Best Vacuum for Hardwood Floor: Top 5 Picks for 2017
#1. Dyson V8 Absolute Cordless
Without a doubt, Dyson vacuums are the top of the line, and the V8 Absolute sweeper / handheld is no exception. Not only is it cordless with 20 minutes of run time, but it also has a soft roller head that won’t scratch even the most delicate wood floors. On top of that, it’s also two vacuums in one. Just pop off the extension tube, and you have one of the most powerful handheld vacuum cleaners available on the market today.
Video Review
Specs
- Weight: 5.1 pounds
- Cleaning Path Width: 9”
- Cordless: Yes
- Bagless: Yes
- Suction Power: 100 Air Watts
- Bin Volume: 0.11 Gallons
- Run Time: 20 Minutes
- Charge Time: 3.5 Hours
- Dimension: 9.8” x 47.5” x 8.2”
- Volts: 110
- Warranty: 2 Years
Accessories Included
- Combination tool
- Crevice tool
- Mini motorized tool
- Soft Dusting brush
- Soft roller cleaning head
- Battery charger
- Direct drive cleaner head
- Removable extension wand
- Docking / Charging Station
Pros
- Very powerful
- Amazing for hardwood floors and tile
- Great tools included
Cons
One of the few complaints of the V8 Absolute is that it doesn’t come with a place to store the tools. Since the vac itself is so small and lightweight, there’s nowhere on it to store the attachments, and there’s nowhere to store them on the docking station. So, you’ll need to store them separately in a box or bag.
One user had a very innovative idea in that she put Velcro on each attachment and a corresponding piece on the wall, so they’re always at hand when she needs them.
V8 Absolute vs V8 Motorhead
The biggest difference in these models is that the Absolute has HEPA filtration, while the Motorhead does not. Both work great on hardwood floors, but if you’re concerned about allergies, the HEPA filter is a great added bonus.
Does pet hair get stuck in it?
According to user reviews, dog and cat hair doesn’t catch up in the soft roller head. One review from a woman with two dogs says this vac keeps the whole house so much cleaner, and the mini motorized tool is great for getting hair off the couch and chairs.
If you do have long hair or pets with long hair, and it gets tangled in the brush, it’s really easy to pop the brush out to slide the hair off. This is definitely a step up from other brands where you need to cut off the hair and then pull it off.
How does it do on tile floors?
Do I have to keep the trigger pressed?
How do I store it?
How powerful is it?
Are the attachments cross-compatible?
Will it damage delicate rugs?
Can I use it while it’s plugged in?
Is it loud?
Final Verdict
If you have a smaller home or can do all your vacuuming in about 20 minutes, buy the Dyson V8 Absolute. If it fits into your budget, it’s a great investment and will save you tons of time and hassle that comes with a regular corded vac. It does an amazing job on hardwood floors and is also the one to beat if you have pet hair to pick up.
#2. Shark Rocket Ultra Light
While it does have a cord, the Shark Rocket Ultra Light is a good mid – priced sweeper type vac that also converts to a handheld, so it’s like having two vacuums for the price of one. It comes with some great tools (including a brush for dog and cat hair) and offers enough versatility for floor to ceiling cleaning.
Video Review
Specs
- Weight: 8 pounds
- Cleaning Path Width: 13”
- Cordless: No
- Cord Length: 30’
- Auto Cord Rewind: No
- Bagless: Yes
- Suction Power: 500 watts
- Dimensions: 10.2” x 13.4” x 47.2”
- Volts: 110
- Warranty: 5 Years
Accessories Included
- LED headlights
- TruePet mini motorized brush
- Crevice tool
- Dust away hard floor attachment
- Wall mount
Pros
- Good for pet hair
- Versatile with a detachable handheld
Cons
One thing users comment on with this Rocket (especially vs the Dyson) is that it’s a bit on the heavy side. It’s only 8 pounds, which is about one-third of the weight of an upright model, but when you use it as a handheld, it feels pretty heavy.
If you’ll be using the handheld feature a lot, you may want to opt for a more lightweight model, but if you’re using it like a regular vacuum, the weight doesn’t seem to be a problem.
Is the filter washable?
How well does it work on pet hair?
This Shark Rocket seems to work very well for picking up pet hair. In one review, a user says she has two dogs plus a long haired cat, and they all shed a lot. She says the Ultra Light works great at picking up the hair, and the motorized brush does a good job of getting it off the furniture. Her only complaint is that the dirt bin is smaller than that of a regular upright, so she has to empty it out more often.
If you have a lot of carpeting in your home, you may want to take a look at our best vacuums for pet hair, as the ones on this list really are meant more for bare floors.
Does it work well on stairs?
Does it have adjustments for thicker carpet?
Is it loud?
Deluxe Pro vs True Pet
Does it have edge cleaning?
Does it have lights?
Is the cord retractable?
Is it easy to store?
Rocket vs Navigator
How does it do on laminate?
Final Verdict
While it’s not a cheap or cheaply made vacuum, the Shark Rocket Ultra Light is a great alternative if you have a lower budget for a new cleaner. It is very highly rated and with good reason. It does a great job on hardwoods and rugs and as an added bonus – it works well for picking up pet hair too. It also gets points for being versatile, as it converts to a handheld model for cleaning stairs and small messes on a daily basis.
If you’d like to read more user reviews of this Shark or are ready to buy, we found it on sale at Amazon for a great price, but beware – prices at Amazon change often, so get it while it’s on sale!
#3. Bissell PowerEdge Pet
Are you looking for a simple stick vac to use on hardwood floors or tile? Then the Bissell Power Edge Pet 81L2A (same as 81L2T) could be just the model for you. While it won’t work well on thick carpets and doesn’t include any attachments, it’s a breeze to use on bare floors. While it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of some of the other highly rated best vacuums, it will certainly get the job done – and with much less of a price tag.
Video Review
Specs
- Weight: 7.5 pounds
- Cleaning Path Width: 11.35”
- Cordless: No
- Cord Length: 20’
- Auto Cord Rewind: No
- Bagless: Yes
- Suction Power: 6 Amps
- Warranty: 1 Year
Accessories Included
- None
Pros
- Easy to use
- Good suction for bare floors
- Easy to clean
Cons
The biggest complaint about this stick vac is that it has no hose or attachments incorporated into its design. It really has only one function and purpose, and it does it well. However, if you’re looking for more versatility, check out either the Dyson V8 or Shark Rocket (above). While this one works great as a basic vacuum, you’ll still need another machine for carpets and to get into nooks and crannies around your house.
Will it pick up kitty litter?
How well does it work on hardwood floors?
Does it scratch the floor?
How well does it pick up pet hair?
Can I use it on rugs?
How does it do on stairs?
Is it easy to empty?
Does it work on tile?
What’s with the V – shaped design?
What’s the best way to store it?
Is the filter washable?
Will it go under furniture?
Is it good for allergies?
Final Verdict
Plainly stated, the Bissell Power Edge Pet 81L2A / 81L2T is a stripped down, basic vacuum that works great for one thing – cleaning bare floors. Whether it’s concrete, tile, stone, porcelain, marble wood or laminate, this little stick sweeper excels at picking up everything from breakfast cereal to cat and dog hair. At this price point, it’s a great value if you’re on a budget and don’t need anything more fancy to get the job done.
#4. VonHaus 2 in 1 Upright Stick
If you’re looking for a basic lightweight stick vacuum cleaner, the VonHaus is a good economical choice. It weighs less than the Bissell Power Edge Pet, but it also has a narrower cleaning path. The cord is about 18” long, so it’s slightly shorter, but they both do come with a one – year warranty. This one does have a slight leg up in that it comes with an extension hose and a few attachments, so it’s definitely more versatile.
Video Review
Specs
- Weight: 3 pounds
- Cleaning Path Width: 8”
- Cordless: No
- Cord Length: 18’
- Bagless: Yes
- HEPA Filter: Yes
- Suction Power: 130 Air Watts / 600 Watts
- Bin Volume: 0.32 Gallons
- Dimension: 40” x 8” x 6”
- Volts: 110
- Warranty: 1 Year
Accessories Included
- Crevice tool
- Small brush
- Shoulder strap
- Hose adaptor
Pros
- Strong suction
- Lightweight
- Low profile
- Telescoping handle
- HEPA filter
Cons
One of the few complaints of this sweeper is that the cord comes off the bottom of the machine instead of the handle. This is a little inconvenient, as you’ll need to grab the cord to hold it up if you want to avoid running over it.
Does it pick up cat litter & hair?
Does it fit under furniture?
Does the HEPA filter last?
Will it clean carpet?
How does the handle work?
How do I store it?
Is it good for pet hair?
Does the cord auto rewind?
Does it pick up dirt well?
Will it get in corners?
Is it durable?
How do I use the attachments?
Final Verdict
If you’re on a tight budget and need a simple vac to clean bare floors (concrete, laminate, linoleum, stone, wood, etc.), the VonHaus 2 in 1 Upright Stick is a good choice. Unlike most other cheaper stick vacuums, this one does come with a hose attachment and a few tools, so it does have some versatility. It’s also extremely lightweight, so it’s very easy to maneuver. If you’re interested in picking one of these up, Amazon has a great sale price right now.
#5. Dirt Devil Power Air SD20505
If you’re looking for a low priced workhorse for bare floors, this Dirt Devil SD20505 Power Air might be just the simple fix you need. With a very cheap price tag and one function that it performs very well, it’s great for cleaning up quick messes as well as everyday dust and dirt that gets tracked in.
Specs
- Weight: 6.67 pounds
- Cleaning Path Width: 11”
- Cordless: No
- Cord Length: 20’
- Bagless: Yes
- HEPA Filter: No
- Suction Power: 10 Amps
- Dimension: 11” x 43” x 7”
- Volts: 110
- Warranty: 2 Years
Accessories Included
- None
Pros
- Good suction
- Large dirt cup
- Low profile
- Sturdy wheels
Cons
There is one big downfall with this little vacuum cleaner. Though it is one of the best rated vacuums for hardwood floor, it doesn’t come with any attachments. In fact, it’s not compatible with attachments at all, meaning there is no place to hook them up. If you’re looking for a stripped – down lightweight stick vac to clean bare floors, it’s great, but if you need more versatility, it may not be the machine for you.
Does it work on rugs?
Can I wash the filters?
Is it loud?
Will it scratch wood floors?
Does it blow around dust?
Does it clog up?
Will it clean in grout?
What’s the best way to store it?
Does it do edge cleaning?
Dirt Devil vs Broom
Final Verdict
If you need the most basic of basic vacs to keep your hardwoods clean, the Dirt Devil SD20505 Power Air is by far the most economical choice. It gets good ratings in vacuum cleaner reviews, and at a very cheap price tag, it still performs well. It works well for quick pickups and daily dusting of bare floors of all types. Overall, it’s a great basic tool that won’t blow the budget.
Whether you’re ready to spend $30 or well over $300 on a new vacuum cleaner, there is something for every budget on our list of top vacuums for hardwood floors, and they all work just as well on other bare surfaces like tile, vinyl, laminate and concrete.
All of these top cleaners are rated very high in reports from consumers, and each one is a good investment and value in its own right. The one you choose depends on the features you need, if you want accessories and how heavily you’re going to use it. Is cordless important to you? If not, do you need a longer cord? Do you need it to vacuum stairs or just zip around the breakfast table?
Once you answer these questions, pick the one that works the best for your needs and budget, and get to cleaning 🙂