The Best Vacuums

Electrolux Ergorapido Ultra+ EL1022A
Ideal for quick cleanups, this graceful glider is two appliances in one—a cordless electric broom, perfect for light whole-room cleaning; and a removable handheld, for spot jobs. Slides seamlessly from carpets to hard floors.

To buy: $94, amazon.com.

See more cleaning essentials: best cleaning wipes, best floor cleaners, best bathroom products, and best spray cleaners.

Shark Navigator Light Upright
A lightweight, bagless bargain with serious maneuverability. The stretchable cord and the extra-long attachments allow you to reach even the ceiling fan.

To buy: $160, macys.com.

iRobot Roomba 650
Set it to make its rounds while you’re out (or fast asleep) and it will find its way back to the charging base when done. Small enough to slide under most furniture, it has sensors to keep it from getting stuck on obstacles or falling down stairs.

To buy: $293, amazon.com.

Miele S7260
The power of an army with the agility of a Porsche, it navigates corners effortlessly. Unrivaled for suction. The handle reclines to lie completely flat, allowing you to reach way under the bed.

To buy: $550, williams-sonoma.com.

LG Kompressor Pet Care Plus Canister

Power and pile controls on the handle mean no running back to the base for adjustments. As you vacuum, the bagless canister perpetually cleans itself (picture a rubber spatula scraping a bowl), condensing dust, pet hair, and the like into a compact wad of waste that’s easy to dump.

To buy: Unfortunately, this item is no longer available. A similar product can be found here.