A highly debated point by many manufacturers is bagged versus bagless technology.

A bagged cylinder cleaner stores the dirt and dust in a bag which you dispose of when it is full and replace with a new bag. Some of the bags are self sealing and trap dust and other allergens inside the bag, making disposal less messy which is better for allergy sufferers and asthmatics. However, suction power can decrease as the bag fills, gradually reducing its ability to pick up dirt.

With bagless vacuum cleaners there is no need to insert clean bags as they use cyclone technology to confine dirt to a chamber or reservoir that can be detached and emptied into a bin, which can be easier and cleaner than with a bag.

Bagless cleaners tend to be more expensive because of the technology they use. However the additional cost is compensated for by the savings you make not buying bags.

The greatest cleaning power is provided by ‘no loss of suction’ (NLOS) technology, which uses multi-cyclonic action to prevent the filter from clogging, keeping the suction power at its maximum.

Power is measured in watts (W). Higher wattage generally means a more powerful cleaner. Some models feature variable power which reduces suction where necessary and is useful when cleaning rugs and upholstery.

If you have pets, you’ll know that pet hair can often be stubborn and cling to carpets and other surfaces in your home. Some cylinder vacuums are Pet models, designed to lift pet hair from carpets. Combining high speed brushes to lift and pull up pet hair, strong suction and tools which lift obstinate pet hairs from your upholstery and other surfaces, you can keep your home pet hair free.

Cylinders can also include accessories called mini turbo tools, which have brushes which help to lift and remove hair on surfaces such as carpet, sofas and more.

Most cylinder vacuums range in weight from 4 kg to 7 kg, which makes them easier to move around your home than upright vacuums. Their compact size is an advantage when moving them, and some include handles so you can easily carry them to where they are needed, so you can move them from downstairs to upstairs without struggling.

Many have features such as soft wheels that do not damage floors, and as the suction head is away from the main unit, it is easier to clean awkward spaces such as under furniture with legs. Longer hoses can make it easier to clean large rooms, and are useful when you are cleaning stairs, letting you leave the main unit at the bottom of the stairs.

The dust capacity of vacuum cleaners is measured in litres (l), ranging between 1.2 and 6 litres. Larger capacity cleaners can clean more of your home before needing to be emptied, so you don’t need to replace the bag or empty the container as often. These are ideal for larger homes with more substantial areas to clean.

But larger capacities can also mean a larger vacuum cleaner. If you prefer a smaller vacuum cleaner, it may be necessary to find a balance between capacity and size that suits your needs.

To allow you to clean throughout your home, many cylinder vacuum cleaners include a variety of tools that are designed for specific jobs.

Many uprights include a crevice tool that allows cleaning of hard to reach places such as behind and between furniture and kitchen appliances.

Upholstery tools can be used to vacuum furniture such as seats and sofas, whilst dusting brushes allow delicate cleaning of surfaces using soft bristles.

They may also include a parquet brush for wooden or tiled floors. They may have on-board storage that allows you to store tools and accessories ready for when you need them.