Vacuum cleaners: How to buy the best vacuum cleaner Which vacuum cleaner?

The first choice you'll need to make when choosing which vacuum cleaner to buy is whether to go for a cylinder or upright vacuum cleaner. Both have their pros and cons, but Which? can help you decide which vacuum cleaner is right for you.

Once you know which vacuum cleaner to go for, consult our individual pages on upright vacuum cleaners and cylinder vacuum cleaners to find out more about each type.

A cylinder vacuum cleaner

Cylinder vacuum cleaners

Pros

• Lighter and more compact than upright vacuum cleaners.
• Better for tackling stairs, upholstery, under furniture and in hard-to-reach areas.
• More reliable overall than upright vacs (according to our latest vacuum cleaner reliability survey).
• Usually quieter.

Cons

• The hose section can be difficult to store tidily.
• Generally not as good at picking up pet hair.
• Can be more difficult to control and manoeuvre.

Our cylinder vacuum cleaners page has more detailed information about this sort of vacuum cleaner. You can also watch our vacs buying guide video for more tips.

An upright vacuum cleaner

Upright vacuum cleaners

Pros

• Good at picking up pet hair.
• Easier to store than cylinders if you have the space.
• Quick at covering large areas of floor.

Cons

• Can be noisier.
• Heavier than cylinders.
• More difficult to use on stairs.

Our upright vacuum cleaners page has more detailed information about this sort of vacuum cleaner. You can also watch our vacs buying guide video for more tips.