Best upright vacuum cleaner for a dust and debris-free home

If you're on the hunt for a new vacuum cleaner to replace an older model that's just not what it used to be, it's worth considering the best upright vacuum cleaner to dust-bust your home. Upright vacuums are known for their high suction power and large capacity, so they're the best vacuum cleaner for giving your whole house a clean from top to bottom.

Let's be honest, vacuuming isn't the most thrilling of tasks and when you've got a big area to cover, it's one of those jobs that you're going to feel like pushing to the bottom of your to-do list. That's where an upright vacuum cleaner will save the day, and save you time, too. They typically have a larger brush head compared to other vacuum types so they'll be able to suck up more dirt at once. Plus, as they mainly come as corded models (although, you can get some great upright cordless vacuums) so you'll be able to clean your whole house without stopping as you haven't got to worry about a battery running out.

Best upright vacuum cleaner at a glance:

• Best overall: HOOVER HL5 Upright Vacuum Cleaner – view on Amazon UK
• Best cordless upright vacuum cleaner: Shark Cordless Upright Vacuum Cleaner [ICZ300UKT] – view on Amazon UK
• Best upright vacuum cleaner for pet hair: Vax Air Stretch Pet Max Vacuum Cleaner – view on Amazon UK

The best upright vacuum cleaners come with a wide range of attachments to help you tackle a wide range of cleaning tasks. Most have long nozzles to capture cobwebs lurking up high, some will come with crevice tools to allow you to get into those hard-to-reach areas, such as down the back of the sofa and under sideboards, and others may have separate pet tools to help you get the fluff out of your carpets and upholstery. A handful may come with all of these to help you get dust and dirt out of every nook and cranny.

Whether you're after a vacuum cleaner for your hard floors and carpets, or looking for a model that will help clean up after your dogs and cats, we're here to help you find the best upright vacuum cleaner for the job.

Best upright vacuum cleaner

FAQs

What to consider when choosing an upright vacuum cleaner:

To help you choose an upright vacuum cleaner that perfectly matches your needs and preferences, we've listed some factors you may want to think about before making your selection.

Space

First off, think about the size of your living space. If you have a larger home with multiple floors, you might want to opt for a lightweight upright vacuum cleaner that's easy to carry up and down the stairs. On the other hand, if you have a smaller apartment or limited storage space, a compact model could be the way to go.

Suction power

If you have pets, grandchildren that regularly visit, or simply encounter a lot of dirt and debris around your home, a vacuum cleaner with strong suction will be just what you need. Look for models with high-powered motors and advanced filtration systems to ensure a thorough clean, capturing even the tiniest particles and allergens.

Filtration

Speaking of filtration, if you or anyone else at home have allergies or asthma, consider an upright vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter. These filters are designed to trap and lock in allergens, dust mites, and pollen, improving the air quality in your home and providing much-needed relief for allergy sufferers.

Manoeuvrability

Another factor to consider is the manoeuvrability and reach of the vacuum cleaner. Look for models with swivel steering or pivoting heads that can easily navigate around furniture and tight corners. Additionally, check the length of the power cord and the hose to ensure they provide you with enough length for you to get into those hard-to-reach areas of your home.

Attachments and tools

Lastly, think about the additional features and attachments that come with your chosen vacuum. Crevice tools, upholstery brushes, and extension wands offer you more versatility and can make your cleaning routine even more efficient.

Which is better: a stick or an upright vacuum cleaner?

The choice of whether a stick or an upright vacuum is best for you all depends on your needs and your home.

Upright vacuum cleaners are robust and versatile, great for deep-cleaning carpets and large areas. They have a wide cleaning path, powerful suction, and a large dustbin capacity. With ergonomic handles, they're comfortable to manoeuvre and easy to hold.

Stick vacuum cleaners are lightweight and sleek, perfect for quick clean-ups and reaching tight corners. They are portable, often cordless, and easily transition between different surfaces, like hardwood floors and carpets. They may have a smaller dustbin capacity but make up for it with their agility and convenience.

Ultimately, uprights are made for thorough cleaning in larger spaces, while sticks are perfect for those quick clean-ups.

Rosie Floyd is a Pets, Homes and Garden Product Writer for Yours, specialising in home appliances, décor and furnishings, as well as all things dogs. After completing her Journalism & Media degree from Coventry University back in 2015, she started her career writing about must-visit holiday destinations, moving on to creating content around outdoor living and garden buildings, before joining the team at Bauer.