The 10 Best Vacuums on the Market, According to an Expert

It's no secret that investing in a high-quality vacuum can make housekeeping that much easier. "Not only does the right kind of vacuum remove more fur, dust, and allergens from your carpet and rugs, but it also fluffs them to almost-new quality, helping prevent destructive traffic patterns and matting that look ugly and shorten the rug's lifespan," says Rachel Decker, co-owner and operator of Queen Vacuum & HomeCare Center. "A good vacuum also helps preserve delicately-finished wood floors by reducing the need for time-consuming wet mopping or chemical applications."

Even better, Decker says that a superior vacuum, ideally one with a HEPA-filtration system, can also improve the air quality of your home. "Bad vacuums can disturb dirt on the ground during use and also spray out a measurable amount of dust and allergens back into your breathing air," she explains. "All of that material ultimately settles onto your furniture and other above-floor surfaces. That spells more housework and allergy attacks!"

Of course, Decker says stellar vacuums have other important qualities, too. "It should be comfortable and simple to use, as well as intuitive to troubleshoot," she says. "Along with variable suction control—a feature that allows you to reduce the vacuum's suction to safely clean trickier surfaces—it should also come with various tools and attachments for versatility. It should also be of good financial value: Durable, supported well by the manufacturer, and guaranteed to last at least 10 years." Shopping for a top-notch vacuum that meets all of the above criteria? We asked Decker which vacuums she considers the best on the market, and here's what she had to say.