Best Multi-Surface Vacuum Cleaners – The Ultimate Guide

With a multi-surface vacuum cleaner, you clean up your home with one machine, which would otherwise take two to three cleaning products.

The best multi-surface vacuum cleaners pick up dirt from anywhere like a vacuum, handle wet areas just as a shop vacuum, and deep clean with conditioning as a carpet cleaner.

Multi-surface vacuum cleaners, unlike the shop vacuum cleaners, are designed to handle carpets, concrete, hardwood, and hard surfaces better.

While some of these feature portability, others build on capability. Depending on the space of your apartment or home, you have to pick up the best multi-surface vacuums cleaner.

How to Choose The Best Multi-surface Vacuum Cleaners?

OUR #1 CHOICE

Dyson (214730-01) V8 Absolute Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner, Yellow

• Cord free. Hassle free. Powerful suction, refer user manual for instructions
• Up to 40 minute's run time when using a non-motorized tool. Suction power (Max mode): 115 AW
• Lightweight and versatile, for easy home cleaning. Instant release trigger means battery power is only used while it’s cleaning. Requires charging for 4 hours minimum before first use
• Up to 30 minutes of fade free power with the soft roller cleaner head
• Direct drive cleaner head. Up to 8 minutes of fade free power (in Max mode). Drives stiff nylon bristles into carpets to capture deep down dirt
• Whole machine HEPA filtration captures allergens and expels cleaner air than the air you breathe. Filtration: Washable lifetime filter
• Powered by the Dyson digital motor V8 and engineered to pick up ground in dirt and fine dust from hard floors and carpets

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Before choosing the right one, understand that there are different types of multi-surface vacuums. Here’s a description to help you decide:

• Handheld Vacuums: These are the best multi-surface vacuums for cleaning small areas above the floor, such as windowsills, closets, blinds, upholstery, and others. These cleaners can reach every nook and corner in higher places. Because it is portable, you can even use this for cleaning your car.
• Handheld & Stick Vacuums: These are the smallest and lightest vacuums available on the market today. These are cordless vacuums, which makes them portable and easy to operate in the house. This type of vacuum is especially handy for cleaning multilevel spaces.
• Upright Vacuums: These are the most popular types of vacuums and the best choice for cleaning carpets, hard floors, and area rugs. Upright vacuums are very effective at removing dust and dirt and cleaning large areas of rugs and carpets. It makes cleaning more efficient and swift. Upright vacuums can be single motor or dual motor cleaners. The single motor cleaners run the vacuum with brush whereas the dual-motor cleaners run two different motors separately for the vacuum and brush. The latter, however, is more efficient and cleans meticulously because it has two dedicated motors for specific functions.
• Stick Vacuums: While these types of vacuum look exactly like upright vacuums, they are slimmer, lighter, and devoid of attachments. Some models may come with handheld extensions, which make it easier to clean the high surfaces such as ceiling fan, and corners of the house.
• Canister Vacuums: Also called cylinder vacuums, these cleaners have a canister attached. Versatile and powerful, these vacuums are used to clean different surfaces, including those areas of the house that may be hard to reach. These vacuums come with floor tools such as a non-revolving brush, a turbine floor tool with a revolving brush, and a power brush floor tool with a revolving brush roll.
• Autonomous Vacuums: Robots are the perfect choice for households and offices where frequent cleaning is required. You can program the robot to start cleaning and stop cleaning at specific intervals. This self-propelled vacuum does not require input for cleaning. It reaches tight spaces, even under beds, couches, and furniture. Read Here: Best Vacuum Cleaner for Pet Hair

Things to Consider While Buying the Best Multi-Surface Vacuum Cleaners

Consider some of the important features of multi-surface vacuums before you buy them. Here’s a detailed explanation of each feature, its role, and why it is important.

#1: Size

Consider the size of the best multi-surface vacuums. Vacuum cleaners are available in different sizes, ranging from light to bulky and compact to heavy. To choose the size, you must consider how you want to use the vacuum. Would you carry it around the house? Or, to the car or garage often? In that cause, buy a small vacuum.

However, if not, you can choose a bigger model.

Another important factor to consider is storage space. Do you have enough space to store the model you want to buy?

Remember that you can easily store a slim and small vacuum into any corner of the house, but you cannot do it with the bigger ones.

#2: Dry & Wet Cleaning

If you have kids at home who spill water and drinks on the surface, or pets messing up the floors, you require a dry and wet vacuum. An ordinary vacuum does not clean up liquid spills, whereas a dry and wet model does it effortlessly, and even cleans up debris and dirt. It offers exceptional cleaning, but with a few limitations. For instance, it does not have many attachments and it cannot reach tight spaces.

So, you may want to consider buying a multifunctional vacuum together with dry and wet cleaning capability.

#3: Filter

Does the vacuum contain reusable filters? Or it requires regular replacement?

If you do not have a problem replacing the filter frequently, then any model with replaceable filters should work for you. However, you may like to go with vacuums having reusable and washable filters that last for years. Different, manufacturers have recommendations for filter replacement, but it usually lasts for six months.

#4: Power

A vacuum is as powerful as the power it draws from the outlet. Appliances like this can draw up to a maximum of 12 amperages from the home outlets. You have to choose a vacuum cleaner with a specific amp value that is close to this. You must also consider the air watts, which gives the wattage after it factors in resistance to the suction. A vacuum is powerful when air watt is higher. Aim to get at least 200 air watts.

#5: Brushes & Rolls

Most vacuum cleaners come with revolving brush rolls, while others have non-evolving brushes. The former offers versatility in surface cleaning and the latter is a bit rigid in cleaning. However, make sure to check the brush feature – it should allow you to turn off. You can turn it off whenever you are vacuuming delicate services that brushes might damage.

#6: Bag & Container Capacity

Some multi-surfaced vacuums come with bags that collect dirt, whereas others are bag-less. The latter is usually cordless. In case you choose the bag-less one, all dirt and debris would be collected in a container. You have to empty the container into the dustbin later. If you fear dirt collecting in the container, you can choose a model that comes with a clear dust container. You would be able to see the dirt level and clean it.

#7: Cord vs. Cordless

Vacuum cleaners that come with a cord are usually bulky and heavier than cordless models. However, one of the greatest advantages of models with cord is that these are best for cleaning large areas.

If you want a portable vacuum, choose a cordless model. It is easier to carry. It is also efficient in cleaning areas hard-to-reach as well as spot cleaning.

Cordless multi-surfaced vacuums feature lithium-ion batteries. These powerful batteries can be recharged and used. The best thing about these vacuums is that you can use it longer while reducing cleaning time significantly.

#8: HEPA Filter

If you or any other family member is allergic to pollen, pet hair, dust, or smoke, choose a model with HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter that absorbs these as well as other allergens. The HEPA filter is designed to eliminate potent allergens from the house. Some of the best models featuring HEPA filter eliminates over 99 percent allergens.

Choosing the HEPA filter ensures that you don’t have to worry about pollutants and allergens for health reasons and otherwise.

#9: Warranty

The best multi-surface vacuum cleaners come with a warranty. Several manufacturers give at least 5-years warranty, while a few give 1 year to 3 years warranty. Make sure you scrutinize the warranty before purchasing a model so that you know what is included. For instance, a warranty may be given for the motor only, or for non-wear parts, or simply for labor, or all.

#10: Noise Level

Good vacuum cleaners operate silently. Consider choosing one that is quitter to avoid loud noise. Canister vacuums are believed to be silent, unlike other types of multi-surface vacuums.

In addition, if you have kids or pets at home, loud noise could be harmful to their health as well. Hence, always choose a noiseless model.

#11: Additional Accessories

Always look for additional attachments such as a pet brush, pet upholstery tool, battery charger, crevice tool, and other possible accessories that could be a part of the deal. These accessories can make vacuuming more effective and comfortable for you.

Key to Choosing the Ideal Vacuum

Before you choose a multi-surface vacuum, evaluate the floor or surface that you would clean regularly. Is there any special cleaning requirement above the floor that might require some specialized attachments like light fixtures, high ceilings, special collections, and ceiling fans?

You have to make sure that the vacuum has that kind of flexibility, reach, and necessary tools to do the job. However, the primary purpose of using a vacuum is to clean the floor. If you have a staircase in your home, choose a canister vacuum. If you choose an upright vacuum, chances are that the stairs would not be as clean as you want.

Moreover, it is awkward to clean stairs with an upright vacuum cleaner. You would get poor results, as it is not possible to use the revolving brush of an upright model on the treads of the stairs, or a high traffic area.

If your home does not have stairs, but it is designed with synthetic fiber wall-to-wall carpeting, an upright vacuum with smooth floor cleaning features and additional attachments to clean the floor surfaces would be apt.

However, today, homeowners prefer a combination of smooth floor coverage in different types of materials, wall-to-wall carpeting, and area rugs.

Carpet Soils & Traffic

Consider carpet soils and the amount of traffic in your home before choosing a vacuum cleaner. Carpets get soiled from pets and people’s shoes in the house. If you have a pet or kids, or both, you can expect more carpet soils inside.

80 percent of all carpet soils are dry soils having sharp edges, walked on and left where it is, acting as sandpaper to bend and abrade the fibers. This leads to a dirty carpet combined with excessive traffic patterns.

Actually, it is not dirt most of the time, but the bents and the fibers that were damaged, which absorb light rather than reflecting the same. As a result, you can see ugly marks on the carpet. So, you must choose the right type of vacuum cleaner depending on the traffic and soils.

If your house feathers synthetic fiber carpeting all over, resulting in heavier soil load, you need a cleaner having aggressive bristles on revolving brush. Choose a vacuum cleaner with dense and stiff bristles, and beater bar function to bring out dry soils from the carpet so that they can be easily brushed and vacuumed away from the surface.

If you have pets, their hair is another soil. To remove pet hair, use a revolving brush head with stiff and dense brushes. However, if your’s is a low traffic home with no such special soiling, choose a less aggressive cleaner to maintain it. The general thumb rule is to choose an aggressive vacuum that is easy on the rug fibers and carpet.

Type of Carpet Fibers

The type of carpet fibers is also important to consider. Today, carpets are generally made of nylon and synthetic fibers, though polyester and olefin are often used. As synthetic fiber is durable, even the most aggressive vacuum cleaners work well on these without damaging the fiber.

However, if the carpet is made of natural fiber, choose a gentle vacuum. Wool is the most common natural fiber. However, only 1% of American households use wool carpets. Wool is a durable fiber, commonly used in oriental and area rugs.

It should be vacuumed with care. Though you can clean it with a revolving brush, the bristles should be flexible and not very densely backed on its brush roll, so that it does not fuzz the wool yarns or wear the carpet prematurely.

Oriental rugs may be made of silk too. These rugs may cost in a few hundred to thousands of dollars. If you want to clean oriental rugs, consider the condition and the age of the rug. These high-value rugs witness little traffic and should be protected from severe soiling. In fact, you may even want to consider cleaning these rugs with a rug and carpet tool.

Add-ons

In addition, you must consider the quality, durability, ease of use, comfort level, capacity, noise level, and overall performance of the vacuum cleaner for the best result.

Recommended Budget

The cost of some of the best multi-surface vacuums cleaners ranges from $399 to $899. In this range, you can purchase a vacuum made well and that would last for at least 10 years, if not more.

If this seems to be a lot of money, consider that vacuum cleaning is something you would do once in a week. Sometimes, you might have to do it every day. As good quality vacuums last at least 10 times longer than the cheaper models, you would be paying approximately $5 per month to buy a good quality machine that is comfortable to work and does its job well.

Models under $399

You can find a few high-quality vacuum cleaners in the range of $300 to $399. However, these are exclusively bare floor models, may be suitable for cleaning flat carpet and area rugs.

If your house features wall-to-wall carpeting, you would have to consider spending a little more to get a high-quality model because of the complications involved in cleaning carpets and rugs.

$399 to $599

This is the most reasonable price for a powerful and quality multi-surface vacuum cleaner. At this price, you cannot expect additional features, but you shall get excellent materials, durable motors, and overall great performance.

$649 to $999

Though basic performance remains the same as the aforementioned ones, vacuums in this range are considered the top-quality in finish and fit, noise levels, and filtration. In addition, it contains other features as if lighted floor tools, automatic suction control, cushioned bumper guards, etc. Read here: Best vacuum under $200

5 Best Multi-Surface Vacuums Cleaners Reviews

1) Dyson V8 Absolute Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner

This is one versatile multi-surface vacuum cleaner powered by a V8 digital motor engine. It is engineered to detect and collect dirt from hard floors and carpets. Dyson has given us some of the best multi-surface vacuum cleaners, and this is the most powerful machine.

The cleaner features HEPA filtration to take care of allergens and pollutants and ejects clean air. The filter is easy to wash. When the machine is fully charged, it can run up to 40 minutes and the maximum suction power is 115 AW.

2) Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional NV356E

The Shark Navigator, just like its counterpart Shark Rotator, features the unique lift-away button. It lifts the canister to position it out of areas that are hard to reach. You can clean constricted spaces without obstruction. It includes a HEPA filter and traps dust.

This vacuum cleaner encourages versatile cleaning and comes with a brush roll for bare floor and deep carpet cleaning. It also features pre-motor foam and filter, which has to be washed regularly (every 3 months) for optimum performance. It weighs 13.7 pounds and comes with a 30 feet cord.

3) BISSELL CrossWave Floor & Carpet Cleaner with Wet-Dry Vacuum 1785A

Bissell is a popular brand. This is Bissell’s one-of-a-kind model featuring uncontested capabilities. It functions like any other shop vacuum, but it is shaped like a stick. The CrossWave uses brush roll for tackling any messy spills and soils, and debris.

The model features a smart-touch control system at its handle, which makes it easier to control the vacuuming process. These buttons also allow users to clean easily.

4) Dyson Upright Vacuum Cleaner, Ball Multi Floor 2

If you want a powerful upright multi-surface vacuum cleaner, this is the model to try. A lightweight upright vacuum can tackle messes on all types of floors. It is easy to carry around the house while you are cleaning.

In addition, it includes Radial Root Cyclone Technology, which captures fine dust to leave your homes cleaner. It comes with a 31-feet long power cable to clean multiple rooms without changing the power outlet.

It also comes with an automatic release wand that enables you to clean both above as well as under furniture. You can empty the dirt cup easily and comfortably, by simply pushing the dirt cup button.

5) Eureka NEU202 PowerSpeed Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner

Eureka’s model NEU202 is a cleaning partner that makes cleaning easier. A corded, lightweight, bagless, upright vacuum cleaner comes with a retractable cord. It has four tools that allow you to clean effortlessly.

This 8-amp vacuum comes with 5 adjustment settings for multi-floor cleaning and 4 on-board attachments to make cleaning easier. It also features a crevice tool to reach the tight spots and a pet tool to vacuum pet hair.

This is a carpet and hard floor vacuum cleaner that comes with a transparent and easy-to-empty XL dust tank that allows you to see when the tank is full.

Final Word

If you’ve read the features of some of the best multi-surface vacuum cleaners and understood its functions, you may like to purchase one of these models. The best cleaner is the one that works well on furniture carpet, hardwood, staircases, and other corners of the house.

You have to consider all the surface areas to clean before buying any of these models. I hope you find the right one from the list of top-rated multi-surface vacuum cleaners