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Best Cyclonic Vacuum Cleaners in 2023: Buying Guide

Cyclonic vacuums; wind tunnel vacuums. We’ve all seen and heard it both ways and often too. These vacuums have overtaken the vacuum cleaner industry and the marketplace. What exactly is a cyclonic vacuum, and why are these vacuum cleaners so popular? Our list of cyclonic vacuum FAQs will explain the way they work, their benefits and other must-know information.

Bissell Powergroom 1654
Bissell Powergroom 1654

After you get all your questions answered, read ahead to discover the latest and the greatest cyclonic vacuum models your money can buy. If you can’t choose a favorite, our handy buyer’s guide at the end will make your decision easier.


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Our Recommended Cyclonic Vacuums in 2023

There is no shortage of cyclonic vacuum brands and models. Uprights, sticks, and canisters are the three most popular floor-vacuum choices. Whether you prefer a full-size upright, a sturdy canister vacuum or a lightweight stick vac, you’re sure to love at least one of these cyclonic vacuums.

6) SOWTEC Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

The SOWTEX is a cordless convertible stick and handheld vacuum cleaner that produces up to 8.5 kPa of suction power. While it’s not a wet/dry vac by any means, this unit can pick up moist floor debris, such as cat litter and pet food, without damaging the motor or cyclonic filtration system.

The parent cyclone system consists of two phases: the first retains up to 99.95% of particles, while the second phase traps any remaining debris, resulting in purified air coming from the exhaust. A single charge of the SOWTEC’s rechargeable battery can provide as much as 40 minutes of cleaning.

5) Bissell Powergroom Multicyclonic Bagless Canister Vacuum 1654

The Powergroom by Bissell is a canister vacuum cleaner that uses 15 cyclonic chambers to separate fine from coarse debris, ensuring maximum purification and debris retention, despite not coming with a HEPA Filter.

You’ll find a simple control button right on the handle that lets you turn the brush roll on and off, depending on what floor type you’re currently cleaning. The EasyEmpty Dirt Cup makes dumping the contents a breeze—simply detach the tank from the canister module and press the EasyEmpty button for pain-free cleaning. This canister vacuum comes with a dusting brush, a crevice tool, and an upholstery brush to make above-floor spot-cleaning much easier.

Bissell Powergroom Multicyclonic Bagless...
  • Dirt cup capacity - 2 liters. Motorized brush roll for outstanding pickup of dirt, hair...
  • 15x Multi-cyclonic technology provides excellent suction and keeps your filters cleaner...

4) Vacmaster Bagless Canister Vacuum

This Vacmaster canister vacuum cleaner is a bagless system that reduces recurring costs over the long haul. It comes with a triple-filter setup, including a washable HEPA filter that captures up to 99.97% of particles as tiny as 0.3 microns and has a maximum lifespan of around six months.

With 18 kPa of suction power, there’s no surface the Vacmaster can’t clean, although it’s specifically designed to clean smooth floors as evidenced by the brush-roll-less floorhead. By switching the floorhead with one of the spot-cleaning tools, users shouldn’t have any problem removing dust from drapes and upholstery. When all is said and done, simply press the retract button to reel in the 16.4-foot-long power cord.

Vacmaster Bagless Canister Vacuum Portable...
  • Multi-Operation & Hepa filter: Canister Vacuum Cleaners are designed to clean Dust and Pet...
  • 10.58lbs Lightweight & Portable: Lightweight design makes it easy to carry, store, and...

3) Bissell Hard Floor Expert Multi Cyclonic Canister Vacuum

This canister vacuum by Bissell is a multipurpose tool that’s designed to clean both bare and carpeted floors. The short, stiff bristles work pretty well at extracting debris from carpets, though pet hair does tend to tangle around the brush roll on occasion.

While it doesn’t come with any other cleaning accessories, the multi-surface floorhead work excellently and cleaning upholstery, drapes, ceilings, and walls. While it doesn’t have a HEPA-grade filter, the multi-cyclonic filtration system prevents tiny particles from exiting the vent port to slightly improve air quality. Weighing just under 13 pounds on an empty dustbin, this Bissell canister cleaner is one that you can maneuver and carry up and down stairs without any issues.

Bissell Hard Floor Expert Multi-Cyclonic...
  • Multi-Cyclonic Technology for excellent suction for longer. Power Cord Length: 18 feet ,...
  • Hard floor Turbine foot is tough on dirt, gentle on your floors. Power Rating: 9.2 amps....

2) Ovente ST2620B Bagless Canister Cyclonic Vacuum

The Ovente ST2620B is one of the most versatile canister vacuums on the market. It comes with a beefy motor that produces nonstop cleaning and cyclonic filtration to remove dirt and debris from all surfaces in one or two passes.

The ST2620B also comes equipped with a HEPA filter to further enhance filtering performance and prevents common allergens from shooting back into the air. Ovente made this canister vacuum with convenience in mind; it has a foot-operated power button, an automatic power cord reel, and an assortment of cleaning accessories, including a telescopic wand for a longer reach. After dumping out the contents, just give the transparent dustbin a quick rinse and dry, and it’s ready for round two.

Ovente Heavy Duty Electric Bagless Canister...
  • IMPRESSIVE SUCTION – With the Ovente ST2620 Vacuum you do not have to go over a single...
  • HIGH QUALITY - This vacuum is equipped with a high efficiency particulate air filter...

1) Ovente ST2010 Cyclonic Canister Vacuum

Powerful yet space-saving – The compact Ovente ST2100 Cyclonic Canister Vacuum has a 1,200-watt motor and measures 15.5 by 11.5 by 10 inches. It’s also ultra-lightweight for a canister vac at a mere 12 pounds.

This cyclonic vacuum comes with attachments for all sorts of vacuuming jobs, a height-adjustable metal wand, and a swiveling hose. You can rinse and reuse the HEPA filter, and an LED full-bin light lets you know when it’s time to empty the tank. Thanks to their extra-large size, you can push the power and cord-retraction buttons with your hand or foot.

Ovente Electric Bagless Lightweight Canister...
  • POWERFUL & BAGLESS - This vacuum is equipped with 1200 watts that uses non-stop suction to...
  • ADVANCED MULTI-LEVEL FILTRATION - Say goodbye to dirt! The high efficiency particulate air...

Cyclonic Vacuum Buyer’s Guide

Don’t get lost in the sea of cyclonic vacuum cleaners out there. User our buyer’s guide to help you pick the ideal cyclonic vacuum for your home, your needs and your lifestyle.

Type of Cyclonic Vacuum

As we mentioned in our FAQs section, there are cyclonic uprights, canisters, sticks, and others. Each type offers its own benefits. Upright cyclonic vacuums typically have a wide cleaning path, which means you can vacuum a lot of floor in a short amount of time. Canister cyclonic vacuums tend to be easier to guide underneath furniture.

Then, there are stick cyclonic vacuum cleaners. These vacuums are relatively lightweight, and they are great for use on hard floors. They also come in handy for quick cleanups.

Weight

Out of all the cyclonic vacuums, stick vacs are usually the lightest in terms of weight. Upright vacuums are overall the heaviest type of cyclonic vacuum cleaners, and canisters typically trail right behind uprights.

Don’t equate weight with suction power. Canister and upright cyclonic vacuums are becoming increasingly available in lightweight versions, giving some stick vacuums a run for their money. If you have stairs or struggle with mobility, you can choose a lightweight vacuum cleaner without getting shortchanged on suction strength.

Maneuverability

We often mention maneuverability whenever discussing any kind of mobile appliance. However, ease of movement is crucial for the mobility challenged. It’s also important for people who have small rooms with a lot of furniture in them.

Swivel steering lets you vacuum around furniture easier than straight steering. While we just mentioned weight, lighter ones are easier to turn and lift. Canisters with a rotating hose are less likely to tip onto their side, forcing you to bend over and pick them up.

Size

If you have massive closets just begging to be filled, the consideration of size doesn’t apply to you. For those who lack closet space, live in an apartment or don’t have a lot of spare room, a compact cyclonic vacuum is a must. Stick vacuums tend to take up the least space. However, there are some canister vacs that are small in size.

The Filter Media

You can never go wrong with a vacuum cleaner that has more than one filter. In fact, all cyclonic vacuums have two, and sometimes three, filters. If you suffer from allergies or asthma, an ordinary filter won’t do.

You need a cyclonic vacuum with a true-HEPA filter that traps irritating allergies, especially if you own a dog, a cat, or a pet with fur as these pets carry and shed dander and other allergens.

Pet-Oriented Attachments

Pet owners, take note. Some manufacturers produce cyclonic vacuums that are geared toward consumers who have animals in their house. These vacuum cleaners come with specialized attachments that are designed to lift and remove hair and ground-in dirt.

Depending on the particular model, the vacuum may come with a motorized upholstery brush, which has a miniature brushroll designed after the full-size variety. Motorized upholstery brushes are the most common pet attachments.

There are also ones without a brushroll, which are meant for use on delicate fabric and surfaces.

Other Attachments

Even if you don’t have a pet at home, there are other attachments that will make keeping your home clean easier. The two basic ones are the crevice wand, which lets you vacuum in narrow spaces, and the dusting brush, which works extremely well on hard surfaces and steps.

While not necessary, it’s always a plus if the vacuum offers a place to keep the tools when not in use. Those in the vacuum cleaner industry refer to this place as onboard tool storage.

Large-Room Necessities

There are two features you want to look for in a cyclonic vacuum cleaner if your house has large or open rooms. First and foremost, there is the power cord. Length matters. A short cord will have you hopping from one outlet to the next. With a long power cord, you’ll save yourself that headache.

Second, there is the hose. Except for stick vacuums, virtually every type of cyclonic vacuum cleaner is equipped with a flexible, stretchable hose. Once again, aim for a vacuum with a long hose to maximize your cleaning radius.

Cyclonic vs Multi-Cyclonic

We touched on the difference of cyclonic and multi-cyclonic vacuums in our FAQs section, concerning how each one operates. Either one will work well in any type of home environment. If you can’t decide between the two, think about the dust level in your home.

Sure, no house is immune to dust, but houses with old HVAC systems or ones out in the country tend to accumulate more dust than new-construction or suburban homes. If you think your home has more dust than it should, a multi-cyclonic vacuum cleaner is probably the right choice for you.

The Durability of the Canister Vac

Although there are notable differences, uprights and sticks are vertical vacuum cleaners, and you can control their movement by pushing and pulling from the handle on top. On the other hand, canister cyclonic vacuums are often dragged and pulled by the hose.

Since canister vacuums are more prone to wear and tear than their upright and stick counterparts, look for a model that’s made to withstand rough use. It should have a metal wand, a crush-resistant hose, and a thick housing.

Height Adjustment

This shopping tip is for people who have more than one kind of flooring in their house. For example, linoleum in the kitchen and carpet in the living room. If your home has multiple flooring types, you know that carpet is higher than hard floors.

To thoroughly clean a floor, a vacuum’s suction inlet must get as close to the floor’s surface as possible. Many cyclonic vacuums offer a feature known as height adjustment.

This feature may automatically engage in some models. With other models, the user must raise and lower the floor plate, usually by turning a dial.

Homes With Hard Floors

Hardwoods, tile and other bare floors must be treated with care. Some people won’t use any kind of vacuum cleaner on these types of floors, fearing the vacuum will leave scuff or gouge marks.

There is no reason to be afraid of vacuuming hard floors as long as the brushroll has soft bristles and the wheels have a smooth surface.

Convenience Features

Convenience features are like decorative icing on a cake – great but not necessary. Still, we here at HouseholdMe have a penchant for appliances with a few bells and whistles. In regard to cyclonic vacuums, foot pedals on canisters are handy back-savers.

Looped handles on any cyclonic vacuum cleaner prevent hand fatigue. An automatic cord rewind and a full-tank indicator light are two other features you’ll enjoy.

Cyclonic Vacuum FAQs

Why Are These Vacuums Called Cyclonic Vacuums?

The word cyclonic comes from the way the air moves inside of the vacuum cleaner. Inside of a cyclonic vacuum’s tank, you’ll see an inverted cone (tapered end pointing downward). The widest area of the cone is pierced with holes that let in dirty, suctioned air. The air spins similar to a tornado or a cyclone.

What Does Cyclonic Suction Do?

You can think of cyclonic suction as another step in the filtration process. Cyclonic suction works via centrifugal force. The main purpose of using cyclonic technology in vacuum cleaners is to separate fine particles like the tinier specks of dust from larger debris such as dirt and crumbs.

What Is Centrifugal Force?

Centrifugal force is a concept of physics; however, the word force is somewhat of a misnomer. The definition of force as it pertains to physics is a type of interaction that changes an object’s direction. In fact, centrifugal force is a type of inertia, which refers to an object staying at rest or staying in motion.

With the definition of inertia in mind, centrifugal force is an object’s tendency to move away from the middle of a circular path. In the case of cyclonic vacuum cleaners, the object is the dirty air that the vacuum collects.

How Does the Cyclone Separate Dust From Dirt and Debris?

When an object moves in a circular motion, a higher level of force allows the object to continue moving in the same manner. This force isn’t present inside of a vacuum cleaner tank. Therefore, when dirty air reaches the tank’s cyclone and spins around in a circle, any particles heavier than the air molecules get closer to the tank’s wall.

Once they hit the wall, the heavy dust, dirt, and debris are thrown to the bottom of the tank. Lightweight dust particles are sent through the middle of the cone to finish their journey through the vacuum cleaner.

How Do Multi-Cyclonic Vacuums Work?

The dust-separating process of a multi-cyclonic starts out like a regular cyclonic vacuum. As air enters the vacuum cleaner’s tank, it’s directed through a large cone. However, that cone is surrounded by smaller cones, all of which work to separate fine dust from large debris.

Do Multi-Cyclonic Vacuums Work Better Than Single-Cyclonic Vacuums?

The more cyclones a vacuum cleaner generates, the faster the separation speed. In turn, these vacuums are able to filter more dust than standard cyclonic models, which leads to overall more efficient performance.

Do Cyclonic Vacuum Cleaners Have Filters?

Yes, cyclonic vacuum cleaners do contain filters. Although cyclonic suction, and especially multi-cyclonic suction, is a master at removing fine dust from the collection tank, filtration media is still necessary to refine the particle-reducing process.

In most cyclonic vacuums, there are at least two filters. One that is positioned to let air flow through it before reaching the tank – This filter is called a pre-motor filter. The other filter is known as a post-motor filter, which catches the fine dust that is sent out of the tank. Some of these vacuum cleaners also have an exhaust filter that acts as a stopgap between any remaining particles and the surrounding air.

Usually, the pre-motor and/or the post-motor filter is a high-performance or a high-efficiency particulate air filter. A HEPA filter is designed to trap 99.97 percent of extremely small allergens like dust, pollen, and dander. It’s rare to see an exhaust filter that’s of the HEPA variety.

How Does Air Travel Through a Cyclonic Vacuum?

The airflow path in a cyclonic vacuum cleaner is unique from that in other vacuums. The air enters a cyclonic vacuum via the suction inlet. From there, it travels through a vertical air hose that ends near the top of the vacuum cleaner.

Next, the air in the hose goes through the pre-motor filter and exits into the vacuum’s tank where the cyclone-producing cone is located. Once the cyclone separates the dust and dirt in the air, the air moves through the post-motor filter. Finally, it goes through an exhaust filter and into the room.

How Did Vacuums Work Before Cyclonic Suction Was Invented?

Vacuum cleaners of yesteryear were more simplistic than cyclonic models. Old-style floor vacuums are often referred to as straight-suction vacuum cleaners. These vacuums suctioned dirt and debris through the inlet on the floor plate just like cyclonic-suction vacuum cleaners. However, the debris collected by straight-suction vacuums is directed straight into the vacuum’s dirtbag.

When Did Cyclonic Vacuums Go Mainstream?

The technology behind cyclonic vacuums was invented many decades before these vacuum cleaners became popular. While James Dyson didn’t invent the cyclonic vacuum, he did build thousands of prototypes throughout the 1970s and 1980s, eventually perfecting this appliance. In the 1990s, the cyclonic vacuum was sold in the United Kingdom, and it quickly became a global hit.

Do Cyclonic Vacuums Clean Better Than Straight-Suction Models?

Without a doubt, cyclonic vacuums come out on top in terms of effectiveness. Every straight-suction vacuum cleaner uses a paper bag to collect dirt, dust, and debris. The fuller the bag, the weaker the suction. Plus, straight-suction vacuums do the surrounding air quality no favors because they release a lot of dust and allergens out of the exhaust.

Do Cyclonic Vacuums Have a Dirt Bag?

Nope! Every true cyclonic vacuum cleaner uses a reusable tank instead of a disposable bag. Although you won’t notice reduced suction when the vacuum’s tank is full, you still must empty the tank when the dirt level reaches the fill line.

What Are Some of the Other Benefits of Cyclonic Vacuums?

You already know that cyclonic suction vacuum cleaners are superior as far as suction and allergen-control are concerned. However, cyclonic vacuums offer other benefits. Since they gather debris in a plastic tank instead of a paper bag, you don’t have the ongoing expense of bag replacements, and you don’t have to worry about dust getting everywhere when you empty the tank. Cyclonic-suction vacuums are also less prone to clogs.

Do Cyclonic Vacuums Have a Brushroll?

Strong suction is the cornerstone of any high-quality vacuum cleaner. Although the suction of a cyclonic vacuum is powerful and reliable, manufacturers still put a brushroll on floor vacuums. Without a brushroll, a floor vacuum won’t be able to dig dirt that’s buried in between carpet fibers regardless of the vacuum cleaner’s suction strength.

What Types of Vacuums Produce Cyclonic Suction?

Name the type of vacuum cleaner, and there is a cyclonic version of it. Uprights and canister vacs almost always produce cyclonic suction these days. However, the trend is catching on to central vacuums, stick vacs and even handheld vacuum cleaners.

A Quick Recap

Cyclonic vacuums are here to stay, and we’re grateful for this advance in vacuum cleaner technology. Thanks to the implementation of centrifugal force, vacuum cleaners do a much better job of lifting fine particles and keeping dust out of the air.

Now, the power of cyclonic suction is available in every type of floor vacuums. All you have to do is choose the one you like the best, using criteria like the kind of flooring it can clean, the variety of attachments available and any convenience features you want.


If you have any questions or comments, please add them below in the comment section. Similarly, please let us know if you spot any mistakes or omissions. Thanks!


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Last Update: 2024-03-28 | Affiliate links/Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

About the author

Hi I’m Alex, founder of HouseholdMe.com and I’d like to say thank you for dropping by. Like most of you, the first thing I look at before buying something online is reviews or buying guides. By reading what other people say will help me gauge whether or not a product is good or not.  I am trying to help people find answers, solve problems, and get inspired.

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