reports and online at www.ConsumerReports.org.

NOVEMBER 2010

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SOURCE Consumer Reports