It can be difficult to nail down just one good vacuum for a variety of applications and when you want to find the best vacuum for pet hair, you may be confused about which machine will give the best performance. There really is nothing worse than finding that friends and family will not come to your home because they do not want to be covered in dog hair. The best way to tackle this problem is to clean the dog hair up on a regular basis. Dogs can be groomed regularly to remove excess hair, but dog hair always ends up on the floor and must be removed daily if it is excessive with the use of a good vacuum.
Top Upright Vacuum for Pet Hair
Top Corded Stick Vacuum for Pet Hair
Top Canister Vacuum for Pet Hair
Top Cordless Stick Vacuum for Pet Hair
When dog hair is not removed regularly it tends to be tracked around to other parts of the home. The search for a reliable vacuum for pet hair is something that many people tend to take quite seriously. Issues such as pet dander can make it difficult for those with serious allergies to handle having pets in the home, but when you have a good pet hair vacuum, it can help to reduce pet dander and keep the cat hair and dog hair under control. Hardwood floors and tile floors can gather hair and turn it into active tumbleweeds on the floor.
We’ve identified the best pet hair vacuums that will be popular this year. Which one is right for you depends on your budget and some of the features that a few units have that the others don’t.
1. Shark AZ2002 Vertex DuoClean PowerFins Vacuum
Shark makes a big deal about the Vertex AZ2002’s powerful motor, but the real star of the show is the redesigned dual stage cleaning head. While other pet vacuums will have some hair wrap on the rollers, the Vertex’s head is virtually wrap-proof. This makes it the best performing pet hair vacuum you can buy today. It’s also a great performer for other types of floor and carpet cleaning, even if it is a bit heavy.
The vacuum head uses two rollers. The first roller has soft bristles that sweep up fine particles out of carpet, while the second roller uses rubber paddles to lift large and small debris. At first glance, the head looks no different from those used on Shark’s other top end vacuums. However, a few subtle changes have created a head that sends virtually all hair into the dust cup. After vacuuming, you may see one or two hairs wrapped around the rollers. The AZ2002 also comes with a pet hair accessory head with the same paddle roller as the main vacuum head. It’s just as effective.
Have issues with pet allergies? Shark’s Complete Seal Technology means that there aren’t any leaks in the air path, so dust picked up by the vacuum gets trapped in the HEPA filters. In the ASTM F1977 test for vacuum filtration, the AZ2002 removed 99.9% of dust and allergens.
Pet hair aside, this is a great performing vacuum with a few caveats. The head does a great job picking up everything from fine dust to cereal off of any type of floor or carpeting. The 11.8 amp motor delivers more suction power than almost every other consumer vacuum on the market. However, this vacuum weighs over 16 lbs, making it hard to move. If you separate the motor pod for lift-away mode, the suction pulls the head across the floor, making it hard to control.
This vacuum comes with a 5 year warranty.
2. Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright Vacuum for Pet Hair
The Dyson Ball Allergy Upright is a new 2017 model it is yet to be available freely at some of the popular name brand retail sites. You get Dyson’s turn on a dime maneuverability, the ability to clean your whole house with a single vacuum, not a very heavy vacuum, you literally won’t tire of using, and a good warranty if you buy through a licensed seller. The Dyson Ball Allergy version has everything the Dyson Ball Multi-Floor upright vacuum has plus a few extras like a turbine tool and a soft brush for dusting.
One of its few weaknesses is that, despite all the tools and maneuverability, it doesn’t do stairs very well. On the upside, you’ll be able to pick up all the hair the dog shed on the carpet, cat hair on the cushions and crumbs spilled on the kitchen floor. This is expected to be Dyson’s best upright vacuum for pet hair.
3. Shark APEX AZ1002 DuoClean With Zero-M Anti-Hair Wrap
The Shark range of domestic home products is extensive and vacuum cleaners designed for specialized applications, is something the brand is known for. So it goes without saying that The Shark Apex AZ1002 is going to stand out as an exceptional machine. Not only is this upright vacuum cleaner a wiz at removing pet hair, it is exceptional as a dual purpose vacuum cleaner for both carpets and hard floors. Removing pet hair from your floors is one thing. But cleaning the hair from your brush rolls is an unwanted frustration. This is where the Shark AZ1002 really shows its prowess.
The smart engineers at Shark have come up with a simple, yet highly effective way to remove pet hair as you clean. The Zero-M system removes unwanted pet, or human hair that wraps around the brush roll without you having to do a thing.
Another bonus for pet owners is the Complete Seal, anti-allergen air filtration system. The HEPA filtration meets the highest standards and is great for removing allergens from the air, as well as those pesky pet odors. Noise reduction is another plus, both for you and your beloved cats or dogs. We all know how a growling vacuum cleaner can set our pets into a frenzy.
Along with the obvious pet-friendly features, the Shark Apex AZ1002 has all hallmarks of a high-end upright vacuum for pet hair. The removable canister instantly transforms it from a proficient upright vacuum into a convenient handheld one. LED lights on the cleaning head and handle make things easier in corners and under furniture. The DuoClean brush rolls transition from deep cleaning for thick carpets to polishing bare floors effortlessly.
Removing pet hair from your carpets and polishing your hard floors couldn’t be easier with this remarkable vacuum cleaner. The Shark Apex AZ1002 is not just a superb pet hair vacuum cleaner, it’s a dream machine for any busy home.
4. Hoover MAXLife Pro Pet Vacuum for Pet Hair UH74220PC
The Hoover MAXLife Pro Pet vacuum cleaner is not one of the most expensive pet hair vacuum cleaners. In fact, it’s remarkably cheap for a machine that ranks among the best at removing pet hair from your floors and furniture. It’s built to an impressive standard of quality and has the suction and high-end features to compete with the best pet hair vacuums from any of the leading brands. Wind tunnel assisted design on the cleaning head and cyclonic technology gives the Hoover MAXLife Pro Pet the suction power equal to many of the best vacuum cleaners for pet hair in its class.
It also has a remarkable brush roll that is designed not to become tangled with pet hair – one of many reasons why this is one of the best vacuums for removing pet hair. There’s a switch at the handle that will turn the brush roll off for cleaning bare floors. Making it perfect for removing pet hair and other debris, like kitty litter, from both your carpets and hard floors with the minimum amount of effort.
Being a bagless vacuum cleaner also helps when emptying it. There’s no pulling clumps of pet hair from a small opening in the bag. You simply tip the dust cup into the trash. The washable filters are also some of the best for pet owners, removing dust and allergens from the air, down to 5 microns. It has a 13-foot extended wand with a well-designed handle for really easy cleaning. The inclusion of a powerful pet hair removal tool is another reason why this upright vacuum cleaner is ranked amongst the best for pet hair removal. The cleaning head has a swivel action and makes use of powerful LED lights, so it’s very easy to see what you’re doing. The fact that it weighs only 17-pounds adds to the ease of use, this is not all that heavy for such a powerful pet hair vacuum cleaner.
There’s little wonder why so many people rate the Hoover MAXLife Pro Pet as one of the best pet hair vacuum cleaners. It’s very powerful and affordable. The fact that it carries the Hoover the name is one more reason why people love this machine. Being one of the best pet hair vacuums from a brand with a solid reputation for more than a hundred years, certainly adds weight to the argument of those in favor of this fantastic vacuum cleaner.
5. Shark Navigator ZU561 Upright Vacuum for Pet Hair
Shark offer many vacuums that are great for homes with pets. Of these, the Shark Navigator ZU561 is certainly one of the best upright vacuums. It is not the most expensive in the lineup yet has all the top features that make it ultimately convenient, and wonderful for pet hair. While the Navigator has a fantastic brush roll, perfect for most high pile carpets, it is less powerful than the more expensive options from the brand. At 800W, it’s got a fair deal of power, but cannot compare to the 1,200W models when deep cleaning plush carpets.
One of the best advantages for pet hair is the Zero-M brush roll. This is a self-cleaning mechanism that constantly removes hair that would otherwise become tangled in the brush.
As a lightweight (13.4-pound) upright vacuum, this one has the goods to make your life easier and get the job done effortlessly. It has swivel steering, a really convenient 25’ power cord, and a huge 2.2 quart dust cup capacity. This is a bagless vacuum, so you don’t have that extra expense. The air in your home remains as fresh as a daisy and allergen-free, thanks to complete seal technology and top grade HEPA filters.
Shark Lift-Away technology is great, the vacuum quickly converts into handheld machine for cleaning stairs, curtains, and other difficult areas. A switch adjusts the brush roll speed when moving from carpet to wood or tile floors. Really easy to use.
The Shark Navigator is a pet friendly vacuum cleaner for all floor types. It’s excellent for hardwood floors and bare floors. While this model has all you need for deep cleaning carpets, it may be slightly lacking in the power required for high pile plush carpets. As a premium Shark product, the Navigator ZU561 is backed by the amazing Shark-Ninja 5-year warranty.
6. Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Lift Off Bagless Upright Vacuum, 20874
There are a couple of good reasons why the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser has made it onto our list of best pet hair vacuums. Firstly it has specialized pet tools that allow you to remove pet hair from even the most difficult of places including upholstery, stairs and other areas where pet hair tends to collect. Another reason why this upright vacuum is the ideal machine for pet owners is that it has the Febreze pet odor filter that eliminates the odors associated with pets and leaves the air in your home fresh and clean.
There are two very useful attachments for removing pet hair. One is the mighty powerful tangle-free turbo pet hair eraser that will remove pet hair with a tough cleaning action, making light work of even thick long pet hair. It also has a more gentle pet hair tool that’s ideal for removing fine hair that clings to your upholstery and soft fabrics.
The two in one design gives the advantages of both an upright vacuum and a portable, hand held vacuum. This means that the lift-off canister can be easily removed, enabling you to carry it one hand and get into those tricky areas where pet hairs collect with the greatest of ease. This feature also makes it easier for cleaning stairs.
Even more good news for pet lovers is the brush roller that effectively removes pet hair from any surface. The roller brush can be switched on and off as needed. It also has a unique SmartSeal system that traps allergens in the vacuum cleaner. This means that you don’t need to worry about allergies to pet hair or any airborne allergens.
If cleaning up after your fur babies has always seemed like an impossible chore, the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser will certainly change your life. It is, undoubtedly one of the best pet vacuums that you’ll find. In terms of quality, you can take comfort in the fact that this vacuum comes with a 5-year limited warranty.
7. New Miele Complete C3 Cat & Dog Canister Vacuum
The Miele Complete C3 vacuum cleaner is a premium vacuum for pet hair, and it has a premium price tag. Replacement vacuum bags are several dollars each. It is easy to find replacement bags and filters for this vacuum cleaner. One benefit of the air filters is their charcoal layer to neutralize odors as air passes through it. This vacuum has an air cleaned sealed system. It is one of the cleaner pet vacuums on the market. At twenty pounds, it is not one of the lightest. About reliability, if you buy the vacuum this year, you will not have to think of buying one for atleast another 10 to 15 years.
This vacuum has a six stage motor whose speed you can adjust via a foot pedal to suit the suction level you need. It has a long cord, but the cord self-winds to stay out of the way. The Miele Complete C3 vacuum has an adjustable wand you can set to the length you want. You get three common tools with this vacuum cleaner: a dusting brush, crevice nozzle and upholstery tool. The turbo brush does a good job of picking up pet hair. The extension arms and connector for the vacuum tools are flexible so that it can clean close to the surface as you work.
This vacuum can create a lot of static working on artificial fiber carpets. A 3D bumper on the vacuum cleaner ensures that as you work, you won’t scuff furniture or scrape the walls. If you can afford it, this is one of the best pet hair vacuums for simultaneously removing both pet hair and pet odors.
8. Shark HZ2002 Vertex Corded Stick Vacuum - Self Cleaning Brush Roll
Shark have taken their best lightweight pet vacuum and made it even better. Recent upgrades to their ultralight stick vacuum have resulted in a an incredibly powerful HZ2002 Vertex model. The newly designed DuoClean, double brush roll system, now has PowerFins, making it the best for cleaning up pet hair and hard debris from any type of floor.
The DuoClean Brush roll has always been a significant advantage for effortless cleaning. This has been taken a step further with the introduction of PowerFin technology which maintains constant contact with the floor surface. There are no gaps between bristles, so no dirt can escape the powerful cleaning action.
Vertex technology is another great marvel of Shark engineering. The HZ2002 is now the most powerful stick vacuum in the Shark repertoire. Without increasing electricity consumption, the new suction system is more efficient. Cleaning deep into carpets and lifting heavy debris, like kitty litter, from hard floors like never before.
The Cleaning head has powerful LED lights, and it converts to handheld vacuum, making it a breeze to clean every area of the home. The handheld vacuum does not have lights though. The Dust cup is simply enormous for such a compact vacuum, 0.32 quarts.
When in the upright vacuum configuration, it has trouble standing upright on its own, but that is rarely an issue unless you’re trying to stand it next to a step and it tips over and falls down a height. Lean it against the wall, and you’re fine. And you’ll enjoy one of the few vacuums that will pull all those layers of pet fur out of the carpet and recliner without scratching up your wood floors.
9. Dyson V11 Animal Cordless Stick Vacuum for Pet Hair
With an established reputation, we’ve come to expect the very best from this prestigious brand. So, the upgraded Dyson V11 is bound to impress the critics.
Dyson cyclone technology is already the stuff of legends, providing exceptional suction with a low power consumption. The new generation 14 cyclone system takes this concept to a totally new level. Combined with a super-efficient digital DC motor, this is probably the most powerful cordless stick vacuum for pet hair on the market.
When it comes to pet hair vacuums, the Dyson V11 cordless vacuum has the goods. The digital motorized brush roll is ingeniously designed to remove pet hair from any type of floor. Tough nylon bristles get into the carpet fibers with superb cleaning power. At the same time, carbon fiber filaments remove the finest dust from bare floors. You also get all the attachments for pet hair and every other type of household cleaning: the high torque cleaning head, combination tool, mini motorized cleaning head, stubborn dirt brush, and a crevice tool.
The kit also includes a remarkable nickel-cobalt-aluminum battery, which provides up to 60-minutes of runtime. Clever power management helps you get the most from this battery. Three modes, with an LED display, allow you to select between an ECO mode, Auto, or power boost. You obviously get a charger (4.5 hours charging time) and a drop-in docking station.
To empty the V11, just hold it over the trash can and the dirt drops away at the touch of a button. Filtration is fantastic and it has a 0.2-gallon bin. Quite remarkable for compact and lightweight (6.68-pound) cordless stick vacuum.
The Dyson brand is synonymous with outstanding quality and superior technology. Something worth paying extra for. If you need to contend with pet hair in your home, and want the convenience of a cordless stick vacuum, the Dyson V11 Animal is certainly a tough act to follow.
10. Shark APEX DuoClean with Zero-M No Hair Wrap (ZS362) Corded Stick Vacuum
One of the most powerful lightweight corded stick vacuums, with all the top features, the Shark APEX ZS362 is the cream of the crop when it comes to versatile pet hair vacuums. It is ideal for removing pet hair, kitty litter, and all other pet debris from bare floors and carpets.
The Shark DuoClean, double brush roll system, is perfect for hard debris and pet hair on any type of floor. In addition to this, it has the Zero-M self-cleaning system, preventing hair from collecting in the brush roll. Our pick for the best tangle free vacuum for pet hair on the market.
The 10-pound stick vacuum whizzes effortlessly around the home, with swivel steering and a bright LED light for added ease. It lays almost flat, perfect for cleaning under furniture. With a 30’ power cord, you can clean large rooms without moving from one socket to the next. For a compact stick vacuum, the dust cup is pretty big – 0.74quarts.
In a few seconds, the Shark APEX converts into a super-lightweight handheld vacuum. Using the Pet multitool (upholstery tool), it will lift fine pet hair from your furniture, bed linen, and curtains quickly and easily. It also has a 5” crevice tool, and versatile precision duster. The handheld canister vacuum also has an LED light.
As one of the few stick vacuums powerful enough to a good job deep cleaning carpets, the APEX DuoClean is an excellent choice for a home with pets. It is just as amazing for hardwood floors. It is designed for perfect maneuverability, with the added benefit of handheld canister vacuum. Definitely one of the best stick vacuums for pet hair.
11. Shark Rotator TruePet NV752
A 3-in-1 design will always attract buyers that want a little extra versatility from their vacuum cleaner and the Shark Rotator NV752‘s combination of a powerful upright machine, lift away pod with brush roll and a canister with a caddy is particularly appealing to those looking for the best vacuum for pet hair. This is going to be flagship model for Shark. The power and effectiveness of the pod and its brush make it one of the top vacuums for dog hair and this is enhanced by the use of the anti-allergen complete seal technology and the TruePet mini-motorized brush attachment.
This neat little accessory joins the hard-floor genie to showcase the potential of this Shark pet vacuum as a truly versatile mode across different surfaces and addition of the LED lights and “extreme” under furniture reach just add to its capabilities. Lifting pet hair may be the primary aim but this adaptability means any dirt can be attacked from almost anywhere.
12. Shark Rotator NV501 Vacuum
The Shark Rotator is lighter than Dyson with an equally long cord and similar maneuverability. Some people like the ability to remove the canister caddy that lets you use the vacuum and its suction nozzle to clean stairs without relying on a handheld vacuum cleaner. The NV501 not only has a narrow crevice wand that is stiff (and thus a fairly common vacuum tool) but a flexible crevice tool to get in those hard to reach spaces behind things. It has a flexible, multi-angle dusting brush.
This upright vacuum has suction control to allow you to adjust the suction level, preventing problems like getting stuck on thick shag carpet with a Dyson because it sucks up the strands so tightly you can’t move the vacuum any further. The Shark does better on hardwood floors and tile than carpet. But it does a great job picking up pet hair and other messes on hard surfaces than Dyson.
13. Dirt Devil Razor Pet Upright Vacuum
If you’re looking for one of the best pet vacuum but don’t have the money for any of the top brands, the Dirt Devil Razor Pet upright vacuum cleaner should grab your attention. Even though it may not have all the features and accessories of the more expensive pet vacuums, it is the best pet vacuum for its price.
The spin4pro roller brush is designed to lift and remove pet hair from carpets and bare floor surfaces with ease. It provides a good level of suction, enough to ensure that your pet’s hair and all the dirt they carry with them is removed, leaving your home perfectly clean.
It has the benefit of being very light, only 10.8 LBS. Using the detachable cleaning wand and the Turboclaw Pet Tool you can clean your upholstery and other hard to reach areas with ease. It has powerful suction without the hassle of power loss as the bin fills up. In addition to this, it has a very effective three stage filtration system.
The Dirt Devil Razor Pet upright vacuum is the best pet vacuum for its price. The combination of affordability and highly effective cleaning power, suitable for handling the extra demands of a home with pets, make it a very attractive option for many.
14. Shark Navigator Deluxe NV42
The Shark Navigator promises to never lose suction and that is a big promise for a vacuum for pet hair. This vacuum is great for carpets, wood floors and tile floors and really does remove massive amounts of pet hair. With dogs that are indoors a lot, shedding can be a constant problem and it is important to stay on top of the issue or the hair will build up to an unbearable level that can no longer be controlled. The Shark Navigator features a detachable wand for use in hard to reach areas. The complete on board pet tool pack is great for use on dog hair, cat hair, pet dander and works to remove hair from carpet or any other type of surface.
This vacuum is pretty lightweight and features a lift away and carry option so that you are free to move around the home and take care of messes at any location. Since this vacuum is effective on carpets and hard surface floors you do not need to swap out vacuum cleaners in between jobs, you can just continue using the same vacuum cleaner and finish up the vacuuming twice as fast.
15. Shark Rocket Corded Hand Vacuum HV292
The Shark Rocket model HV292 unit is an affordable handheld vacuum for pet hair. A vacuum attachment kit for car detailing costs about ten dollars more. This vacuum has a long stretch hose. It comes with a dusting brush and 12 inch crevice tool. The dusting brush does a good job. The True Pet motorized brush does a decent job of picking up pet hair, though at about half an inch deep, it won’t get to the root of thick carpets unless you dig it into the flooring. This vacuum has good suction overall. And it is lightweight, around four pounds.
The vacuum has a fifteen foot long power cord, so it won’t lose suction as the battery runs low. The cord length is enough to clean a car but you’ll have to change outlets at least once while cleaning stairs. The dust cup has average capacity, but it is easy to empty. Just make sure you empty it over an empty trash bin with the base of the vacuum inside the trash can to contain all the debris. The filters can be washed and reused. However, you’ll want to replace them eventually to maintain suction. The six inch vacuum head is best used for spot cleaning, car detailing and upholstery. This is the best handheld pet hair vacuum which can also be used for spot cleaning and cleaning your car.
16. Dyson Cinetic Ball Animal Canister Vacuum
The Dyson Cinetic ball Animal canister vacuum has excellent suction that it sustains up to and until the dirt cup is full. Because it lacks filters but has a design that traps dirt and dander in the cyclone, it needs little maintenance compared to other vacuums except for emptying out the dirt cup. This vacuum maintains Dyson’s excellent reputation when it comes to suction and cleaning ability. It is highly maneuverable, has long reach, comes with conveniently stored accessories and a turbine tool that makes it invaluable for pet owners.
The Cinetic’s turbine tool is the best on the market when it comes to picking up pet fur from upholstery. The turbine tool is immune to tangling, even with long pet fur. It continues to pick up pet fur, dander and dirt until the dirt compartment is full. If you regularly clean the couch where the long haired critters love to curl up and shed, the Dyson Cinetic Ball model is the best choice for you. If you need something to spot clean the medium thickness carpets where the cat likes to lay before cleaning the rest of the house, this is a decent choice as long as you plan on cleaning out the small dirt bin periodically.
17. iRobot Roomba 980
The Roomba is probably the most famous robotic vacuum cleaner. The model 980 includes fixes to many of the flaws of its earlier models, such as iAdapt navigation that lets it navigate around the house to clean the whole home instead of bouncing around at random. Note that you need wi-fi for this and the app to work, and you have to configure the Roomba with the app before you can use the app to control the robot vacuum.
It knows to return to recharge and can navigate back to wear it left off, though it still can’t empty its own dirt cup. The recharge and return feature isn’t available with the Roomba 880. The multi-room navigation feature is only available with this vacuum, the Roomba 980, and the 880 model. At a little under four inches tall, it is less likely to get stuck under the recliner and can better find its way out from under the dining room table.
You can set cleaning schedules via an app with this vacuum. The model 980 Roomba does a better job of sucking up fine dander and pet hair than its predecessors. And unlike the models five years ago, long pet hair and string is far less likely to tangle the vacuum brush so it can no longer do its job. The tangle free extractor is only available in the models 870, 880 and 980. This is one of the best pet hair vacuums that will remain a favorite among the increasingly competitive realm of robotic vacuum cleaners.
Guide to Choosing the Perfect Pet Hair Vacuum
What are the important features to look out for when purchasing a vacuum for pet hair? What features matter most, and what features shouldn’t factor into your decision?
Overall Performance
The first feature to look out for regarding a vacuum for dealing with pet hair is its overall performance. After all, very few of us buy a vacuum only to pick up the pet hair our critters leave behind. How well does it pick up sand out of the carpet? Does it pick up crumbs and pebbles, light debris and heavy debris? Can it pick up the heavy debris and wads of fur without leaving behind a fine trail of dust behind it?
One point to consider is how well the vacuum handles hard floors versus carpets. Some vacuums that pick up pet hair and crumbs out of carpet perform poorly on hard floors, and some that can lift up anything on hard floors can’t remove anything heavier than light dirt out of carpets.
Performance with Pet Hair
For those who have to deal with pet hair, the second priority is how well it handles pet hair. If it has poor suction or a badly designed intake, it won’t pick up pet hair well, but it won’t pick up much of anything. With regard to pet hair, many vacuums can pick up a few hairs but clog on them. Research the vacuum cleaner’s performance through reviews and customer complaints. Does the pet hair clog the beater bar or roller brush? There is a reason you find advice columns on using a seam ripper to clear hair tangled around the vacuum roller brush, but if you have several shedding pets, you don’t want to have to do this often.
For some units, the bend in the vacuum cleaner intake becomes a choking point as pet hair gets trapped and then tangles together. The best vacuums, pick up all the pet hair while conveying it safely to the dust cup or vacuum bag.
Value
Value is not the same thing as price. There are expensive vacuum cleaners that perform as well regarding pet hair as ones that cost half as much. Since you don’t get twice as good performance when you spend twice as much money, the cheaper vacuum cleaner is thus a better value. Magazines like Consumer Reports can give you a fair rating of performance as well as value for a vacuum cleaner.
The Right Tools
If you need to vacuum up pet hair off of the floor, there’s a good chance you need to pick it up from the upholstery too. This means the vacuum needs to come with an upholstery tool that is as good at picking up pet fur without clogging as the main vacuum cleaner.
What Features are Nice to Have in a Vacuum Cleaner But Aren’t Necessities?
Some people with pets think they need to get a quiet vacuum cleaner. While this is nice to have, the better solution is acclimating your pets to the noise and use of the vacuum cleaner instead of having the pets cower in fear at the noise. Every vacuum cleaner is noisy, and even the so called quiet ones are around 67 decibels versus the 70 to 72 decibels of the loud ones.
Vacuums that can handle wet-dry messes are nice to have, though not everyone wants to pay more for that functionality. A wet-dry vacuum cleaner that can also pick up pet hair is the best choice if you regularly use the vacuum to pick up thrown up fur balls or clean up after a puppy that is shedding heavily was well as making various messes on the floor.
If you have asthma or allergies, a bagged vacuum cleaner that seals in the debris and dander when you remove it is a nice feature to have. For everyone else, bags versus canisters are a matter of personal preference and the vacuum cleaner’s reputation for never dumping what you just vacuumed up on the way to the trash can is more important.
Flexibility and maneuverability matter in the vacuum cleaner more if you have a lot of low lying furniture and that’s where the pets like the nap or sit.
What Features Don’t Matter When You Need a Vacuum That Can Handle Pet Fur?
Overall, the upright versus canister debate doesn’t matter relative to the variations in performance between makes and models.
The HEPA filter on the vacuum cleaner or lack thereof doesn’t matter much if the vacuum cleaner does a good job of picking up pet fur without leaving fine dander behind and doesn’t spill half its contents into the air when you try to empty the dust cup.
Scented disks and other deodorizers are not important compared to other factors when you’re shopping for a pet vacuum cleaner.
Pet Parents says
A sales person from a well known vacuum company came to our home to demonstrate a very expensive vacuum. All went well, it had a lot of admirable features including great reviews until she tortured a select section of my carpet 5-6 times and was unable to pick anything up. She asked if my carpet was fairly new. I told her that it’s 22 years old and had been previously vacuumed earlier that morning which was a disadvantage to her demonstration. We decided to choose a whole different area that needed cleaning. I let her vacuum this section with her nifty vacuum as many times as she felt fit. She ran over the spot several times. Deeming it quite cleaned, she happily invited me run my old Dyson over that same spot…. After just one quick sweep it picked up even deeper dirt left behind. I felt embarrassed for this lovely lady but I’m quite sure she was equally impressed. My husband did like a couple of features unavailable on my machine so he made the purchase. I continue to use my machine and he uses his new toy, giving us the best of both worlds.
My Dyson is the best I’ve ever owned. After going through thousands of dollars over the years on other high priced best sellers, my faithful Dyson machine has outlasted & outperformed all of them & keeps my carpets looking amazing.
Inês Fernandes says
Which Dyson do you have?
Amy says
Interesting. I would like to know which dyson you have. I have a dyson canister, cleans the brush often, and it couldn’t pick up pet hair on the carpet. I had to vacuum my carpets with my $25 small handheld pet vacuum which is a pain to use on a large rug but actually does pick up hair in a few passes.
Ed says
I have a $650 Dyson and it does not pick up cat hair at all. Surprisingly, my Dirt Devil picks up hair that the Dyson doesn’t.
morgan says
Same - I HATE my dyson, it picks up nothing, even after multiple run throughs.
Theresa says
I hated my dyson too. My shark has always done great.
Susan says
I hate my Dyson! It spits debris back out and I’ve taken for repair twice to untangle hair from around the brush!
Norm Miller says
Your review of the Bissel Pet Hair Eraser 1650A Vacuum states that pet hair will not get caught in the roller brush. Well, I just returned that vacuum for that precise reason. I have a Golden Retriever and an English Lab, both heavy shedders. I was at first impressed with the vacuums strong suction, and a tad disturbed at the amount of dirt it picked up that my previous cleaner missed. Then, the brush stooped. Visual inspection showed hair jammed between the plastic ring that supports the brush. There is no easy way to get to it to unclog it as there are 6 screws holding the cover in place. I thought that maybe this was an anomaly, but the next effort did the same thing. This might be a great vacuum for short haired dogs and cats, or just getting dirt and dust out of your thick pile carpets, but otherwise, get something else!
Erin says
Norm Miller - Did you ever find a vacuum that did not clog the roller? This is exactly what I have been looking for and was just about ready to purchase the Bissell 1650.
Tabitha L Hughes says
I have several Vaccums. As I like everyone else want something I can use and has multiple functions. I love my Dysons. My $ 750 lasted less than 4 years. I bought the newer big ball. I like it but it is very heavy. It will pick up hair but you really have to get on your hands and knees and use the tool to get deeper in carpet. I also have two Bissells. The cordless 2151 multi reach is great. It picks up deep hair. The other is a wet/dry cross wave. I like it because I can clean the floors as I am vaccming. I have an older steam/Vaccum I think it is a Shark. I love the steam cleaning feature and it still works after many years but the Vaccum part doesn’t anymore. So I have went through basically testing out and now have several Vaccums. The best one in my opinion is the one I don’t have and that is a wet/dry vacuum that will Vaccum at will and when I snap my fingers it will do my walls and curtains also. Maybe I should just find a man. Lol
Connie says
Additionally loss of suction occurs as the lower hose is where the rotation occurs for the sweeper which is obviously a poor design as hose cracks and splits totally in two along the spines. Bissel does not have the repair part in stock on it’s website and has been the case for extended period of time. Stock up on gorilla tape to repair with each use if you buy this sweeper. I should add do not stand behind the sweeper when you the wand as the stupid machine center of gravity is horrible and it will fall on your feet every time. Don’t waste your time with this item unless you plan to replace in 6 months.
The best vacuum I had was the old Bissell 3060. Then I cleaned the bag thoroughly and ofet it outdoors to dry. I came back and the bag was gone. I tried to order a replacement bag, but they do not exist. The vacuum was easy to clean the pet hair and other stuff out of it. The vacuum is strong. Now I have the unit and no bag and the unit works fantastically. I liked the cloth bag which I thought was easy to clean. I looked at other Bissell products and thought them bulky looking and overly complex. Companies often attempt to come up with something new, just to push sales. The hand held vacuum with the little Bissell logos on it (green bag) had been my favorite. My requirements moving forward will be cordless and powerful, easy on the back and able to do carpeted stairs. I’m leaving toward a Shark V11 Pet which looks like it can also do stairs. The smaller handheld shark appears to be a good unit but it has a cord. That would be my second choice.
I have both a Shark and a Dyson Animal. On hardwood floors the Dyson only blows dog hair and dust away from it. The shark for only 200 bucks mind you, picks up everything! Also I have tried to clean my Dyson and completely let it dry for over 24 hours before using it again and no matter what I do the thing stinks like dog once I turn it on. My clean room will completely stink like dog!
Karen says
On 10/31/2019 I purchased directly from the website the Shark Ion F80 plus pet tools . This product does not work at all. There is little to no suction in any of the Pet Tools for which I paid extra. I am really shocked by this experience having heard such wonderful things previously about Shark. I received no instructions for the pet tools and when I called for support I was told there was no manual, no support, etc for these but I could try to Google some You Tube Videos to try to figure out how to use them with my Shark Ion F80.
The Shark Ion F80 itself is hardly picking up any dirt, pet hair, etc from my floor or carpet.
For $419.68 I am beyond shocked to be honest. I was also unable to register my product, the website log in does not even have my order information on it and I was told it was just a website glitch and not to worry about it having no information about my order.
I do not understand at all how a company which has or had such a good reputation would make such an inferior product, provide no manual for extra tools, no proper website functioning and no support from anyone who could communicate with me properly in English or answer any questions or actually give me any answers other than for me to try to research it myself online.
Amanda J Duston says
I’m experiencing the same thing with my shark
Carol Thompson says
I’m surprised to see so many Sharks on this report. I bought a new Shark Apex 12/2018. Really liked the way it cleaned. I only used it in between when my housekeeper came, but thought it did a great job picking up. However, 4 weeks later it just stopped working. I took it back to the store and they happily (and surprisingly to me) gave me a new one. Less than year later it did the EXACT same thing. Worked fine one day - - the next — nothing. I got no help from Shark on either incident. If it had not been for the store having such a good exchange policy, I would just have been stuck with a $350 vacuum that didn’t work. Now I am stuck with one that worked for less than a year. I will never buy another Shark product. Can’t believe how awful it is!
Kristi Bolstad says
Bissell Pet Hair Eraser 1650A Vacuum - I bought this vacuum cleaner last year and it is the worst I have ever owned for pet hair. As I vacuum, it balls up the hair and won’t suction it up. I have to lift the vacuum so it can “spit” out the ball of hair before I can continue vacuuming. It is horrible. $200 down the drain. I am currently in the process for a new vacuum, so if any one wants to but a LIKE NEW Bissell, let me know. I’ll sell you this one.
Missy says
I’ve owned 2 Dysons, and 3 Shark Vacuums. The Shark Vacuum I currently have is the APEX duo clean. I’ve had it about 3 years now and it does clean well, but every time I go to use it I have to cut hair off from around the roller. They did come out with a newer APEX duo clean that the hair isn’t suppose to accumulate on the roller. It’s also pretty heavy too, and it has these little felt wheels on bottom front that also accumulate hair and the only way to remove that hair is with tweezers! So before I can even vacuum my house I have to do a deep cleaning of my vacuum cleaner and who has time for that I know I don’t! I bought a off- brand cordless vacuum of Amazon, but that turned out to be a pile of junk.