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Best Vacuum for Stairs: Top 5 Models of 2023

Andy Lee
  Dec 5, 2023 7:59 AM

Stairs are some of the most dreadful and difficult places to clean. Some may consider it a “nightmare”, especially if you have a lot of floors or fully carpeted stairs.

However, handheld vacuum for stairs can save the day. With this equipment, cleaning stairs has never been easier! 

Currently, there are a number of vacuum cleaners for stairs with high quality and reasonable prices. Therefore, you will never have to worry about cleaning the stairs again. 

Scroll down below to grab the best vacuum cleaners for stairs!


In-depth Reviews of the Best Vacuum for Stairs

Compared with manual cleaning tools, the vacuum cleaner is a great innovation. Its design, size, and suction features have been gradually improved to assist people in cleaning. 

However, vacuum for stairs require even more versatility because of their usage purposes. 

Below are five of the most excellent models according to our research. Each product has its own pros and cons, but they are undeniably the best vacuums for cleaning stairs. Please scroll down until the end so as not to miss any information.

#1. Eureka RapidClean Pro Lightweight Cordless Vacuum Cleaner: Best Overall

Eureka RapidClean Pro Lightweight Cordless Vacuum Cleaner (link)

Important Specifications

  • Weight: 5.26 lbs

  • Capacity: 0.6 L

  • Cordless

  • Battery Life: 40 minutes

Product highlights

One of the most fundamental features to consider while looking for a stair vacuum is portability. For Eureka RapidClean Pro Lightweight Cordless Vacuum Cleaner, efficient cordless cleaning is made possible by the latest motor technology, making cleaning convenient and thorough.

Also, this machine can be considered among the best vacuum for cleaning stairs thanks to its long lasting runtime: 40 Minutes. To suction for better cleaning on carpet and rugs, customers can easily switch to MAX power on fingertip controls

Another special feature of the vacuum is the specially designed Easy Rest nook, which makes it safe to prop the vacuum up on countertops and furniture. 

In addition, no dust and debris will be missed with the help of LED Headlights attached to this cordless vacuum cleaner.

However, as much as it is fantastic for wood and tile floors, it is said not to work so well on carpets. 

Video from Vacuum Wars

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What we like

  • Long running time

  • Versatility

  • Lightweight

  • LED Headlights 

Things to consider

  • Does not work very well on carpets

Bottom line

Eureka RapidClean Pro Lightweight Cordless Vacuum Cleaner is the best vacuum for cleaning stairs that are not carpet-covered.

>>If you need a vacuum cleaner for carpets, immediately refer to the 5 best vacuum cleaner models for carpets

#2. BLACK+DECKER dustbuster Cordless Handheld Vacuum: Best for Budget

BLACK+DECKER dustbuster Cordless Handheld Vacuum (link)

Important Specifications

  • Bagless

  • Capacity: 0.45 L

  • Weight: 2.11 pounds

Product highlights

One of BLACK+DECKER dustbuster Cordless Handheld Vacuum advantages is the lightweightness and long-lasting suction power, which are inevitable for stair vacuum cleaners. 

Despite being small, it is not only good for cleaning stairs but also pet fur and messes made by kids.

Users will also love that it is easy to empty the dirt cup thanks to the high-capacity dirt bowl. 

Also, the rinsable removable filter will make it convenient for cleaning and maintaining the vacuum.

However, the loud noise can be a drawback of the product. 

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What We Like

  • Lightweight

  • Strong suction

  • Versatility

  • Easy to clean

  • Big dirt cup

Things to Consider

  •  Loud noise

Bottom line

As a user has said, “Don't hesitate to buy this if you're looking for a functional cordless handheld vacuum’, we highly recommend BLACK+DECKER dustbuster Cordless Handheld Vacuum for its good price and efficiency.

#3. BISSELL CleanView Deluxe Corded Hand Vacuum, 47R51: Best Handheld

BISSELL CleanView Deluxe Corded Hand Vacuum, 47R51 (link)

Important Specifications

  • Weight: 5 lbs

  • Capacity: 0.78 L

  • Cord Length: 18 ft

Product highlights

Your desire for an ideal vacuum for stairs will be satisfied with BISSELL CleanView Deluxe Corded Hand Vacuum, 47R51. This product is well-designed, lightweight, powerful and fully-equipped to meet all your requirements.

As one of the best handheld vacuum for stairs, it has powerful suction to thoroughly clean upholstery, stairs, or other areas of the home. Also, it can easily clean up messes wherever they happen: you can even use it in your car or RV.

>> Watch now: The best vacuum cleaners for RV

At the weight of 4.65 pounds, it is light and easy-to-maneuver for anyone. 

Thanks to the hose attachment and tools that can be used for hard-to-reach areas, while the flexible rubber nozzle is what makes the best vacuum cleaner for stairs with great ability to remove dirt and hair.

Another preferable feature of BISSELL CleanView Deluxe Corded Hand Vacuum, 47R51 is the large dirt container, which is also clear - you’ll know right away when to empty it.

The handheld vacuum also goes with an 18-foot power cord and wide mouth tool, crevice tool, hose, and hose adapter tool.

One thing you may make you ponder over your decision to buy BISSELL CleanView Deluxe Corded Hand Vacuum, 47R51 is the need to buy an additional adapter if you live in the UK.

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What we like

  • Powerful suction

  • Versatility

  • Large and clear dirtbag

  • Lightweight

Things to consider

  • UK customers may need to buy an adapter 

Bottom line

BISSELL CleanView Deluxe Corded Hand Vacuum, 47R51 is the perfect vacuum for stairs in every way. It can satisfy the most difficult customers with its features.

#4. Shark NV360 Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe Upright Vacuum: Best for Carpet

Shark NV360 Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe Upright Vacuum (link)

Important Specifications

  • HEPA Filter included

  • Capacity: 9 Quarts

  • Weight: 15.96 Pounds

Product highlights

Shark NV360 Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe Upright Vacuum is the one to go if your stairs are covered with carpet. Its powerful suction capability helps deep clean carpets and tackle bare floors, which can be switched instantly thanks to the help of brushroll shutoff.

Also, users can easily maneuver the vacuum in and out of tight spaces, in corners, around furniture, and more thanks to its lightweight and swivel steering. 

In particular, it also has impressive dust filterability. HEPA filter technology helps retain over 99.9% of dust and allergens, keeping dust inside the vacuum cleaner to reduce pollutants in the room.

The large 0.9-quart dust cup enables longer cleaning sessions, but the hose can be longer for more convenience.

 

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What we like

  • Lightweight

  • Powerful engine

  • Compatible for many surfaces

  • HEPA filter

Things to consider

  • Short hose

Bottom line

If you are looking for the best vacuum for stairs that is also good for carpets and anti-allergic, look no further! This can be the most versatile vacuum you can find.

#5. BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX* Lithium FLEX Vacuum: Best for Pet Hair

BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX* Lithium FLEX Vacuum (link)

Important Specifications

  • Pet Brush included

  • Cordless and portable

  • Hose: 4 feet

  • Weight: 3.20 lbs

Product highlights

One of the most amazing points of BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX* Lithium FLEX Vacuum is the pet brush included, which is fairly rare for other models of vacuum.

>>If you are raising a dog, try to refer to the specialized vacuum cleaner models for pet hair

Also, users will love its long hose, which expands to 4 feet. This enables them to clean not only the stairs but the floors and ceilings in an easy manner.

BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX* Lithium FLEX Vacuum is also one of the best vacuum cleaners for stairs thanks to the combination of nozzle and flip-up brush, which instantly switches to dusting applications when needed. 

The manufacturers also brag about the vacuum’s 3-stage filtration, which prevents the escape of dust and debris. 

But buyers need to check the compatibility of the plugs and voltage beforehand in case an adapter or converter is required to use the vacuum in their countries. 

Check Latest Price: View on Amazon

What We Like

  • The best vacuum cleaner for pet hair

  • Long hose

  • 3-stage filtration

  • Flexibility

Things to Consider

  • Compatibility of plugs

Bottom line

BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX* Lithium FLEX Vacuum is the best handheld vacuum for stairs, especially if you have pets.  Its performance is sure to satisfy all your requirements.


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FAQs

We have gathered and answered the most frequently asked questions to aid buyers with their decision-making process. Hopefully, the answers will make it easier for you to choose the most suitable model.  

What type of vacuum cleaner is the best for cleaning stairs?

A heavy vacuum can make it difficult to clean up stairs, so it’s more preferable to go with ones that’s slim, lightweight, and easy-to-maneuver.

With that in mind, upright vacuums allow you to clean without too much bending, but these models can be heavy and prone to toppling over when moving on stairs. Hence, it’s advisable to look for one that is well designed and lightweight, with ample cord length.

On the other hand, handhelds are the easiest to control because they are generally compact and cordless, but you may need to bend while doing the cleaning. Thus, go for ones that are featured with high-capacity batteries and powerful suction.

For example, Eureka RapidClean Pro Lightweight Cordless Vacuum Cleaner or BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX* Lithium FLEX Vacuum can be good choices.

What are the differences between Bagged and Bagless vacuum cleaners?

With a bagged model, replacement bags may need to be bought and changed once they are full. Dust, dirt, and allergens are well trapped without escaping into the air. Bagged vacuums also offer higher capacity, which is helpful for high traffic spaces.

On the other hand, bagless vacuums will save the expense of replacement bags, but the dirt that collects in the cup or bin may release allergens into the air during disposal. If this is a concern, look for a bagless model with an integrated HEPA filter, such as Shark NV360 Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe Upright Vacuum.  

The cups/bins on bagless versions tend to be small, thus users need to empty them more frequently.

Why do I need to consider suction power?

Suction power should be taken into consideration when considering the type of floors in your home. If you have mostly hardwood, tile, or other smooth surfaces, with a few area rugs, you won’t need as powerful suction as homes with large areas of carpeting and high-pile rugs. Suction power enables the vacuum to reach deep into carpet fibers to remove deep-set debris.

For high suction power, we highly recommend BISSELL CleanView Deluxe Corded Hand Vacuum, 47R51 or Shark NV360 Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe Upright Vacuum.

What are attachments for?

Attachments are needed to clean all corners of your stairs. A narrow, pointed crevice tool will assist cleaning hard-to-reach corners and between railings. A motorized brush attachment can be useful on carpeted stairs, effectively pulling out dust and debris. A pet hair brush is a plus if you have pets, like BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX* Lithium FLEX Vacuum.

For hardwood floors and uncarpeted stairs, attachments such as a flat wide tool with short bristles for sweeping will glide on smooth surfaces without damaging them. A dust brush is handy for light dusting of furniture, blinds, lampshades and more, and won’t scratch surfaces.

Suggestion: In-depth review of the best vacuum cleaner models for hardwood floors


Conclusion

The review of the best vacuum for stairs above hopefully helps you narrow down potential choices and make a final decision that will satisfy your needs.

A vacuum cleaner is fundamental when it comes to cleaning stairs because it will make the job less tiring and time-consuming. The products below will most likely meet your requirements:

If you have any other questions, don't forget to leave a comment in the section below. We will make every effort to answer these questions in a timely and accurate manner.

Last but not least, don't forget to share this article with your friends or loved ones who might be looking for the best vacuum cleaners for stairs. Each of your shares is also a motivation for us to continue to create other quality content.

We hope the article has been useful. Thank you for reading.

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