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From all the different types of vacuums available, upright vacuum cleaners are probably the most versatile: they can cover vast areas, fit a pretty sizable bag or canister, and offer a range of different accessories that let you tweak their functionality.
Here are the best upright vacuum cleaner for hard floors.
But which one is best?
For wood flooring and hard floors, aspects such as powerful suction may take a backseat – at least when compared to weight and overall capacity.
Naturally, you also want to make sure you invest in something that will last for several years to use, or at the very least, that it’s easy to repair.
We have scoured hundreds of reviews, both from appliance experts and from users like you. Our analysis has resulted in the following list: the best-ranked upright vacuum cleaners for hard floors
| Best Upright Vacuum Cleaner for Hard Floors | Product Information | Check Price |
|---|---|---|
Top | Kenmore DU2015 Bagless Upright Vacuum | Check Price |
Top | Hoover MAXLife Pro Pet Swivel Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner | Check Price |
Top | Hoover WindTunnel 3 Max Performance Pet, Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner, HEPA Media Filtration, For Carpet and Hard Floor, UH72625, Red | Check Price |
Top | Shark NV358 Navigator Lift-Away Professional Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner | Check Price |
What Is the Best Upright Vacuum Cleaner for Hard Floor?
Kenmore DU2015 Bagless Upright Vacuum
- Remove pet hair, dirt and more with this multi-floor, multi-surface designed vacuum for use in your home, den, or kitchen with a wide sweeper path
- Enhanced HEPA filter system traps 99.7% of dirt, trapping dirt inside the vacuum reducing pollutants in the room
- 2-motor system excels in suction power for any surface type. The suction control feature allows you to vacuum different carpet weights, fabrics and more without sacrificing airflow or cleaning efficiencies.
With a 2-motor suction system and a complete set of replaceable heads, the DU2015 by Kenmore is an outstanding option for medium to large homes.
Let’s take a look at its strong points first: this is a bagless model, which means you won’t have to worry about regularly placing a new bag or having to buy new ones. On the other hand, you will need to clean the filter regularly, which can be a bit messy.
This vacuum is technically a multi-floor model. Due to its powerful suction, the DU2015 can handle pile carpeting and even fabric curtains when on Max mode. To use it on hardwood floors, switch it to “Low” and use the Rotating fan tools.
The machine weighs less than 14 pounds in total. Combine that with the swivel head, and you get a pretty manoeuvrable appliance. You should be able to deal with an entire home without breaking a sweat.
To round off the package, the retractable hose and LED headlights will help you see and reach any problematic spots.
On the other hand, the filters in this vacuum cleaner need to be replaced every 3 to 6 months, rather than simply washed. They are pretty inexpensive, fortunately.
This is not a wireless model: the main wand has a small hook to help you carry the wire, it might still get messy. Finally, some reviewers noted that the suction control collar is a bit stiff and jams quickly.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Wide head. | It needs to remain plugged. |
| Bagless model. | The suction control collar gets jammed. |
| Includes a complete set of attachments. | |
| Best Upright Vacuum Reviews |
Hoover MAXLife Pro Pet
- Multi-purpose pet tools tackle stubborn pet hair and dirt on furniture, stairs and hard to reach areas
- Captures and contains 99% of dust and allergens with an odor minimizing filter to prevent them from re-entering the air
- Simply steer around furniture and into tight spaces on carpet and hard floors using the onoff brush roll to leave no mess behind
People without pets usually relate the problem of cat or dog hair to carpets and couch covers. In reality, pet hair can be just as problematic on hard floors: in addition to dander and floating “cotton balls”, pet hair can sometimes leave a greasy residue behind.
This can get it stuck to floors, making it hard to vacuum.
The Hoover MAXLife Pro Pet was designed to address pet-related dirt specifically, and it does quite a good job at it.
In addition to an oversized dirt cup, it also includes a HEPA filter meant to seal allergens and trap their odors.
This filter works on all suction settings and therefore can be used both on hard and carpeted floors
This bagless vacuum cleaner includes the standard set of tools, from a pet upholstery brush, a crevice tool, and a dusting brush. Finally, it has a pretty outstanding reach: the wand extends up to 13 feet, so you can use it to clean your ceiling corners.
Meanwhile, the cord is 30 feet long so that it won’t keep you back.
The major downside is the weight: at over 17 pounds, this may be a bit hard for you to move around daily. The cord is not retractable, so you will have to wind it up by hand.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Ideal for pet owners. | The cord is not retractable. |
| Can handle different floor types. | Heavy. |
| Extra-long reach. | |
| Best Upright Vacuum Reviews |
Hoover WindTunnel 3 Max Performance
- Multi-purpose pet tools tackle stubborn pet hair and dirt on furniture, stairs and hard to reach areas
- Love your pet, not their smell with odor-absorbing filters. Dirt cup capacity - 1.42 liters
- WindTunnel 3 Technology with 3 channels of suction create efficient air flow from the extra-wide nozzle to the large capacity dirt cup
Usually, the term “Max Performance” immediately evokes suction power or larger engines. While it’s true that this vacuum cleaner can easily handle a thick area rug just as easily as polished cement, this is not actually the full explanation of the name.
Many of the specs have been amped in this model. The most important one is perhaps the Wind Tunnel technology. This provides taller suction, which helps dissipate the noise.
As a result, reviewers reported that it was even possible to hold a conversation while vacuuming a carpet.
Plus, the cup is easy to remove and offers a simple one-button opening mechanism. This makes it very easy to empty inside a bin.
The other main feature of this vacuum cleaner is the automatic height adjustment. This can detect the type of floor the vacuum is currently on, adjusting the suction power accordingly.
If your home has hard floors but has a series of mats and rugs all around, this option will help you save electricity and noise.
The dusting brush, pet hairbrush, and crevice tool are all remarkably high quality. On the other hand, the crevice tool can sometimes slide off too quickly.
The canister is also slightly small, and if you have a large home, it will fill up very quickly.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Produces very little noise. | The attachment tools can be loose. |
| Strong suction. | Small canister. |
| Automatic height adjustment. | |
| Best Upright Vacuum Reviews |
Shark NV358 Navigator Lift-Away
- Lift Away the detachable pod and easily clean above-floor areas like stairs and furniture
- Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology and a HEPA filter trap dust and allergens inside the vacuum
- Large-capacity dust cup with full-size performance, Motor Amperage : 10 Amps, Power Cord Length : 30 feet
From the same manufacturers as the Shark Rocket comes the Shark Navigator. This is a light, high capacity upright vacuum that can handle a variety of floors. Like the other models on this list, it is bagless, so you just need to clean the central cup regularly.
Two leading technologies make the Navigator special. First is the Lift-Away system. If you are interested in a straightforward, no-sneeze way to clean the cup or replace the filter, then this is for you.
You will just need to lift the vacuum cleaner a bit, immediately releasing the main canister. Thanks to a smart swivel mechanism, it will be tough for you to lift it on accident.
Even after you remove the canister, you will need to press another button to release its contents. This will further prevent any accidents on top of your freshly vacuumed carpets.
The second main feature is the unsealed HEPA filter. This can deal with most odors fairly efficiently, leaving the room smelling as if it had just been aired.
It will still trap dust particles and allergens as small as 0.3 microns, enough to make a difference for people with allergies.
This is a multi-floor model: it can handle thick carpets, fabric, and upholstery, in addition to standard hard floors. However, you will need to switch the function power manually.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Dedicated hardwood attachment. | You will need to adjust the suction settings manually. |
| Lift-Away system that makes it easy to clean. | Pretty heavy. |
| Powerful HEPA filter. | |
| Best Upright Vacuum Reviews |
What Makes a Vacuum Good for Hard Floors?
At first glance, hard floors don’t require the suction power demanded by thick carpets.
On the other hand, they can make even relatively small amounts of dirt appear more evident – especially if you have light tiles. Because of this, the traditional solution for cleaning hard floors is to simply mop them.
But isn’t vacuuming just easier? In these cases, here is what you should look for on a hard floor vacuum:
Soft bristles
Both hardwood and parquet can easily get scratched. Tiled floors don’t suffer from this risk, but they can quickly develop unseemly lines that won’t look clean.
This is why you should get a vacuum with an additional attachment that includes soft bristles. On the other hand, you will want to avoid brush rollers, as they can scratch wood floors more easily.
Adjustable suction power
You simply don’t need to suck as hard on a hardwood floor. While additional suction power won’t directly harm your hardwood floors, it will spend more electricity than it should.
Because of this, you should look for a model that lets you reduce the suction power at will.
Other accessories
The features we included below are not specific to hard floor vacuum cleaners. However, they are still nice to have. Just keep in mind that not all may be as important for your home.
HEPA filters: A “high-efficiency particulate air filter” can trap even small particles of dust – the kind that makes you sneeze almost immediately.
Capacity: Whether bagged or bagless, look for a vacuum cleaner with a capacity of at least 2 liters. If your home has more than four bedrooms, look for at least 2.5 liters.
Cordless models: These usually have a docking station, allowing you to move more freely without tangled on a cord. After use, you will need to replug the vacuum cleaner and recharge it. Look for a battery capacity of at least 40minutes.
Main Types of Vacuums: Are you Looking For The Right Type?
Today, we have focused on upright vacuum models. However, this is not the only option for hard floors. Depending on what you actually need, consider the following options:
Canister vacuums
A canister vacuum is usually much smaller than an upright vacuum, and they also tend to have a much smaller capacity.
However, the rotating power inside of the canister gives good suction, and they tend to be very easy to manoeuvre.
As a result, if you have a small apartment or area to cover, a canister vacuum may be a better option than an upright model.
Handheld vacuum
Robot vacuums
A relatively new addition to the regular home, a robotic vacuum can automate part of your cleaning tasks. Robotic vacuums have hidden wheels, motion, and proximity sensors that help them navigate your home without help.
They work best in one-story homes, as they cannot traverse stairs or ramps. On the other hand, they can be scheduled to work on their own at a specific time.
Sweeper vacuum
A portable, lighter alternative to an upright vacuum, these are usually very small and battery-powered. They typically have the same capacity and suction power as a handheld vacuum (the kind you use for upholstery).
However, they also have a long wand, which will prevent you from having to crouch on the floor.
Final Thoughts
A good vacuum cleaner for hard floors should be resilient and easy to use, but it should also keep your floors clean with little risk of damaging them.
The four models we have reviewed here are great options, although they each target slightly different people. It all depends on whether your priority is suction power, portability, or cleaning up after your pet!
