Best Vacuum For Hardwood Floors – Buyer’s Guide

I’ve personally tried a ton of different vacuums. As an owner of a home with hardwood floors, I know how difficult it can be to find a good vacuum for them. Dirt, crumbs, pet hair… …

I’ve personally tried a ton of different vacuums. As an owner of a home with hardwood floors, I know how difficult it can be to find a good vacuum for them. Dirt, crumbs, pet hair… kids! I created this post to share my own personal experiences and reviews of my personal favorites, within all types of price ranges. I got a few great ones for those moms on a budget.

What Is The Best Vacuum For Hardwood Floors?

WindTunnel Technology
Powerful but Quiet
Floor-to-Ceiling Cleaning
Best Natural Sanitizer
Hoover Linx Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner, Lightweight, BH50010, Grey
Miele Classic C1 Vacuum Cleaner, Graphite Grey
Shark HV322 Rocket Deluxe Pro Corded Stick Vacuum with LED Headlights, XL...
Bissell PowerEdge Lift Off Hard Wood Floor Cleaner, Tile Cleaner, Steam Mop...
LINX Cordless Fade-Free Lithium-Ion Battery System. Intuitive Power Controls. Battery Fuel Gauge. Powered Brushroll with WindTunnel Technology.
High suction power – 1,200 W. Maximum maneuverability. 6 different suction power settings. Miele’s unique AirClean System.
Thorough deep carpet cleaning, and powerful pet hair pickup on all surfaces. The 0.68-quart dust cup.
2 in 1 steam mop with detachable handheld steamer. Power rating is 1500 Watts. Eliminates 99. 9 Percent of germs and bacteria.
WindTunnel Technology
Hoover Linx Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner, Lightweight, BH50010, Grey
LINX Cordless Fade-Free Lithium-Ion Battery System. Intuitive Power Controls. Battery Fuel Gauge. Powered Brushroll with WindTunnel Technology.
Powerful but Quiet
Miele Classic C1 Vacuum Cleaner, Graphite Grey
High suction power – 1,200 W. Maximum maneuverability. 6 different suction power settings. Miele’s unique AirClean System.
Floor-to-Ceiling Cleaning
Shark HV322 Rocket Deluxe Pro Corded Stick Vacuum with LED Headlights, XL...
Thorough deep carpet cleaning, and powerful pet hair pickup on all surfaces. The 0.68-quart dust cup.
Best Natural Sanitizer
Bissell PowerEdge Lift Off Hard Wood Floor Cleaner, Tile Cleaner, Steam Mop...
2 in 1 steam mop with detachable handheld steamer. Power rating is 1500 Watts. Eliminates 99. 9 Percent of germs and bacteria.
vacuum for hardwood floors

1. Hoover Linx Cordless Stick Vacuum – Editor’s Choice

Hoover Linx Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner, Lightweight, BH50010, Grey
  • NEW ITEM AVAILABLE: Linx product line will be discontinued from the Manufacturer. Please visit the Hoover ONEPWR Evolve Pet (BH53420PC) page for the new version
  • EXTREME RECLINE HANDLE: Reach further without having to move any furniture around
  • EDGE CLEANING BRISTLES: Removes dirt, dust, and pet hair against those hard to reach edges
Part of the company’s Platinum Collection™, the Hoover LiNX Cordless Stick Vacuum (official website) is not just considered a “Premier Product” by Hoover® itself but has been deemed worthy enough by its own share of fans as the best vacuum for hardwood floors currently available in the market. Measuring 10.63” x 8” x 25”, this vacuum is actually quite light, coming in at just a little over 12 pounds and while it may be lightweight, it is definitely the opposite in terms of its ability to perform as compared with similar models from other companies, making it among the top machines.
Hoover Linx

Product Advantages

As far as its features are concerned, the Hoover LiNX Cordless Stick Vacuum is chockfull of them and are part and parcel of why it has been called by some the best vacuum for hardwood floors:

Energy Saver – Unlike majority of the other vacuums in the market, this particular model does not need electricity in order to power it. Instead, it uses an 18-volt lithium-ion battery that can be recharged when needed. This makes a battery charger a necessity but it does mean that less energy will be consumed compared to more conventional corded machines.
WindTunnel® Technology Hoover®’s patented technology enables this machine to adjust from vacuuming hardwood floors to rugs and non-plush carpets by simply flipping a switch that turns the powered rolling brush on and off when needed. The transition does not result in any loss of suctioning power.
Reaching Out – This Hoover® vacuum is actually able to have its long handle recline to such a degree that it is able to get underneath furniture and do the necessary cleaning up without having to do any sort of heavy lifting just to get to the dust balls and anything else hiding from view.

Overall

The Hoover LiNX Cordless Stick Vacuum is lightweight and a breeze to use, making it a great vacuum to have around the house. If there was anything that I wasn’t too thrilled with, it might be the life of the battery. The best thing to do is to remember that when battery has been fully recharged, it should be removed from the charger right away. Letting it stay in longer will affect battery life. Other than that, it is easy to see why this little vac is a choice by some as the best vacuum for hardwood floors. Check price at Sears.com, Lowes.com, Kohls.com.

Pros
  • Cordless freedom through an 18-volt lithium ion battery
  • Low profile design
  • Removes deep embedded dirt
  • Cleans hardfloors as well as carpets
Cons
  • Some rubber parts may fail soon

2. Miele Grey Classic C1 Pure Suction Canister Vacuum Cleaner – Amazon’s Choice

Miele Classic C1 Vacuum Cleaner, Graphite Grey
  • GERMAN ENGINEERED: Bagged canister vacuum cleaner ideal for homes with hard floors and low pile carpeting
  • STRONG SUCTION POWER: Switch between 6 suction power settings specific to the surface being cleaned
  • MAXIMUM MANEUVERABILITY: Vacuum easily around and underneath furniture, or use the clipped on accessories to clean upholstery or hard to reach places
When it comes to vacuum cleaners, the Miele Canister Vacuum Cleaner (official website) seems to be the one that has received rave reviews, with many considering it the best vacuum for hardwood floors. This is the top of the line folks! Not only is the vacuum able to vacuum hard floors but it is also able to vacuum rugs, carpets, upholstery, and even drapery! Aside from the main unit, the rubberized hosing, and the telescopic wand made of stainless steel, the package also comes with what it calls the FiberteQ SBD350-3 Tool which can be used for both vacuuming on carpeted and non-carpeted flooring all throughout one’s home.
Miele Grey Classic C1

Product Advantages

Being labeled the best vacuum for hardwood floors and even for other surfaces means that the features of the Miele Canister Vacuum Cleaner must truly be among the best in the industry:

Controlled Speed – This vacuum cleaner is able to clean different surfaces precisely because of the speed control it comes with. The speed can be changed according to the kind of surface that needs to be cleaned. There are six different speeds that can be chosen from and can be easily adjusted accordingly with a simple turn of a knob.
Power Performance – This Miele® C1-category canister vacuum is small but its size belies the 1200-watt motor that is backing it up. This makes it possible for the vacuum cleaner to do a thorough job of cleaning no matter what type of floor it is faced with.
Goes the Distance – With its long power cord and extra-long hose and extendable wand, this model has a radius of nearly 30 feet. What this means is that it no longer becomes necessary to have to unplug the vacuum and move it from one outlet to another when vacuuming a reasonably sized room or area at home.

Overall

Aside from the aforementioned, there are other positive things that the Miele Canister Vacuum Cleaner has going for it: its weight that makes it easy to carry around, its ability to shut off to avoid overheating, and more. This is what a lot of reviewers believe to be the best vacuum for hardwood floors. This vacuum was manufactured and was meant to truly last for decades, making it an investment. Check price at Walmart.com, Abt.com, Sears.com.

Pros
  • Ideal for cleaning hard floors
  • Offers maximum maneuverability
  • Unique AirClean System
  • 7-year manufacturer warranty on motor and casing
Cons
  • You have to buy a beater bar

3. Shark Rocket DeluxePro Ultra-Light Upright Corded Stick Vacuum – Powerful 2 in 1 Vacuum

Sale
Shark HV322 Rocket Deluxe Pro Corded Stick Vacuum with LED Headlights, XL...
  • POWERFUL SUCTION: Thorough deep carpet cleaning, and powerful pet hair pickup on all surfaces.
  • LIGHTWEIGHT VERSATILITY: Ultra-lightweight and converts into a handheld vacuum for versatile floor-to-ceiling cleaning.
  • PERFECT FOR PETS: Includes specialized pet tools that capture embedded pet hair on all surfaces, while extending reach into hard-to-access areas.
Shark (official website) is a brand name associated most with vacuum cleaners that come in all shapes and sizes and while there are certain models that we consider could fall in the class of the best vacuum for hardwood floors, the Shark Rocket DeluxePro Ultra-Light Upright Corded Stick Vacuum seeks to keep the company tradition alive and claim the title for itself. At 13” x 10.25” x 47.5” and weighing less than 9 pounds, this vacuum is easy to use and can even be moved to higher floors in a multi-level home. Its 25-foot power cord also allows it to clean a large area without needing to be re-plugged.
Shark Rocket DeluxePro

Product Advantages

The Shark Rocket DeluxePro Ultra-Light Upright Corded Stick Vacuum is certainly not anyone’s ordinary and old-fashioned stick vacuum cleaner in that it is backed by both innovative design and technology and has the following features in order to be considered the best vacuum for hardwood floors around:

Powered Transition – This vacuum is not only a vacuum for hard flooring but can also be used on both low pile carpets and area rugs and transitioning from one surface to another has never been easier. You’ll get the versatile floor-to-ceiling cleaning without losing any cleaning power.
Fill It Up – The dirt cup attached to this Shark vacuum can be easily detached without causing any sort of mess while moving its contents to a trash bin. Once there, all it takes is the press of a button and the bottom of the dirt cup releases all the collected dirt and grime.
Wide & Edgy – The base of this model comes with a wide mouth that makes it possible to pick up as much dust and dry spillage as is in its way. It even has cleaning bristles to clean along with a room’s edges. LED headlights help finding the mess even in the tight places.

Overall

With a majority of customers giving it top marks, the Shark Rocket DeluxePro Ultra-Light Upright Corded Stick Vacuum does seem primed to be considered a possible choice for the best vacuum for hardwood floors. It is not as expensive as other models in the market but it is still able to perform at its optimum best. There were some reviewers who did feel it is a machine best used for light cleaning work that one would often do with a broom and dustpan. For smaller homes, this Shark vacuum appears apt and ready to take on easily manageable cleaning jobs, producing the best results. Check price at Kohls.com, Walmart.com, Lowes.com.

Pros
  • Convenient and quick draw cleaning
  • Amazingly lightweight body
  • Wide cleaner mouth
  • Rinsable filter
Cons
  • It can have an unpleasant smell

4. Bissell PowerEdge Hard Floor Vacuum – Best Natural Sanitizer

Bissell PowerEdge Lift Off Hard Wood Floor Cleaner, Tile Cleaner, Steam Mop...
  • 2 in 1 steam mop with detachable handheld steamer to clean with the power of steam both on and above your floors
  • Control the amount of steam you put on your floors with on demand steam trigger
  • Easily clean and maneuver into corners and edges with Triangle foot design. Power rating is 1500 Watts
Considered by many as one of, if not the best vacuum for hardwood floors, the Bissell PowerEdge Hard Floor Vacuum (official website) eliminates the need for the conventional broom and dustpan when it comes to cleaning up dirt and debris off hardwood floors. This hardwood floor vacuum comes with the patented V-shape design that the PowerEdge® line of vacuums is known for. The fact that it is a vacuum should not dissuade anyone since it is quite light in terms of weight, allowing it to be easily moved from one room of the house to another without having to strain oneself unnecessarily.
Bissell PowerEdge

Product Advantages

This Bissell PowerEdge Hard Floor Vacuum has several features that make it a standout choice as a possible best vacuum for hardwood floors and a lot has to do with its overall design:

V-Shape Technology – The bottom of the vacuum itself forms into a V-shape that allows it to have larger pieces of dirt be suctioned straight into the center. Anything smaller or finer can be picked up by the two rounded ends and then led into the suctioning hole in the center, leaving one’s hardwood floor virtually clean.
Easy-Empty Dirt Cup – There are no bags to clean with this Bissell® model since it has its very own cup that collects all the dirt that is suctioned by the machine. The fact that it clearly helps let one know when it is time to remove the cup and dump all its contents. No need to wash and dry every single time it is used.
Swivel Head – This vacuum does most of the work for any homeowner especially since its head actually swivels when needed, making it possible to get into nooks and crannies and even slip underneath the furniture to get closer to those hidden dust bunnies.

Overall

Bissell PowerEdge Hard Floor Vacuum has received a majority of positive reviews from those who have already purchased and used it. Its suctioning power as well as its ability to not just work on hardwood floors but on low pile carpets makes it a winner. There are some quibbles regarding its noise level and there were pet owners who claimed it did not fare too well with pet hair. However, there is a Bissell® PowerEdge® model specifically made for pet owners and this vacuum’s performance indeed makes it a prime candidate as the best vacuum for hardwood floors. Check price at Walmart.com, Lowes.com, Kohls.com.

Pros
  • Triangle foot design
  • Eliminates 99.9 Percent of germs and bacteria
  • 2 in 1 steam mop
  • Specialized tools for cleaning multiple surfaces
Cons
  • There’s not a lot of steam power

Buyer’s Guide

There once was a time that households that had both hardwood floors and carpeting were relegated to having to purchase a vacuum for the carpets and a broom and dustpan for the hardwood floors. More recently, companies have recognized the need to have just one apparatus that will be able to do all the floor cleaning, regardless of what kinds of multiple surfaces a home or space may have. Thus, multitask vacuums were created and with the influx of models in the market today, the search for the best vacuum for hardwood floors is a seemingly never-ending quest for some.
Because a lot of vacuums nowadays are touted as being able to vacuum on a variety of surfaces, one of the most important things to take note of when looking for the best vacuum for hardwood floors is the difference in performance once it transitions from one type of floor surface to another type. This means that some vacuums may be able to do a great job of vacuuming hardwood floors and other hard surfaces like marble and tile but may end up not doing so well when it comes to area rugs and carpets that are not too plushy.
There are also vacuums that may end up causing some amount of damage to hardwood flooring when shifting from carpeting. Of course, companies are going to tell a would-be customer exactly what they want to hear so reading through independent reviews is something that should be seriously considered before making any final purchases. These reviews often come from individuals who have bought a particular vacuum and have tried it out for whatever amount of time. Their experiences may indeed be able to aid others in learning if there are any flaws or cautionary tales they should know about the machine.
Some may think that all hardwood floors need are a brush and dustpan and maybe a polisher in order to keep them spic and span. However, in order to truly keep these kinds of floor surfaces clean and pristine is to buy a vacuum that is able to do all the work. Still, is there really such a thing as the best vacuum for hardwood floors? Reviews from consumers and independent groups will definitely help but each experience may be a tad different and what may be considered “the best” by some may not always lead to a shared opinion. In this post based on our experience, we will be sharing our handpicked select group of vacuums which we find to be the best in their class and highest-rated for vacuuming hardwood floors.