That's why the Good Housekeeping Institute made it their mission to find the top vacuums on the market. In fact, we’ve tried and tested over 100 models to find the best money can buy. As a general rule, look for at least 20 minutes of battery life (this will give you ample time to get around a car) and a dust capacity of at least 0.3 litres if you don’t want to empty it often. It’s also worth noting that many cordless upright vacuums can also function as handhelds, so you may already have one in the home. With advances in brush head technology, notably in the ability to switch off the roller, uprights have become extremely versatile; they’re suitable for all types of flooring. Will upright vacuum cleaners take up a lot of space?

This isn’t exactly groundbreaking but can be a very useful feature to have on a cordless appliance. Some vacuums, including the Dyson V15 Detect, will handily count down your remaining battery time in minutes and seconds. Those looking for a full suite of attachments should consider the Dyson Ball Animal. This comes with a great selection of tools, a larger collection bin and a longer cord. It’s heavier, though, and costs more. In the early days of vacuums, if you wanted a new vacuum cleaner you would have found that your choice was Hoover, Hoover or Hoover –and many people still call vacuums "hoovers". But while Hoover still makes some of the best vacuum cleaners, rival firms have also really pushed forward with clever technology to make their cleaners faster, more powerful and more efficient. That means there's more choice than ever, with excellent models from big brands such as Dyson, Miele, Shark, Beko, and more. Whether you want to splurge or get something more affordable, there's something out there that's perfect for you.Using this feature, you can rewind the cord into the vacuum at the press of a button – brilliant if you’re fed up with winding the cord to tidy it away yourself. There’s a reason upright vacuum cleaners are such a popular choice – this classic style does it all, with a lightweight, easy-to-manoeuvre design and exceptional cleaning power. From the HL5 to the best-selling Upright 300, there’s an upright vacuum for everyone. Our upright vacuum cleaners promise high-performance cleaning on all floor types. Whether you want to deep clean your carpet or tidy a hardwood floor, a versatile stand up Hoover will get the job done. Our upright vacuums also come with push and lift capabilities and instant release wands, allowing portability for all your above-floor cleaning needs, such as sofas and stairs. We know how frustrating it can be to get hair caught in your vacuum, which is why we’ve introduced ANTI-TWIST™ technology to our upright vacuums. ANTI-TWIST™ means you don’t need to worry about hair getting tangled; our tech automatically removed it from the brushbar. But if you’re looking to invest in a new handheld, as well as battery life and dust capacity, you should also consider the weight. It may feel light at first, but it can get heavy and tiresome after a short while. The weight should be around 1-1.5kg on average. At least the dust collection bin is easy to remove and empty. A handle and thumb button on the top release it from the main unit, while a second button near the base opens a trap door to let the contents drop out. Plus, all the filters can be rinsed in clean running water. Hoover HL5 review: How well does it clean?

The upholstery attachment is wide with a small, flat head. Many also have a built-in fabric strip to help lift dust, dirt and hairs from fabric surfaces including sofas, mattresses, cushions and chairs.Cylinder vacuums are typically lighter and more portable than uprights, as the main body sits on the floor behind you for you to pull as you vacuum. They can be bagged or bagless, depending on your preference, and often come with a good selection of tools. They’ve been around for many years thanks to their lightweight and convenient design, and are ideal for those who struggle with heavier vacuums. READ NEXT: Clean up with the best robot vacuums you can buy The best upright vacuum cleaners to buy in 2023 1. Vax AirLift Steerable Advance: The best budget upright vacuum Generally, the bigger the capacity, the less often you’ll need to empty it. Vacuum capacities are measured in litres, whether bagged or bagless. If you’re in the market for an upright or cylinder, and don’t want to be taking constant trips to the bin, look for no less than two litres. We also look at how easy it is to convert into a handheld or more portable cleaner, the valuable tools and accessories it comes with to clean edges or removes pet hair, and whether the instructions are clear and concise. Best upright vacuum FAQs What to consider when buying an upright vacuum iRobot’s Roomba vacuums are iconic, so it’s hardly surprising its top-scoring models dominated our testing. This is the predecessor to the Combo J7+, meaning it shares many features, only without the added mop capabilities, so while it’s still a hefty investment, it’s slightly more affordable. Handheld