Most of us know what we want from a household vacuum cleaner, but when it comes to commercial vacuum cleaners, there's a whole new set of requirements. Because they're used regularly to clean large areas, they must be more rugged than household vacuums. The best commercial vacuum cleaners have large capacities, powerful suction and wide cleaning paths.
Whether you're looking for an industrial vacuum cleaner for heavy-duty use, a vacuum for your cleaning company or something to clean up your store after hours, a commercial vacuum is a must. You may even want a commercial vacuum for home use if you have a busy household that needs extra cleaning power.
We compared over 30 commercial vacuums to find the best, settling on the Oreck XL Commercial Upright Vacuum Cleaner as our top choice. We love the fact that it has powerful suction and a wide cleaning path but is lightweight to make life easier on its users. Its 9-quart capacity is more than enough for most commercial needs.
Expert Tip
Some commercial vacuums are a bit too strong for home rugs and can destroy them a lot easier.
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Which commercial vacuum cleaner is best?
Best commercial upright vacuum
Product specifications
Type: Upright | Weight: 9 lb | Dimensions: 12.5” W x 9.25” D x 47.75” H | Cord Length: 35 ft | Bin Capacity: 9 qt | Bag Type: Top-fill | Battery: No | Attachments: None
We find the Oreck XL a great overall choice for keeping all kinds of businesses clean. It has a wide 12-inch cleaning path with edge-to-edge brushes to vacuum right up to the wall or baseboards. The bag holds 9 quarts, and the top-fill bag system helps maintain suction even as the bag approaches its maximum capacity.
Weighing in at around 9 pounds, it's extremely lightweight. This is good for cleaners who have to carry their own vacuums from job to job or companies where a range of staff clean, as it's light enough for almost anyone to use. The handle height is adjustable to suit a range of users, too. It works on carpets and hard floors with no adjustment necessary when switching between surfaces.
Best commercial vacuum with cleaning tools
Product specifications
Type: Upright | Weight: 12 lb | Dimensions: 13” W x 12” D x 41.25” H | Cord Length: 30 ft | Bin Capacity: 6 qt | Bag Type: Paper | Battery: No | Attachments: Upholstery tool/dusting brush, crevice tool, extension wand
If you're looking for an affordable vacuum for light commercial use, this is an excellent choice. While it might not stand up to huge spaces or industrial use, we find it's good for small shops and offices. It has a 30-foot extension cord, which is enough to clean small commercial premises without changing sockets too often. While the 6-quart bag capacity might not be huge, it's adequate for smaller commercial locations.
We love that it comes with an extension wand, as well as a crevice tool and a joint upholstery tool and dusting brush. Some commercial vacuums go without these kinds of attachments, but they can be useful for certain cleaning tasks. The 13-inch cleaning path picks up plenty of dirt with each pass.
Best lightweight commercial vacuum cleaner
Product specifications
Type: Backpack | Weight: 9.2 lb | Dimensions: 13” W x 13” D x 30” H | Cord Length: 48 ft | Bin Capacity: 3.3 qt | Bag Type: Fabric | Battery: No | Attachments: Crevice tool, floor tool, dusting brush, upholstery tool
With its backpack design, users carry this vacuum around on their back, which is handy in commercial spaces where it's tricky to maneuver an upright or drag around a canister vacuum. While some backpack vacuums can cause issues with shoulder pain, this one is light — at less than 10 pounds — and has a chiropractor-designed harness for even weight distribution.
Although it sometimes refers to itself as bagless, it actually has a fabric bag that needs to be emptied and replaced when full. It holds 3.3 quarts, which isn't huge for a commercial vacuum but isn't frustratingly small. The 48-foot cord lets you clean a good amount of space before needing to switch outlets.
Best heavy-duty commercial vacuum
Product specifications
Type: Upright | Weight: 12 lb | Dimensions: 12.5” W x 9.25” D x 47.75” H | Cord Length: 30 ft | Bin Capacity: 18 qt | Bag Type: Fabric | Battery: No | Attachments: None
The design of this vacuum might be simple, but it's built to last. We're fans of the fabric bag, which holds an impressive 18 quarts, so it doesn't need to be emptied too often. When it does, you can just shake out the bag and replace it on the machine, so you don't need to worry about the cost of replacement bags.
At 12 pounds, it's lightweight enough for most users to push and carry. The handle drops flat to make it easier to clean under furniture. Although the lack of tools and attachments is a downside for some, many people don't use attachments for vacuuming stores and offices, so you might find you don't need them anyway.
Best backpack vacuum cleaner
Product specifications
Type: Backpack | Weight: 13.4 lb | Dimensions: 13” W x 13” D x 23” H | Cord Length: 59 ft | Bin Capacity: 3.6 qt | Bag Type: Self-sealing | Battery: No | Attachments: Multi-surface tool, upholstery tool, crevice tool, debris brush
Although the Vevorbrand backpack vacuum is a little heavier than the Hoover model on this list, it's still fairly light at 13.4 pounds, so it isn't a struggle for most people to carry. The impressive 59-foot power cord means that you can cover a lot of ground without needing to replug.
It comes with several attachments — including a multisurface tool and crevice tool — to help clean every nook and cranny. The HEPA filtration system traps and seals away common allergens to keep spaces more hygienic. The bags are self-sealing, so dust and debris won't fly out when you change them.
Best commercial bagless vacuum
Product specifications
Type: Upright | Weight: 11.25 lb | Dimensions: 13.5” W x 12” D x 41.25” H | Cord Length: 30 ft | Bin Capacity: 4.5 qt | Bag Type: Bagless | Battery: No | Attachments: Upholstery tool/dusting brush, crevice tool, extension wand
When it comes to convenience, we find the bagless design of this vacuum makes it easy to empty, and we like not having to wrestle with a new bag to get it fixed into place properly. The dirt cup holds 4.5 quarts, which is a good size for a bagless vacuum.
It weighs just over 11 pounds, so it's easy to handle. The 13.5-inch cleaning path picks up plenty of debris with each pass without the vacuum being unmaneuverable. It works on hard floors, low carpet and high carpet, with a simple dial to switch between modes.
Best handheld canister vacuum
Product specifications
Type: Handheld canister | Weight: 8 lb | Dimensions: 18” L x 7” W x 11” H | Cord Length: 33 ft | Bin Capacity: 4 qt | Bag Type: Fabric | Battery: No | Attachments: Crevice tool, dusting brush, upholstery tool
Although Hoover refers to this vacuum as a canister, it's probably not the type of canister vacuum you're used to. Rather than coming on wheels to pull it along, it has a handle so users can hold it in one hand and vacuum with the other. It also comes with a shoulder strap for those who'd prefer to use it this way. The fact that it's off the ground makes it easy to maneuver around places where there's merchandise or other items that could be easily knocked over.
The bag is made from fabric so you can empty it and replace it instead of buying new replacement bags every time. It holds 4 quarts, which is pretty good for such a compact, lightweight vacuum.
Best wet/dry commercial vacuum
Product specifications
Type: Canister | Weight: 16.1 lb | Dimensions: 16” W x 16” D x 24.5” H | Cord Length: 19.5 ft | Bin Capacity: 24 qt | Bag Type: Bagless | Battery: No | Attachments: 7-piece auto tool kit
While not specifically sold as a commercial vacuum, we find it works well in certain commercial spaces, such as auto repair shops and workshops. It's suitable for vacuuming both wet and dry messes and comes with a range of tools that are designed for cleaning cars but are also useful in other spaces, such as workshops and even kitchens.
It's bagless, and the dirt container can hold an impressive 6 gallons — or 24 quarts — so you can go a long time between emptyings. At 19.5 feet, the cord could be longer but is sufficient for smaller spaces. It also doubles as a blower to blow leaves and other debris.
Best extra-wide commercial vacuum
Product specifications
Type: Upright | Weight: 17 lb | Dimensions: 16.5” W x 13.75” D x 45” H | Cord Length: 50 ft | Bin Capacity: 18 qt | Bag Type: Fabric | Battery: No | Attachments: None
Thanks to its extra-wide 16-inch cleaning path, you pick up more dirt with each pass, speeding up cleaning time. However, this does come at the price of maneuverability, so we like it most for use in larger areas without too many obstacles to get around. It's also reasonably heavy at 17 pounds but not an unmanageable weight.
The bag holds 18 quarts, so this vacuum covers a lot of ground before you need to empty the bag. When it's full, you simply shake the contents of the bag into the trash and reuse it.
Best industrial vacuum cleaner
Product specifications
Type: Canister | Weight: 19.4 lb | Dimensions: 12” W x 12” D x 19” H | Cord Length: 30 ft | Bin Capacity: 32 qt | Bag Type: HEPA bag | Battery: No | Attachments: Dust brush, crevice tool, power tool adapter
This industrial vacuum is suitable for tasks that other commercial models aren't up to. With its thorough HEPA filtration, including a sealed bag, it can vacuum up hazardous material. It even meets HEPA requirements outlined by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. It has a crush-proof hose, which is useful in industrial locations and has an impressive 8-gallon capacity.
Although it's fairly heavy, it comes on wheels, so moving it around isn't an issue. It has plenty of tools, including crevice attachments for getting into tight corners. Its suction power is impressive, so if you find other vacuums aren't up to the level of mess you're dealing with, this one might be for you.
Expert Tip
For larger homes, a commercial vacuum may be more useful.
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Key considerations when choosing the best commercial vacuum cleaner
Choosing the right vacuum for your business means considering the types of messes you need to clean, how often you plan to vacuum and how large your space is. Other factors come into play as well.
Type
There are four main types of commercial vacuum: handheld, canister, upright and backpack.
Handheld vacuum cleaners resemble large metal briefcases. They have lightweight designs meant for extended use. These are intended for cleaning upholstery, stairs, blinds, drapes and other textiles. They're not as good with floors. These are very light but have relatively low power and modest capacity. Unlike household handheld vacuums, there are few commercial cordless vacuums. Handhelds are quite specialized, but they are great at what they do.
Canister vacuum cleaners can be horizontal cylinders, but more often they have a vertical can-type design with wheels. Shop vacs are a basic form of a canister vacuum, but commercial canister vacuums typically have higher capacities and more suction power. They are very maneuverable, and it's easy to get the flexible hose into nooks and crannies. These vacuums are best in situations with lots of furniture or other obstacles to maneuver around. They're fine for larger areas, but it's not their main strength.
Upright vacuum cleaners are the most recognizable type of vacuum. While power and efficiency have increased, the design is pretty much the same as it was almost a hundred years ago. These excel at cleaning hard floors and carpeting — they cover the ground more quickly than other models, have roller brushes that help free trapped dirt and are height-adjustable to cope with different surfaces. An upright is best if you have long corridors and large rooms to clean. An additional hose allows you to work in tight corners or at different heights, but these vacuums are not as nimble as canisters.
Backpack vacuum cleaners take the main dirt container off the floor, giving them the high mobility of handheld vacuums but the power of canisters and uprights. Added to that, the capacity is usually twice or three times that of other models. With only one hand needed for the hose, the other is free to move objects out of the way.
Wide-area vacuums are as powerful as they get, and they resemble lawnmowers in design with a push handle and a low, flat body. Naturally, these are only for large indoor spaces like department stores or warehouses, as their size makes them hard to maneuver in tight spots. However, their cleaning speed is unrivaled thanks to their cleaning path width, which can reach up to 40 inches.
Bagged vs. bagless
A lot of commercial upright vacuums use a bag, but both uprights and backpacks can be bagged or bagless. So, which is better?
Bagged commercial vacuum cleaners: While bags are an additional expense, their big advantage is that they seal the dirt inside. Thus, disposing of it is less likely to cause a mess. Good bags act as part of the filtration system, and some seal completely as you remove them from the vacuum. This is particularly good for allergy or asthma sufferers. However, poor-quality bags let plenty of particles escape, so these should be avoided.
Bagless commercial vacuum cleaners: Bagless vacuums usually have more filter elements because they don’t have a bag as part of the filtration system. These vacuums must be cleaned or replaced regularly, thus decreasing the money that was saved on bags in the first place. Emptying must be done carefully. or you could end up in a cloud of dust. Emptying the vacuum outdoors is advised but not always practical.
If clean air is the absolute priority, a vacuum that uses a high-quality self-sealing bag is recommended. Otherwise, it's more a question of personal preference. However, you should be sure replacement bags or filters are readily available before you buy a vacuum.
CRI certifications
The Carpet and Rug Institute Seal of Approval program gives out Bronze, Silver or Gold ratings to vacuum cleaners that meet high-performance standards. There are two categories, including one that covers vacuum cleaners certified for commercial use. It involves passing three laboratory tests — one for soil removal, one for dust containment and another for surface appearance change. By choosing a commercial vacuum with a CRI Seal of Approval, you know that it meets certain standards and should perform well.
Expert Tip
Before you make a purchase, consider the weight of commercial vacuums versus non-commercial vacuums.
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Commercial vacuum cleaner features
Like household vacuums, there are a handful of features to consider once you’ve decided which type you need. The power, size, filtration system and other factors impact where and how you can clean.
Suction
The amount of air a vacuum moves and the suction it creates is rated in cubic feet per minute (cfm). It's a useful comparison, though manufacturers sometimes seem reluctant to provide the information.
Filtration
Filtration is important for capturing nuisance elements like pet dander and potentially harmful elements like allergens and bacteria. What emphasis you put on the latter will depend on the environment you're cleaning. Manufacturers will typically quote high percentages of particles trapped — 99% or more — but the key specification is the size of those particles. Capturing 99.9% of 3.0 micron particles (a common capability) is nowhere near as effective as capturing 99% of 0.3 micron particles.
Cleaning path width
The wider your cleaning path, the faster you can clean a large area. There are no specific rules for what width suits certain size areas, but most commercial vacuums have cleaning widths ranging from 12 to 30 inches. Bigger is generally better, but it comes at the cost of maneuverability. In addition, an efficient vacuum with a narrow cleaning path will outperform a poorly designed vacuum with a wide cleaning path.
Noise
The sound made by normal conversation is around 55 decibels, and some modern vacuums are that quiet. However, most are in the 60- to 65-decibel range. That’s not particularly loud, but you wouldn't want to try to hold a phone conversation with one running next to you. Large commercial models can be noisier still, so it's worth checking. At 85 decibels and above, some form of ear protection is necessary.
Cord
Power cords should be as long as possible so you don't have to keep stopping to find another outlet. Many commercial vacuum cleaners sold today have cords between 30 and 50 feet in length.
Adjustments
On upright cleaners, check if it cleans right up to the wall. Some cheap models don't. Also look at height adjustments to cope with different types of floor. Several high-end models will adjust automatically, meaning you don't have to stop and fiddle around. In addition to changing the cleaning height, they may also speed up or slow down the brush roll motor, as brushes can damage some surfaces, like hardwood.
Wand
On canister and backpack vacuums, the wand (the steel tube part) can be two-piece or telescopic. The latter can give variable length and greater flexibility, and it is usually more convenient for storage. Wands that have a swivel head are better at rounding corners and keep you from constantly moving around to change your angle.
Suction power
Motor power is often quoted in the specs, but it’s actually of minimal importance when it comes to suction and overall performance. Most motors are between 8 and 12 amps, but this is simply an indicator of how much energy the motor consumes. Instead, look for the airflow specification, which is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). This refers to how much air the vacuum can take in. Most offer from 50 to 100 CFM.
Another major player when it comes to power is how the brush is powered. Dual-motor vacuums have a separate motor for suction and rotating the brush roll, giving both more power than a single-motor design. Some brands indicate how fast the brush rotates to pull in debris, with high-speed brush rolls clocking at 6,000 rpm or more.
Capacity
The more debris your vacuum can hold, the less often you must empty the bag or canister, which saves time while cleaning. Industrial vacuums may have extra-large capacities of as much as 100 gallons, but for commercial purposes, 2 gallons may suffice, depending on the size of your business.
Accessories
Though cleaning large areas is important, don’t forget about getting to crevices and tough-to-reach areas.
Vacuums that include several accessories offer greater versatility. Here are some of the most common attachments to look for:
- A crevice tool for cleaning corners and tight spots
- A dusting brush for quick and thorough dust removal
- A utility nozzle for cleaning large areas and under furniture
- An upholstery tool for cleaning chairs and couches, especially when pet hair is a factor
How much do commercial vacuum cleaners cost?
Inexpensive
The cheapest commercial vacuum cleaners are usually robust shop vacs, which start at around $65. They're basic, but there's little better for cleaning up a dirty garage floor. Most shop vacs in this range have 1- to 4-gallon capacities.
Mid-range
Budget upright and canister vacuums cost about $120 to $200. The price inevitably rises as you add features and accessories. At the upper end of that range, you'll get top quality from a leading manufacturer. Make note of how long the warranty lasts and its terms.
Expensive
Commercial backpack vacuums are generally more expensive, priced from $250 to $700. For heavy-duty jobs, these may be your only option. However, these products may have more power and capacity than your business actually needs.
High-end
Wide-area vacuums are a class apart. You'll pay well over $1,000 for a 24- or 26-inch machine and as much as $2,500 for a 30-inch model.
Tips
- Look for a vacuum with onboard attachment storage. It’s particularly convenient if you don't want to have to wander back and forth when you need a different tool. An accessory caddy is another useful option.
- Don't be tempted by cheap vacuum cleaner bags. Usually, they're thinner, so you get inferior filtration and strength. Having a bag full of dust split on you is no fun at all.
- Clean or replace filters regularly. Filters are easy to overlook, but they can have a big impact on the efficiency of a vacuum. The same goes for bags. Three months is usually a sufficient frequency for changing the filter.
- Because you’ll need a specific replacement filter or bag, keep an extra one on hand. That way, when you notice it’s time to change the filter, you don’t have to wait a week or more for the new one to arrive.
- Consider who will use the vacuum regularly. If you have several employees who clean often, choose a type that is comfortable for all of them to use.
- Don’t forget about high-up surfaces. A surprising amount of dust can collect on the tops of shelves, fan blades, and just about any surface you don’t normally vacuum.
How did we choose the best commercial vacuums?
Lauren Corona has been reporting on consumer products for BestReviews since 2017 and has covered a wide range of commercial and home vacuum cleaners. For this article, she considered more than 30 models before narrowing it down to her top 10. The overall performance was her key concern. However, she also considered a range of other factors, such as the type of vacuum and its weight, capacity and cord length. Armed with this information, she was able to rank commercial vacuums to find the best.
FAQ
Q. What makes a vacuum “commercial” or “industrial”?
A. There’s no precise definition, but the differences lie in power, capacity and durability. Most businesses have their floors vacuumed nightly (and hardly any of us vacuum our homes on a daily basis), so their vacuums need to be incredibly durable in order to last for several years.
Because the square footage of most businesses is quite large, commercial vacuums tend to have wider cleaning paths to cover more areas in less time. Industrial vacuums don’t have specific metrics, but they generally have the most power and capacity available and can suck up liquids, solids and dust.
Q. Is there a difference between HEPA-type and true HEPA filtration?
A. There is. It all comes down to the size of the particles the filter traps. HEPA-type filters can handle 99% of particles down to 2.0 microns, which is fine for general household or office dust and dirt. True HEPA filters take care of 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns — good enough to trap many of the particles that cause odors and allergies. True HEPA filters are the only ones that can be termed “air purifiers.”
Q. Can I buy extra accessories if what I need doesn't come with the machine?
A. Yes, all kinds of extra brushes and tools are available, and you don't have to buy them from the maker of your machine. Just check the fitting diameter before ordering (the most common are 1 1/4, 1 1/2, and 2 inches). Although they're not interchangeable, “step-down” converters give you the option of using smaller-diameter accessories on a larger hose.
Q. Would a wet/dry commercial vacuum cleaner be a sensible option?
A. If it's likely you'll need to clean up spilled liquids on a regular basis, absolutely. They are very versatile machines and particularly suited to workshops. However, good wet/dry vacuums are expensive and often loud enough to require ear protection. If you only have an occasional need, a mop and bucket are cheap and can get the job done fairly quickly, but a powerful shop vac can suck up gallons of liquid in just a few seconds.
