2016 Barrel Vacuum Cleaner Reviews
You are viewing the archived barrel vacuum cleaner ratings. Follow the link to view the current barrel vacuum cleaner ratings.
To help consumers make the most informed decision, Canstar Blue takes a look at some vacuum cleaners that don’t suck.
Canstar Blue research finalised in June 2016, published in July 2016.
See our Ratings Methodology.
Most Satisfied Customers | Miele
After surveying hundreds of barrel vacuum cleaner owners across New Zealand, we can reveal that customers are most satisfied with Miele, which rated 5 stars across all criteria
Vacuuming is one of those tasks we begrudgingly accept we have to do. While 44% of vacuum cleaner owners claim they vacuum more than once a week, over a quarter (28%) admit it’s their least favourite chore. With that said, there’s no denying how amazing a freshly vacuumed floor looks and feels.
There are a number of vacuum cleaner models – the most popular ones being the upright and barrel (or canister) vacuums. While these models have certain advantages and disadvantages, either is a perfectly viable option depending on your needs.
Barrel vacuum cleaners
These are perhaps the most common and versatile model of vacuum cleaner. Essentially, it’s a canister that sits on wheels with a flexible suction hose attached. There are a wide range of vacuum models with varying degrees of power and functionality. Most barrel vacuum cleaners will also come with a number of interchangeable nozzles, meaning you’re equipped to handle all your vacuuming needs.
While there are many barrel vacuums that might look similar, they may be worlds apart when it comes to their quality – but how can you tell? Unless you’re a vacuuming enthusiast (chances are you’re not), it’s not easy to know which brand is delivering on satisfaction, so Canstar Blue is here to lend a hand.
After surveying hundreds of barrel vacuum cleaner owners across New Zealand, we can reveal that customers are most satisfied with Miele, which rated 5 stars across all criteria – considerably more than its competitors in this field.
Frequently Asked Questions
Basically, a vacuum cleaner has four critical parts: An intake port, back-end motor, high-speed rotating fan and a dust bag/container.
- An electrical charge powers the motor, rotating the fan.
- The rotation of this fan creates a pressure differential where the pressure level drops behind the fan.
- This change in pressure creates suction. Dust particles and small items are sucked up past the fan, through a filter and are caught in the vacuum cleaner’s bag or canister.
This is the general idea of how vacuum cleaners work. However, some vacuums will operate slightly differently and offer a range of settings to maximise its effectiveness across a number of surfaces.
While barrel vacuum cleaners tend to be the more popular choice for New Zealand consumers, it can’t accurately be said that barrel cleaners are any better than upright cleaners or vice versa. The type you choose will be entirely a matter of preference and will also depend on what best suits your vacuuming needs. With that said, here are the pros and cons of barrel and upright vacuum cleaners.
Upright vacuum cleaners
| Pros | Cons |
| Easily manoeuvrable on floors | Hard to use on furniture or vehicles |
| Some cordless models | No adjustable nozzles |
| More compact, making it easier to store | Usually noisier |
Price: $300-$800*
Barrel vacuum cleaners
| Pros | Cons |
| Powerful suction | More cumbersome for floor cleaning than upright models |
| Come in a range of sizes for most budgets | Harder to store due to hose and barrel |
| Interchangeable nozzles for different circumstances | Involves bending over, which can be a problem if you have back pains |
Price: $150-$900*
*Please note that pricing data is correct at time of writing. Please confirm current pricing directly with retailer
If a barrel or upright vacuum cleaner doesn’t quite suit your needs, here are a few others to be aware of.
Robot vacuum cleaners
These vacuum cleaners do the vacuuming for you! It’s no wonder they’re growing in popularity. Most models will automatically clean the room at regular intervals or at specified times. Some have inbuilt movement patterns for different levels of cleaning while the more expensive models have sensor technology which lets it map out the room for the most thorough of cleans.
The downside to these models is that their size means they have a lower suction capacity and battery life. They are also restricted to flat surfaces and their round shape makes it difficult for them to clean corners.
Prices for quality robotic vacuum cleaners begin at around $500 and can cost up to $2,000.
Handheld vacuum cleaners
Handheld vacuum cleaners are small-portable cleaners which are ideal for cleaning cars, furniture, hard to reach places, or localised messes. They are not as powerful as full-size vacuum cleaners and as such, are no real replacement for a traditional upright or barrel vacuum. With that said, they do come in handy, particularly for those with infrequent or undemanding cleaning.
Handheld vacuum cleaners are quite affordable and can be purchased anywhere around $20-$200.
Wet and dry vacuum cleaners
If you’re running a business or you’re just very serious about your vacuuming, then a wet and dry vacuum cleaner is the go-to. These vacuum cleaners are a lot more powerful than conventional household models and include features that separate wet and dry mess.
These vacuum cleaners have serious power, so they come with a serious price tag. Prices start at around $500 but it’s common to see them costing well into the thousands.
Canstar Blue commissioned I-view to survey 2,500 New Zealand consumers across a range of categories to measure and track customer satisfaction. The outcomes reported are the results from customers within the survey group who have purchased a vacuum cleaner in the last 3 years – in this case, 327 New Zealanders who bought an upright model, and 635 who purchased a barrel model.
Brands must have received at least 30 responses to be included. Results are comparative and it should be noted that brands receiving three stars have still achieved a satisfaction measure of at least six out of 10. Not all brands available in the market have been compared in this survey. The ratings table is first sorted by star ratings and then alphabetically. A rated brand may receive a ‘N/A’ (Not Applicable) rating if it does not receive the minimum number of responses for that criteria.