Want an upright that’s also a canister vacuum? You’ll find one rated by Consumer Reports, along with an upright that steam-cleans floors. But as multitasking vacs become a trend, the tests show that some skimp on the cleaning that counts. Lower prices and freedom from bag changes help make bagless uprights the hottest sellers. Shark’s Rotator Professional Lift-Away NV501, $250, has a canister component that lifts out onto a wheeled base and doubles as a handheld vac. Strong carpet cleaning, a swiveling head for easier steering, and an arsenal of tools helped it join the winners’ list. But you’ll find even better vacs for as little as $120, especially for pet hair. And using this model in the handheld mode takes some muscle. MORE AT CONSUMER REPORTS »Appliance Ratings and reviews Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on Yahoo!. You’ll also find Samsung among your canister choices after a long absence from the U.S. market. Consumer Reports tested the Electric Blue VCC88P0H1B, $350, and Champagne VCC96P0H1G, $450, which has more dust-separating chambers inside.

But both had dismal suction for tools and were just mediocre at carpet cleaning, still a vacuum’s top task. And small bins make dust capacity minimal for both models. The tests with almost 700 pounds of sand, wood, flour, cat fur, and other messes found other models that put features before performance. A combo that doesn’t cut it. Oreck’s VersaVac upright, $250, has two pads and a plastic frame that convert it to a steam mop. It’s also the brand’s first bagless vacuum and, at 13 pounds, one of the lightest we’ve tested. karcher carpet vacuum cleanerBut it was only middling on carpets and worked better on bare floors with the brush on. eureka vacuum cleaner in indiaDoing that with this model didn’t scatter dirt, but Consumer Reports usually recommends turning the brush off on bare floors, if possible, to reduce that risk. rechargeable stick vacuum cleaners

What’s more, the Oreck doesn’t accept tools and lacks suction control and other features you’d expect for the price. (See also: Dishwasher features that didn't pan out in CR tests) A name that doesn’t deliver. Eureka’s AirExcel NLS upright, $100, aced the pet-hair tests and maintained suction as claimed. But don’t take its “excel” moniker too seriously: The bagless vac was subpar at carpet cleaning and emissions, and it ended up far below the humbler Eureka AirSpeed AS1000A, a CR best buy at $120. A smart feature on a so-so vac. The Electrolux Precision Brushroll Clean EL8807A, $300, has a built-in comb that skims hair from the brush roll when you press a foot-controlled lever. The feature worked flawlessly in the tests; too bad this bagless upright was less than stellar at cleaning carpets and delivering the airflow needed for tools. Start by matching the type of vacuum to the cleaning you usually do. Uprights, especially those with a bag, do better overall on carpets.

Canisters are easier to maneuver, especially on stairs. Here’s what else to consider before you buy: For allergies, stick with bags. Emptying a bagless vac’s bin tends to be a messy, dusty process, though changing bags can also raise dust if you aren’t careful. Consider wearing a dust mask and clearing the bin or bag outside if you have allergies, asthma, or other respiratory problems. A brush on/off switch protects bare floors and avoids scattering debris. A motorized brush deep-cleans carpets far better than suction alone. Other smart features include manual pile-height adjustment and suction control for cleaning drapes with tools.Push, pull, turn, and lift models you’re considering. Check controls and features. And see whether the store will match a lower price you get online. Copyright © 2006-2013 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc. No reproduction, in whole or in part, without written permission. As we all know, the Internet can be a valuable place to find products and information.

When we as consumers evaluate something, we look for trust — trust in the product, the person, the words, the manufacturer, and our own personal feeling we get when we take it all in. This trust factor is huge when we walk into a store we've never been in, or when we are looking online at things unfamiliar to us. When it comes to finding the best central vacuum, credible ratings and reviews are difficult to find online. Manufacturers put their best features forward. Online resellers rate their favorites over other brands because they make more money selling them. Central vacuum installers are partial to their selective inventory. And some brands, such as ours (SilentMaster, ModernDay, and Flo-Master), are not sold anywhere online and are not available through all central vacuum dealers. Trust in MD products can be assured though. These products have all genuine customer reviews online (on this website) and our dealers can tell you why MD Central Vacuums are some of the best manufactured today.

Installing or buying a central vacuum using a credible, long-term, established local business is probably the best choice one can make. As a manufacturer of central vacuums, and knowing the superiority of them over portable vacuums, we can honestly say that every central vacuum sale, no matter the brand, is a win for the customer and the industry. MD was founded on the premise that central vacuums make life better, and they do. Buying local supports your economy and assures you of getting the service you may need down the road. Local, established dealers are well versed with their products and the manufacturer. They can help give you the trust you are looking for and find the best central vacuum. At present there does not exist a database comparison of central vacuums and their manufacturers by an independent source. However, in 2004, Consumer Reports ran a test on some of the top brands, including our SilentMaster (see Consumer Reports below). The VDTA publishes a business-to-business magazine on vacuums and central vacuums.

The circulation of the VDTA Magazine is to manufacturers, distributors and dealers. They don't evaluate central vacuums, but they can validate that a manufacturer is legitimate. They do not provide central vacuum reviews or ratings. American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) The ASTM creates standardized tests by which all vacuums are measured. However, it is not mandatory for a manufacturer to subject themselves to these tests or standards and they do not publish the results of those tested. In 2004, Consumer Reports ran central vacuum tests and reviews on some of the top brands (including our SilentMaster). Sorry to say, the results are not available on their website. Nearly 10 years later, few things have changed in the industry, so overall, much of what was evaluated back then stands now. Unfortunately, central vacuums where a totally new concept to the organization so they ended up testing and rating central vacuums along with portable vacuums. The published report had many great things to say about central vacuums and we were thankful for the effort.

However, we were led to create a MD Vacuum Clarification of the 2004 Consumer Report Study (PDF) from our point of view. Customer Reviews (SilentMaster Central Vacuum Reviews) Placing some of our trust in a multitude of central vacuum reviews gives us some sense of security. The Internet has created a powerful societal voice. It is interesting to note that studies show most often reviews are given more by users who are very happy with their product or service, or very upset at the same, and that the most likely person to comment on a product is the most happy with their product or service. What details should you focus on when looking to find the best central vacuum? Here are some ideas: Filtration type and capacity (Please read our Filtration Analysis Article) Need for electronic display Motor Location within Vacuum When installing a new system, it should be done with care. See our installation standards to be sure your installation is top notch. When it comes to the central vacuum hose and power brush ratings, please note that the main differences are found in the power brush.