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Best Upright Vacuum for Carpets in 2023

Upright vacuums are the most popular vacuums on the market. You can find countless upright vacuums at any home appliance store or online. There are so many different models to choose from, and so many different features to take note of and consider, that finding the right upright vacuum is a little challenging.

This is made even more challenging when you have a specific need that you want the upright vacuum to fulfill. In this case, you want the best upright vacuum for carpets.

Best Upright Vacuum for Carpets


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Introduction

Just like there are many upright vacuums designed for pet hair, there are many upright vacuums designed for carpets.

With so many features and so many options, finding the “right vacuum” is a little tricky.

That’s why, in this quick buying guide, we’re going to look at the main features and elements that you must consider. Each one of these features and elements is crucial to the upright vacuum and your experience with it.

Before we get into the article itself, though, there are two questions you must ask yourself.

How Thick Is My Carpet?

Some carpets are thin and light. Others are thick and heavy. As you might imagine, some vacuums work very well with thin and light carpets, but not so well with thick and heavy carpets. It works the other way around, too.

Remember to keep your answer in mind, when searching. Usually, the manufacturers won’t say whether or not it works best for what – although, sometimes they do – so your best bet is reading the user reviews online.

Upright Vacuum for Carpets

What Kind Of Dirt And Debris?

As silly as this may sound, it is an important question. If you have pets that shed a lot, and there is a lot of pet hair that has built up into your carpet, then you can find many upright vacuums that specialize in removing pet hair.

Perhaps, you’re not cleaning up pet hair, but there are lots of little crumbs and tiny pieces of debris. There are also vacuums that work very well for that, too.

Remember to keep your answers to those questions in mind.

Our Recommended Upright Vacuums for Carpets in 2023

4) Eureka Airspeed NEU100

The NEU100 by Eureka is one of the most prized upright vacuum cleaners for carpets and hard floors. Built with a 6-amp motor, the NEU100 is a beefy vacuum cleaner that can remove dust and dirt permanently from mid-pile carpets.

Eureka
Eureka Airspeed NEU100

Plus, you can’t sleep on the ultra-lightweight build (just 7.7 pounds).

With an 18-foot power cord and a 5-foot suction hose, users find the NEU100 to be incredibly maneuverable and handy at cleaning above-ground surfaces, such as bookshelves and ceilings.

With your NEU100, you’ll get two cleaning tools—a crevice tool for vacuuming grates and hard-to-reach areas, and a dusting brush that works well on upholstery.

Eureka Powerful Bagless Upright Carpet and...
  • Quick release handle for effortless above floor cleaning. Attach the crevice tool or...
  • Powerful all floor suction extracts dirt and hair from hard floors and carpets ease....

3) Bissell Cleanview 2486

Bissell’s 2486 is an incredible vacuum for carpets and smooth floors. The innovative OnePass brush roll design keeps floor debris from scattering while the bristles dig deep into your carpets.

Bissell Cleanview 2486
Bissell Cleanview 2486

With ultra-thin bezels, you can vacuum your floors from wall to wall while leaving the least amount of debris in the corners.

The multi-cyclonic suction system ensures that all of the collected debris stays within the 1-liter dust cup and never clogs the washable filter. Plus, the 25-foot power cord will help you clean spacious rooms and apartments with less unplugging and re-plugging.

If you’re looking for an awesome upright that can loosen and pick up pet hair, the Bissell Cleanview 2486 should be at the top of your list.

BISSELL 2486 CleanView Bagless Vacuum,...
  • OnePass technology with powerful suction and innovative brush design to clean on the first...
  • Scatter free technology reduces scatter on hard floors

2) Bissell Cleanview 2252

The Cleanview 2252 by Bissell excels at cleaning carpets and area rugs, but it also delivers unparalleled performance on hard floors.

Bissell Cleanview 2252
Bissell Cleanview 2252

The triple-action brush roll loosens, picks up, and removes the tiniest speck of dust and the longest strand of hair hiding in your carpet’s fibers. The entire vacuum cleaner weighs a mere 15 pounds, which makes it easy to transport up and down stairs.

The thing that really makes the Cleanview 2252 stand out is the swiveling neck. It swivels effortlessly with the slightest turn, allowing you to vacuum up debris around and beneath furniture.

It also comes with a specialized pet tool that makes removing strands of fur from upholstery easier than ever.

BISSELL 2252 CleanView Swivel Upright Bagless...
  • EVERY PURCHASE SAVES PETS. BISSELL proudly supports BISSELL Pet Foundation and its mission...
  • SWIVEL STEERING FOR MAXIMUM MANEUVERABILITY. Makes cleaning around furniture and other...

1) Shark Navigator Zero-M ZU62

Don’t be put off by the unappealing look of Shark’s ZU62. This upright is an absolute beast when it comes to cleaning carpets, thanks to the beefy 9.5-amp motor.

Shark Navigator Zero-M (ZU62)
Shark Navigator Zero-M (ZU62)

Pet owners will definitely find value in the Zero-M brush roll—Shark’s own creation that reduces the risk of tangling and maximizing cleaning efficiency.

Built with a 2.8-quart transparent dust cup, the ZU62 can store more than a week’s worth before coming close to its max capacity.

Pet parents will also appreciate complete-seal technology and the HEPA filter that practically guarantees that no dust particle will shoot into the air after the ZU62 has its say.

Shark ZU62 Navigator Zero-M Self-Cleaning...
  • Dust cup capacity 2. 8 quarts; The vacuum that deep cleans now cleans itself; The zero m...
  • Powerful upright vacuum suction to pick up embedded debris, stubborn pet hair, and more

Buying Guide

The Suction Power

Let’s just start with the most important aspect of them all. With bad suction, you’re going to have a bad time getting all of the nasty dirt and debris out of the carpet. With good suction, it’s a lot easier.

Your biggest priority, when searching for this type of upright vacuum, is finding one that has excellent suction.

Without getting into specific measurements and numbers – which vary quite often, and may not be entirely accurate or useful – there are a couple of things you should keep in mind.

First off, any vacuum that advertises its ability to clean carpets should be noted. There are a lot of these, but if it is from a reputable brand, or it has good reviews, make a note of it.

Second of all, many vacuums also advertise their ability to vacuum up pet hair. While pet hair isn’t quite the same thing as carpeting, there are a few similarities. So, take note of that, too especially if your carpet has a lot of pet hair on it.

Third, make sure that the vacuum you purchase gives you some control over the suction power. Many upright vacuums are now coming equipped with settings that enable you to change the speed and force, at any given time. These are really useful features that give you a lot of flexibility.

Which vacuum cleaner is best for carpets?

How Much The Vacuum Weighs

It’s true; upright vacuums aren’t known for being light. Most of them are heavy and kind of bulky/clunky. Not all of them, but most of them are.

You can find lightweight models, but they generally aren’t as powerful. Still, you do want to keep the weight in mind. Carrying around a heavy vacuum isn’t that much fun, especially if it’s too heavy and it strains your back.

This isn’t specific to cleaning carpets, but when buying an upright vacuum, it is something that must be considered.

Best Upright Vacuums

The Capacity Of The Dirt Bin

For some, the capacity isn’t that important. This is fine, but at the same time, you do want to keep in mind the overall capacity of the dirt bin.

Having a low-capacity dirt bin may seem fine, at first, but it can easily become very inconvenient. Vacuuming for ten minutes and then having to empty the dirt bin out is not a very enjoyable, or convenient, experience.

For this reason, make sure that it is at least one-liter. Ideally, three-liters, because then you can clean for a much longer period of time.

Which upright vacuum cleaner is the best?

A Good Brush-Roll

Tangle-free brush rolls are very popular today, and for a good reason. Many upright vacuums that specialize in pet hair have these brush rolls because they enable you to vacuum as much pet hair as you want, without having to worry about things getting tangled up.

Untangling large chunks of pet hair is definitely not a fun experience.

If you are going to be vacuuming up pet hair – or even just fuzz, which all carpets have – spend the extra money, and invest in a tangle-free brush roll. It will save you a lot of time down the road.

Good Accessories And Additions

Accessories can be a life-saver. You never know when you’ll need to use a “Crevice Tool” or “Extension Hose”.

Now, these things aren’t exactly exclusive to cleaning carpets. But for an upright vacuum, accessories are a necessity.

Whatever upright vacuum you buy, make sure that it has, at the very least, a crevice tool and an extension hose.

Simple accessories, such as those, enable you to reach spaces that the main unit can’t reach. There’s nothing more aggravating than not being able to fit your vacuum into a tight space that is covered in dirt. With a good accessory, it’s no problem at all.

Best Carpet Upright Vacuums

Adaptability

If you have one type of carpet fitted throughout your home it would be good, but if you have a blend of various carpets and rugs, it might be a good idea to think about buying a vacuum cleaner can adapt to the different surfaces.

Some vacuums are manufactured to adapt to different carpet surfaces, while others are again designed for very specific types of surfaces. Likewise you should also consider what filtering system you like — there are both dispensable and re-useable alternatives available.

Performance

Most available vacuum cleaners will handle normal cleaning tasks, yet in the event that you have individuals or pets that are sensitive or even allergic to dust, you might want to consider something more effective.

You may likewise need to take a look at those with the option of adjusting the suction power if you have various kinds of surfaces.

FAQ’s

How would I Utilize a Vacuum Cleaner Properly?

Always take as much time as is needed to do a proper job of vacuuming your carpets. Try and remove larger portions of dirt by hand prior to starting and then do the cleaning by using a pattern that would slightly overlap and ensure every inch is covered by the machine.

If you rush this job you are bound to miss some spots of dirt. When you have finished, do it again but from another direction to ensure that you have collected all the dirt.

How regularly should I Vacuum Carpets?

Normal cleaning of carpets would require cleaning of about once every week. Yet, if you have more traffic on and over the carpets you may have to vacuum more often.

People that keep pets and people that are sensitive to dust may have to clean their carpets more regularly.

Is Bagged- or Bagless better?

Carpets acts as magnets for all kinds of unwanted dust and debris, and people suffering from an allergy may want to consider a bagged vacuum cleaner which is quite effective in capturing more dust than the bagless types. If you don’t have that particular type of problem, you could actually choose what you prefer.

Will an Upright Vacuum have less Suction Power after some Time?

It would normally only have less suction power if the bag is full, the filter is clogged, or the suction is blocked for some reason. If the motor is really old it could also be the reason for less suction.

How long should an Upright Last?

These types of vacuums normally are good for about eight years, but it depends on how much it is used. A vacuum used in a bigger house that requires more use will not last quite as long as a vacuum used in a smaller home.

Once the motor shows some wear it could be replaced, otherwise it might just be time to buy a new one.

How would you Clean an Upright Vacuum?

A good period would be every six months, or otherwise according to the advice the manufacturer would give. The dust canister on a bagless unit models ought to be cleaned every time after use, and could be washed with lukewarm water with a bit of soap added if it is allowed.

On units that have a filtering system, these filters should be replaced or can be washed, the hose/attachments cleaned properly, the wheels cleaned and the roller brush checked for string or hair that might be caught in it.


Our Recommended Upright Vacuums

Our Pick The Bissell 2252 CleanView gives you the outstanding performance you’d expect from an expert floor care company at a great price. It has specialized pet tools and features, so you know it’s designed for homes with pets.

Budget Pick The Eureka Airspeed NEU100 is an affordable, lightweight, and good upright vacuum for cleaning small apartments. With a 10.5-inch wide cleaning path, it gets the job done quickly.

Best of the Best The Bissell 2998 is a well-balanced, convertible, bagless upright vacuum intended as a cleaning solution for larger homes and apartments.

Check Latest Price >



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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Sources:
HouseholdMe: Best Upright Vacuums in 2023
Rtings: Best Upright Vacuums with HEPA Filter
Telegraph: Best Bagless Upright Vacuums
ChicagoTribune: Best Shark Upright Vacuums

Last Update: 2024-03-27 | 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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