You'll find several CR Best Buys and other fine choices in our Ratings. But most vacuums were far from perfect when it comes to handling. Look for models that did well at the cleaning you care about most. Then keep these tips in mind:

Choose the right kind. Most vacs do well on bare floors. Uprights tend to do best on carpets. But you may prefer a canister's easier pushing and pulling, since you move mostly the hose and powerhead. They're also easier to use on stairs.

Check its features. A brush on/off switch helps prevent scattering dirt on bare floors. Manual pile-height adjustment lets you match the vac's height more precisely to carpets, while suction control lets you reduce airflow through the hose when cleaning curtains and upholstery.

Think twice about bagless vacs. Our Ratings include top-performing bagless models. But you'll probably prefer a bag if you have allergy concerns, since emptying a bagless vacuum's bin is a frequent and dusty task. And while HEPA bags and filters can provide added filtration, they don't guarantee that the vacuum they're in won't spew dust. We test all models with their standard bag or filter. Vacs that did well should do well in your home if you use the bag or filter they came with.