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Most of us know what we want from a household vacuum cleaner, but when it comes to commercial vacuum cleaners, there's a whole new set of requirements. Because they're used regularly to clean large areas, they must be more rugged than household vacuums. The best commercial vacuum cleaners have large capacities, powerful suction and wide cleaning paths.
Whether you're looking for an industrial vacuum cleaner for heavy-duty use, a vacuum for your cleaning company or something to clean up your store after hours, a commercial vacuum is a must. You may even want a commercial vacuum for home use if you have a busy household that needs extra cleaning power.
We compared over 30 commercial vacuums to find the best, settling on the Oreck Commercial XL Vacuum Cleaner as our top choice. We love the fact that it has powerful suction and a wide cleaning path but is lightweight to make life easier on its users. Its 9-quart capacity is more than enough for most commercial needs.
Best Commercial Upright Vacuum
Type: Upright | Weight: 9 lb | Dimensions: 12.5” W x 9.25” D x 47.75” H | Cord Length: 35' | Bin Capacity: 9 qt | Bag Type: Top-fill | Battery: No | Attachments: None
We find the Oreck Commercial XL Vacuum Cleaner a great overall choice for keeping all kinds of businesses clean. It has a wide 12-inch cleaning path with edge-to-edge brushes to vacuum right up to the wall or baseboards. The bag holds 9 quarts, and the top-fill bag system helps maintain suction even as the bag approaches its maximum capacity.
Weighing in at around 9 pounds, it's extremely lightweight. This is good for cleaners who have to carry their own vacuums from job to job or companies where a range of staff clean, as it's light enough for almost anyone to use.
The handle height is adjustable to suit a range of users, too. It works on carpets and hard floors with no adjustment necessary when switching between surfaces.
Type: Upright commercial bagged vacuum | Weight: 12.2 lbs | Dimensions: 13.75"L x 12.5"W x 45"H | Cord Length: 30 ft | Bin Capacity: 18 quarts
The Sanitaire SC679K Tradition Upright Commercial Bagged Vacuum offers a solid mix of performance and practicality. It comes in a lightweight, commercial-ready build, and the 800-watt motor delivers dependable suction for carpeted areas. The 30-foot commercial-grade cord gives you plenty of reach, so you won’t need to switch outlets as often.
At just 12.2 pounds, it’s easy to move between rooms. The 45-inch height feels comfortable, and the large 18-quart shake-out bag means fewer stops to empty debris. Maintenance is simple too; you get tool-free access to the brush roll and belt.
Durability can be inconsistent, according to customers. Some users happily get long-term use, while others run into early issues. Still, it’s a practical and affordable pick for those who manage commercial spaces and want to save money.
Type: Handheld canister | Weight: 8 lb | Dimensions: 18” L x 7” W x 11” H | Cord Length: 33 ft | Bin Capacity: 4 qt | Bag Type: Fabric | Battery: No | Attachments: Crevice tool, dusting brush, upholstery tool
Although Hoover refers to its Hoover Commercial PortaPower Lightweight Canister Vacuum as a canister, it's probably not the type of canister vacuum you're used to.
Rather than coming on wheels to pull it along, it has a handle, so users can hold it in one hand and vacuum with the other. It also comes with a shoulder strap for those who'd prefer to use it this way. The fact that it's off the ground makes it easy to maneuver around places where there's merchandise or other items that could be easily knocked over.
The bag is made from fabric so you can empty it and replace it instead of buying new replacement bags every time. It holds 4 quarts, which is pretty good for such a compact, lightweight vacuum.
Type: Upright | Weight: 17 lb | Dimensions: 16.5” W x 13.75” D x 45” H | Cord Length: 50 ft | Bin Capacity: 18 qt | Bag Type: Fabric | Battery: No | Attachments: None
Thanks to the Sanitaire Tradition Upright Bagged Commercial Vacuum's extra-wide 16-inch cleaning path, you pick up more dirt with each pass, speeding up cleaning time.
However, this does come at the price of maneuverability, so we like it most for use in larger areas without too many obstacles to get around. It's also reasonably heavy at 17 pounds, but it's not an unmanageable weight.
The bag holds 18 quarts, so this vacuum covers a lot of ground before you need to empty the bag. When it's full, you simply shake the contents of the bag into the trash and reuse it.
Type: Bagged upright (Hard bagged upright with IntelliBelt) | Weight: 18.92 pounds | Dimensions: 15" L x 12.5" W x 44.5" H | Bin Capacity: 4.5 quarts
We're impressed with how well the Hoover Commercial HushTone Upright Vacuum balances quiet operation and real cleaning power. The 69-decibel low-noise setting is noticeably less disruptive in shared spaces, making it a good fit for offices or daytime cleaning. When you need more suction, the two-speed motor and Boost Mode step in to handle embedded dirt without getting overly loud.
The sealed HEPA and Hexaguard system helps keep dust contained, capturing about 99% of dust and pollen. The 4.5-quart clean-drop bag adds convenience. Maintenance is simple as well; you don’t need tools to access the brushroll or change the bag. IntelliBelt shuts the vacuum down if there’s a jam, and the quick-change cord and onboard tools make setup easy right away.
That said, it weighs just under 19 pounds. That makes it heavier than many residential models. On top of that, the 8-foot hose can feel a bit short in larger areas. But if quiet, low-dust cleaning is your priority, this is a strong option.
Choosing the right vacuum for your business means considering the types of messes you need to clean, how often you plan to vacuum and how large your space is. Other factors come into play as well.
There are four main types of commercial vacuum: handheld, canister, upright and backpack.
Handheld vacuum cleaners resemble large metal briefcases. They have lightweight designs meant for extended use. These are intended for cleaning upholstery, stairs, blinds, drapes and other textiles. They're not as good with floors. These are very light but have relatively low power and modest capacity. Unlike household handheld vacuums, there are few commercial cordless vacuums. Handhelds are quite specialized, but they are great at what they do.
Canister vacuum cleaners can be horizontal cylinders, but more often they have a vertical can-type design with wheels. Shop vacs are a basic form of a canister vacuum, but commercial canister vacuums typically have higher capacities and more suction power. They are very maneuverable, and it's easy to get the flexible hose into nooks and crannies. These vacuums are best in situations with lots of furniture or other obstacles to maneuver around. They're fine for larger areas, but it's not their main strength.
Upright vacuum cleaners are the most recognizable type of vacuum. While power and efficiency have increased, the design is pretty much the same as it was almost a hundred years ago. These excel at cleaning hard floors and carpeting — they cover the ground more quickly than other models, have roller brushes that help free trapped dirt and are height-adjustable to cope with different surfaces. An upright is best if you have long corridors and large rooms to clean. An additional hose allows you to work in tight corners or at different heights, but these vacuums are not as nimble as canisters.
Backpack vacuum cleaners take the main dirt container off the floor, giving them the high mobility of handheld vacuums but the power of canisters and uprights. Added to that, the capacity is usually twice or three times that of other models. With only one hand needed for the hose, the other is free to move objects out of the way.
Wide-area vacuums are as powerful as they get, and they resemble lawnmowers in design with a push handle and a low, flat body. Naturally, these are only for large indoor spaces like department stores or warehouses, as their size makes them hard to maneuver in tight spots. However, their cleaning speed is unrivaled thanks to their cleaning path width, which can reach up to 40 inches.
A lot of commercial upright vacuums use a bag, but both uprights and backpacks can be bagged or bagless. So, which is better?
Bagged commercial vacuum cleaners: While bags are an additional expense, their big advantage is that they seal the dirt inside. Thus, disposing of it is less likely to cause a mess. Good bags act as part of the filtration system, and some seal completely as you remove them from the vacuum. This is particularly good for allergy or asthma sufferers. However, poor-quality bags let plenty of particles escape, so these should be avoided.
Bagless commercial vacuum cleaners: Bagless vacuums usually have more filter elements because they don’t have a bag as part of the filtration system. These vacuums must be cleaned or replaced regularly, thus decreasing the money that was saved on bags in the first place. Emptying must be done carefully. or you could end up in a cloud of dust. Emptying the vacuum outdoors is advised but not always practical.
If clean air is the absolute priority, a vacuum that uses a high-quality self-sealing bag is recommended. Otherwise, it's more a question of personal preference. However, you should be sure replacement bags or filters are readily available before you buy a vacuum.
The Carpet and Rug Institute Seal of Approval program gives out Bronze, Silver or Gold ratings to vacuum cleaners that meet high-performance standards. There are two categories, including one that covers vacuum cleaners certified for commercial use. It involves passing three laboratory tests — one for soil removal, one for dust containment and another for surface appearance change. By choosing a commercial vacuum with a CRI Seal of Approval, you know that it meets certain standards and should perform well.
Like household vacuums, there are a handful of features to consider once you’ve decided which type you need. The power, size, filtration system and other factors impact where and how you can clean.
The amount of air a vacuum moves and the suction it creates is rated in cubic feet per minute (cfm). It's a useful comparison, though manufacturers sometimes seem reluctant to provide the information.
Filtration is important for capturing nuisance elements like pet dander and potentially harmful elements like allergens and bacteria. What emphasis you put on the latter will depend on the environment you're cleaning. Manufacturers will typically quote high percentages of particles trapped — 99% or more — but the key specification is the size of those particles. Capturing 99.9% of 3.0 micron particles (a common capability) is nowhere near as effective as capturing 99% of 0.3 micron particles.
The wider your cleaning path, the faster you can clean a large area. There are no specific rules for what width suits certain size areas, but most commercial vacuums have cleaning widths ranging from 12 to 30 inches. Bigger is generally better, but it comes at the cost of maneuverability. In addition, an efficient vacuum with a narrow cleaning path will outperform a poorly designed vacuum with a wide cleaning path.
The sound made by normal conversation is around 55 decibels, and some modern vacuums are that quiet. However, most are in the 60- to 65-decibel range. That’s not particularly loud, but you wouldn't want to try to hold a phone conversation with one running next to you. Large commercial models can be noisier still, so it's worth checking. At 85 decibels and above, some form of ear protection is necessary.
Power cords should be as long as possible so you don't have to keep stopping to find another outlet. Many commercial vacuum cleaners sold today have cords between 30 and 50 feet in length.
On upright cleaners, check if it cleans right up to the wall. Some cheap models don't. Also look at height adjustments to cope with different types of floor. Several high-end models will adjust automatically, meaning you don't have to stop and fiddle around. In addition to changing the cleaning height, they may also speed up or slow down the brush roll motor, as brushes can damage some surfaces, like hardwood.
On canister and backpack vacuums, the wand (the steel tube part) can be two-piece or telescopic. The latter can give variable length and greater flexibility, and it is usually more convenient for storage. Wands that have a swivel head are better at rounding corners and keep you from constantly moving around to change your angle.
Motor power is often quoted in the specs, but it’s actually of minimal importance when it comes to suction and overall performance. Most motors are between 8 and 12 amps, but this is simply an indicator of how much energy the motor consumes. Instead, look for the airflow specification, which is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). This refers to how much air the vacuum can take in. Most offer from 50 to 100 CFM.
Another major player when it comes to power is how the brush is powered. Dual-motor vacuums have a separate motor for suction and rotating the brush roll, giving both more power than a single-motor design. Some brands indicate how fast the brush rotates to pull in debris, with high-speed brush rolls clocking at 6,000 rpm or more.
The more debris your vacuum can hold, the less often you must empty the bag or canister, which saves time while cleaning. Industrial vacuums may have extra-large capacities of as much as 100 gallons, but for commercial purposes, 2 gallons may suffice, depending on the size of your business.
Though cleaning large areas is important, don’t forget about getting to crevices and tough-to-reach areas.
Vacuums that include several accessories offer greater versatility. Here are some of the most common attachments to look for:
The cheapest commercial vacuum cleaners are usually robust shop vacs, which start at around $65. They're basic, but there's little better for cleaning up a dirty garage floor. Most shop vacs in this range have 1- to 4-gallon capacities.
Budget upright and canister vacuums cost about $120 to $200. The price inevitably rises as you add features and accessories. At the upper end of that range, you'll get top quality from a leading manufacturer. Make note of how long the warranty lasts and its terms.
Commercial backpack vacuums are generally more expensive, priced from $250 to $700. For heavy-duty jobs, these may be your only option. However, these products may have more power and capacity than your business actually needs.
Wide-area vacuums are a class apart. You'll pay well over $1,000 for a 24- or 26-inch machine and as much as $2,500 for a 30-inch model.
Lauren Corona has been reporting on consumer products for BestReviews since 2017 and has covered a wide range of commercial and home vacuum cleaners. For this article, she considered more than 30 models before narrowing it down to her top 10. The overall performance was her key concern. However, she also considered a range of other factors, such as the type of vacuum and its weight, capacity and cord length. Armed with this information, she was able to rank commercial vacuums to find the best.
A. There’s no precise definition, but the differences lie in power, capacity and durability. Most businesses have their floors vacuumed nightly (and hardly any of us vacuum our homes on a daily basis), so their vacuums need to be incredibly durable in order to last for several years.
Because the square footage of most businesses is quite large, commercial vacuums tend to have wider cleaning paths to cover more areas in less time. Industrial vacuums don’t have specific metrics, but they generally have the most power and capacity available and can suck up liquids, solids and dust.
A. There is. It all comes down to the size of the particles the filter traps. HEPA-type filters can handle 99% of particles down to 2.0 microns, which is fine for general household or office dust and dirt. True HEPA filters take care of 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns — good enough to trap many of the particles that cause odors and allergies. True HEPA filters are the only ones that can be termed “air purifiers.”
A. Yes, all kinds of extra brushes and tools are available, and you don't have to buy them from the maker of your machine. Just check the fitting diameter before ordering (the most common are 1 1/4, 1 1/2, and 2 inches). Although they're not interchangeable, “step-down” converters give you the option of using smaller-diameter accessories on a larger hose.
A. If it's likely you'll need to clean up spilled liquids on a regular basis, absolutely. They are very versatile machines and particularly suited to workshops. However, good wet/dry vacuums are expensive and often loud enough to require ear protection. If you only have an occasional need, a mop and bucket are cheap and can get the job done fairly quickly, but a powerful shop vac can suck up gallons of liquid in just a few seconds.
