Convention says canister vacuums—the type with a low, compact body and a long hose that you attach to a brush—are very effective on bare floors. They’re also easy to use on stairs and maneuver around ...

CR has found that canister vacuums are perfect for cleaning stairs in homes with multiple levels because you don’t have to lift the whole appliance. All the canister vacuums we test at Consumer ...

Consumer Reports' tests reveal that the best canister vacuums are great at cleaning bare floors and even picking up pet hair.