Consumer Reports Tests Canister Vacuums for Pet Hair in 2026

Consumer Reports has released its latest tests of canister vacuums, focusing on pet hair pickup, cleaning performance, and handling. The evaluations cover both bagged and bagless models, with recommendations across various price tiers. Among bagged canisters, the Kenmore Elite Pet Friendly CrossOver 21814 and the Kenmore Elite Pet Friendly UltraPlush 81714 are mid-range picks, while the Miele Complete C3 Marin and Miele Guard L1 represent premium options. The CrossOver 21814 excels on bare floors and has superb hose suction but is heavy at nearly 26 pounds. The UltraPlush 81714 is noted for excellent pet hair removal and top-notch bare-floor cleaning, though handling is cumbersome. Miele models earn top filtration scores and high reliability ratings from member surveys. For bagless models, the Eureka WhirlWind XL NEN186BL is a budget-friendly choice, weighing around 16 pounds and performing well on hard floors, though carpet cleaning is only so-so. The Kenmore 22614, also budget-priced, offers adjustable pile height and strong cleaning but is heavy at 23 pounds. The Kenmore 500 Series DC5070 is mid-range, with lighter weight and a hair eliminator nozzle. The premium Miele Blizzard CX1 Cat & Dog excels at pet hair pickup but has weaker carpet and bare-floor cleaning compared to others. The tests were conducted by Consumer Reports, a nonprofit organization known for its independent product testing and reviews.