If you’re searching for the best canister vacuum for pet hair, (congrats!) you’re landing on the right buying guide.
While sharing a top list that’s carefully categorized, we also include a brief instruction and some FAQs’ answers to help you determine precisely which is the best for your needs. Without further ado, let’s start with the list first:
- Kenmore 600 Series 81614- Best overall
- Miele Grey Classic C1 Pure Suction – Best for wood floors
- Miele Classic C1 Cat & Dog – Best for high-pile carpets
- Bissell Hard Floor 1547 – Best overall
- Ovente ST2620B – Budget-friendly option
- Severin Germany Bagless Canister Vacuum Cleaner – Quietest
Best bagged canister vacuum for pet hair
Kenmore 600 Series 81614 – Best overall
- Equipped with Pet PowerMate features, HEPA filtration system, and pet-specific head -> perfect for pet parents
- Collect and capture 99.97% dust and microscopic molecules -> giving cleaner air
- Come in a solid all-in-one set for versatile uses
- Can’t remove flour on hardwood
- A little bit heavy
The vacuum is solidly built for cleaning on smooth and carpeted surfaces.
While providing a major brush-roll, there are included a pet-specific head, dusting brush, bare floor tool, and crevice tool, meaning it’s versatile enough for multiple cleaning tasks.
Moreover, it’s equipped with a HEPA filtration system to trap microscopic dust molecules better. In addition to the Pet PowerMate feature, we believe this is a good choice for pet parents.
Product Specs
| Power Rating | 12.0 amps |
| Cleaning Path Width | 14 inches |
| Power Cord Length | 28 feet |
| Hose Length | 7 feet |
| Suction power settings | 2 |
| Highlight Features | Pet PowerMate, Pop-N-Go brush, Variable Power mode, bagged vacuums with the enhanced HEPA certified filtration system |
During our test, we generally feel the Kenmore 81614 do the best jobs out of the other two 600 series versions and also, many other units on the market.
Miele Grey Classic C1 Pure Suction – Best for wood floors
- Lightweight, compact design & a specialized head nozzle for hardwood flooring
- Have Silent Mode to vacuum silently at 81 dB at 3’ away
- Collect 94% of particles under 0.3 microns in diameter
- Easy to tip over
On that setting, it emits just 81 decibels at 3 feet away, which is freakily suitable for apartment usage.
We also impressed by its efficient AirClean system that’s proved to collect 94% of particles under 0.3 microns in diameter. At this price point, this model is truly a bang-for-buck.
Differing from the Kenmore, this vacuum cleaner is rather lightweight and compact. It also has an SBB Parquet-3 Parquet floor brush designed specifically for hardwood floors.
Product Specs
| Power Rating | 10 amps |
| Cleaning Path Width | 11 inches |
| Power Cord Length | 18 feet |
| Hose Length | 7 ½ feet |
| Suction power settings | 6 |
| Highlight Features | 6 different suction power settings, AirClean System |
Featuring lightweight design and a specialized head nozzle for hardwood floors, Miele Grey Classic C1 can do the best of both worlds – ultimately cleaning wood flooring without leaving any scratches.
Miele Classic C1 Cat & Dog – Best for high-pile carpets
- 1200W motor – powerful enough for carpeting
- Can remove pet hairs and odors efficiently
- 5-setting height adjustment to keep you the most comfortable while cleaning
- Heavy and bulky for stairs
- The electric cord is a bit short
While giving 5-setting height adjustment, this unit highlights the Electro Plus floorhead, making any cleaning tasks of whether large room hinders or in-depth carpeting not a matter anymore.
We’re also glad that it can remove pet odor and dander (which is a big thank you to the Airclean filtration system)
Besides, hard flooring isn’t a matter of this powerful vacuum cleaner. By adding the SBB Parquet Floor Brush, it can remove sands, dust, debris, and flour on wood floors.
Product Specs
| Power Rating | 9.5 amps |
| Cleaning Path Width | 11 inches |
| Power Cord Length | 18 feet |
| Hose Length | 7 feet |
| Suction power settings | 6 |
| Highlight Features | powerful suction with the 1,200W motor, compact, lightweight, unique STB20 Mini Turbo Brush, SEB228 Electro+ motorized brush, Active AirClean filter |
Designed with the pet parents in mind, Miele Classic C1 Cat & Dog is the most efficient vacuum cleaner on high-pile carpets that you can count on.
Best bagless canister vacuum for pet hair
Bissell Hard Floor 1547 – Best overall
- Easy to carry around
- Auto alert when the dust bin is full
- Multi-cyclonic technology helps to suck dust and debris on the hardwood floor without scratching it
- The head nozzle for carpeting isn’t efficient
- Don’t have a motorized brush
Despite a bagless model, it features a two-stage filtration system to determine the dust and debris, hence, storing them more appropriately. This wise add-on feature truly helps Bissell 1547 expand its dust bin capacity.
Not to say that it’s built to automatically inform you when to empty the dust bin, making an easier cleanup.
Another big bonus is its lightweight mass and compact size that avoids the cumbersome feeling when moving or carrying the unit around.
Product Specs
| Power Rating | 9.2 amps |
| Cleaning Path Width | 11 inches |
| Power Cord Length | 18 feet |
| Hose Length | 7 feet |
| Suction power settings | 1 |
| Highlight Features | Multi-Cyclonic Technology, multi-surface foot, easy empty dirt tank, compact and lightweight design for easy carrying and storage |
Thanks to its mega suction power and the multi-cyclonic technology, Bissell 1547 is the best choice for hardwood floors, tiles, and concrete.
Ovente ST2620B – Budget-friendly option
- The most affordable unit in this list for people in a tight budget
- 1400W motor to work powerfully but the Energy-Saving Speed Controls still can help you save energy
- Can work on different surfaces
- The HEPA filtration system can’t hold a big quantity of dust -> require regular cleaning
- Short power cord – lower flexibility
Despite the $75 price tag, it’s built with an incredible 1400W motor and the gold standard HEPA filtration system.
In addition to 2-setting suction power adjustment and multiple integrated accessories, it can clean on multiple surfaces and suck any kinds of debris. Even pets’ odors or microscopic dust molecules of under 0.3 microns in diameter.
There’re also Energy-Saving Speed Controls to save energy as well.
Product Specs
| Power Rating | 12 amps |
| Cleaning Path Width | 10 inches |
| Power Cord Length | 12-15 feet |
| Hose Length | 4 feet |
| Suction power settings | 2 |
| Highlight Features | equipped with the gold standard HEPA filter, small, lightweight, comes with different attachments |
Multi-functional, powerful yet compact, and superb. Who would think that the Ovente ST2620B is only priced under $75?
Severin Germany Bagless Canister Vacuum Cleaner – Quietest
- Silent
- Energy efficiency
- Materials have fine finish to be durable and long-lasting
- HEPA filter
- The spinning brush and carpet tool aren’t still not quality
Like the Bissell, this comes with a multi-cyclonic technology, HEPA filtration system, and multiple attachments to meet all kinds of versatilities.
What helps it beat off the beast Bissell 1547 is silent operation – 77 decibels at the lowest suction setting.
Product Specs
| Power Rating | 8 amps |
| Cleaning Path Width | 11 inches |
| Power Cord Length | 20 feet |
| Hose Length | 6 feet |
| Suction power settings | – |
| Highlight Features | Constant Multicyclone technology, HEPA filter, XL parquet nozzle |
Emitting just 77 decibels of sound, the Severin Germany Bagless Canister Vacuum Cleaner is the quietest in this list.
How to choose the best canister vacuum for pet hair (buying guide)
Filtration System
In terms of weight, pet hair is apparently heavier than normal dust. Not to say that it’s usually long and stuck in long-pile carpets or rugs.
That’s why we advise pet owners to pay attention to the vacuum’s filtration system, especially if you’re also suffering pet allergies or asthma. This component should not only pick up all pet hair and dander, even the ones deeply hidden in carpets but also can remove pets’ odors.
Accordingly, two worth-considering options are:
- AirClean filtration system
- Gold standard HEPA filtration system
Might we not need to talk much about HEPA filters, especially their famous capability of capturing 99.97% of microscopic molecules in under 0.3 microns’ diameter. However, they’re costlier than the AirClean.
Even though AirClean only collects 94% of micro dust, the price is more budget-friendly and such quality is considered enough to relief normal allergy sufferers.
Multiple attachments and integrated accessories
As your cats and dogs don’t just litter their hair on carpets or rugs, but everywhere. Make sure the canister vacuum cleaner that you choose must come in multiple attachments and accessories for specific spots around the house.
Such as corners, furniture, hardwood floors, tiles, and concrete (if your house has multiple floorings).
If there are many hinders and tight corners around your living spaces, ensure there is also an extension tube for small attachments.
For hard floor vacuuming, you should check if the bristles of its brush-roll are soft enough to cause no damage on surfaces during the cleanup.
Suction power and settings
Suction power will change based on two things:
- The pets you have (long-haired or short-haired)
- The flooring type in your house
The longer the pet hair, the more powerful the vacuum suction.
For example, if you’re raising a golden retriever, considering a vacuum cleaner with strong suction power is a must. But with a Chihuahua, just worry less!
Similar to the flooring type.
For the bare floors only, it’s okay to settle with a vacuum with not the most powerful suction. But that will be a whole different story with thick rugs and heavy, deep-set carpets.
In this case, you should opt for a high-quality suction power of the vacuum which can let you get deep down into their trenches. Something like the upright or canister vacuums are the best choice.
Besides, it should come in several suction power settings so that you can freely adjust to suit your cleaning needs. Multiple settings also allow the unit to run at a lower noise level, which is particularly useful for apartment vacuuming.
Who makes the best canister vacuum for pet hair?
Kenmore
With over 100 years’ expertise in home care, we bet many of you have heard of this brand (at least once in life). They’re not only the market leader in practical designs but also the innovations.
Up to now, Kenmore has won several valuable awards from Women’s Choice, Consumers Digest, and Reviewed.com.
Miele
Founded in 1899 as an independent family-owned company, this Germania company has 120 years’ experience in household appliances.
Targeting the premium segments, Miele products are superior not only in quality but also in customer services.
Bissell
Considered as an OG in floor care innovation with over 140 years of history, this family-owned brand has now been the king, leading in innovation, practicality, and futuristic designs.
FAQs
Can a canister vacuum be powerful enough to wipe out pet hair?
With a suitable pet hair nozzle head and powerful motor (at least 1000 amps), a canister vacuum can wipe out pet hair, even from carpets or rugs.
Are bagless vacuums better than bagged?
Neither of these two types is a perfect-all-kill option. They have their own strength and weakness, which to know the better one for your needs, take a look at this table:
| Bagless Vacuums | Bagged Vacuums | |
| Strength | No extra cost in dust bags Tend to be smaller and more compact than the bagged vacuums More affordable | Provide powerful suction for longer to handle any cleaning tasks Better filtration system Sealed dust bag helps to prevent dust from escaping after being collected |
| Weakness | The filtration system isn’t as efficient as the bagged vacuums. It can’t handle big quantity of dust -> you have to clean regularly | Require extra cost in dust bags A bit heavier and more cumbersome when carrying around or stairs |
| Best for | Small to medium cleaning tasks People who overweigh the portability and mobility over cleaning efficiency | People who are suffering from allergies or asthma Big messes or cleaning tasks |
How long do canister vacuums last?
Averagely 8 years (according to the Consumer Reports).
Are canister vacuums better than uprights for pet hair?
In terms of cleaning capacity, canister and uprights vacuums are quite similar. They’re built with a powerful motor to collect long, heavy pet hair efficiently.
But according to the unlimited engine size of canister cleaner, its lighter weight, and compact silhouette for mobility and maneuverability, it’s superior to clean around the house with less effort and fatigue.
Does vacuuming scratch hardwood floors?
It depends on which kind of brush-roll in the vacuum cleaner that you’re using. If the major brushing tool features moderately soft bristles, it’s safe for hardwood floors. Canister vacuum cleaners are one of the shiniest examples for that.
Conclusion
When it comes to vacuuming pet hair, the canister models are the best candidate, no matter they’re bagged or bagless, portable or a little bit cumbersome.
Out of numerous options on the market with unequal quality, the list above is guaranteed the best canister vacuums for pet hair that we’ve carefully collected. Here’s to hoping it’s useful and informative. Thanks for reading!
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I’m James J. Decker, a hobbyist and DIYs and also a big of home improvement and gardening tools. I immensely enjoy how these amazing products improve productivity and efficiency, and allow me to do jobs for which I would’ve otherwise needed professional help.
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