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If you want a reliable bagged vacuum cleaner, look no further than the “industrial” category. The industrial variety of vacuum cleaners is known for its incredible efficiency. Here are the top four industrial upright vacuums you can get today.
Bagged upright vacuums are still one of the most used types of vacuums among janitors.Whether you need commercial cleaning or residential cleaning, these vacuums can work for you.
The Four Best Vacuum Cleaners for Heavy-Duty Work
| The Four Best Industrial Upright Vacuum Cleaners | Product Information | Check Price |
|---|---|---|
Top | ORECK XL COMMERCIAL Upright Vacuum Cleaner, Bagged Professional Pro Grade, 9 Pounds 35-Foot Long Cord, XL2100RHS, Gray/Blue | Check Price |
Top | Sanitaire Tradition Upright Bagged Commercial Vacuum, SC886G | Check Price |
Top | Hoover Commercial HushTone 13-Inch 2-Speed Upright Vacuum Cleaner with IntelliBelt Quiet Bagged HEPA Filtered Professional Rated, 40-Foot Long Cord, CH54113, Gray/Orange | Check Price |
Top | BISSELL BigGreen Commercial PowerForce Bagged Lightweight, Upright, Industrial, Vacuum Cleaner, BGU1451T | Check Price |
The Oreck XL Commercial Upright Vacuum Cleaner
- Easy to use at 9 pounds for transportation from room to room and up stairways
- High-speed, balanced, double helix brushes that spins at a maximum of 6500 RPMs
- Scatterguard squeegee allows scatter-free cleaning on all surfaces—including carpet, wood, laminate and tile—without manual changes to heights or settings
If you want to look for reliable commercial vacuum cleaners, Oreck is a great first stop. The new model is a bit of a sleek upgrade but still retains that clunky “industrial vacuum” vibe.
Despite the cheap looks, the vacuum outperforms anything you would call “regular use.” The simple design choice also makes it more approachable to repair if you are handy.
The gaping vacuum maw upfront will engulf everything, so double-check the ground for loose cords. It being a bagged vacuum means you can easily switch out to a new container.
As you might expect, Oreck craves simplicity, so there are no vacuum attachments. You’ll also find this vacuum to be half the weight of other comparable commercial models.
Despite its lighter weight, you’ll find this thing to have a noise equivalent to its horsepower. However, the noise appears adjacent to its ability to handle any floor type.
So if you need a good and straightforward commercial vacuum cleaner, Oreck has the best overall offering regarding suction power and ease of movement.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The suction power of this vacuum cleaner is ridiculous. | It does not have any attachments for hard-to-reach places. |
| It is lightweight and easy to move around. | It is loud. |
| It is easy to take apart and repair if you are handy. | |
| Best Industrial Upright Vacuum Cleaners Reviews |
The Sanitaire Tradition Upright Bagged Commercial Vacuum
- Extended Life Motor provides more than 2,000 hours of commercial-grade cleaning performance, which is 5 times the motor life of the average household vacuum.
- Durable structure includes a chrome hood that’s safe for tough environments and a looped handle for comfort.
- Unique maintenance features, like the tool-free brush roll and belt replacement, Quick KleenTM Fan Chamber, and metal clip bag release system, make this commercial vacuum easy-to-use and easy-to-maintain.
If you thought the Oreck was a bit too new school, the Sanitaire Tradition would bring your bag to a simpler time. With a vacuum design reminiscent of the 90s, this vacuum cleaner is a lot less pretty than any modern stick vacuum.
The suction power of this industrial vacuum makes it suitable for high-pile carpets. It has a 50-foot cord and claims 2000 hours of use.
The large bag is not disposable, meaning you will have to purchase an adjacent zip bag. This adds to the total cost, making it less suitable for those seeking out bagged vacuum cleaners.
Much like other industrial vacuums, there are no attachments suitable for deep cleaning. As a dry vacuum, you might find yourself missing those. However, this is meant for almost 8000 square feet of cleaning.
The bag is enormous and easy to replace, so Sanitaire does offer a great overall industrial vacuum. So if you want a vacuum with the power to pick up nails, this one will have you covered.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Suction power is enough to pick up large objects. | The included bag is not disposable, making cleaning awkward. |
| It has an incredibly long cord making it suitable for janitorial work. | There are no included attachments. |
| It has a large capacity bag for holding a lot of mess. | |
| Best Industrial Upright Vacuum Cleaners Reviews |
The Hoover Commercial HushTone 13-Inch 2-Speed Upright Vacuum
- Quickly toggle between less disruption with quiet 69 dB performance and a Boost Mode for extra power
- Advanced circuitry protects long lasting belt by shutting the motor off to avoid belt breakage
- Traps 99% of dirt, dust and pollens down to 0.5 microns for cleaner air with Hexaguard Technology
Hoover’s commercial vacuum has delivered for those who demand their commercial vacuum to have an attachment hose for hard-to-reach places. The grey-orange vacuum is far more modern but still beefy enough to be considered among commercial models.
Hoover is also aware of this, making this vacuum one of the most expensive commercial models in the market. However, the cost seems justified with the included HEPA filter, 40-foot cord, and powerful suction ability.
The HEPA filtration bags are also expensive, so be prepared for several long-term investments.
Compared to other vacuums on this list, you can also expect this one to be quiet. With this vacuum, there is no more announcing to your neighbors at the top of your lungs that it’s vacuuming time. However, other smaller bagless vacuums are still quite a bit quieter.
This vacuum is cumbersome because of those additional features. However, those features are convenient in dealing with multiple carpet heights. It is also just as simple as other comparable vacuums on the top of this list.
Hoover is an excellent choice if you want a commercial vacuum with hose features to reach challenging areas. Also, it is one of the best commercial vacuums with height adjustment features.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It has an included hose attachment. | It is a much higher investment overall. |
| It has HEPA filter bags that are disposable. | The attachment options are still pretty weak. |
| It is the most well-designed vacuum on this list. | |
| Best Industrial Upright Vacuum Cleaners Reviews |
The Bissell BigGreen Commercial PowerForce Bagged Industrial Vacuum Cleaner
- 13 Cleaning Path Width, Lightweight - 12 lbs
- Includes a crevice tool, combination dusting brush/upholstery tool & Extension wand; Attachments store in back of vacuum
- 5 Position height adjustment
- 3 Stage Filtration system
When it comes to finding upright models, “green” isn’t usually a color you go for. Regardless, Bissel manages to create something that stands out. It is also one of the cheaper options among commercial vacuum cleaners.
The Bissell vacuum comes in three forms, with a premium edition doubling the price for your standard tools. If you want a crevice tool, upholstery tool, and extension wand, you will have to pay quite a bit more.
However, all of those features are built into the back of the vacuum cleaner.
It also has a three-stage filtration system and relatively inexpensive vacuum bags. Overall, it is pretty cost-effective but still much more expensive than other residential models.
Despite being industrial, it is far closer to what you might expect from cheaper models. The suction power leaves a bit to be desired, but it isn’t what you would call poor.
As an industrial vacuum, it is lightweight, simple, and easy to use. So if you are looking for a no-frills vacuum cleaner that gets the job done, Bissell’s BigGreen is a solid investment.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The bags are comparatively expensive when looking at other models. | The bags still require additional investments. |
| It has an option that includes vacuum accessories. | As an industrial type of vacuum, the suction power is a bit weak. |
| It is big and green, making it stand out compared to other models. | |
| Best Industrial Upright Vacuum Cleaners Reviews |
What Should I Look for in Industrial Vacuum Cleaners?
What is a Good Power Cord Length With Industrial Vacuums?
Your power cord length should match the furthest vacuum point from your outlet when cleaning. What this length will depend on the size of the room.
Room sizes vary from 200 to 500 square feet. If you are cleaning a residential space, a cord of about ten to 15 feet is ideal. If you are cleaning an ample commercial area, go for 25 to 50 feet long cables.
Determining Suction Power of Commercial Vacuums
You’ll find that commercial vacuums do not measure suction power in the same capacity. That is because it is assumed that you will already be looking for more suction power.
Typically, you will see measurements of suction power in one of three ways:
- Air Watts – Air Watts (AW) determines a vacuum’s ability to force air into it. It is a factor of air pressure (CFM) and water lift that determines an overall vacuum quality.
- Air Pressure – Air Pressure, measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM), is a vacuum’s top speed.
- Rotations Per Minute – Rotations Per Minute (RPMs) refers to the speed at which the motor moves, giving it better ways to suck more air.
AWs are typically the most effective means, but even those can be misleading if a vacuum is poorly sealed. The best way to test out a vacuum’s power is through use.
Backpack Vacuums vs. Upright Vacuums – Which is the Better Commercial Option?
An alternative to upright vacuums (relating to commercial purposes) is backpack vacuums. Backpack vacuums are meant to be strapped to the person’s back using them, enabling the user to suck up large chunks of debris.
Because this list is only for upright vacuums, you won’t see any backpack vacuums here.
Backpack vacuums rely on the leg strength of its user. As a result, you can feasibly see a larger motor, container, and reach than upright commercial vacuums.
However, their usage is somewhat limited because they are more expensive. Also, they require a bit more strength than the average vacuum cleaner.
What is a Good Vacuum’s Path Size?
Path size refers to the wideness of the primary vacuum head. The larger your path size, the more vacuum space you can cover in a single sweep.
A 12-inch cleaning path is typical of most vacuums, which means less time for you to vacuum. Having an average cleaning path also encourages you to clean slowly, which is preferred due to detail.
What is a Good Bag Capacity for Commercial Vacuums?
It is always recommended that you purchase vacuum bags suggested by the manufacturer. For example, Eureka’s standard bag size starts with a C, which is usually suitable for most upright vacuums.
Sometimes, you’ll find a lot of similarities between different vacuum bag sizes. Other “C” sizes might work between vacuums, but most prefer you to buy unique brands.
Check out the suggested bag size of your associated model on the company’s respective sites to ensure you have the correct size.
How Long Should Commercial Vacuums Last?
You’ll find that the standard vacuum warranty among commercial models is one or two years. However, you’ll find that these vacuums can last up to twenty years with the proper care.
Standard maintenance procedures include regular cleaning after every bag swap and not vacuuming up any large object. Things that aren’t intended to be inside of a vacuum should not be there.
How Much Should A Commercial Vacuum Cleaner Cost?
Depending on your preferred features, commercial vacuums cost anywhere from $200 to $500. However, some higher-grade industrial vacuum cleaners cost over $1000.
Higher-cost vacuums typically come with optional features. These features include attachments, advanced technology, and HEPA filters.
Because commercial vacuum cleaners typically have higher suction rates, they are overall more expensive than residential cleaners. This is the case despite some residential cleaners not including smart features and other scanning options.
Should I Consider a Wet-Dry Vacuum Cleaner?
A wet-dry vacuum cleaner is excellent at polishing tile and shampooing carpet. However, unless you need regular access to a carpet shampooer, a standard commercial vacuum will be fine.
Depending on what industry you are in, you might have a different opinion. Different floors and carpets with varying foot traffic have different needs.
What are Some Good Attachments for Industrial Vacuums?
Even commercial vacuums need to hit unique needs. Here are some of the most common attachments for commercial vacuums:
- Dusting Brush – Removing dust will prevent you and your guests from coughing. Whether commercial or residential, there is always a reason to dust.
- Crevice Tool – A crevice tool is made for hard-to-reach locations and detailed cleaning. These are important if you have a lot of tricky spots in your shop.
- An Extendable Wand – There will always be areas that are just out of reach. An expandable nozzle is one way you can get the most out of your vacuum hose.
There are more options, but these are the most common for commercial use. You typically see more simplicity in commercial vacuums.
Best Industrial Vacuum Cleaner Brands
The best industrial vacuum cleaner brands are a bit different from other vacuums. Still, you might see some familiar faces when walking down the supermarket:
- Oreck – Oreck has been around since 1963. Founded by David Oreck, it is known as a classic face of vacuum cleaners. They also make residential vacuums today.
- Sanitaire – Sanitaire was launched in 1972 by well-known vacuum company Eureka. In 2016, it moved to Bissel. It continues to focus on providing reliable commercial vacuum cleaners.
- Hoover – Hoover is another well-known vacuum brand from 1907. Today, Hoover is part of Techtronic Industries Co. Ltd (TTI). It is one of the largest floor care companies in North America.
- Bissell – Bissell is the oldest vacuum company, founded back in 1876. Bissell is known to have the first female CEO, a great triumph at the time. Bissell is a company known for residential and commercial applications.
Industrial Vacuum Cleaner FAQs
Can You Use an Industrial Vacuum Cleaner at Home?
Yes, there is no reason you cannot use an industrial vacuum cleaner at home. Despite them being labeled as commercial, there are no limitations on them.
Typically, the only thing that makes these vacuums commercial is a greater focus on longevity and simplicity.
Are Industrial Vacuums Better?
Because Industrial vacuums focus on simplicity, they are usually more powerful. However, they are almost always less portable, louder, and not great at detailed work.
Industrial vacuums are better at handling large jobs but not better in other applications.
Do Industrial Vacuums Have HEPA Filters?
In most modern vacuums, HEPA filters (called that because they can suck particles smaller than 0.3 microns). Not all commercial vacuums have them, though, as they are less common.
HEPA filters are typically left to bagless vacuums. Bagless vacuums are not usually commercial vacuums.
HEPA filters can help improve the air quality by removing dust. So if you can afford it, it is very well worth it.
Why are Commercial Vacuums Expensive?
Commercial vacuums are more expensive because of their more powerful motor and longevity. What these cordless models lack in grace and precision, they have in raw power.
Are More Expensive Vacuums Better?
More expensive vacuums have more features, but those features might not always be helpful for you. For example, a wet-dry vacuum is more expensive than a standard vacuum but not practical if you have a high-pile carpet.
When creating your vacuum budget, always consider the features you need and those you are willing to get rid of. More expensive vacuums don’t always clean dirt and debris better.
Final Thoughts
The Oreck XL Commercial Upright Vacuum Cleaner is the best overall vacuum due to a variety of factors. It only weighs nine pounds, is incredibly powerful, and is easy to move around.
As our top pick for a commercial vacuum cleaner, it provides a great overall experience.
Other vacuum cleaners are better suited to different tasks. Some include attachments where the Oreck does not. You might even be someone who wants a backpack vacuum cleaner. Regardless of what you need, this list of upright vacuums is a good mix.
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