Buying guide for Best Eureka canister vacuums
When it comes to keeping your floors clean, having the right vacuum cleaner makes all the difference. Canister vacuums are a great option if you’re looking for ease and versatility. And Eureka, a well-respected vacuum manufacturer, offers some excellent canister models.
Like all canister vacuums, a Eureka canister consists of a cleaning nozzle at the end of a wand that’s connected via a hose to the vacuum canister. The canister holds the vacuum’s engine, filter, and dust bag or container. Eureka canister vacuums typically offer better suction power than upright models and are usually lighter and easier to maneuver. Many Eureka canister models include a range of accessories, too, which help you clean curtains, furniture, carpeted stairs, and other surfaces.
Choosing the right Eureka canister vacuum can be a challenge, however. You have to decide whether you want a bagged or bagless model, how many accessories you want, the motor power you prefer, and what other features you require. In this buying guide, we provide the facts necessary to choose the best Eureka canister vacuum for your home.
Key considerations
Bagged vs. bagless
A bagged canister vacuum collects all of the dirt, dust, and debris that it sucks up in a removable bag inside the canister. It usually offers more effective filtration and quieter operation than bagless models, but there is the added cost of having to replace the bags regularly.
A bagless canister vacuum gathers all of the dirt and debris in a cup or container. When the cup is full, you remove it from the vacuum and empty it into the trash. Because you don’t have to replace any bags, there’s less operating expense involved. They’re also more eco-friendly. But emptying the dirt cup from a bagless canister vacuum can make a mess, and dust and dirt can escape back into the air, which can be a problem for allergy sufferers. Bagless canister vacuums also require more maintenance because they have to be emptied and cleaned regularly.
Weight
The weight of a canister vacuum isn’t quite as important as it is for an upright model because you don’t have to push the entire vacuum all over your home the way you do with an upright vacuum. Eureka canister vacuums weigh between 7 1/2 and 15 1/2 pounds. The lighter the model you choose, the easier it will be to move the vacuum around your home during cleaning.
Motor power
The number of amps that a vacuum cleaner’s motor is rated indicates how much power it offers. Eureka canister vacuum motors usually range in power from 8 to 12 amps. Higher-end models with 12-amp motors typically offer the most power, which can improve the vacuum’s suction power.
Features
Multi-surface compatibility
In the past, canister vacuums had a reputation for working well on hard flooring, but not as well on carpeting and rugs. These days, canister models offer improved performance on carpeting, so you can use a single vacuum for every floor in your home. These models are capable of cleaning multiple surfaces, so you don’t have to worry about missing any dirt or debris regardless of flooring type.
Eureka canister vacuums have sufficient suction power to work on most surfaces. However, some higher-end models actually offer variable suction control, so you’re able to adjust the amount of suction that the vacuum provides based on the type of flooring you’re cleaning. You can choose from hard floor, carpet, and upholstery settings.
Hose length
The length of the hose that connects the wand to the vacuum’s canister is an important feature because it determines how far you can clean without moving the canister. Eureka canister models all have a hose that’s at least 6 feet long, which means you don’t have to stand right next to the canister to clean.
Filtration
All Eureka canister vacuums have a filter to remove allergens that might trigger a reaction in people with allergies or asthma. But for the most effective filtration, opt for a model with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. It can remove up to 99.97% of dirt, dander, and other particulates from the air, making it a desirable option for homes with allergy sufferers and/or pets.
Cord length
A vacuum’s power-cord length is a crucial feature to consider since it affects how far you can move the vacuum from the outlet. Most Eureka canister vacuums have cords that range from 15 to 20 feet in length, which allows you to move quite a distance from the outlet with ease. Some models have a cord-rewind feature that rolls up the cord inside the vacuum’s housing, keeping the cord tidy and untangled when not it use.
"In most cases, vacuuming your home one to two times a week is sufficient. If you have pets, though, daily vacuuming may be necessary. "
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Accessories
Most Eureka canister vacuums include accessories that you can attach to the wand to clean specific surfaces or areas in your home. You can find models that come with a crevice tool for tight spaces, a dusting brush for softer surfaces, a nozzle brush for floors, and an upholstery tool for furniture. Some models also include extension wands to increase the vacuum wand’s reach.
Eureka canister vacuum prices
Eureka canister vacuums vary in price based on the type, power, and special features, but most models range from $55 to $120.
Inexpensive
The most affordable Eureka canister vacuums are typically bagged models with motors rated at 10 amps or less. They’re usually heavier than other models and offer few special features. Low-end Eureka canister models cost between $55 and $70.
Mid-range
Middle-of-the-market Eureka canister vacuums are usually either bagged models with a greater than 10-amp motor or bagless models with a less than 10-amp motor. They may have a few special features, such as a HEPA filter and/or a cord rewind option. They generally range from $70 to $95.
Expensive
The priciest Eureka canister vacuums are typically bagless models with a greater than 10-amp motor. They are extremely lightweight and have a range of special features, including a HEPA filter, a cord rewind option, and an extra-long hose. They usually cost between $95 and $120.
Tips
- Tune in the proper suction level. With a Eureka canister vacuum, you should adjust the suction depending on whether you’re cleaning a bare floor or carpet. Carpeting typically requires more suction than hard flooring.
- Keep it clean. To keep your canister vacuum operating correctly, clean the filter regularly. If it becomes clogged, the vacuum’s suction power may be adversely affected.
- Change your HEPA filter. If your Eureka canister vacuum has a HEPA filter, replace it twice a year — or after every sixth bag change.
- Sometimes, a dirt bag is mandatory. If you have a bagged Eureka canister vacuum, never operate the machine without a bag in place. Dirt and dust can get into the motor and cause significant damage.
FAQ
Q. Do Eureka canister vacuums work well for pet hair?
A. Like other canister vacuums, Eureka models are effective for pet hair because they allow you to easily reach the hair no matter where it drifts thanks to the wand design. If you’re concerned about a Eureka canister vacuum picking up all of your pet’s hair, opt for a pet-specific model, which have powerful motors designed to provide effective suction for dog and cat hair.
Q. What should I look for in a Eureka canister vacuum if I have allergies?
A. Opt for a Eureka bagged canister vacuum if you or anyone in your family has allergies because bagged models do a better job containing the dirt, dust, and dander than a bagless model does. You should also opt for a vacuum with a HEPA filter, which can capture up to 99.97% of airborne particles that might trigger allergies.
Q. When should I change the bag in my Eureka bagged canister vacuum?
A. Most models have bags that feature bag-full indicator lines. When the bag fills to the line, it’s time for a new one. If your vacuum doesn’t have an indicator line, change the bag when nears three-quarters full.
