Upright vacuums are specifically made for cleaning carpets. They have a rotating brush that separates dirt and pet hair from the carpet fibers. The dirt is then thrown into a paper bag or compartment. The air flow is very fast, compared to a canister vacuum, so the vacuum picks up better in most cases on the carpet.

When customers walk into our retail store, The Sweeper Store, the first thing we ask them is “Do you prefer an upright or canister vacuum?” because that’s the most basic fundamental starting point when looking for a good vacuum cleaner. We are talking about the basic design.

When we talk about canister vacuums, I mean the ones that have a separate power nozzle that has a second motor. This electric nozzle has a rotating brush that separates dirt from the carpet, in the same way that an upright vacuum cleaner does. Canister models have motors that are manufactured differently than upright vacuum motors. The canister models have a motor that generates much more suction than the vertical suction motor. But the cylinder motor pulls air at a slower speed than the vertical motor.

At first it would seem that the canister vacuum has more suction, so you need to clean better. But the studs have a faster airflow. And faster airflow is actually the best thing to pick up dirt from your carpet. The advantage of the canister vacuum is that it has much more suction on the accessories than a vertical one. So the pot is made more for cleaning above the floor and the stud is made more for cleaning carpets.

Some of the best canister vacuums have very well made electric nozzles with a high speed motor that turns the brush roller. Some electric nozzle canister vacuums are also very easy to push because the nozzle automatically adjusts to any carpet height. This feature is found in many high-end models.

Electric nozzle canister vacuums also cost more than their upright counterparts. The reason is that they simply cost more to make. You have two motors instead of one, and the electrified hoe they have is quite expensive to make.

The best quality canister vacuums, as well as the best upright vacuums, can be found at your local independent vacuum cleaner dealer. Make sure they have a wide selection to give you the best options. We are in Wooster Ohio, but there are thousands of good dealers across the country.

I hope this helps.