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10 Best Upright Vacuums

From leading brands and best sellers available on the web.
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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Shark Corded Upright Vacuum Cleaner 1.1L with Lift-Away Technology, LED Headlights, Anti-Allergen, 8m Cord, 750W, Crevice, Multi-Surface Tools, Blue/Black, NV602UK

10.0  score

14% OFF
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£171.14
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Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,255
Suction Power
Bagged vs. Bagless
Weight and Maneuverability
Suction Power
Delivers outstanding cleaning power, making floors look like they've never been vacuumed before with edge-to-edge suction and multiple settings.
Bagged vs. Bagless
Simple to empty the dust chamber, making maintenance straightforward and hassle-free.
Weight and Maneuverability
Remarkably lightweight and easy to maneuver, with smooth pivoting that allows effortless cleaning under furniture.
Attachments and Accessories
Transforms easily into a handheld vacuum for stairs, cars, and tight spaces, adding great versatility to the cleaning routine.
Cord Length and Cordless Options
The cord length can feel limiting in larger spaces, requiring some management during use.

The Shark Corded Upright Vacuum Cleaner NV602UK offers strong suction power with its 750W motor, making it effective on both carpets and hard floors thanks to its two floor modes and adjustable suction control. It uses a washable filter with an Anti-Allergen Complete Seal system that captures 99.9% of dust and allergens, which is great if you have allergy concerns. This vacuum is bagless with a 1.1L dust cup, so you won’t need to buy replacement bags, though emptying it might be a bit messier compared to bagged models.

Weighing around 5.1 kg, it’s relatively lightweight for an upright and includes Lift-Away technology to convert into a portable vacuum for cleaning stairs, sofas, and hard-to-reach areas, improving maneuverability. The 8-meter cord offers decent reach, though it’s not cordless, so you will need to manage the cord during use. Included attachments like the crevice and upholstery tools add versatility for detailed cleaning tasks. LED headlights help illuminate dark spaces like under furniture.

This vacuum cleaner represents a solid choice for those seeking powerful, allergen-conscious cleaning combined with the flexibility of portable use, especially if you don’t mind plugging in and managing a cord. While some might find the cord limiting compared to cordless models, and the unit bulkier than stick vacuums, it balances effective cleaning features with convenience.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,255
Suction Power
Bagged vs. Bagless
Weight and Maneuverability
Suction Power
Delivers outstanding cleaning power, making floors look like they've never been vacuumed before with edge-to-edge suction and multiple settings.
Bagged vs. Bagless
Simple to empty the dust chamber, making maintenance straightforward and hassle-free.
Weight and Maneuverability
Remarkably lightweight and easy to maneuver, with smooth pivoting that allows effortless cleaning under furniture.
Attachments and Accessories
Transforms easily into a handheld vacuum for stairs, cars, and tight spaces, adding great versatility to the cleaning routine.
Cord Length and Cordless Options
The cord length can feel limiting in larger spaces, requiring some management during use.
#2

Shark Corded Upright Vacuum Cleaner, 0.83L with Anti Hair Wrap Technology & DuoClean, Pet Model, Powered Lift-Away, LED Headlights, Anti-Allergen, 8m Cord, 750W, 4 Attachments, Black/Copper NZ801UKTBK

9.7  score

Available on
£199.95
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Rating
9.7
Suction Power
Bagged vs. Bagless
Weight and Maneuverability
Suction Power
Powerful suction delivers exceptional cleaning results, even on carpets and sofas that had been recently vacuumed with other devices.
Bagged vs. Bagless
The vacuum holds more waste than expected, and emptying the dust cup is quick and hassle-free.
Weight and Maneuverability
Though somewhat heavy, the weight reflects the strong motor power and doesn’t hinder usability for those accustomed to uprights.
Attachments and Accessories
Attachments included are practical and enhance versatility for dusting, upholstery, and tight spaces.
Cord Length and Cordless Options
The cord length is sufficient for most cleaning tasks without frequent unplugging, providing good maneuverability.

The Shark Corded Upright Vacuum Cleaner NZ801UKTBK is a solid choice for those wanting a powerful, versatile vacuum for various floor types. It has a strong 750W motor with DuoClean technology, which uses two brush-rolls to clean carpets and hard floors effectively. The Anti Hair Wrap feature is especially helpful for pet owners or those with long hair, as it prevents hair from tangling around the brush. Its filtration system captures 99.9% of dust and allergens, making it suitable for allergy sufferers.

This vacuum is bagless with a 0.83L dust cup that is easy to empty, although it may require frequent emptying in larger homes. Weighing 7.29 kg, it is somewhat heavier than some lightweight models, but the Powered Lift-Away feature facilitates cleaning stairs, furniture, and hard-to-reach spots. The 8-meter cord provides a decent cleaning range without the need for frequent unplugging, though it requires a nearby outlet since it is not cordless.

Included accessories such as the pet tool, crevice tool, upholstery tool, and car kit enhance its versatility for different cleaning jobs. LED headlights on the floorhead help spot hidden dust. Despite not being the lightest vacuum, it delivers strong cleaning power and thoughtful features, making it a great fit for pet owners or households with mixed flooring seeking a reliable corded upright vacuum.

Rating
9.7
Suction Power
Bagged vs. Bagless
Weight and Maneuverability
Suction Power
Powerful suction delivers exceptional cleaning results, even on carpets and sofas that had been recently vacuumed with other devices.
Bagged vs. Bagless
The vacuum holds more waste than expected, and emptying the dust cup is quick and hassle-free.
Weight and Maneuverability
Though somewhat heavy, the weight reflects the strong motor power and doesn’t hinder usability for those accustomed to uprights.
Attachments and Accessories
Attachments included are practical and enhance versatility for dusting, upholstery, and tight spaces.
Cord Length and Cordless Options
The cord length is sufficient for most cleaning tasks without frequent unplugging, providing good maneuverability.
#3

Shark Detect Corded Upright Vacuum Cleaner, Ultra-Powerful Pet Hair Pick-Up with Anti Hair Wrap Plus, DuoClean Detect & Direction Detect, Anti-Allergen, Lift-Away Technology with Pet Tool, LA450UKTBK

8.5  score

Available on
£252.31
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Rating
8.5
Suction Power
Weight and Maneuverability
Suction Power
The vacuum delivers fantastic pickup and strong suction power, making cleaning highly effective.
Weight and Maneuverability
The design allows for excellent maneuverability, getting under most furniture with ease.

The Shark Detect Corded Upright Vacuum is designed to deliver strong suction power, especially effective at picking up pet hair thanks to its Anti Hair Wrap Plus feature that prevents hair from tangling around the brush. This makes it a great choice if you have pets shedding fur. It uses DuoClean Detect technology with two brush rolls and sensors that automatically adjust to different floor types, so it works well on both carpets and hard floors without needing manual settings. The DirectionDetect feature means you can clean moving the vacuum forwards or backwards, which can save time and effort.

For allergy sufferers, the vacuum has a HEPA filtration system combined with an Anti-Allergen Complete Seal that traps 99.9% of dust and allergens, helping improve air quality in your home. It also includes Anti-Odour technology to keep the vacuum smelling fresh.

The vacuum weighs about 6.7 kg, which is moderately heavy but still manageable with its Lift-Away technology that allows you to detach the canister and clean stairs, upholstery, or even your car more easily. Being corded, it avoids the battery life worries of cordless models, though the cord length might limit mobility in very large spaces. With a 1.2-litre dust capacity, it requires less frequent emptying than smaller vacuums, and the range of included pet tools adds versatility. The weight and corded design might not fit everyone’s preferences, especially if a lighter or more cordless model is preferred, but it remains well-suited for pet owners and allergy sufferers looking for powerful cleaning and smart floor-adaptive features.

Rating
8.5
Suction Power
Weight and Maneuverability
Suction Power
The vacuum delivers fantastic pickup and strong suction power, making cleaning highly effective.
Weight and Maneuverability
The design allows for excellent maneuverability, getting under most furniture with ease.

Buying Guide for the Best Upright Vacuums

Choosing the right upright vacuum cleaner can make a significant difference in maintaining a clean and healthy home environment. Upright vacuums are popular for their powerful suction and ease of use, especially on carpets. When selecting an upright vacuum, consider the specific needs of your household, such as the types of flooring you have, whether you have pets, and any allergies or sensitivities to dust. Understanding the key specifications will help you make an informed decision that best suits your cleaning needs.
Suction PowerSuction power is a measure of how effectively a vacuum can pick up dirt and debris. It's important because stronger suction means more efficient cleaning, especially on carpets and rugs. Suction power is often measured in watts or air watts. For homes with thick carpets or pet hair, higher suction power is beneficial. If you have mostly hard floors, you might not need as much suction, so a mid-range option could suffice. Consider your flooring type and cleaning needs when evaluating suction power.
Filtration SystemThe filtration system in a vacuum cleaner determines how well it can trap dust, allergens, and other particles. This is crucial for maintaining indoor air quality, especially for allergy sufferers. HEPA filters are highly effective and can capture 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. If you or your family members have allergies, a vacuum with a HEPA filter is recommended. For general use, a standard filter may be adequate, but always consider your sensitivity to dust and allergens.
Bagged vs. BaglessUpright vacuums come in bagged and bagless models, each with its pros and cons. Bagged vacuums tend to hold more dirt and are often better for allergy sufferers because they contain dust more effectively. However, they require purchasing replacement bags. Bagless vacuums are more convenient and cost-effective in the long run, as they don't require bags, but they can release dust when emptied. Consider how often you vacuum and your tolerance for handling dust when choosing between these options.
Weight and ManeuverabilityThe weight and maneuverability of a vacuum affect how easy it is to use, especially if you have multiple floors or need to carry it up and down stairs. Lighter vacuums are easier to move and store, making them ideal for smaller spaces or those with limited strength. Heavier models might offer more features or power but can be cumbersome. Consider your physical capabilities and the layout of your home when evaluating this specification.
Attachments and AccessoriesAttachments and accessories enhance the versatility of a vacuum cleaner, allowing you to clean various surfaces and hard-to-reach areas. Common attachments include crevice tools, dusting brushes, and upholstery tools. If you have pets, a pet hair tool can be particularly useful. Think about the specific cleaning tasks you need to perform and choose a vacuum with the appropriate attachments to meet those needs.
Cord Length and Cordless OptionsThe cord length of a vacuum determines how far you can clean without changing outlets, which is important for larger spaces. Longer cords offer more flexibility, while shorter cords might require more frequent unplugging. Cordless vacuums provide maximum mobility and are great for quick clean-ups, but they rely on battery life, which can limit usage time. Consider the size of your home and your cleaning habits when deciding between corded and cordless models.