Commercial Vacuum Cleaners

Review of Commercial Vacuum Cleaners

When you own or manage a business, the last thing you want to think about is which vacuum cleaner to buy. There are hundreds of models with thousands of features. Learning about all of them and comparing can be a hassle if you don’t know what you want. However, this is an important decision. Good commercial vacuum cleaners protect your flooring investment, promote a cleaner work environment, and help keep inventory and office supplies free of dust, mites, and allergens.

Don’t think that commercial vacuum cleaners are just for businesses. There are advantages to purchasing a commercial vacuum for home use, especially if you have a large home or vacuum more often than most homeowners.

Commercial vacs are built with the heavy user in mind. They tend to be more rugged and have strong motors. They often lack the bells and whistles that high-end home vacuums offer, but most people don’t need all those extras.

Regardless of your reason for wanting a commercial vacuum cleaner, this simple guide should make your decision easier and help save time and money.

Getting the Most Value When Buying Commercial Vacuum Cleaners

Setting Your Budget and Expectations

The first question to ask yourself is how much time you can devote to dealing with a commercial vacuum cleaner after you’ve bought it. The old adage “you get what you pay for” is usually true with vacuum cleaners, but not always.

If you want the cheapest commercial vacuum you can find, plan on regular minor repairs. Expect frequent replacement of wear-prone parts such as belts and brushes.

Choosing Durability Over Upfront Cost

If you prefer not to think about another vacuum purchase for many years, you’ll need to spend more. A mid-priced vacuum ($250+) is usually ideal. Your needs depend on square footage and foot traffic. The trade-off is less maintenance and a longer motor life.

Key Features and Specifications to Compare

Upright vs. Canister

Upright vacuum cleaners are generally better on carpets.
Canister vacuums are better on upholstery, stairs, and drapes.

Motor Power

The more amps the motor has, the more suction you can expect. If you have deep-pile carpets or heavy foot traffic, choose at least a 10-amp motor. Twelve amps or more is ideal.

Cleaning Path Width

Look for the widest cleaning path you can find in your price range, as long as the motor can keep up. A 12-inch path with a 7-amp motor works fine. You would not want that same motor powering a 15-inch cleaning path.

Power Cord Length

Power cord length is more important than many people realize. A 20-foot cord will drive you crazy in a large office or home. Look for at least a 35-foot cord. Many models now have 50-foot cords. Retractable cords are a great time-saver, especially on canister vacuums.

Hose Length

Hose length matters as well. Get the longest one you can find and afford. Having too much hose is better than not having enough.

Filtration Options

Look for the best filtration your budget allows. Many commercial models now come with HEPA filters as standard equipment. This is ideal for offices with allergy-prone employees or households with allergy sufferers.

If you can’t find HEPA within your budget, look for 2-stage filtration with both motor and exhaust filters.

Warranty Coverage

Pay close attention to what the manufacturer’s warranty covers and how long it lasts. Spending a few extra dollars upfront buys more protection against expensive repairs later. Commercial vacuums take more abuse, and strain on the motor is significant.

Recommended Commercial Vacuum Cleaners

It’s difficult to give exact recommendations without knowing your usage plans. However, a few models consistently rise to the top.

Best Upright: Eureka Sanitaire Commercial SC888

In the upright category, the Eureka Sanitaire Commercial SC888 is likely the best basic vacuum in this review. This is the famous red-and-chrome hotel vacuum seen in hotels across the country.

There’s a reason so many chains buy this model. It has almost no special features, but it does exactly what it’s designed to do—clean carpets—and it does it extremely well. It’s also relatively inexpensive at around $195 online.

Highlights include:

50-foot power cord
7-amp motor
12-inch cleaning path
Six-level carpet height adjustment
Extra-bright headlight

Best Canister: Kenmore Progressive 25512

If you want a great commercial canister vacuum, the Kenmore Progressive 25512 is hard to beat. It received a “best buy” rating from a major consumer testing laboratory. The review noted several strong features: