Our Top Five Upright Vacuums for 2010

1. Dyson DC28 Upright Vacuum Cleaner

Who could disagree with this #1 selection? Dyson employs the best design on the planet for producing big-time vacuuming suction. Their patented Root Cyclone technology has been much imitated but never equaled. This unit sucks it up, from embedded dirt and dust, to hair and larger bits of debris. The pet-lover inspired AirMuscle technology will make you think your cats and dogs have given up shedding. It is the premier cleaner of carpet and bare floors on the market. Independent tests and satisfied customers will give you an argument if you suggest any other unit for the top spot. It’s not an expenditure; it is an investment in the life of your flooring.

2. Riccar Brilliance Upright Vacuum Cleaner

We like the Riccar company because they seem committed to making their motto, “the first name in vacuums that last” a truism, and not an empty boast. They are built, top to bottom, with the finest components in the industry. Other units have slightly more suction. Some have handier tools. A few can do more jobs. But for outstanding cleaning properties that will stand the test of time, the Riccar Brilliance is unbeatable. When you want your floors clean, and you want your unit to endure, the Brilliance is priced right and built to last.

3. Oreck Halo Upright Vacuum Cleaner

The Oreck Halo is a futuristic machine from a company with a solid past. The Halo’s UV light signals the next wave in floor cleaning, a light wave that takes clean all the way to the microorganism level! We know that foot traffic and incoming pets dump loads of micro-monsters on the floor. The number of “germs” per square foot of flooring would make a sanitary engineer cringe. The Halo kills or inhibits these bacteria, viruses, dust mite eggs and flea eggs, with its UV light, something you could only do before with harsh chemicals. Plus, the line has good, old-fashioned vacuum power to get rid of run of the mill dirt, dust and pet hair. Health care and child care facilities have been waiting for this unit, and it is great for residential settings, too.

4. Eureka Boss SmartVac 470 Upright Vacuum Cleaner

It is hard to ignore a model that is consistently honored as “Best Vacuum” or “Best Value.” And why would we want to ignore this rock-solid machine? It consistently performs at the top of its class in terms of floor cleaning and convenience. Handy onboard tools make it an all-in-one cleaning force for every room in the house. A disposable bag receptacle keeps you out of touch of the dirt the Boss just gathered. A fantastic all-around machine!

5. Sanitaire SC9180 Upright Vacuum Cleaner

This vacuum packs residential-level versatility into a commercial grade machine. The best of both worlds is achieved with the flexibility to remove even stubborn dirt from bare floors, all heights of carpeting, and from above ground furnishings. The long hose, handy wand, and customized tools make cleaning at any level convenient, from under desks to overhead light fixtures. And the SC9180 has the commercial components that will keep it on active duty in homes and businesses for years.

Honorable mentions

Kirby Sentria Upright Vacuum Cleaner: This 12-in-1 machine does a very good job cleaning carpets and rugs, bare floors, walls, upholstery, mattresses, and more. Shampoos carpeting, too. The list goes on.
Hoover 1800 Upright Vacuum Cleaner: Hoover has created the perfect vacuum for the office, smaller retail store, or restaurant. Features include powerful suction, a 14-inch nozzle that is wide enough to cover some ground but not too wide to fit into corners, and a cord length designed to keep things humming. Not too pricey to be a great residential unit, either.
Dyson DC25 Upright Vacuum Cleaner: Ball Technology for ease of maneuvering is combined with the tremendous suction of the 88,000 rpm motor. Get to where you want to go, and get the dirt, debris, and hair hiding there. That pretty much covers the basics of good vacuuming.