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Best cylinder vacuum cleaners for dirty floors and carpets
Filthy floors and carpets? Time to bring in the big guns and invest in a cylinder vacuum cleaner.
By Laura Cooke | Last updated Feb 23, 2023
There’s so much to consider when shopping for a new vacuum cleaner. Corded or cordless? Upright? Or what about a robot vacuum?
Cylinder vacuum cleaners are great at tackling dirt and dust on carpets and hard floors, even taking embedded pet hair in their stride, and they’re often lightweight and easier to manoeuvre than cumbersome uprights.
But which cylinder vacuum is best for you? From Dyson to Shark to Henry, we’ve compiled a list of our favourite products, as tried and tested by Mumsnet users.
Here are the best cylinder vacuum cleaners to buy in 2023.
Best cylinder vacuum cleaners: At a glance
1. Best overall cylinder vacuum cleaner: Henry NRV 240-11 Vacuum Cleaner
Price: RRP £158 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Bagged/bagless: Bagged | Capacity: 9 litres | Weight: 8.95 kg | Run time: N/A | Charging time: N/A | Included tools: Extension tube, combination floor tool, dusting tool, tube bend with suction control, double taper hose/tool adaptor, mattress tool, conical hose, crevice tool, 150mm slide-on brush tool
What we love
- Large capacity, so won’t need emptying much
- Comes with a variety of tools that are easy to attach and detach
- Works well on carpets and hard floors
- Long 12.5-metre cable
What to know
- Quite bulky, so may be difficult to store if you’re limited on space
What Mumsnet users say
"Absolutely fabulous on hair, and very robust." - rated by Mumsnet user, Rubytinsleslippers
Our verdict
As far as Mumsnet users are concerned, Henry is the king of cylinder vacuum cleaners. This industrial model comes with a comprehensive selection of tools, a long 12.5-metre long cable and a mammoth nine-litre capacity, so you can pretty much vacuum anywhere you like, for as long as you like. And what goes in, stays in, as Henry’s self-seal tab locks all the dust in the bag, meaning emptying is a mess-free experience.
The one downside to Henry is that he is rather on the bulky side, which may be a problem if you struggle to move larger vacuums or if storage space is limited. But for durability, versatility and the affordable price, Henry takes the crown as Mumsnet’s best cylinder vacuum cleaner.
2. Best budget cylinder vacuum cleaner: Numatic Henry Pet Pro Vacuum Cleaner
Price: RRP £190 | Buy now from John Lewis & Partners
Key specs
Bagged/bagless: Bagged | Capacity: 9 litres | Weight: 8 kg | Run time: N/A | Charging time: N/A | Included tools: combi floor tool, Airobrush 270 for deep-cleaning carpets and large areas, Airobrush 14 for stairs, upholstery and smaller areas, crevice tool, dusting tool, brush and mattress tool
What we love
- Large capacity
- Variety of tools
- Great for extracting stubborn pet hair
What to know
- Heavier and bulkier than other cylinder vacuum cleaners
What Mumsnet users say
“I have the green pet one... Two cats, [it’s] brilliant.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user MyShoelaceIsUndone)
“We have a Hetty Pet. Better than our Dyson and we have four dogs!!” (Recommended by Mumsnet user 30degreesandmeltinghere)
Our verdict
Well, we couldn’t ignore Henry’s punchy little cousin, could we? Henry Pet Pro has a penchant for pet hair and effortlessly gobbles up mess left behind by even the dirtiest of dogs. This vac also does the business when it comes to long human hair too.
Just like the original Henry, the Pet Pro comes with a range of useful tools and a huge nine-litre capacity, meaning he has an insatiable appetite for dust and dirt. But like Henry, this vacuum cleaner is also heavy and bulky, so the Pet Pro’s size is something that would need to be taken into account when purchasing.
3. Best cylinder vacuum cleaner for pet hair: Miele 12031880 Complete C3 Cat & Dog Bagged Cylinder Vacuum Cleaner
Price: RRP £389 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Bagged/bagless: Bagged | Capacity: 4.5 litres | Weight: 7.3 kg | Run time: N/A | Charging time: N/A | Included tools: Hose, tube and floorhead, crevice nozzle, upholstery nozzle, dusting brush, TurboBrush
What we love
- Excellent at tackling pet hair
- Good selection of tools included
- HEPA AirClean filtration system absorbs allergens
What to know
- Requires disposable Miele vacuum bags
What Mumsnet users say
“Miele Cat and Dog – 13 years and as good as the day I got it. Endless dogs and animals here and it’s no problem.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user SummerDayWinterEvenings)
“My Miele C3 Cats and Dogs is fabulous. It's got great suction on slate, laminate and carpet, and picks up both pet fur and women's long hair. Lots of it.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user mbosnz)
Our verdict
Pipping the Henry Pet Pro to the title of best cylinder vacuum cleaner for pet hair is the Miele 12031880 Complete C3 Cat & Dog Bagged Cylinder Vacuum Cleaner. It’s a powerful cylinder vac with good suction and a handy range of tools for removing pet hair from your carpets and upholstery. The Miele Cat & Dog’s charcoal Active AirClean filtration system works with the Miele HyClean 3D dust bag to absorb odours and allergens around your home.
The Miele Cat & Dog is lighter and smaller than the Henrys, so it is easier to manoeuvre and store. But it is worth remembering that it has half the capacity, so be prepared for more trips to the dustbin. Forking out for more dust bags also adds to the cost of what is already a pretty pricey vacuum.
4. Best Shark cylinder vacuum cleaner: Shark Bagless Cylinder Vacuum Cleaner
Price: RRP £269 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Bagged/bagless: Bagless | Capacity: 1.6 litres | Weight: 4kg | Run time: N/A | Charging time: N/A | Included tools: Pet tool, crevice tool, upholstery tool
What we love
- Long 9-metre cord
- Four wheels allow for smooth movement
- Lightweight
What to know
- Doesn’t have all the technology found on other Shark models
- Small capacity
What Mumsnet users say
“I've got 2 dogs, and recently bought a Shark Pet cylinder cleaner. It's amazing.” Tested by Mumsnetter sueelleker
Our verdict
This surprisingly lightweight cylinder vacuum cleaner has a powerful suction, which can be adjusted according to the floor type via a foot pedal. A generous cord length means you can enjoy a bit more freedom and an adjustable telescopic wand allows you extra reach, taking the strain out of vacuuming the stairs and those other hard-to-reach places.
Although this vacuum doesn’t have some of the hi-tech features found on other models, it’s a powerful little vac that tackles pet hair, dust and other household dirt with ease. However as it only has a small capacity, you’ll find yourself making more frequent trips to the bin than if you opt for a Miele or a hefty Henry.
5. Best compact cylinder vacuum cleaner: AEG AL61A4UG Cylinder Vacuum
Price: RRP £190 | Buy now from Amazon
Bagged/bagless: Bagless | Capacity: 1.6 litres | Weight: 9.44kg | Run time: N/A | Charging time: N/A | Included tools: 3-in-1 tool
What we love
- Extra large wheels for a smoother vacuuming experience
- Compact for easy storage
What to know
- Small capacity - expect more bin trips!
What Mumsnet users say
“I recently bought this one. It is small and light but very powerful. I love it..” Rated by Mumsnetter ApolloandDaphne
Our verdict
The AEG AL61A4UG Cylinder Vacuum has extra large, chunky wheels for easy manoeuvrability and this also helps the AEG adjust to any surface with ease. These soft wheels, coupled with the vac’s soft bumper, means that this is also probably one of the quietest vacuums you may ever experience.
Despite the mega wheels, the AEG is a compact little vac and can be easily stored horizontally or vertically, taking up very little space. Of course the trade off is that it only has a small capacity of 1.6 litres, the same as the Shark, despite weighing twice as much.
6. Best Dyson cylinder vacuum cleaner: Dyson Cinetic Big Ball Animal Cylinder
Price: RRP £300 | Buy now from Amazon
Bagged/bagless: Bagless | Capacity: 1.6 litres | Weight: 7.7kg | Run time: N/A | Charging time: N/A | Included tools: Turbine head, tangle-free turbine tool, combination tool, stair tool
What we love
- Extra large wheels
- Powerful suction
What to know
- Smaller capacity than other cylinder vacuum cleaners
What Mumsnet users say
“Dysons are expensive but I think they are excellent value for money and of all the hoovers I have had over the years the Dyson suction is second to none.” Recommended by Mumsnetter Flute56
Our verdict
All that mighty Dyson power in one neat little vacuum? Yes please! Mumsnetters love the Dyson Cinetic Big Ball Animal Cylinder, which effortlessly deals with all the dirt, dust and hair laying around the place. A combination brush and crevice tool allows for easy cleaning of surfaces, edges and right into narrow gaps, while the stair tool with its velour strips takes care of any hair and dirt on stairs.
The Dyson does have a smaller capacity than some other cylinder vacuums on our list, but it also comes with a higher price tag. You may feel the extra power is worth parting with the extra pounds, or alternatively you may decide that a vacuum with a larger capacity for a lower price may meet your needs.
7. Best bagless cylinder vacuum cleaner: Miele Blizzard CX1 Cat and Dog Bagless Cylinder Vacuum Cleaner
Price: RRP £480 | Buy now from Amazon
Bagged/bagless: Bagless | Capacity: 2 litres | Weight: 11.1kg | Run time: N/A | Charging time: N/A | Included tools: Turbo brush, dusting brush, upholstery nozzle, crevice nozzle
What we love
- Great selection of tools
- Integrated tool storage to keep things neat and tidy
- HEPA Lifetime Filter traps allergens and pet odours
- Cord can be rewound using foot control - handy if you struggle with a bad back
What to know
- On the pricey side
- Heavier than the other cylinder vacuums on our list
What Mumsnet users say
“I have both the cx1 blizzard cat and dog (bagless) and an older bagged cat and dog. Both are terrific vacuums and cope very well with 3 long haired girls and a golden retriever. All Miele's are heavy and I think the bagless one is heavier but it's a doddle to empty and I find it less of a faff than changing the bag (and remembering to order the bags!)” Tried and tested by Mumsnetter BigBundleOfFluff
Our verdict
Now this is a cylinder vacuum cleaner that means business. The Miele Blizzard CX1 Cat and Dog features something called Vortex Technology to suck up every last ounce of dirt, including lint, hair and fine dust, from a range of different surfaces. A 10-metre operating radius, handy telescopic wand and range of attachments allows you to reach even the grubbiest nooks and crannies.
It’s true that the Miele Blizzard CX1 Cat and Dog is one expensive bit of kit. But pet owners swear by its awesome power and ability to deal with all the mess and unpleasant pongs that are part and parcel of pet ownership.
What is a cylinder vacuum cleaner?
In a nutshell, a cylinder vacuum cleaner is a vac broken down into two parts - the main body, which is on wheels and pulled along behind as you vacuum, and the suction head. The two are joined together by the hose.
Cylinder vacuums can be bagged or bagless and the vast majority run on mains power.
Are cylinder vacuums better than upright vacuums?
It’s really a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer cylinder vacuums because they’re generally more lightweight than an upright vacuum cleaner, therefore kinder on the back, with long, flexible hoses, long cords and, in some cases, telescopic wands allowing for a larger cleaning radius and easy cleaning of stairs and other hard-to-reach places.
However some cylinder vacs are on the bulky side (looking at you, Henry) which may make them harder to manoeuvre and store than a traditional, upright vacuum. In terms of suction and power, cylinders can more than hold their own against uprights.
How to choose the best cylinder vacuum cleaner
Here are some key things to consider when deciding on which is the best cylinder vac for you.
Power: What air wattage does each vacuum cleaner offer? Anything over 100AW will give you a powerful and efficient clean.
Bin capacity: Cylinder vacuum cleaners generally have a larger capacity than cordless vacuums. A larger bin capacity means that you can clean for longer but your vacuum may be heavier. A smaller bin may mean a lighter vac, but depending on how much vacuuming you have to do and how often, you may find yourself taking more trips to the dustbin than you’d like.
Weight: Cylinder vacuums vary in weight. A lightweight vac is easier on the back and is better for people who may have mobility issues or health problems such as arthritis. But as mentioned above, a lighter vac often goes hand-in-hand with a smaller bin capacity, so this is something that should be taken into consideration.
Tools and accessories: Make sure you check which tools come with your cylinder vacuum cleaner, for example pet tools, crevice nozzles and brushes for upholstery, to make sure your vacuum is up to the task. Some cylinder vacuum cleaners come with telescopic wands, which are great for reaching underneath furniture or upwards, for example tackling the stairs. Others don’t have this feature, so make sure you check carefully before purchasing.
Price: As you can see from our list, the price of cylinder vacuums varies. Top-of-the-range vacuums from big name brands like Dyson and Miele can set you back several hundred pounds. Although some say this is well worth the investment, a vacuum in a lower price bracket may be enough to meet your needs. Or if you really have your heart set on the latest Dyson or Shark, shop around, compare prices, or wait until Black Friday to bag a bargain (assuming your vacuum cleaner hasn’t conked out by then).
What’s the best cylinder vacuum cleaner to buy?
Mumsnet users love a Henry for tackling this particular household chore. We love the Henry NRV 240-11 Vacuum Cleaner for its generous bin size and long cord length, but mainly because it is a solid and dependable machine that gets the job done. Complete with a winning smile.
What’s the best Dyson cylinder vacuum cleaner?
The Dyson Cinetic Big Ball Animal Cylinder has strong suction and many would argue that it’s worth splashing the extra cash on this one.
What’s the best Shark cylinder vacuum cleaner?
The nifty Shark Bagless Cylinder Vacuum Cleaner may not have all the bells and whistles that you find on other Shark vacuums, but this lightweight vacuum does the job well.
How we chose our recommendations
When compiling our list of recommendations, our team of experienced, trusted parenting journalists spend hours researching every product category, using a variety of sources to analyse and evaluate which products perform best. Many of the recommendations for cylinder vacuum cleaners came from Mumsnetters themselves who’ve spent hours of their time putting the products through their paces to clean their own homes.
We searched the Mumsnet forums for posts about which cylinder vacuum cleaners Mumsnetters really rated and then researched expert review sites and retailers, such as Argos, Amazon and Currys, to allow us to accurately hone our list of tried-and-tested products.
During our research, we vetted each vacuum cleaner, considering the quality, suction cleaning power, weight, manoeuvrability, extra features, material and overall performance to ensure they performed well across the board.
Why you should trust us
We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us fund more helpful articles like this one.