Photography: Louise Roche | Stylist: Kylie Jackes
Not to be confused with traditional canister vacuums or cordless stick vacs – an upright vacuum cleaner is the ‘in-between’ unit worth considering when deciding which type of vacuum to choose for your home.
Especially when it comes to deep-cleaning your home, finding a vacuum cleaner that does the job effectively and efficiently is crucial, so, what is an upright vacuum cleaner? And, is it right for you and your needs? We dissect these very questions below, along with our top picks to shop.
What is an upright vacuum?
An upright vacuum cleaner, well, stands upright (similar to a stick vacuum). However, the motor is generally found at the bottom of the unit, near the head of the vacuum. They’re not as large or bulky as a canister vacuum, but they aren’t as lightweight as a cordless stick vacuum.
Is an upright vacuum cleaner better than a normal vacuum cleaner?
When compared to a traditional canister vacuum, an upright vacuum is an easy unit to use between rooms. With handles and wheels, you can simply push the upright vacuum along rather than bending down to attend to a canister. Moreover, it’s a compact offering that can take up very little space. Plus, its sleek profile means you can easily store it in cupboards to reduce clutter within the home.
What is the difference between a stick vacuum and an upright vacuum?
A stick vacuum is a much smaller unit that is portable, often used to complete isolated cleaning jobs around the home as they pop up. An upright vacuum, on the other hand, is a bit bigger and, as a result, the motor and suction power is a lot stronger, making them a great option for days when deep cleaning is on the agenda.
The best upright vacuums to shop in Australia 2023
01
Shark Navigator Pet with self-cleaning brush roll, The Good Guys
$349
Tick off your weekend cleaning chores once and for all with this upright vacuum cleaner from Shark. Compatible with both hard floors and carpets, not a speck of dust will be in sight throughout the home.
Key features:
- Duster crevice tool, upholstery tool, dusting brush included
- Compatible with carpet and hard floors
- 3-litre dust capacity
02
Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo upright vacuum cleaner, Godfreys
$399
Lightweight and agile, the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser is designed for pet owners. Pet hair is removed with minimal maintenance thanks to the unit’s tangle-free brush roll that stops hair from wrapping around the brush. Plus, its quick-release extension wand makes cleaning tricky areas around the house a breeze.
Key features:
- Tangle-free brush roll
- Smart Seal allergen system to trap dust and eliminate odours
- Quick-release extension wand
- Hands-free emptying
03
Hoover Complete upright vacuum cleaner, Godfreys
$199 (usually $299)
Looking for a powerful upright vacuum for furniture, ceilings, pet beds and more? The Hoover Complete upright vacuum is here to save the day. Our favourite part is the detachable hose that makes cleaning hard-to-reach areas (such as ceilings) easier than ever.
Key features:
- Detachable wand
- HEPA filtration to improve air quality
- Includes mini hand turbo tool for cleaning upholstery
04
Bissell Powerforce Helix Turbo Rewind, The Good Guys
$199
With upholstery and carpet cleaning ability, the Bissell Powerforce Helix Turbo Rewind is a must for busy homes. With its upright design and one-litre dust capacity, it’s perfect for quick jobs around the home.
Key features:
- 1-litre dust capacity
- Upholstery and carpet cleaning ability
- Wide cleaner head design
05
Dreame H11 cordless wet & dry vacuum cleaner and mop, Appliances Online
$799
Looking for an all-rounder vacuum cleaner? This cordless wet and dry vacuum cleaner by Dreame will efficiently and effectively vacuum and mop – all in one machine. This compact unit is perfect for those who are tight on storage space.
Key features:
- Combined mop and vacuum functionality
- Dual tank design so you can mop with clean water continuously
- LED screen with voice prompts
- Convenient self-cleaning at the dock
06
Shark Lift Away XL pet upright vacuum cleaner, Myer
$699
Another great unit by Shark that is designed with pet hair in mind is the Shark Lift Away XL vacuum cleaner. Featuring a large self-cleaning brush roll, an extra-large dust cup, and a wide DuoClean floorhead for all floor types, it’s perfect for whole-house jobs. The star of the show? The handy ‘Lift-Away’ handle means you can transform this upright vacuum into a portable one that can easily clean hard-to-reach areas like stairs.
Key features:
- Lift-Away feature for portability
- Large self-cleaning brush roll
- XL dust cup
07
Dyson Light Ball multi-floor upright vacuum, Myer
$599
Featuring radical cyclone technology, this powerful upright unit from Dyson removes dirt, dust and allergens from the home effortlessly. The first thing you notice is the ball design, which is ultimately how the unit manoeuvres around various surfaces. The unique ball design enables easier steering for seamless cleaning.
Key features:
- Radical Cyclone technology
- Ball technology for easy steering
- Instant-release high-reach wand
- Advanced filtration
- Self-adjusting cleaner head
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