What are the features that make for the best multi-surface vacuum? First and foremost, these vacuums offer a high amount of customizability and suction power. To clean multiple floor types, the vacuum needs to switch between different settings with ease. A multi-surface option is also the best vacuum cleaner for large homes.upr
The best vacuums for cleaning multiple surfaces also offer plenty of flexibility and user-friendliness. They can work with many vacuum accessories and even clean up tough messes like pet hair and human hair. Plus, with large storage capacities, you can clean your entire house before needing to change the bag or empty the canister.
Keep reading to learn more about the best multi-surface vacuums and how you can be sure you’re buying the right one.
Top Multi-Surface Vacuums
#1 Tineco Floor One S3 Vacuum Cleaner
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: With a smart control system and the ability to handle liquids, this model rocks every feature you could possibly want. It’s an especially handy choice for households with children or pets.
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- Self-Propelled
- Wet-Dry cleaning functionality
- 5-in-1 Self-cleaning system
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- Only to be used with Tineco solutions
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The Tineco Floor one S3 cordless model is phenomenal across the board. This specialty vacuum cleaner offers a slew of technical features. These built-in systems will appeal to the tech-savvy while remaining usable for the technologically challenged. To aid in easing your cleaning, the 5-in-1 cleaning system ensures that your model is always ready to get to work. You’ll need to use Tineco cleaning solutions, however. So if you’re not fully sold on Tineco, you can check out our round-up of the best wet/dry vacs.
The lightweight body allows you to maneuver in tight spaces. Combine this with an exceptional suction strength and you have the perfect cross between portability and power. Even better, it’s a self-propelled model which means you save on both time and energy. There is also the inclusion of iLoop smart sensor technology. This means your vacuum will also wash hardwood floors to eliminate all traces of grime, whether liquid or solid.
#2 NEQUARE Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: Between the inclusion of storage racks and the design that lets it stand by itself, this model is an effortless addition to your cleaning repertoire. There’s also cyclonic technology which features an incredible centrifuge system that separates debris internally.
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- Inclusion of cyclonic technology
- Over 30 minutes of running time
- Features a detachable battery
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- Cannot handle liquids
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Advanced cyclone technology is at the heart of this vacuum. Multiple cyclones provide an ultimate clean by separating vacuumed material using a powerful centrifuge system. This powerful solution offers high-performance filtration, outperforming other models by 60-70%. The powerful suction works off of well over 150 watts. This makes cleaning crumbs, dirt, and allergens a breeze. Portability is another ingenious factor that you’ll love, especially with this model’s detachable battery design. Just don’t expect it to handle liquids.
While the power level is higher than other vacuums, it does not lack in run time due to the improvements made to the motor of this model. You can switch between levels of suction power to conserve between big cleaning jobs. For issues with dust or pet hair, easily suction sections of your home with the tube and dusting brush. For stray bits of pet food or larger debris, switch to maximum power to up the suction for a quicker clean.
#3 Eureka NEW200 Vacuum Cleaner
Award: BEST FOR ONE-STEP CLEANING
WHY WE LIKE IT: This vacuum with cord is fantastic for those looking to clean quickly and completely. You’ll love the inclusion of the 2-in-1 system responsible for its efficiency. This product promises powerful suction without leaving ugly streaks.
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- Mops while it vacuums
- Provides two tanks
- Inclusion of Fingertip Controls
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- Lacking in maneuverability
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When you purchase this product you’ll be able to skip the purchase of a mop. This model washes hard flooring while it vacuums to make cleaning less of a hassle for you. It won’t leave behind a streaky mess, making it great for anybody who wants only a perfect shine left behind. Sticky or stuck-on grime doesn’t stand a chance with the powerful technology this company implements. You won’t find a lot of maneuverability here, however.
There are two tanks for your water supply to ensure you aren’t spreading germs rather than cleaning them. The days of lugging around a bucket and using dirty mop water for cleaning are long over. You can also forget lugging anything around at all due to the swivel system design the manufacturer includes. There are also fingertip controls to allow for quick switching between surface types.
#4 Dyson Ball Multi Vacuum Cleaner
Award: BEST FOR ULTIMATE SUCTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: With the inclusion of Cyclone technology, this model has the most powerful suction you’ll find. This system is made for thorough, deep cleaning that leaves your entire house feeling fresh.
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- HEPA filtration technology
- Includes multiple accessories
- Powerful Cyclone technology
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- Heavier model
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A well-known name in the industry, this model boasts the same powerful features you can expect from any design by them. Washable HEPA filtration is a huge bonus for anybody struggling with allergens or households that have pets. In fact, this model is certified to be allergy and asthma-friendly. The exhaust expels clean air rather than letting dust and allergens escape like in other models. Unfortunately, that does make it a heavier option.
The inclusion of accessories dedicated to multiple styles of cleaning aids you in pinpointing problem areas and thoroughly taking care of them. There is even a pet-specific attachment for sucking up every trace of pet hair on almost any surface in your home. If you have delicate surfaces, this brand ensures you don’t have to worry about harming them.
#5 Shark ZU503AMZ Vacuum Cleaner
Award: BEST FOR PORTABILITY
WHY WE LIKE IT: There’s no vacuum better for portability than this option. You’ll love the easy clean-up, especially if you have furry friends. This vacuum features allergen technology to keep pet dander levels low.
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- Steers on a swivel
- Detachable cleaning pod
- Anti-Allergen Complete Seal technology
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- Lacks extra accessories
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Self-cleaning is a huge bonus, and the Shark ZU503AMZ Navigator comes with a fantastic self-cleaning brush roll. This keeps you from having to worry about picking pet hair out of a gross brush roll after you finish cleaning. Speaking of worry, you also don’t need to concern yourself with portability. This vacuum detaches from the main body and turns into a portable pod for easy cleaning on stairs, ceilings, and other tight areas. However, it doesn’t come with any extra tools.
A handy tool for upholstery allows for usage across all surfaces. This includes couches, curtains, counter space, and more. This vacuum cleaner is also an optimal option for those suffering from allergies or asthma. It features anti-allergen complete seal technology, which keeps wheezing to a minimum. There is HEPA filtration that serves to further its ability to ease allergenic factors in the environment.
#6 ProTeam Commercial Backpack Vacuum Cleaner
Award: BEST FOR BUSINESSES
WHY WE LIKE IT: If you require a business-level cleaning job, there are no models quite like this model. Lugging around a cumbersome model tires employees out quickly. Give them a helping hand with this wearable model.
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- Four-level advanced filtration system
- 10-quarts of cleaning capacity
- Wearable for extreme portability
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- Not intended for household usage
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Long gone are the days of lugging around a heavy machine when you choose this model. Business-specific options err on the cumbersome side, especially when you need something heavy-duty. This model comes with adjustable straps that secure over the arms with a belt around the chest. This keeps pressure from building on your shoulders and keeps the vacuum from sliding backward. It still would be a little awkward to use as a household vacuum.
Beyond this, there is ProLevel filtration technology packed into this small package. It isn’t large enough to be particularly bulky. However, it still has massively powerful suction to aid in cleaning up messes ranging from everyday dust to larger-than-life spills. This product is best used in a commercial setting but is a great option for larger homes or those who have at-home businesses.
Beginner’s Guide to Multi-Surface Vacuums
What Are Multi-Surface Vacuums?
A multi-surface vacuum is a household vacuum cleaner that can clean anything from hardwood floors to high-pile carpets. This appliance can clean up most debris, including pet hair, human hair, and dust particles. In general, multi-surface vacuums are more flexible than other options, thanks to their adjustable settings and maneuverability.
Multi-Surface Vacuums vs. Traditional Vacuums
When you consider core functionality and operation, both multi-surface vacuums and traditional vacuums provide the same experience. Once powered on, both options will create suction power that cleans up dry messes.
The differences between the two options come into play when you consider the additional features and functionality that multi-surface vacuums offer. To clean different floor types, these vacuums typically offer adjustable power setting options, an adjustable brush roll, and
adjustable vacuum height.
Multi-surface vacuums also tend to be more maneuverable and portable than standard options. Whether you’re cleaning low-pile carpet or vinyl flooring, these vacuums will glide smoothly over most floor surfaces with ease.
How Multi-Surface Vacuums Work
Like traditional models, the best all-in-one vacuum utilizes the same core technology to create enough suction power to pick up debris while you clean. An electrical motor spins a fan once you turn on the vacuum, creating a pressure drop inside the intake port. This pressure drop creates suction power, which carries the debris toward the exhaust port. As the debris passes the dust container, it falls in and remains there.
Do You Really Need a Multi-Surface Vacuum?
Most homes feature a variety of different surfaces, each of which retains dry messes, dust, human hair, and pet hair in different ways. To properly clean these different types of flooring, you’ll need a vacuum with adjustable settings to fit the specific scenario. The best multi-floor vacuum gives you this extended functionality and adjustability.
Is a Multi-Surface Vacuum Worth Buying?
- You Need to Clean Multiple Surfaces in Your Home: The best reason to purchase a multi-surface vacuum is if you have multiple surfaces in your home to clean. These vacuums are made to transition between hardwood floors, vinyl floors, high- and low-pile rugs, and high- and low-pile carpeting with ease. If this describes the types of floors in your home, then the best vacuum for mixed floors is going to be invaluable.
- You Need a Customizable Cleaning Experience: Most vacuums for cleaning multiple surfaces offer plenty of customizability through adjustable settings. If you want the best all-around vacuum that can handle every dirty situation you might face, then a model in this category is an excellent choice. With these vacuums, you’ll get the ability to adjust suction power, vacuum height, and brush roll power, to name a few adjustable features.
- You Need Better Cleaning Reach and Maneuverability: Most multi-surface vacuums offer advanced functionality in terms of maneuverability. These vacuums are made to move smoothly over any surface type with their swivel steering and lightweight design.
Why a Multi-Surface Vacuum May Not Be For You
- You Only Have One Type of Flooring in Your Home: If you only have one type of floor in your home, then you’d be better off purchasing a model made specifically for that floor type. This way, you’ll get the best cleaning experience for your home.
- You Need Something More Affordable: The best multi-surface vacuums tend to carry a higher price tag than standard options. If you’re on a budget, then the cost of these vacuums might be out of your price range.
- You Need to Clean Pools or Ponds: If you need to clean outside areas like your pool or pond, you’ll need to find a specific vacuum to help. Look for the best pond vacuum or the best pool vacuum robot instead.
How Long Will a Multi-Surface Vacuum Last?
If you were to ask professional cleaners, like those at Classic Cleaners, they would inform you that most vacuums will last you anywhere between five and seven years. While this number is true for the average vacuum cleaner, you can expect a little more lifespan from a multi-surface vacuum.
Generally speaking, multi-surface vacuums are high-end models with more advanced technology. As such, they tend to last a bit longer than the average option. Of course, the way you treat your vacuum also plays a big factor in its overall lifespan. We recommend regularly emptying the dust canister, washing the washable filter, and cleaning the internal components to extend your vacuum’s lifespan. This is ideal, especially for a great vacuum like the Bissell wet/dry vac.
How to Choose the Best Multi-Surface Vacuum
When it comes time to choose the best multi-floor vacuum, you should first understand what types of floors you have in your home. Then, purchase a model that works well with those specific surfaces. Also, consider the storage capacity, filtering capabilities, and adjustability of the vacuum you buy. This way, you’ll find an option that meets your exact requirements.
Multi-Surface Vacuum Key Factors to Consider
1. What type of vacuum should you purchase to clean multiple surfaces?
Multi-surface vacuums come in all shapes and sizes, which might cause a little confusion during your research process. Take a look at the following types of vacuums so you can identify which one works best for your home, flooring, and cleaning needs:
- Upright: This is the most common type of vacuum available today. The best upright vacuums stand straight up and balance on top of the vacuum head, which also houses the intake house and brush roll. Most multi-surface vacuums are upright vacuums because of their strong suction capabilities and multi-functionality, just like you’ll see in our review of the Bissell Cleanview upright bagless 2252.
- Stick: This is a type of upright vacuum with a more portable and lightweight design. Stick vacs are also popular multi-surface options because of their versatility and advanced technology. Most stick options are cordless vacuums for even greater flexibility. Most of these are also bagless vacuums, which feature a removable canister instead of replacement bags. If you’re looking for the best lightweight vacuum, you can’t go wrong with cordless stick vacuums.
- Canister: This type of vacuum features a large canister body with wheels for easier transportation and an extendable hose. Despite its wheeled body, a canister vacuum isn’t as portable as an upright vacuum, especially for cleaning multiple surface types. However, they are good for cleaning tight spaces and hard-to-reach areas. You can also use a wide array of vacuum accessories with a canister vacuum more easily, leading to a more customizable experience overall.
- Robot: This type of vacuum features a compact design and autonomous operation. Despite their smaller size, robotic vacuums offer powerful suction over multiple floor types, making them good choices for anyone who wants a hands-off approach to cleaning. After programming the cleaning area and setting the cleaning schedule, your robotic vacuum will do all the work for you.
- Handheld: This type of vacuum offers the best portability out of any other type. In most cases, a handheld vacuum is a cordless vacuum that you can easily carry in a single hand. Handheld vacuum cleaners operate on battery life and are best to clean smaller areas across multiple surfaces. A handheld vacuum doesn’t offer as much suction power as other vacuums, but it works great for cleaning smaller messes in your home, car, or office. Or, like the best handheld carpet shampooer for stairs, they can get into the smallest crevice.
2. What floor types do you have in your home?
Most multi-surface vacuums are made to handle a specific variety of different surface types. Unfortunately, it’s very rare to find an option that can clean them all without damage. Consider the types of flooring in your home, and then find a vacuum that will work for those surfaces. Most vacuums will advertise precisely what kind of flooring they can clean directly on the box or in the online product description.
3. What adjustable settings should you consider?
One of the biggest selling points of multi-surface vacuums is that they can easily adjust to fit the specific surface they are cleaning. So, what specific adjustable settings do you need to consider? Take a look at the following list so you can purchase an option with the right features for your needs:
- Suction power: A vacuum with different suction settings gives you the ability to create a balance between cleaning power and delicate operation. This is crucial if you go back and forth between carpet or rugs and bare flooring.
- Brush roll: When you’re cleaning carpet, a brush roll can help you agitate debris out of the carpet’s fibers. However, that same brush roll can fling debris all over the place on bare floors. This is why it’s important to purchase a multi-surface vacuum that allows you to turn the brush roll off and on at will.
- Vacuum height: A vacuum with an adjustable height allows you to customize your cleaning experience for different carpet heights. You’ll need a taller vacuum height for high-pile carpets, like the leading robot vacuum for high pile carpets. And, for low-pile carpets, the opposite is true.
4. What additional features should you consider?
Multi-surface vacuums tend to offer a wide range of extra features to consider, depending on the exact model you purchase. However, not all of those additional features or functionalities are necessary for every person. Let’s take a look at some of these extra options:
- Bagless design vs. bagged design: Both bagless and bagged vacuums offer their own pros and cons. With bagless vacuums, you’ll get a canister that captures all of the debris. These are easier to maintain and clean. With bagged vacuums, you’ll get replaceable bags that capture all of the debris. With regular maintenance costs, these are more expensive in the long run than bagless vacuums, but they also tend to last longer since the debris isn’t reaching the internal components of the vacuum.
- Corded design vs. cordless design: In the past, corded vacuums were the only options available. However, cordless vacuums are starting to become more popular. A corded vacuum tends to offer more power than a cordless vacuum. However, the portability of a cordless vacuum is a huge plus.
- Filter: If there are any allergy sufferers in your home, then you’ll want to consider a vacuum with a better filter. Vacuums with a HEPA filter are the best since they can eliminate over 99% of allergens from the air.
- Storage capacity: Depending on how much you need to vacuum on a regular basis, you may need to purchase a vacuum cleaner with greater storage capacity. You won’t want to constantly empty the dust canister every time you vacuum a room, especially if you’re cleaning large messes like pet hair.
5. What vacuum attachments and accessories do you need?
Most multi-surface vacuums can work with vacuum attachments and accessories. These extra tools are incredibly handy for a wide range of different cleaning scenarios. Many vacuums include additional accessories with your purchase, but you can also purchase third-party extras.
Some of the most common accessories to use with your multi-surface vacuum include:
- Crevice tool
- Upholstery tool
- Stair tool
- Combination tool
- Pet hair attachments
- Brush tool
