Vacuum cleaners are cleaning machines that are used on a variety of surfaces around the house, including carpeting, solid surface floors, and even furniture or walls. Consumers have a choice among several different types of vacuums, including both upright and cannister vacuums, which offer different ranges of portability and maneuverability. There are also bagless vacuums with dirt-trapping containers to empty occasionally, or traditional vacuums with bags that need replacing now and then. Opting to go with a traditional or bagless vacuum can impact the cost for replacement bags, and the fuss and mess required when changing out the vacuum's storage. There is even a selection of cordless or robotic vacuums available, depending on the needs and budget of the consumer.

Prices for vacuums can range from $30 for a basic upright model with few bells or whistles, to $1,200 for the most deluxe in home vacuum models, with the highest grade filtration system and top power. Some of the lesser models are known to come from brands such as Bissell or Eureka, which carry their lines at most chain, discount, and department stores. The highest-end models, such as Dyson and Miele, are often found at specialty vacuum stores or online.

Designed specifically to clean up pet hair, the Dyson DC25 Animal weighs 24 pounds and includes the Dyson "ball" technology that helps the vacuum to turn and maneuver easily. This model comes with a motorized brushbar and mini turbine head, HEPA filter, telescoping wand for reaching, and "root cyclone" technology. The unit measures 12-1/5" x 15-2/5" x 42-2/5", and comes with a 5-year manufacturer's warranty.http://www.amazon.com/Dyson-Animal-Ball-Technology-Upright-Cleaner/dp/B001EFMD8W/ref=sr_1_1?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1284751730&sr=1-1 Dyson lists the pricing for this unit on their website at $549.99http://www.dyson.com/store/product.asp?product=dc25-animal

Ratings

• Test Freaks: 4.95 stars out of 5http://www.testfreaks.com/vacuum-cleaners/?sort=score
• Smart Review: 4.5 stars out of 5http://www.smart-review.com/vacuumcleaners.html
• Amazon: 4.3 stars out of 5http://www.amazon.com/Dyson-Animal-Ball-Technology-Upright-Cleaner/dp/B001EFMD8W/ref=sr_1_1?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1284751730&sr=1-1

Price

$427.73 at Amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.com/Dyson-Animal-Ball-Technology-Upright-Cleaner/dp/B001EFMD8W/ref=sr_1_1?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1284751730&sr=1-1

Reviews

• "The Dyson DC25 Animal's designers are certainly to be commended for the attention to detail on this machine. From the initial (minor) assembly to nearly every facet of everyday use, this machine really stands head-and-shoulders above the crowd in terms of being easy to use. Emptying the debris canister is simply the easiest and cleanest experience we've ever had with a bagless vacuum.''— Housekeeping Channelhttp://www.housekeepingchannel.com/r_153-Dyson_DC25_Animal
• "Animal model picks up pet hair like nobody’s business.''— Crunch Gearhttp://www.crunchgear.com/2010/09/10/review-dyson-dc25-animal/
• "Dyson's claim that its vacuum cleaners are the only ones not to lose suction even when full is true in this case. The Dyson DC25 vacuum delivers powerful and consistent suction that does not diminish as the collection bin becomes full. The high-speed rotating brush roll deeply cleans carpets and furniture, even homes with pets.''— Vacuum Wizardhttp://www.vacuumwizard.com/dyson-dc25-review.html

The Miele Olympus S2120 is a canister vacuum that is designed to operate for both bare floors and carpeting, and can be alternated between functions with the use of a switch on the vacuum. The purchase of additional accessories is recommended for thick carpeted areas or homes with pet hair. The S2120 model has soft rubber wheels, variable speed control, optional HEPA filter, metal telescoping wand, and a 7-year warranty on the Vortex motor and the casing. This lightweight unit weighs 13 pounds.http://www.amazon.com/Miele-Olympus-Canister-Cleaner-S2120/dp/B002TW208M/ref=sr_1_1?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1284778336&sr=1-1

Ratings

• Test Freaks: 4.7 stars out of 5http://www.testfreaks.com/vacuum-cleaners/miele-s-2120/
• Smart Review: 5 stars out of 5http://www.smart-review.com/vacuumcleaners.html
• Amazon: 4.5 stars out of 5http://www.amazon.com/Miele-Olympus-Canister-Cleaner-S2120/dp/B002TW208M/ref=sr_1_1?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1284778336&sr=1-1

Price

$299 at Amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.com/Miele-Olympus-Canister-Cleaner-S2120/dp/B002TW208M/ref=sr_1_1?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1284778336&sr=1-1

Reviews

• "If you have to clean a large area, the extremely long cord is a blessing. It is so light you can easily clean shelves and tabletops without doing yourself an injury. If you have a sleeping baby, you won’t wake her using this machine.''— Canister Vacuums Reviewhttp://www.canistervacuumsreview.com/miele-s2120-olympus-canister-vacuum-cleaner/
• "The transition from hard flooring to carpeting is particularly smooth and convenient. The S2 can easily handle the switch from hard floors and low and deep pile carpeting, to upholstery, cushions and even drapes.''— Appliancisthttp://www.appliancist.com/vacuum_cleaners/new-canister-vacuum-series-miele-s2.html
• "While the S2120 is very lightweight, it does possess quite a bit of suction power. ''— Canister Vacuum Guidehttp://www.canistervacuumguide.com/reviews/miele/s-2120-delphi.html

Priced lower than many of its competitors, the Hoover UH30010COM is a 29-pound bagged upright vacuum. It comes with a 12 amp motor and Hoover's "windtunnel technology". The vacuum bags are self-sealing HEPA bags that trigger a "check-bag" indicator when full. It also features two speed settings, which are controlled with a switch located in the handle. The unit is equipped with a portable canister unit, bare floor brush, crevice tool, dusting brush, and telescope attachment. This Hoover model measures 15-1/2" x 13" x 45", and comes with a 6-year limited manufacturer's warranty.http://www.amazon.com/Dyson-Animal-Ball-Technology-Upright-Cleaner/dp/B001EFMD8W/ref=sr_1_1?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1284751730&sr=1-1 Hoover lists the pricing for this unit on their website at $299.99http://www.hoover.com/product.aspx?model=UH30010COM&ds=false

Ratings

• Test Freaks: 4.7 stars out of 5http://www.testfreaks.com/vacuum-cleaners/hoover-uh30010com/
• Smart Review: 4.5 stars out of 5http://www.smart-review.com/vacuumcleaners.html
• Amazon: 4.5 stars out of 5http://www.amazon.com/Hoover-Platinum-Lightweight-Canister-UH30010COM/dp/B001PB8EEM/ref=sr_1_1?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1284755008&sr=1-1

Price

$238.54 at Amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.com/Hoover-Platinum-Lightweight-Canister-UH30010COM/dp/B001PB8EEM/ref=sr_1_1?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1284755008&sr=1-1

Reviews

• "...The suction on this model is spectacular.''— Vacuum Reviews Worldhttp://vacuumreviewsworld.com/hoover-uh30010com-review/
• "The new Hoover Platinum lightweight upright removes more dirt in one pass than most other uprights.''— Smart-Reviewhttp://www.smart-review.com/vacuumcleaners.html
• "This is perhaps the highest rated vacuum cleaner we have had the opportunity to review.''— Vacuum Cleaner Advisorhttp://vacuum-cleaner-advisor.com/Hoover-Vacuums/Hoover-UH30010COM-vacuum-cleaner-review.html

The upright Dyson DC25 All-Floors vacuum is designed for use on both carpeting and hard surfaces. The brush bar used for thicker carpets can be turned off for use on delicate carpets and hard surfaces with a button located on the vacuum handle. The telescoping wand provides for a 16-foot reach, and the Dyson ball is meant to increase maneuverability. The unit weighs 24 pounds, and measures 12-1/5" x 15-2/5" x 42-2/5". There is a 5-year parts-and-labor warranty on the vacuum.http://www.amazon.com/Dyson-DC25-All-Floors-Upright-Cleaner/dp/B0014E3GM0/ref=sr_1_1?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1284786574&sr=1-1

Ratings

• Test Freaks: 4.85 stars out of 5http://www.testfreaks.com/vacuum-cleaners/dyson-dc25/
• Smart Review: 4.5 stars out of 5http://www.smart-review.com/vacuumcleaners.html
• Amazon: 4.2 stars out of 5http://www.amazon.com/Dyson-DC25-All-Floors-Upright-Cleaner/dp/B0014E3GM0/ref=sr_1_1?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1284786574&sr=1-1

Price

$449 at Amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.com/Dyson-DC25-All-Floors-Upright-Cleaner/dp/B0014E3GM0/ref=sr_1_1?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1284786574&sr=1-1

Reviews

• "It moves easily from our wood floor to tile to rugs and carpets. And, most importantly, it picks up everything in one sweep.''— The Shopping Mamahttp://theshoppingmama.com/2010/02/dyson-dc25-all-floors-review/
• "The DC25′s performance is impecable: great at picking up pet hair, easy turning, and overall ease of use is unmatched. ''— Vacuum Cleaners USAhttp://www.vacuumcleanersusa.com/dyson-dc25-review-dyson-dc25-ball-all-floors-vacuum-cleaner
• "The vacuum demonstrated a powerful suction action that left floors and carpets dust free.''— Upright Vacuum Cleaners Infohttp://uprightvacuumcleanersinfo.com/dyson-dc25-review

The Hoover U6485-900 WindTunnel is an upright vacuum that is self-propelled for maneuverability and weighs 27 pounds. The model is 13" x 15" x 43" and includes a 5-position height adjustment and a 12-amp motor. It is a bagged model and requires the purchase of replacement bags at an additional cost. The unit also features "WindTunnel" technology, HEPA media bag, stretch hose, accessory tools, and a "DirtFinder" system, which activates red or green lights to indicate concentrated areas of dirt.http://www.amazon.com/Hoover-WindTunnel-Anniversary-Self-Propelled-U6485900/dp/B0016NP14A/ref=sr_1_1?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1284783996&sr=1-1

Ratings

• Test Freaks: 4.7 stars out of 5http://www.testfreaks.com/vacuum-cleaners/hoover-u6485900/
• Smart Review: 4.5 stars out of 5http://www.smart-review.com/vacuumcleaners.html
• Amazon: 3.7 stars out of 5http://www.amazon.com/Hoover-WindTunnel-Anniversary-Self-Propelled-U6485900/dp/B0016NP14A/ref=sr_1_1?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1284783996&sr=1-1

Price

$182.54 at Amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.com/Hoover-WindTunnel-Anniversary-Self-Propelled-U6485900/dp/B0016NP14A/ref=sr_1_1?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1284783996&sr=1-1

Reviews

• "One of the things I most like about the vacuum is that the entire vacuum bag is the filter. Bags for the Hoover Self-Propelled WindTunnel Ultra Upright are made by 3M entirely from their high quality Filtrete material. This means that every time you replace the vacuum bag, you have a fresh filter as well..''— Housekeeping Channelhttp://www.housekeepingchannel.com/r_83-Hoover_Self_Propelled_WindTunnel_Ultra_Upright_Vacuum
• "This model, with HEPA filtration, has produced excellent scores in our emissions tests and exhibited high performance for cleaning on all surfaces and with tools in other testing.''— Consumer Reportshttp://www.consumerreports.org/cro/appliances/laundry-and-cleaning/vacuum-cleaners/hoover-u6485-900-upright-vacuum-first-look/overview/hoover-u6485-900-upright-vacuum-first-look.htm
• "The Windtunnel technology makes the vacuum extremely effective, while the onboard tools are super-convenient...''— All Reviewshttp://www.allreviews.com/vacuums/2010/08/25/hoover-windtunnel-anniversary-edition-u6485-900-review/

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