Best Canister Vacuum For 2022: Top 8 Picks & Detailed Guide To Follow
Andy Lee Sep 22, 2023 9:13 AM
A box vacuum is an answer if you are looking for a comprehensive cleaning solution for bare floors, carpets, stairs, upholstered furniture.
Because with the appearance of the dust box, you can save maximum time and effort for cleaning work.
However, not many people know how to choose the best canister vacuum. Instead, I have encountered many complaints about consumers not being able to find the most optimal product among thousands of names and brands appearing on the market.
If you are one of the above, this article is for you. Do not skip any information because you will need all the objective reviews present in the article below:

Our Top Picks
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Miele Complete C3 Calima Canister - Best for versatility
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Sanitaire SL3681A - Best for large areas
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Dyson Cinetic Big Ball Animal Canister - Best for small dirt
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BISSELL SmartClean Canister - Best for tight spaces
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Soniclean WhisperJet C2 Canister - Best for allergy sufferers
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Eureka Whirlwind - Best for ease of control
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Advance Euroclean GD930 - Best for Performance
- SCORE9.8AI Score
AI Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more
- BrandMiele
- Prime
- SCORE9.6AI Score
AI Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more
- BrandSanitaire
- SCORE9.5AI Score
AI Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more
- BrandDyson
BISSELL SmartClean Canister Vacuum Cleaner, 2268, Black with Pearl White/Electric Blue Accents
View on Amazon- SCORE9.3AI Score
AI Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more
- BrandBissell
Eureka Whirlwind Bagless Canister Vacuum Cleaner, Lightweight Vac for Carpets and Hard Floors, w/Filter, Blue
View on Amazon- SCORE9.2AI Score
AI Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more
- BrandEUREKA
- Prime
- SCORE9.0AI Score
AI Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more
- BrandAdvance
- SCORE9.0AI Score
AI Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more
- BrandSeverin
Kenmore BC7005 Friendly Crossover Bagged HEPA Canister Vacuum Cleaner 2-Motor Power Suction with Pet PowerMate, Extended Telescoping Wand, Retractable Cord, and 4 Cleaning Tools, Rose Gold
View on Amazon- SCORE8.8AI Score
AI Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more
- BrandKenmore
- Prime
Last update on 2023-09-22 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API
After a long time of testing, below, I give the unbiased reviews to help you easily make the final choice. Scroll down to know more!
#1. Miele Complete C3 Calima Canister - Best for Versatility
Important Specification
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Surface Recommendation: Carpets, Upholstery.
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Product Dimensions: 12 x 20 x 12 inches.
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Product weight: 16 lbs.
Product's Highlight
Miele Complete C3 Calima is a Canister model with many advantages.
First, the product has the power you've been looking for. The manufacturer has equipped with up to 6 different suction power levels, so you can comfortably clean any surface. More specifically, this tool operates extremely smoothly at any power level.
Next, I also greatly appreciate the turbo brush head that Miele offers. Whether it's carpet or parquet or hard floor, you can get the brush head with the proper hardness and softness.
Finally, it is impossible not to praise the accompanying air filtration ability of the Complete C3 Calima because it's almost impossible to complain about combining the AirClean system and the class 13 HEPA filter, which meets EN 1822/2011.
The combination above results in a commendable air filtration efficiency when it can trap up to 99.9% of dirt - a pretty impressive number that anyone with a history of allergies like me will love.
I am pretty pleased with the overall quality. But if I had to point out one drawback that annoys me the most, the problem would probably lie in the slightly short length of the pipe.
Honestly, I have to complain about this type of design of the manufacturer whenever there is a need to clean an elevated position.
Check Latest Price: View on Amazon.
What We Like
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The AirClean system incorporates a HEPA filter.
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6 different suction power levels.
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Flexible brush head suitable for many floor types.
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Quiet operation.
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High mobility.
Thing to Consider
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The hose is short, so it won't be easy to clean the overhead areas.
Bottom line
Although there are still some disadvantages, considering the significant advantages that the representative from Miele brings, Complete C3 Calima is still one of the names worth considering when it comes to canister vacuum now.
#2. Sanitaire SL3681A - Best for Large Areas
Important Specification
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Surface Recommendation: Carpets, Floor.
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Product Dimensions: 17 x 9 x 11 inches.
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Product weight: 10 lbs.
Product's Highlight
If you're looking for a cleaning solution for your large hotel, office, or apartment, look no further than the Sanitaire SL3681A - a commercial-rated product that's still compact and easy to use.
First, this model is full of convenient tools to clean various surfaces effectively in terms of commercial-grade cleaning.
Specifically, you'll get a two-piece plastic wand, crevice tool, duster, and bare floor and carpet cleaner.
The manufacturer also equips SL3681A with a capacity of up to 2.5 liters. With the above large container, you can confidently clean all dirt and debris in your large apartment without interruption during the cleaning process.
Another reason you can't help but consider this device is its overall weight of just 10 lbs.
As a commercial standard professional vacuum cleaner, the above weight surprised me. At the same time, I believe you will also love this advantage because the lightweight provides excellent comfort when using, especially if you have too much space to clean.
The only problem worth complaining about this model is the noise when operating. Perhaps this is also the common disadvantage of commercial vacuum cleaners today when they have a powerful engine.
Check Latest Price: View on Amazon.
What We Like
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Overall weight is only 10 lbs.
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The dirt container has a capacity of 2.5 liters.
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Come with quite a few convenient tools
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Fits the budget
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Cleans multiple surfaces
Thing to Consider
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A bit noisy when operating.
Bottom line
Maybe the Sanitaire SL3681A has not yet overcome some of the shortcomings of a commercial-grade vacuum cleaner.
Yet, with a reasonably affordable price and compact design, the representative from Sanitaire still deserves to be on the best canister vacuum list.
#3. Dyson Cinetic Big Ball Animal Canister - Best for Small Dirt
Important Specification
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Surface Recommendation: Carpets and fine dust from hard.
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Product Dimensions: 12.1 x 15.7 x 13.7 inches.
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Product weight: 17.64 lbs.
Product's Highlight
Not many vacuum models can collect microscopic dust particles in the air.
It does not mean that you cannot comprehensively clean your apartment and have the freshest air. Dyson Cinetic Big Ball is one of the few products capable of removing all dirt and dust from the surface, including soil at the smallest size.
To explain this impressive advantage, praise must be given to the 36 Dyson heads, containing the Dyson Cinetic and the carbon fiber turbine head.
The above combination has made it possible for the device to easily separate microscopic dust while keeping the filter in the best state.
With Dyson, you can say goodbye to equipment clogging, frequent washing, and filter replacement. Instead, you can remove all dirt and debris quickly.
In addition to the advantages related to the ability to handle minimal dust but not cause tool blockage, the representative from Dyson also impressed me with a relatively flexible handle.
Specifically, the articulated handle and wand of the product can rotate in three directions at a 360-degree angle. With a total reach of up to 35 feet, controlling the vacuum cleaner has never been easier.
I immensely appreciate the Dyson Cinetic Big Ball Animal Canister features. And I highly recommend you, especially if you are someone allergic to pollen, the tiny dust particles in the air, to own this product.
Yet, the only problem with this model is that the price may be out of the budget.
Although Dyson's experience is entirely worth it, it must be that the cost to own this vacuum cleaner is completely worth considering.
Check Latest Price: View on Amazon.
What We Like
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Flexible handle.
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No more device clogging.
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Save time on cleaning and replacing filters.
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Carbon fiber turbine heads remove fine dust.
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36 Dyson Cinetic heads.
Thing to Consider
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The price is a bit high.
Bottom line
Despite the high cost, your experience with this tool is worth the investment. If you ignore its relatively high price, there will be no point in worrying for you to own a product like this.
#4. BISSELL SmartClean Canister - Best for Tight Spaces
Important Specification
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Surface Recommendation: Floors.
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Product Dimensions: 19 x 12 x 50 inches.
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Product weight: 18.1 lbs.
Product's Highlight
If you value maximum convenience when cleaning with good cleaning ability, especially in hard-to-reach areas, BISSELL SmartClean will be the choice that will not disappoint you.
The above assertion is thoroughly grounded because the manufacturer has equipped this model with a multi-surface nozzle. On all types of flooring, BISSELL can meet your needs well.
Not only that, but this model also comes with a multi-purpose dusting brush, a slotting tool. With the appearance of these accessories, you will no longer have difficulty cleaning hard-to-reach areas, including walls and under cabinets.
As a result, you will have the most convenient cleaning experience with this representative from Bissell.
Another advantage that is quite commendable of this product is Spooling Multi-Cyclonic.
This exclusive system ensures a strong suction power is throughout the cleaning process. The system also allows dirt to fall out without requiring you to reach inside, making the flushing process more convenient and hygienic.
Although I give a lot of praise to this model, I can't help but admit that the Bissell is a rather large and bulky vacuum cleaner. Before making your final choice, I recommend considering the weight up to 18.1 lbs that the manufacturer offers.
Check Latest Price: View on Amazon.
What We Like
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Multi-Cyclonic Spooling System.
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Easily clean hard-to-reach areas.
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Multi-function dust collector.
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Multi-surface nozzle.
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Offers the ultimate in convenient cleaning experience
Thing to Consider
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Quite big and bulky.
Bottom line
As the name suggests, BISSELL SmartClean is one of the most innovative devices in its price range, making cleaning, especially in hard-to-reach areas, more accessible. What are you waiting for without getting yourself a similar version?
#5. Soniclean WhisperJet C2 Canister - Best for Allergy Sufferers
Important Specification
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Surface Recommendation: Hard Floor, Low Pile Carpet.
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Product Dimensions: 18 x 12 x 11 inches.
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Product weight: 11.5 lbs.
Product's Highlight
The filter is one of the proudest points of the Soniclean WhisperJet C2 Canister.
Because this German manufacturer has devoted a lot of effort to creat one of the best filters for residential vacuum cleaners, with the lab-grade U15 ULPA, this model is confident of cleaning up to 3 times the well-known HEPA filter.
Thanks to the impressive air filtration capabilities above, there is no doubt that WhisperJet C2 is the household vacuum cleaner that anyone with a history of allergies is always looking for.
But U15 ULPA is not the only advantage of this representative from Soniclean. Because this model also surprised me with the Whisper Jet engine technology, a cleaning radius of up to 37 feet, the power cord can be automatically reminded.
However, the Soniclean WhisperJet C2 Canister is not a perfect product. The most significant problem you have with this model is that every accessory is separate. Therefore, to have the ideal experience, you will have to spend a large amount of money.
Check Latest Price: View on Amazon.
What We Like
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U15 ULPA filter is many times more efficient than HEPA.
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The power cord can be automatically rewinded.
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Cleaning radius up to 37 feet.
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Quiet Whisper Jet engine technology.
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Best filter performance.
Thing to Consider
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Sold separately many accessories.
Bottom line
It is no coincidence that Soniclean announced the WhisperJet C2 as one of the residential vacuum cleaner models with the best filtering performance. Because with all the above advantages, this product thoroughly deserves this title.
#6. Eureka Whirlwind - Best for Ease of Control
Important Specification
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Surface Recommendation: Carpet.
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Product Dimensions: 14.18 x 9.65 x 12.21 inches.
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Product weight: 8.15 lbs.
Product's Highlight
It would be remiss if I didn't mention Eureka Whirlwind on this list because this tool possesses a series of advantages that you would find in a cleaning product.
Firstly, it is impossible not to mention the ability to deep clean. Compared to quite a few competitors, this product boasts of being able to control the airflow depending on the mode you install. You can easily clean carpets, upholstery, hard floors, and more.
Secondly, Eureka is also loved by the 2.5L dust container. Thanks to this advantage, you do not need bags or filters, maintenance costs but can still be ready for your vacuuming job.
However, if you have a large area to clean, the upper dust container can be an advantage. While 2.5 l is quite an impressive figure, compared to some other competitors like the Dyson Cinetic Big Ball Animal Canister or the Miele Classic C1, you will probably ask for more.
Finally, the advantage I appreciate most about the Eureka canister vacuum is that it is lightweight and easy to move.
It has never been easier to control a vacuum cleaner with an overall weight of 8.15lbs, a compact design, and a flexible swivel handle.
Whether your task is to clean the stairs or any corner of your large apartment, this easy-to-move product will not let you down.
Check Latest Price: View on Amazon
What We Like
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Overall weight is only 8.15 lbs.
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Adjustable swivel steering wheel.
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There are quite a few installation modes that cater well to various flooring styles.
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Deep cleaning.
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Built-in crevice tool.
Thing to Consider
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The dust container capacity should be improved.
Bottom line
The above disadvantage of Eureka comes from the relative comparison with competitors, not causing too much discomfort in my experience.
Therefore, I would still recommend this product to anyone looking for the best canister vacuum.
#7. Advance Euroclean GD930 - Best for Performance
Important Specification
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Surface Recommendation: Dual Action.
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Capacity: 14 quarts.
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Product weight: 17.5 lbs.
Product's Highlight
Overcoming a series of other famous names on the market, Euroclean GD930 is on the list of best canister vacuums as a device with the highest performance today.
Specifically, the product owns a 1,000W motor with 1.25 horsepower. Along with that is a large 4 gal, durable design made of solid steel. All have created a stable performance that can accompany you for many years to come.
I am not impressed by the powerful, reliable cleaning ability, I also quite appreciate the range of technologies the manufacturer has brought to the Euroclean GD930.
It is impossible not to mention the standard HEPA H13 filter, which operates smoothly; the airflow is more impressive than any box vacuum cleaner model.
However, similar to many products with a range of other advanced technologies, Advance Euroclean GD930 has a price that may be outside your budget.
For me, who is quite satisfied with the experience that Euroclean brings, the price is the only downside that I can complain about.
Check Latest Price: View on Amazon
What We Like
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Standard HEPA H13 filter.
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Quiet operation.
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1000W motor, 1.25 hp.
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4 large gal.
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Steel material is durable and sturdy.
Thing to Consider
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Slightly higher prices.
Bottom line
Maybe Advance Euroclean GD930 is not the best choice for the budget. However, the product is one of the best canister vacuums you can find today. This version is completely capable of conquering the most demanding people.
What should I look for in a canister vacuum?
There are many issues you need to consider when choosing a box vacuum cleaner: price, bag, filter system, handling capacity, noise level, accompanying accessories.
Are vacuum cleaners with dust bags better for allergy sufferers?
Indeed a vacuum cleaner model with a dust bag will be more friendly to allergy people.
Because products with dust bags such as Miele Graphite Gray Classic C1, Kenmore BC3005, have a pretty good filtering ability, do not allow irritants to escape from the pack, thereby bringing fresh air without you always looking.
Can I use a canister vacuum on hardwood floors?
The answer is yes. But keep in mind, you'll want to use a wheeled, rubberized protector on this type of floor.
How often should I change canister vacuum filters?
The answer depends on the environment, how often you use it. Usually, you will have to replace the filter once a year.
How many passes of a vacuum cleaner does it take to clean carpet?
With a dirty carpet that is not cleaned regularly, you will need about 7 or 8 vacuums to deal with the dirt fully.
However, the above number may vary based on the device's capacity, the type of dirt you need to handle.
Choosing the best canister vacuum is not easy, especially for beginners, because you have quite a few features, brands, and products to consider.
To conclude, I recommend my final top choices to ease your decision:
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Miele Complete C3 Calima Canister - Best for versatility
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Sanitaire SL3681A - Best for large areas
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Dyson Cinetic Big Ball Animal Canister - Best for small dirt
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BISSELL SmartClean Canister - Best for tight spaces