Do You Need to Decide Between a Canister & a Stick Vacuum?

Is a Canister Vacuum Better Than a Stick Vacuum? Discover the Pros & Cons of Each & Find Out Which Will Best Suit Your Home. Keep Reading…

Canister vs. Stick Vacuums

Is a Canister Vacuum Better Than a Stick Vacuum? Discover the Pros & Cons of Each & Find Out Which Will Best Suit Your Home. Keep Reading…
This article contains tops tips from our experts, backed by in-depth research.
Last Updated: 18 Apr 2025
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Canister Vs Stick Vacuums

Have you ever wondered which would triumph in a battle between canister vs stick vacuums?

The vacuum industry sales were $11.47 billion in 2021, and between 2022 and 2030, they’re projected to increase by 9.8%1.

But with so many vacuum cleaners on the market, how do you know which vacuum is right for you? 

When it comes to keeping your home spick and span, choosing between canister and stick vacuums can feel like a tough call.

Canister vacuums offer powerful suction and versatility for deep cleaning, while stick vacuums shine with their lightweight design and ease of storage.

Pros include efficient cleaning and maneuverability, but cons can include bulkiness or battery life issues in some stick models.

As experts in our field, we discuss the following in this article:

    The ByPurify team has done some in-depth research on canister and stick vacuums to help you decide which one’s best for you, so read on to find out more…

    An Overview of Canister Vacuums

    In my overview of canister vacuums, we’ll discuss what a canister vacuum is, when to use it, some pros and cons to consider, and the best canister vacuums currently on the market. 

    Let's review these vacuums in more detail:

    What's a Canister Vacuum?

    A canister vacuum cleaner comprises a canister that houses the motor and an attachment used to clean floors or other surfaces or areas of the home. 

    You move the wand rather than the entire vacuum to clean, and they're usually equipped with retractable cords.

    Pros & Cons of Canister Vacuums

    Below is a quick overview of the pros and cons of canister vacuums

    Pros

    Have a look at the pros of canister vacuums below:

    • They’re lightweight and portable.
    • You can easily access difficult-to-reach areas with the attachments.
    • They have a low noise level.

    Cons

    The cons of a canister vacuum can be summed up below:

    • Because it’s low to the ground, you must bend down.
    • In cluttered areas, you might bump into something as you pull it along.
    • More storage space is required when not in use.

    When to Use a Canister Vacuum

    Canister vacuums are excellent for removing dust and grime from both hard and soft surfaces, including those in restaurants and small retail establishments, hotel rooms, and offices. 

    A canister vacuum is your best choice if your house is less than 2000 ft² and has many nooks and crannies to clean.

    Best Canister Vacuums

    The Kenmore Elite Pet-Friendly UltraPlush 81714 is my favorite bagged canister vacuum because it has a HEPA filter, a retractable cord, and is compatible with a variety of flooring types.

    My best-budget canister vacuum is the Bissell Zing, as it has an easy bin-emptying process, an auto-rewinding cord, and a telescopic wand for the finer types of debris.

    Learn more about ByPurify’s list of the best canister vacuums of the year so you can find the right one for you. 

    An Overview of Stick Vacuums

    In my overview of stick vacuums, we’ll discuss what a stick vacuum is, the pros and cons of stick vacuums, when to use a stick vacuum, and the best stick vacuums currently on the market and how does this vacuum compare to a canister vacuum cleaner?

    Let's take an in-depth look at these points:

    What's a Stick Vacuum?

    A stick vacuum is a smaller, lighter vacuum that can be used with a variety of attachments. 

    Because the motor and suction head are in the same unit, you simply push it back and forth to clean. 

    Some systems have a power cord, while others are cordless and run on a rechargeable battery for a short amount of time before needing to be recharged.

    Pros & Cons of Stick Vacuums

    Below is a quick overview of the pros and cons of stick vacuums.

    Pros

    View the pros of a stick vacuum below:

    • They’re small, light, and portable.
    • They’re perfect for carpeting and sizeable areas.
    • There are cordless options.
    • Some detach to allow the top portion to be used as a handheld.
    • They’re simple to store when not in use.
    • They’re easy to empty.

    Cons

    Discover the cons of a stick vacuum below:

    • If the vacuum is corded, cleaning the stairs is very difficult.
    • They’re generally less powerful than canister vacuums.
    • It’s a challenge to access nooks and crannies.
    • Stick vacuum types that run on batteries only last a short time after each charge.

    When to Use a Stick Vacuum

    If you only need to do a quick clean-up, a stick vacuum is ideal, especially for open floors and stairs.

    Stick vacuums are also a lot quieter than canister vacuums, which makes them ideal if you need to quickly and quietly suck up a small spill.

    You can also use a stick vacuum if you have heavy furniture that you aren’t able to move because a stick might be able to glide underneath it easily.

    Best Stick Vacuums

    My best compact stick vacuum choice is the Shark DuoClean IF201, as it has Multiplex technology (which enables you to have a flexible handle while cleaning), features a strong battery life, and can fold down for easy storage.

    My best stick vacuum for pet hair is the Shark Navigator, as it works well on both carpets and hard floors, has exceptional suction power, and has an extended run time. 

    To help you choose the best stick vacuum, we've put together a list of my top picks for you to browse through.

    Factors to Consider When Choosing Between a Canister & a Stick Vacuum

    The factors to consider when choosing between a canister and stick vacuum are the physical ability of the vacuum, storage space, and the layout of your home. 

    Let’s have a closer look:

    Physical Ability

    When choosing between a canister and a stick vacuum, it's important to consider their physical abilities. 

    Even though the main unit of a canister vacuum may be heavy, the hose and wand should be easy to move.

    Conversely 

    Even though stick vacuums are lighter, you have to carry them around while you clean, which may be difficult or cumbersome for some.

    Storage

    Keep in mind that canister vacuums require large cupboard space, but take up less vertical storage.

    On the other hand, canister vacuums can be taken apart and stored in a smaller cupboard, but their bases are wider.

    Home Layout

    It’s important to consider the layout of your home, including any hard-to-clean spaces (like stairs), versus the weight of canister vacuums and the crevice tools that each type of vacuum cleaner comes with.

    Simply put

    What you need for your home will ultimately determine whether you choose a canister or a stick vacuum, but to aid in your decision-making, take maneuverability, weight, and storage into account.

    Why You Can Trust ByPurify

    You can trust ByPurify because I aim to help you, my readers, choose the best vacuum cleaner for your needs and the needs of those around you.

    I compared canister and stick vacuums and looked at their pros and cons, their features, and how they perform, to give you the most precise info that’ll allow you to make a safe and informed choice.

    Additionally, my team is always on the lookout for new products and makes to test, try, and review before letting you know about them. 

    Common Questions

    Is a Stick Vacuum Worth It?

    Do Canister Vacuums Work Better?

    How Long Do Stick Vacuums Last?

    Why Are Stick Vacuums So Popular?

    Why Do People Buy Canister Vacuums?

    How Do I Choose a Canister Vacuum?

    Are Stick Vacuums Good on Carpets?

    Where Does the Dirt Go in a Stick Vacuum?

    Which Shark Stick Vacuum Is the Best?

    Can You Use a Canister Vacuum on Carpets?

    In Conclusion

    When it comes to canister vs stick vacuums; a stick vacuum works best for tiny spaces or as an additional cleaning tool, while canister vacuums are typically used for bigger vacuuming tasks. 

    Which option is best for you will mostly depend on your preferences and your living situation, and so the ByPurify team would suggest analyzing these factors before making your decision. 

    I hope that this comprehensive guide has equipped you with all you need to know before making your next vacuum cleaner purchase!

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