Vacuum Cleaners > Upright Vacuum Cleaners > $250 and above

Advantages: portability, ease of use
Disadvantages: the ball takes some getting used to

I bought this Dyson to use in a house with four dogs. It is very easy to operate and cleans extremely well. I love the ease of use. It picks up everything. I like to use the retractable hose for cleaning the upholstery. With the dogs, even though they are terriers, I find debris they leave behind. I also have dust allergies and the Dyson does a great job of keeping that at bay. I use it on both hardwood and carpets with ease. My son borrowed it the ...
...is always at the ready for use. The container is easy to empty and clean. The only drawback was figuring out how to maneuver it. I am used to vacuums that go back and forth and the Dyson has the ball which moves any way you want it to go. ... Read review

Advantages: EVERYTHING
Disadvantages: Might be somewhat cost prohibitive (but well worth the price!)

I ordered my Dyson DC18 Slim a little over a year ago. As with most small appliances there was assembly required. Even though the manual was easy to understand, I was able to assemble the vacuum easily without reading the instructions! From the first "Test Drive' on my livingroom carpet (which I could have SWORN was clean) I was absolutely amazed! The 'stuff' this vacuum pulled out of my carpet was unbelievable. It is quiet and lightweight. Easy ... Read review

Advantages: Great for people with pets and allergies. Sucks tiny particles of dander and dust
Disadvantages: Hard to figure out attachments at first

Great for people with pets and allergies. Visible pick-up of tiny particles of pet dander, dust and dirt in the clear canister. With previous vaccuums the hair from my constantly shedding border collie tended to make the vaccuum smell. This vaccuum doesn't smell! Love the fact you don't need to change bags and belts. I also like the long chord so I can vaccuum two rooms without changing outlets. The HEPA filter for my dust and pet allergy suffering ... Read review

Advantages: Fantastic suction, the motorized brush does an outstanding job
Disadvantages: Too bad Shark doesn't include their dusting brush attachment

OMG! It actually gets the dog hair off my bed comforter, couch, and rugs!!! With 2 dogs whose favorite pastime is shedding on everything... this little cordless unit with its motorized brush and outstanding suction has been just short of a miracle worker! It even holds its charge and suction power long enough to do: * One queen size bed comforter and pillows. * One six-foot long couch, both seat and back cushions. * One four-foot area ...
...bending is good exercise;) I do need to empty the dust cup once or twice before all the above is done. A little messy to empty, but no big deal. The important part is all the dog hair it sucks up off everything I put it to! I raved about it to my parents who have two cats. They bought one. They love it and call me weekly to give me their amazed updates on how well it's STILL working for them. A friend saw me using it and couldn't believe its power. ... Read review

Advantages: Cleans like no other!
Disadvantages: Price tag!

I'll admit I'm a bit OCD when it comes to cleaning so when I needed to by a new vacuum cleaner I did my research. I have allergies and a small Pomeranian that occasionally sheds. But overall, I wanted a quality vacuum cleaner. Dyson commerical abounds I looked - but I didn't want an upright with a removable bin (they only hold so much and after vacuuming my mother-in-law's house that has pets, I realized that I could be frequent removing that bin ...
...Eventually I came across Miele, a German company that started back in 1899 and prides its self on durability. The company offers a variety of cannister and upright vacuums both for the home user and professional grade. The S4210 Antares is a cannister vac, usually sold in mango red which is an appealling bright color. It is sold with a turbo brush and parquet floor brush, crevice tool, upholstery brush and dusting brush. You can buy additional brushes ... Read review