Upright Vacuum Cleaners
Ratings of the top upright vacuums compiled from the raw data available makes it easy to pick the best. Below we've provided total ratings for all upright vacuum cleaners in our database.
Top 10 Rated Upright Vacuum Cleaners
Shark Vertex AZ2002
Upright Vacuum w/Powered Lift-Away, DuoClean & Self-Cleaning Brushroll
Shark Rotator LA502
Lift-Away ADV Upright Vacuum with DuoClean PowerFins and Self-Cleaning Brushroll
Hands-on, upright vacuum reviews are indicated when available. Ratings are reviews are compiled from customer reviews, real-world testing and performance reviews. You can also view all upright vacuums in our database and compare them with other brands and models.
What to Look for in an Upright Vacuum Cleaner
Upright vacuums have been around for decades. Today, there are thousands of models available. Below are some things to consider when shopping for an upright for your home.
Bagged or bagless?
There are both high-performing bagged and bagless upright vacuums on the market. When deciding between the two, it comes down to the ongoing cost of vacuum bags and preference. Some prefer the bagless option for on the grounds of cost-savings or protecting the environment.
Others, especially those highly sensitive to allergens and fine dust prefer vacuums which use bags as premium models' bags contain airborne particles.
Suction and performance
Suction is always a factor when choosing a vacuum. As important if not more important is how well a vacuum puts that suction to work. Better performing uprights are well sealed, made from durable, high-quality materials and engineered to deliver maximum suction at the brush roll or accessory attachment.
Detachable handheld or canister
For convenience when cleaning on stairs or hard to reach areas, many uprights have a detachable canister or handheld. Usually with the press of a single button, the upright's dirt bin, motor and flexible hose become a standalone vacuum.
Left behind are the main brush roll. The only other step is to add an accessory.
Can you turn off the vacuum's brush roll?
Homes with hard wood flooring or other soft flooring should be sure that the upright they choose either has a soft brush roll or even better, the ability to completely stop the brush roll from spinning.
What accessories are included?
Accessories are often the only differentiation within a model family. Looking across brands and upright models, some ship with as few as two attachments while others have close to a dozen. At the very least, we recommend an upright that has a powered upholstery brush, crevice tool and soft dusting accessory.
Total reach
As all but one upright manufactured today have cords, it is important to know what the total reach of a vacuum is. To know how far you can reach from a wall outlet, calculate the length of a vacuum's cord plus the maximum length of it's flexible hose and any extension tube in use.
Anti-tangle brush roll
Any vacuum with a brush roll is faced with handling hair the becomes tangled on the brush roll. Over time, the hair provides a safe haven for other debris and can ultimately impact performance. At the most extreme, tangled hair can stop the brush roll from spinning altogether.
Several manufacturers have developed ways of cutting, combing or channeling hair so it ends up in the dirt bin, not on the brushroll.
Do you have pets in your home?
Pets, especially those with long hair, require an upright designed to handle pet hair. Many models specifically indicate if they are designed for homes with pets.
Not finding a stick vacuum that you wanted to research? Contact us and let us know!