Buying guide for best Miele vacuum cleaners

A typical vacuum manufacturer boasts about the suction power of its machines. At Miele, the company is equally concerned with what goes back into the air. Miele's goal is to remove dirt, dust, and debris from all flooring types while also removing particulates and allergens from the air.

Miele offers the expected types of vacuums—upright, canister, stick, and robot—each designed for particular cleaning situations. After choosing the type best suited for your needs, seek a model that includes suction control and a versatile collection of attachments. Importantly, high-quality filters are Miele’s standout feature.

Miele vacuums are made in Germany and are well-known for their powerful suction and partial stainless steel construction.

Different types of Miele vacuum cleaners

Miele makes four types of vacuum cleaners: upright, canister, stick, and robotic vacuums. Each type of vacuum cleaner is right for certain situations and purposes.

Upright vacuum cleaners

Upright vacuum cleaners shine when it comes to cleaning carpets. Bagged models, in particular, can deep-clean to eradicate tough dirt and debris. Though they can be heavy, they are usually easy to store because of their all-in-one design. Notably, upright vacuum cleaners can be noisier than canisters.

Canister vacuum cleaners

Canister vacuum cleaners work best on bare floors, stairs, drapes, under furniture, and on upholstery.

While uprights usually perform best on carpets, there are some canister models that do comparably well.

This type of vacuum tends to be quieter, and the design can make them seem lighter, too. However, canisters tend to be bulkier and more difficult to store, as they aren’t compact.

Stick vacuum cleaners

Stick vacuum cleaners are the lightweight cousins of the upright vac. They have a similar look but without the extra heft. They are easy to maneuver and store and can be either corded or battery-powered. Stick vacuums are best for small spills and light cleaning.

Robotic vacuum cleaners

Robotic vacuum cleaners run remotely and are the ultimate hands-off option. This type of vacuum can be set to clean any time of day, even when you’re away from home. While they don’t have the deep-cleaning power of upright or canister vacs, they’re suitable for light-duty work in between regular cleanings.

Maneuverability is high on our priority list when evaluating Miele vacuum cleaners. We look for products that are lightweight and easy to manipulate in tight areas.

We research how much noise each Miele vacuum makes. Some models include a silent mode that allows you to use the vacuum quietly at lower settings.

We look for Miele vacuum cleaners with suction control, a valuable feature that can reduce the amount of suction when cleaning delicate fabrics like upholstery and drapes. Further, this feature can increase the suction as needed when cleaning carpets.

When researching products for our shortlist, we find out whether each machine is meant for hardwood, carpet, or both.

When researching Miele vacuum cleaners for carpets, we give bonus points to models with automatic height adjustment. The vacuum automatically senses and accommodates carpets of different heights for efficient cleaning.

Some Miele vacuum cleaners have a cord control system: you push a button, and the cord winds itself up. We appreciate this feature in a vacuum cleaner because we know many consumers appreciate it.

We carefully consider each vacuum cleaner’s filtration system. Filters help prevent dust and other tiny particles from escaping through the vacuum’s exhaust. Many of our favorite models have a HEPA filtration system, which can be helpful for allergy and asthma sufferers.

We place high value on upright Miele vacuum cleaners that work on carpets. Those with a roller brush are known for their ability to pick up dirt stuck deep within the carpet.

We pay close attention to the cleaning tools that come with each Miele vacuum. Valuable tools include a suction hose extension, upholstery tool, extended crevice tool, and dusting brush.

There are four types of Miele vacuum cleaners: upright, canister, stick, and robotic. We look at all four types in our research, thinking about the situations and purposes that are best for each.

Finding the best Miele vacuum for your flooring

Some vacuum cleaners, including uprights, perform better on carpeting. Other vacuum cleaners, including canisters, are best suited for bare floors. Which type should you select if you have both floor types in your home?

Ideally, you would find a vacuum cleaner with features and controls that allow you to clean both types of floors. For example, you may wish to invest in a Miele with a brush designed to clean carpeting and bare floors. A roller brush has bristles that help pick up dirt and dust out of carpets. This is an excellent feature, but notably, the bristles of some roller brushes could scratch hardwood flooring. Miele formulates some of their brushes to be safe on both rugs and hard flooring. If this sounds like it would suit you, look for a Miele vacuum that advertises a “rug and floor combination brush” in its specs.

If you have low-pile carpeting in some places and high-pile carpeting in others, look for a vacuum cleaner that adjusts to different piles. This allows you to clean all of your carpets with the same vacuum cleaner. Some of the best Miele vacuums offer “automatic height adjustment.” This means that the vacuum cleaner will sense and accommodate carpets of differing heights automatically.

Bare floors and carpets need to be cleaned regularly. Weekly vacuuming works for most rooms. High-traffic areas like entryways and living rooms may need attention more often. If you have pets, a daily cleaning may be necessary.

Suction control

A vacuum cleaner with “suction control” allows you to reduce the amount of suction when cleaning delicate fabrics, such as upholstery or drapes. This flexibility protects the fabric from damage and helps prevent it from getting sucked into the hose.

Some Mieles offer different speeds that inherently change the suction power. A few models have a sensor that changes suction power automatically.

Filter

Vacuum filtration continues to grow more sophisticated, especially as air quality and allergies have become a growing concern for some people. Filters prevent particles of fine dust and dander from escaping through the vacuum exhaust. High-efficiency particulate air filtration (HEPA filtration) is suggested for those who suffer from allergies or asthma. However, there are some Miele models that don’t have HEPA filters but are still effective at removing harmful particles from the air.

Cord control

Vacuum cords typically range in length from 15 to 30 feet. A few Miele cords reach 46 feet. Winding a cord that long can get tedious. Miele canister vacuums use a cord-control system that winds the cord for you with a one-button push system to activate automatic winding. Miele upright vacuums use a quick-release clip that releases the entire cord at once rather than an internal system.

Cleaning accessories

Miele upright and canister vacuums come with a few extra tools to aid in cleaning, including a suction hose extension, upholstery tool, extended crevice tool, and dusting brush.

A few models also include a combination floor head for cleaning different floor types. These tools deliver extra versatility and convenience, especially if they are stored on-board the vacuum and easily accessible.

The Miele stick vacuum comes with an on-board crevice and upholstery tool as well as a combination floorhead.

How much do Miele vacuums cost?

Miele stick vacuum cleaners

Miele stick vacuums cost in the ballpark of $200. They have excellent suction and incredible power for a stick vacuum. Corded Miele sticks have a long cord that creates an extended operating radius.

Miele canister vacuum cleaners

A basic canister model ranges from $300 to $1,500. As the price goes up, extra features are added, such as an ergonomic handle, silence system, and floor setting that automatically adjusts brush height.

Miele upright vacuum cleaners

Uprights start at $400 and go up to $600+. HEPA filters, LED headlights, and odor/pet filters are added as the price increases.

Miele robotic vacuums

Expect to pay $600 or more for a Miele robotic vacuum cleaner. Top features may include a triple cleaning system that can brush, vacuum, and sweep. Fully automated, a Miele robotic vacuum cleaner can be programmed to run when you’re asleep or away from home.

Tips

• Regularly check and replace your Miele vacuum bag. Watch for signs of a full bag, such as lack of suction or extra debris left on the floor after cleaning.
• Empty bagless models often. It’s best not to let the dirt and debris settle in the vacuum.
• Clean your roller brush regularly, as it can become tangled with hair and string. Roller bristles with tangles are unable to spin as they should.
• Check and clean the filter regularly. Full filters don’t keep the air clean. To clean a Miele vacuum filter, remove the filter, shake it outside, and clean it with another vacuum. Alternatively, you could replace the filter.

Don’t forget to check the belt that keeps the roller brush in place. If it becomes loose, your vacuum won’t be as effective at picking up dirt.

FAQ

Q. I have a two-story house and want a stair vacuum that isn’t too heavy. What type should I get?

A. A canister vacuum works best on stairs and is easier to transport between floors. If you want an upright vacuum cleaner for deep carpet cleaning, you may wish to consider an upright for the downstairs and a stick vacuum for the second floor. You’ll still need to perform a deep clean on the second floor occasionally.

Q. My limited shoulder mobility makes vacuuming difficult. What options are available to me?

A. Consider investing in a robotic vacuum, which could run at night and pick up most surface dirt. Robotic vacuum cleaners are programmable, and some of the newer designs do a good job of getting into corners.

Another option is a stick vacuum. Lightweight and portable, a stick vacuum cleaner is easier to use and control than a full-size upright vacuum cleaner.

If you need something for deep cleaning, consider a Miele canister vacuum cleaner. Canister vacs weigh less than uprights and don’t require as much shoulder strength.

Q. I have indoor pets. What kind of vacuum cleaner filtration should I look for?

A. HEPA filtration is the best at keeping allergens, including pet dander, under control. There are vacuum cleaner models specifically designed to temper cat and dog hair and odor. They perform well and really do make a difference in keeping pet hair at bay.