The Better Vacuum: Upright or Canister?
Q. What is the difference between an upright and canister vacuum, and how do I know which one is best for me? A. An upright has both the motor and the suction head in one unit that’s pushed in front of the user; a canister comprises a wheeled body that’s pulled behind the user, who holds a hose and nozzle. As with politics and religion, though, there’s no right or wrong answer to the canister-or-upright question; it’s a matter of needs and personal preference. We’ll look at the pros and cons of each design and let you decide. Canister Vacuums The good: Maneuverability is at the top of the list for canister proponents, who like the ease of vacuuming under coffee tables and other low-profile furniture – a difficult or impossible task with a traditional upright model. Canisters are generally compact and lightweight, making them ideal for toting up and down stairs. Because the bulk of the cleaner’s weight is in the canister itself, using one is not an arduous chore. A relatively lightweigh
