Size and weight are two important factors that

Knowing which type of floor you wish to clean is an important first step to choose the right vacuum. Bare floor tool type of canister lets you clean smooth surfaces, but it is not as suitable for rugs and carpets. Things become more demanding with different surfaces with viscous objects.

Turbo power nozzle can perform well for natural fibers and pet hair that crop up in carpets and rugs. Power nozzle with separate electric motor that drive a revolving brush roll is most suitable for scatter rugs, stair treads and areas of high traffic. Most canister models come with the same attachment tools, namely an upholstery tool, a dusting tool and a crevice tool. Those are tools that you'll likely need, no matter which model you plan to acquire.

Next comes the second factor. Ease of use. You don't want a cutting-edge vacuum that seems great but not so intuitive to use. But even that varies from one individual to another because as you become familiar with your tool, it may give you more power than other models. As with the other factors, easy of use is also a matter of personal preference.

If you really want to get into details, there are at least a dozen more factors to consider upfront. Just as an example, some people are stickler with certain brand over another. Perhaps that helps in narrowing down choices. You should not compromise on quality. Some models are costly but they are more durable. Canister vacuum comes with both bag and bagless model. One might generate more noises than others. Some have more volume than others.

Think you're done? May be, except when these small features are important for you. Various indicators, for instance, are time savers. Retractable cord can help you work more effectively. I know people who insist on these features. Not that they are utmost important, but again, they are nice to have. Once you get used to some features, you will tend to avoid other models that come without those features. Now you know why best vacuum cleaner doesn't actually exist.

When it comes to price, expect to pay slightly more than an upright vacuum cleaner of similar quality. But its ease of maneuverability can easily outweigh the cost. For people in a small apartment, the fact that it takes so little space is a major benefit.

For something that you're going to use for years, I think it's worth the effort and time to do a bit of online research for various models until you are sure about your decision. It's true that better quality can cost more, but it is often worth it in the long run.