Best Vacuum For Stairs Consumer Reports (2024 Updated)

When you shop through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. This educational content is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice.

When it comes to finding the best vacuum for stairs, there are a few key points to consider. First and foremost, you want a vacuum that is lightweight and easy to maneuver on stairs. Additionally, the vacuum should have strong suction power to effectively pick up dirt and debris from the often hard-to-reach corners and crevices of stairs. You also want to look for a vacuum with a long cord or a cordless option, so you don't have to keep switching outlets as you clean.

Another important factor to consider is the type of vacuum that will work best for your needs. Upright vacuums are typically the most powerful, but they can be heavy and difficult to manage on stairs. Stick vacuums are lightweight and easy to maneuver, but may not have the same suction power as uprights. Handheld vacuums are great for quick cleanups, but may not be powerful enough for deep cleaning.

Finally, it's worth considering the attachments and accessories that come with the vacuum. A crevice tool and upholstery tool can be especially useful for cleaning stairs, as can a brush roll that can be turned off to prevent scratching delicate surfaces.

By keeping these key points in mind, you can find the best vacuum for stairs that meets your needs and helps keep your home clean and tidy.

10 Best Vacuum For Stairs Consumer Reports

1. Miele Classic C1 Pure Suction Bagged Canister Vacuum, Graphite Grey – Portable, Household

The Miele Classic C1 Pure Suction Bagged Canister Vacuum is a top-of-the-line home cleaning solution, engineered with German precision to deliver powerful suction performance on hard floors and low pile carpeting. With six customizable suction power settings, users can easily switch between modes according to the surface being cleaned, ensuring optimal cleaning results every time.

Designed for maximum maneuverability, the Miele Classic C1 Pure Suction canister vacuum easily navigates around and under furniture, allowing users to clean every nook and cranny of their home. Additionally, the vacuum comes with a range of clipped-on accessories, such as a dusting brush, crevice tool, and upholstery tool, making it easy to clean upholstery or hard-to-reach places.

One of the standout features of the Miele Classic C1 Pure Suction is its unique three-tiered filtration system, which consists of a genuine Miele FilterBag, Motor Protection Filter, and AirClean Exhaust Filter. This advanced filtration system ensures that the air in the room is cleaner after vacuuming than before, making it an ideal choice for individuals with allergies or respiratory issues.

The Miele Classic C1 Pure Suction also comes equipped with a range of included accessories, such as the SBD 365-3 Combination Floorhead, which is designed to deliver optimal cleaning results on both hard floors and low pile carpeting. Additionally, the dusting brush, crevice tool, and upholstery tool make it easy to clean a wide range of surfaces and materials.

Overall, the Miele Classic C1 Pure Suction Bagged Canister Vacuum is a top-quality household cleaning solution that delivers excellent suction power, maneuverability, and filtration capabilities. With its range of included accessories and customizable suction settings, it is an ideal choice for individuals who want to keep their homes clean and comfortable with minimal effort.

2. Kenmore Elite 21814 Pet-Friendly Canister Vacuum With Hepa Filtration And Pet Powermate. Includes 2 Floor Nozzles, 4 Cleaning Tools, Retractable Cord, And Extended Telescoping Wand.

The Kenmore Elite 21814 Pet Friendly CrossOver Lightweight Bagged HEPA Canister Vacuum is designed to efficiently clean all areas and surfaces of your home, including carpets, hardwood floors, furniture, and even your car or garage. With multiple attachment tools and a swivel head, this vacuum makes cleaning quick and easy.

One of the standout features of this vacuum is the Pet PowerMate attachment, which is designed to lift stubborn pet hair, dander, and dirt quickly from surfaces. Its unique design eliminates hair from tangling around the brush, making it a powerful tool for pet owners.

The Exclusive CrossOver floor nozzle is another feature that sets this vacuum apart. The 2-motor system powers this nozzle, allowing it to switch quickly and easily from hardwood to carpeting. Additionally, an LED light will illuminate when the bag is full, making it easy to know when it's time to empty.

The Kenmore Elite 21814 also boasts an enhanced HEPA filter system, which traps 99.7% of debris and reduces allergy-induced pollutants in the room. This is especially important for pet owners, as pet dander and hair can be major allergens.

The telescoping aluminum wand is another feature that makes this vacuum easy to use. It is adjustable, lightweight, and lengthens to an extended reach of 11', making it perfect for cleaning furniture, car interiors, and tight spaces. The detachable handle is also convenient for thorough cleaning.

Finally, the Kenmore Elite 21814 comes equipped with four on-board accessories: a dusting brush, crevice tool, fan sweeper, and second bare floor tool. These accessories make it easy to transition between cleaning tasks and ensure that every surface in your home is thoroughly cleaned.

Overall, the Kenmore Elite 21814 Pet Friendly CrossOver Lightweight Bagged HEPA Canister Vacuum is a powerful and versatile cleaning tool that is perfect for pet owners and anyone looking for an efficient and effective way to clean their home.

3. Professional Grade Oreck Xl Commercial Upright Vacuum Cleaner For Both Carpets And Hard Floors. Bagged With Xl2100rhs Model In Gray/blue.

The ORECK XL COMMERCIAL Upright Vacuum Cleaner is a professional-grade cleaning solution designed for use on both carpets and hard floors. With its efficient MICROSWEEP technology, users can switch between carpet and bare floors without the need for any manual adjustments.

The DIRECT SUCTION feature of this vacuum cleaner delivers dirt and debris directly to the dust bag, ensuring that the suction remains strong throughout the cleaning process. This allows users to clean floors quickly and efficiently without worrying about losing suction power.

The ORECK XL COMMERCIAL Upright Vacuum Cleaner also comes equipped with a high-speed rollerbrush that can spin at speeds of up to 6,500 RPMs. This powerful brush is designed to deep clean carpets and remove dirt and debris that may be embedded deep within the fibers.

In addition to its powerful cleaning capabilities, the ORECK XL COMMERCIAL Upright Vacuum Cleaner is also designed to be safe and effective on a variety of surfaces. Its multi-surface design allows it to clean carpets, wood, laminate, and tile surfaces without the risk of damage or scratching.

Customers can buy this product with confidence, knowing that they are purchasing an authorized product from Amazon. This ensures that they are receiving a high-quality product that meets all of their cleaning needs.

Overall, the ORECK XL COMMERCIAL Upright Vacuum Cleaner is a powerful and versatile cleaning tool that is perfect for both residential and commercial use. Its advanced features and reliable performance make it a top choice for anyone looking for a professional-grade vacuum cleaner for their home or business.

4. Kenmore 600 Series Canister Vacuum With Pet Powermate, Hepa Filter, And 4 Tools.

The Kenmore 600 Series Friendly Lightweight Bagged Canister Vacuum with Pet PowerMate, Pop-N-Go Brush, 2 Motors, HEPA Filter, Aluminum Telescoping Wand, Retractable Cord and 4 Cleaning Tools, Purple is a versatile and powerful cleaning solution for all areas and surfaces in the home, den, kitchen, car, and garage.

Featuring a 2-motor system, this bagged canister vacuum excels in suction strength and comes with two floor nozzles, including an exclusive Pop-N-Go floor brush. The vacuum also includes three additional attachments: a crevice tool, dirt brush, and bare floor tool, making it an ideal cleaning solution for all types of dirt and debris.

The Kenmore 600 Series also features a triple HEPA filter system that traps 99.97% of dirt, ensuring that dirt and debris are trapped inside the vacuum and not released back into the air. This is particularly important for those who suffer from allergies or asthma.

One of the standout features of the Kenmore 600 Series is the Pet PowerMate and Pop-N-Go Brush. The motorized attachment is designed to lift stubborn pet hair and dirt quickly from surfaces, eliminating hair from tangling around the brush. The Pet PowerMate attachment stores inside the vacuum and attaches to the handle and wand in a snap for bare floor cleaning.

The aluminum telescoping wand is another great feature of the Kenmore 600 Series. It is adjustable in length and lightweight, making it easy to access difficult areas. The wand can extend to an extended reach of 10 feet, and the lightweight design of the vacuum (22.6 pounds) makes it easy to maneuver around the home.

The Kenmore 600 Series also features a retractable cord and comes with four cleaning tools that fit within the vacuum for easy storage. With a suction power of at least 183W and 12 amps, this bagged canister vacuum is a powerful cleaning solution for any home.

In summary, the Kenmore 600 Series Friendly Lightweight Bagged Canister Vacuum with Pet PowerMate, Pop-N-Go Brush, 2 Motors, HEPA Filter, Aluminum Telescoping Wand, Retractable Cord, and 4 Cleaning Tools, Purple is an excellent choice for those who want a versatile and powerful cleaning solution for their home. With its multiple attachments, HEPA filter system, and Pet PowerMate and Pop-N-Go Brush, this vacuum is specifically designed to handle tough pet hair and other debris, making it an ideal choice for pet owners.

5. Tineco Pure One S11 Grey: Powerful Cordless Vacuum For Deep Cleaning Floors, Carpets, And Cars.

The Tineco Pure ONE S11 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner is a smart and powerful cleaning tool that is designed to help homeowners maintain a clean and healthy living environment. This high-performance vacuum cleaner features iLoop Smart Sensor technology that can detect hidden dust and debris, and automatically adjusts suction power in real-time for up to 2X longer runtime and complete cleaning confidence.

The Pure ONE S11 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner is equipped with a high-performance, ultra-quiet digital motor that delivers 130W of strong suction. With its quiet operation, the vacuum cleaner produces less disturbance to family and pets, enabling users to clean their homes in peace. The vacuum cleaner also features up to 40 minutes of runtime, making it ideal for uninterrupted whole house cleaning.

The Pure ONE S11 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner is cordless and lightweight, making it easy to maneuver around the home. The vacuum cleaner easily converts to a handheld vacuum with versatile attachments, making it ideal for cleaning stairs, cars, furniture, and more. The vacuum cleaner is also equipped with an onboard color LED display and connected Tineco App that monitors cleaning progress, battery levels, and suction performance for an intelligent cleaning experience.

With its advanced features and powerful suction, the Tineco Pure ONE S11 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner is an excellent choice for homeowners who want to maintain a clean and healthy living environment. Its iLoop Smart Sensor technology, high-performance digital motor, and long runtime make it an ideal cleaning tool for homes of all sizes. Additionally, its lightweight design and versatile attachments make it easy to clean hard-to-reach areas, ensuring a thorough and complete clean every time.

6. Okp Life K2 Robot Vacuum Cleaner 1800 Mah, Blue

The OKP Life K2 Robot Vacuum Cleaner is a daily cleaning solution for your home that is designed with advanced features to make cleaning effortless. This robotic vacuum cleaner is equipped with a powerful 1800 mAh battery that provides up to 100 minutes of run time before it automatically docks and recharges.

One common issue that users may encounter is a lack of suction. To resolve this, users should ensure that the robot is in the HIGH running working mode, which can be checked through the OKP app. The app also allows users to choose from four clean modes, including Auto clean, Spot clean, Wall Follow clean, and Manual clean. Users can freely switch between different modes and power levels as they desire.

The OKP Life K2 Robot Vacuum Cleaner is designed with a brushless suction port that prevents hair entanglement, making it an ideal solution for pet owners. It is powered by a strong digital motor that provides strong suction power and unique inlet design, which ensures that pet hair does not clog the rotating brush.

The FreeMove Technology 2.0 is another advanced feature of the OKP Life K2 Robot Vacuum Cleaner. It is equipped with upgraded 6D built-in anti-collision infrared sensors technology that enables the robot to clean efficiently and avoid obstacles. This technology also ensures that the robot consumes less power than random path cleaning, resulting in a clean house and energy savings.

Users can control the OKP Life K2 Robot Vacuum Cleaner through the OKP app or voice commands using Alexa or Google Assistant. The app allows users to create a home clean schedule, change the clean mode, and control the clean direction easily. It is essential to read the manual carefully before using the robot vacuum cleaner for home and hardwood floors.

In conclusion, the OKP Life K2 Robot Vacuum Cleaner is an advanced cleaning solution that makes daily cleaning effortless. With its powerful features, including long running time, self-charging, advanced sensors technology, and brushless suction port, users can enjoy a clean house with lower power consumption.

7. Bissell Zing Lightweight, Bagless Canister Vacuum, 2156a

The BISSELL Zing Lightweight, Bagless Canister Vacuum, 2156A is a powerful and efficient cleaning tool perfect for any home. With a dirt cup capacity of 2 liters, this vacuum boasts cyclonic action and powerful suction that ensure thorough cleaning every time. Additionally, it eliminates the need for bags, saving you both time and money in the long run.

Switching between cleaning carpets and hard floors has never been easier thanks to the flip of a switch. This vacuum comes with a power rating of 9 amperes, making it a reliable and efficient tool for your cleaning needs. Dirt cup filters and post-motor filters work together to capture even the finest dust and particles, ensuring that your home is left spotless after each use. These filters are also washable and reusable, making maintenance a breeze.

The BISSELL Zing Lightweight, Bagless Canister Vacuum, 2156A comes with a 15-foot cord, providing ample cleaning reach for your home. With the touch of a button, the cord retracts for easy storage, making it a space-saving tool for your cleaning closet. Weighing less than eight pounds, this vacuum is easy to maneuver, and the integrated carrying handle makes it easy to transport from room to room. The vacuum does not have a dirt sensor, but its powerful suction and efficient cleaning capabilities make it a reliable cleaning tool nonetheless.

Overall, the BISSELL Zing Lightweight, Bagless Canister Vacuum, 2156A is a reliable and efficient cleaning tool that makes cleaning your home a breeze. With its powerful suction, washable filters, and easy-to-use design, it is the perfect vacuum for anyone looking to keep their home clean and tidy.

8. Kenmore Intuition Bagged Upright Vacuum With 2-Motor Power Suction, Hepa Filter And 3-In-1 Tool For Carpet And Floor Cleaning, Green.

The Kenmore Intuition Bagged Upright Vacuum Lift-Up Carpet Cleaner is a powerful cleaning tool that provides versatile handheld freedom to clean above floors and stairs. With Lift-Up technology, users can easily press a button to lift away from the floor nozzle and clean all of their hard-to-reach areas.

This vacuum features No Touch Bag Technology, which eliminates the annoyingly messy process of emptying and cleaning a full cup. With a single button press, users can get rid of their stains without touching dirty cups or bags again. The hands-free operation and self-sealing bags keep the home environment clean and mess-free.

The PowerFlow bag chamber is designed to enable strong suction even as the bag fills. This means that users can still expect excellent cleaning up until their bag needs emptying. The vacuum is lightweight and maneuverable, weighing only 14lbs. and with swivel steering, making it easy to achieve cleaning in even the tightest spaces.

The Kenmore Intuition Bagged Upright Vacuum Lift-Up Carpet Cleaner also features height adjustments for optimal airflow and cleaning efficiency, with LED headlights lighting the way to a cleaner home. The High-Grade HEPA filtration combined with a completely sealed system provides excellent filtration, ensuring that the air in the home stays clean.

Overall, the Kenmore Intuition Bagged Upright Vacuum Lift-Up Carpet Cleaner is an excellent choice for those looking for a powerful and versatile vacuum. With Lift-Up technology, No Touch Bag Technology, and a PowerFlow bag chamber, this vacuum provides excellent cleaning power while remaining easy to use and maneuverable. The addition of LED headlights and a High-Grade HEPA filtration system are added bonuses that make this vacuum a top choice for those looking to keep their homes clean and healthy.

9. Shark Navigator Lift-Away Speed Self Cleaning Brushroll Vacuum With Hepa Filter, Red Peony.

The Shark ZU561 Navigator Lift-Away Speed Self Cleaning Brushroll Lightweight Upright Vacuum is a powerful and versatile cleaning tool designed to make the task of vacuuming floors and surfaces a breeze. With its self-cleaning brushroll, this vacuum can pick up pet hair and debris without getting tangled, making it an ideal choice for pet owners.

This vacuum can be used as an upright vacuum for cleaning floors and carpets or as a Lift-Away vacuum for cleaning above-floor areas like furniture and stairs. Its lightweight design makes it easy to maneuver around the house, while its swivel steering provides effortless maneuverability for cleaning hard-to-reach areas.

The Shark ZU561 Navigator Lift-Away Speed Self Cleaning Brushroll is equipped with Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology and a HEPA filter that can trap over 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum cleaner, making it an excellent choice for people with allergies or asthma.

Additionally, this vacuum features a suction control slider that allows users to manage suction power from hard floors to carpets, making it suitable for different surfaces. Its easily removable, bagless dust cup makes it convenient to empty, while the extra tools included are perfect for tight spaces, stubborn pet hair, and upholstery.

The manual for this vacuum shows the “ZU560 series,” and it is accurate for both ZU560 and ZU561 models. However, it is the ZU561 model that is inside the box. Overall, the Shark ZU561 Navigator Lift-Away Speed Self Cleaning Brushroll Lightweight Upright Vacuum is an excellent investment for those who want a powerful and versatile cleaning tool that can make cleaning a breeze.

10. Kenmore 81714 Canister Vacuum Bundle With Pet Powermate, Hepa Filter, And 3 Tools.

The Kenmore 81714 Bundle Ultra Plush Lightweight Bagged Canister Vacuum with Pet PowerMate, HEPA, Extended Telescoping Wand, Retractable Cord, and 3 Cleaning Tools, 700 Series, Gold is a powerful and efficient cleaning solution for those who want to keep their homes free of dust, pet hair and other debris.

The vacuum's motorized Pet PowerMate attachment is designed to tackle even the most stubborn pet hair or dust in carpets and hard-to-reach corners. The Ultra Plush nozzle uses airflow to clean ultra-plush carpeting, leaving it looking like new.

Additionally, the HEPA media filter captures 99.97% of dust, including pollen, pet hair and other allergens. The Performance Indicator alerts users when the bag is full or when there may be clogs in the system.

The vacuum's double-wall design helps keep airflow strong and steady, while the Swivel+ Steering system makes it easier to move around the house. The exclusive Stair Grip enables the vacuum to rest on the staircase, making it easier to clean stairs.

The Variable Power mode of the Kenmore 81714 Bundle Ultra Plush Lightweight Bagged Canister Vacuum is perfect for delicate carpets and rugs, ensuring that they are not damaged during cleaning.

In addition to its powerful cleaning capabilities, the vacuum also comes with several accessories, including an Extended Telescoping Wand, Retractable Cord, and three cleaning tools, making it a comprehensive cleaning solution.

Overall, the Kenmore 81714 Bundle Ultra Plush Lightweight Bagged Canister Vacuum with Pet PowerMate, HEPA, Extended Telescoping Wand, Retractable Cord, and 3 Cleaning Tools, 700 Series, Gold is a top-of-the-line cleaning solution for anyone looking to keep their home clean and free of dust, pet hair and other debris. Its powerful suction, advanced filtration system and versatile cleaning capabilities make it an excellent choice for any home.

Best Vacuum For Stairs Consumer Reports FAQs

Are cordless vacuums or corded vacuums better for cleaning stairs, according to Consumer Reports?

According to Consumer Reports, cordless vacuums are better for cleaning stairs than corded vacuums. Cordless vacuums offer more flexibility and mobility, allowing you to easily move up and down stairs without being tethered to an electrical outlet. They are also lighter in weight, making them easier to carry up and down stairs. Corded vacuums, on the other hand, can be cumbersome and difficult to maneuver on stairs.

Additionally, cordless vacuums have improved in recent years and now offer strong suction power and long battery life, making them a viable option for everyday cleaning tasks. However, it is important to note that corded vacuums may still be a better option for deep cleaning carpets or larger areas as they typically offer more powerful suction and larger dustbins.

Ultimately, the choice between cordless and corded vacuums will depend on your specific cleaning needs and preferences.

How do the prices of the top-rated vacuums for stairs compare, according to Consumer Reports?

According to Consumer Reports, the prices of the top-rated vacuums for stairs vary significantly. The most expensive model is the Dyson V11 Absolute, which costs around $700. It is followed by the Miele Complete C3 Marin at around $1,100. However, there are also more affordable options such as the Shark Rocket Corded Hand Vac, which has a price point of around $100, and the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe, which costs around $200. The Bissell PowerEdge Pet Hardwood Floor Corded Vacuum is another affordable option at around $70. Overall, the prices of the top-rated vacuums for stairs range from around $70 to over $1,000, depending on the brand, features, and performance. It is important to consider the specific needs and budget when choosing the best vacuum for stairs.

What are the key features to look for when selecting a vacuum for cleaning stairs, according to Consumer Reports?

According to Consumer Reports, the key features to look for when selecting a vacuum for cleaning stairs are:

1. Lightweight: A heavy vacuum can be tiring to carry up and down the stairs. Look for a model that is lightweight and easy to maneuver.

2. Portable: A handheld or stick vacuum is easier to use on stairs than an upright model. They are also more compact and easier to store.

3. Good suction power: A vacuum with strong suction power will be able to pick up dust, dirt, and pet hair from the stairs.

4. Long cord: A vacuum with a long cord will allow you to clean the entire staircase without having to switch outlets.

5. Attachments: Look for a vacuum with attachments such as a crevice tool, dusting brush, and upholstery tool. These can help you clean hard-to-reach areas and remove pet hair and dust from upholstery.

6. Quiet operation: A vacuum that operates quietly will be less disruptive to other people in the house or apartment building.

What are the top-rated vacuums for cleaning stairs, according to Consumer Reports?

According to Consumer Reports, the top-rated vacuums for cleaning stairs are the Shark Rocket DeluxePro TruePet HV322, the Dyson V11 Absolute, the Miele Complete C3 Marin, and the Kenmore Elite Pet Friendly 31150.

The Shark Rocket DeluxePro TruePet HV322 is a versatile and lightweight vacuum that can easily be converted into a handheld vacuum for stairs. It has a powerful motor and comes with multiple attachments for different cleaning tasks.

The Dyson V11 Absolute is a cordless stick vacuum with strong suction power and a long battery life. It also comes with several attachments for cleaning stairs and other surfaces.

The Miele Complete C3 Marin is a canister vacuum with a powerful motor and a variety of attachments, including a handheld turbo brush for stairs. It has excellent suction power and is known for its durability.

The Kenmore Elite Pet Friendly 31150 is an affordable upright vacuum with a powerful motor and a HEPA filter. It comes with a pet hair attachment and a telescoping wand for cleaning stairs.

Overall, these vacuums are highly rated for their suction power, versatility, and ability to clean stairs effectively.

Which vacuum models are recommended for their lightweight and portable design for stair cleaning?

When it comes to vacuum models that are recommended for their lightweight and portable design for stair cleaning, there are a few options to consider. One of the most popular choices is the Dyson V11 Absolute, which is a cordless vacuum that weighs just 6.68 pounds and can easily be carried up and down stairs. Another option is the Shark Rocket Corded Hand Vac, which is a handheld vacuum that weighs just 3.7 pounds and comes with a crevice tool and dusting brush for effective stair cleaning. The Bissell Lightweight Cordless Hand Vacuum is also a great choice, weighing in at just 2.6 pounds and featuring a powerful motor and crevice tool for efficient cleaning. Finally, the Hoover Linx Cordless Stick Vacuum is another lightweight and portable option, weighing just 7.3 pounds and featuring a removable battery for extended cleaning time. Overall, these vacuum models are all great choices for those looking for a lightweight and portable vacuum for stair cleaning.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 0 / 5. Vote count: 0

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

Sharing is caring!

Leave a Comment