If you suffer from allergies in your home, then this article is for you. We have searched out the six best HEPA vacuums for dealing with allergens in your home.
Those microscopic bits of dust, plant pollen, and even tiny dust mites can cause misery if you happen to be allergic. Removing them from your home is critical for your quality of life, and these six vacuums can become the mainstay of relieving much of your suffering.
How do HEPA Vacuums Work?
The best HEPA vacuums for allergies depend on several layers of technology to trap those tiny bits of dust and plant material that cause many problems for allergy suffers. Top of the line vacuums meant for allergen control typically use sealed bag systems. If a bagless vacuum is more your style, the advanced filtration system in the higher end bagless vacuums can certainly get the job done.
All the vacuums on our list use HEPA filtration systems to catch the smallest of particles. HEPA, or high-efficiency particulate air, is a system of filtration designed to meet a set of air quality standards. Typically, an approved HEPA system must capture at least 99.95 percent of particles in the air with a diameter of .3 μm. A strand of human hair is app 100 to 150 μm in diameter.
Comparison Chart
Name | Item Weight | Shipping Weight | Dimensions | Manufacturer |
---|---|---|---|---|
Shark Rotator Lift-Away DuoClean Pro ZU782 | 23.4 lbs. | 23.4 lbs. | 12.1 x 12.2 x 45.7 in. | SharkNinja |
Miele Dynamic U1 Powerline Upright Bagged Vacuum | 28.3 lbs. | 28.3 lbs. | 45.8 x 15.8 x 11 in. | Miele |
Hoover T-Series Vacuum Cleaner with HEPA Media Filtration | 16.5 lbs. | 21.3 lbs. | 16 x 12 x 32.5 in. | Hoover |
Compact C1 Pure Suction canister vacuum cleaner | 14.8 lbs. | 18.2 lbs. | 16.9 x 9.8 x 9.1 in. | Miele |
Miele Complete C3 Marin Canister Vacuum Cleaner | 19.4 lbs. | 27.2 lbs. | 19.5 x 11.2 x 8.9 in. | Miele |
Ovente ST2620B HEPA Filter Canister Cyclonic Vacuum | 13.2 lbs. | 15.85lbs. | 15.7 x 11.4 x 13.4 in. | Ovente |
Sirena Vacuum Cleaner, Allergy/Pet Pro | 40.2 lbs. | 43 lbs. | 20 x 20 x 12 in. | Sirena Inc |
Rainbow Model E2 with HEPA Neutralizer technology | 44.8 lbs. | 44.8 lbs. | 24 x 19 x 19 in. | Rainbow |
Best HEPA Upright Vacuums for Allergies
Best Overall Upright Vacuum for Allergies – Shark Rotator Lift-Away DuoClean Pro (ZU782)
Without a doubt, the Shark Rotator Lift-Away DuoClean Pro with Self-Cleaning Brushroll Upright Vacuum (ZU782) gets the nod as the best overall upright vacuum for allergies. Shark has built an impressive following in the vacuum cleaner market and with good reason. The quality of the vacuums and their customer service inspire confidence in the buying public.
Shark vacuums Lift-Away technology is one of the most impressive design features we have found. The ability to disengage the entire vacuum canister portion of the upright vacuum and use it as a stand-alone canister vacuum makes the Shark Rotator Lift-Away DuoClean Pro with Self-Cleaning Brushroll Upright Vacuum (ZU782) a clear choice.
The Sharks Rotator Lift-Away DuoClean vacuum helps control pet hair and other allergy symptom causing microscopic matter like pet dander and dust mites. The list of features and accessories is impressive as well.
- HEPA Filtration and a sealed air dust collection system.
- Lift-Away Technology for more cleaning options
- Advanced swivel steering makes maneuvering the vacuum in tight spaces and around furniture easy
- The self-cleaning brush ends the problems with trapped pet hair around the roller brush
- Dual brush roller system deep cleans carpets and leaves hard surface floors with a polished look.
- LED headlights to make spotting dirt and debris under furniture and in dim areas much easier
- Crevice tool for cleaning those hard to reach spots
- Upholstery tool for cleaning upholstered furniture and other fabrics
- Dual suction power options
- 30-foot cord
- Weighs 17.7 lbs.
- 1.3-quart dust cup
Pros
- Easy to change the suction power
- Dual Brush System
- HEPA Sealed Air System
- Self-Cleaning rollers
- Swivel steering
- Easy to assemble
- Convenient to use canister option
Cons
- Tends to topple over when parked and you use the wand and hose
- Bulky and heavy
- May be too tall for shorter people
Overall, the Shark Rotator Lift-Away DuoClean Pro with Self-Cleaning Brushroll Upright Vacuum (ZU782) scores high among consumers and users. Of the websites that we surveyed, this vacuum consistently scored high.
Best Splurge Upright Vacuum for Allergies – Miele Dynamic U1 Powerline Upright Bagged Vacuum Cleaner
If money is no object and you want the very best upright vacuum cleaner for allergies, then you can certainly opt for the Miele Dynamic U1 Powerline Upright Bagged Vacuum Cleaner. This vacuum comes loaded with features, and the quality of its German engineering and manufacture is unmistakable.
Miele vacuums dominate the market in Europe and are gaining ground in the US Market. However, the quality of the engineering and design come with a cost that is often much higher than a comparable vacuum manufactured elsewhere.
One advantage that the Miele vacuums have is the dual motor design. A sperate motor drives the rotator brush leaving the vacuum motor to do nothing but apply power to the fan that created the suction. This innovative design ensures that suction doesn’t suffer when the rotator brush encounters thick carpet or heavy debris and dust.
The rotator brush excels in removing allergy-causing materials that can inhabit deep pile carpets. Mold and pollen can work their way deep into plush pile carpet and remain hidden. The dual-motor technology and extra power can remove these irritants before they can cause those runny noses and itchy eyes.
Miele provides a wide range of features with their vacuums that include:
- AirClean 32 Efficiency bags
- HEPA exhaust filter to ensure the cleanest air possible returns to the room.
- Self-sealing backs to prevent the escape of dust and allergens back into the room air.
- Dual motor technology
- Extra power for carpets
- SwivelNeck steering makes driving the Miele vacuum around obstacles a breeze
- 33-foot long power cord
- Automatic height adjustment for fast and efficient changes from hard surface floors to carpet
- Unique neck design allows the Miele vacuum to fit under furniture easily
- Upholstery brush for cleaning furniture, drapes, and other fabric.
- Crevice tool that is extra-long for additional reach into hard to get at spaces.
- Dusting brush
- Onboard storage for all accessories
- Four different power settings
- Handle mounted switch
- Telescopic wand
- High-efficiency bag
Pros
- HEPA Exhaust Filter
- Stores easily in a small closet
- Long cord means fewer stops
- Controls are well placed and easy to use
- Great on pet hair
- Great power
- Doesn’t lose suction when the bag is full
Cons
- A little on the heavy side
- Hard to push on thick pile carpet
- Hose connections seem a little weak
If you want an upright vacuum and price is no object, you should consider the Miele U1 Upright vacuum. In the vacuum world, the Miele Dynamic U1 Powerline Upright Bagged Vacuum Cleaner is probably the Mercedes Benz of vacuums. Features, engineering, and manufacturing are what you would expect in a vacuum priced like a Mercedes Benz.
Best Budget Upright Vacuum for Allergies – Hoover T-Series Vacuum with HEPA Media Filtration
Moving to the other end of the financial spectrum, we found the Hoover T-Series WindTunnel Rewind Plus Upright Vacuum Cleaner. If you want HEPA filtration and good cleaning capabilities but don’t want to spend a small fortune on a vacuum, the Hoover T-Series is a good choice.
The Hoover T-Series Upright Vacuum is a solid choice for the budget-minded to collect and trap allergens that enter your home. You or your family may be sensitive to plant material, pet dander, or even some food allergens that remain present in your carpet. The Hoover T-Series Upright Vacuum can easily capture those microscopic particles in its HEPA filtration system.
Hoover has been building vacuums for over 100 years so. They know a thing or two about designing and building vacuum cleaners. Hoover vacuums are almost iconic in the US and are well known for their quality and effectiveness.
The Hoover T-Series WindTunnel Rewind Plus Upright Vacuum Cleaner maintains that reputation. Hoover offers a nice selection of accessories to complement the features included in the Hoover T-Series Vacuum with HEPA Media Filtration. With the purchase of this Hoover vacuum you will receive:
- HEPA Filtration System
- 2-year limited warranty
- No Scuff bumpers to protect your furniture.
- 5-position height adjustments to allow unparalleled cleaning on hard surface floors to the deepest pile carpets.
- Clog and filter check indicators let you know that your Hoover vacuum is working properly.
- Extension wand for cleaning high places
- Crevice tool for reaching into narrow or deep spaces
- Turbo tool for spot cleaning or vacuuming upholstery and other fabrics
- Dusting brush
- Dual cyclonic air system for deep cleaning of carpets
- Automatic cord rewind
- 25-foot power cord
- Onboard tool storage
- Bagless
- Weighs 16.5 pounds
Pros
- Excellent suction
- All tools store onboard the vacuum
- Controls are well placed and easy to use
- Dual filtration
- Multiple heights for different floors
- Good with pet hair
- HEPA Filtration System
Cons
- The cord is too short
- Cleaning the dust bin can be a problem
- No brush on/off switch
For the price, the Hoover T-Series WindTunnel Rewind Plus Upright Vacuum is an exceptional value. If you shop around, this vacuum is often less than $100. Finding all these features and performance for that price gets the Hoover T-Series WindTunnel Rewind Plus Upright Vacuum Cleaner the spot on our list for the best budget upright vacuum for allergies.
Best HEPA Canister Vacuums for Allergies
Best Overall Canister Vacuum for Allergies – Miele Compact C1 Pure Suction Canister Vacuum Cleaner
We already know that Miele builds quality vacuums. The Compact C1 Pure Suction Canister Vacuum Cleaner is no exception. Even though the C1 is Miele’s most basic model, it brings the overall Miele quality and performance at a price point that is in keeping with much more expensive models of canister vacuums.
The Miele Compact C1 doesn’t scrimp on the quality of the air returning to the room. The Miele sealed air collection system and the AirClean 3d high-efficiency bags reduce the number of allergy-causing particles. A HEPA exhaust filter further traps over 99 percent of the allergy-causing agents.
The Miele Compact C1 comes standard with a combination nozzle designed to clean hard surfaces and low pile carpet. Add the optional Miele Electrobrush and you get the advantages of a motor-driven roller brush for deep cleaning deeper pile carpets.
The standard array of Miele accessories rounds out the features list of the Miele Compact C1 Pure Suction canister vacuum cleaner.
- AirCLean 3D Efficiency Filter Bags
- Air Clean sealed air collection system
- HEPA Exhaust filter.
- An electronic power suction setting allows you to choose how much power is needed based on the floor covering.
- Stainless steel telescoping wand
- 3.5-liter filter bag
- Filter bag change indicator LED
- Upholstery tool for cleaning fabrics
- Crevice tool for getting into those hard to reach nooks and crannies
- AllTeQ combination Floorhead
- Compact design for easier storage and maneuverability
- Weighs 14.8 pounds
- 29.5-foot vacuuming radius for efficient vacuuming coverage
Pros
- Dual Filter system with Airclean sealed air system and AirClean 3d Bags plus a HEPA exhaust filter
- Lightweight
- Quick and nimble to use
- Nice long cord
- More suction than expected bout of a smaller vacuum
- Quiet
- Rolls nicely and follows well
Cons
- Not so good on pile carpets
- Power carpet head is an option you must buy separate
- The brush is hard to push across carpets
If you think a canister vacuum is in your future and you want to make sure that the air the vacuum sends back into the room is as clean as possible, then the Miele Compact C1 Pure Suction Canister Vacuum may be the one for you. It offers powerful suction with the quality and reputation of Miele.
The price is a little higher, but the overall balance of features, suction, filtration, and price earn the Miele Compact C1 Pure Suction Canister Vacuum the spot on our list as Best Overall Canister Vacuum for Allergies.
Best Splurge Canister Vacuum for Allergies – Miele Complete C3 Marin Canister Vacuum
Miele makes our list of Best Canister Vacuums for Allergies again in the splurge category. At the upper end of the Miele lineup of canister vacuums is the C3 Marin complete. Typical of Miele vacuums, the C3 Marin is a workhorse in the skin of a high-end sports car.
As you would expect on a thoroughbred machine, Miele has placed the air quality at the exhaust end of the vacuum as a priority. Using HEPA filtration technology and its patented AirClean sealed suction system and AirClean filter bags, over 99 percent of the allergens are trapped in the filtration system.
If you don’t mind spending twice what you might spend on a canister vacuum with comparable features, you will get value for every penny you spend on the Miele Complete C# Marin. From the internal German engineering to the sleek case, the C3 Marin is both elegant and tough.
Features abound with this Miele C3 Marin vacuum. Included is the expected line of Miele accessories and a host of others such as:
- Maximum air hygiene with the Miele HEPA AirClean Filtration system
- 1200 watts of suction power
- Height adjustable electrobrush with LED lights
- Hard Surface cleaning head
- HEPA Airclean sealed air filtration system
- Convenient foot controls to end stooping
- Bag design
- Ergonomic carry handle
- Comfort handle
- Silence system
- Telescopic Wand
- Park system for power head and wand when taking breaks
- Automatic on/off switch on the park system
- Automatic motor setting for instant changes in floor surfaces
- Automatic cord rewind
- 4.5 L filter bag for longer cleaning between bag changes
- Filter bag full indicator LED
- Change filter indicator LED
- Thermal Protection indicator LED
- Weighs 10.5 lbs.
- Upholstery tool
- Crevice Tool
- Dusting Brush
Pros
- Makes cleaning under furniture and beds easy
- Extremely efficient filtration system reduces pet dander, dust mites and other allergens effectively
- Long hose and wand make cleaning high a breeze
- Great attachments
- Easy to move around
- Handle mounted controls are great
Cons
- Cord rewinder button is too sensitive and operated unexpectedly
- The handle is too long
- Finding parts and service can be an issue
If you want the top of the line power and cleaning and your budget can stand the price point, then the Miele Complete C3 Marin canister vacuum should be where you are looking. It is expensive. The features, engineering, and price earn the Miele Complete C3 Marin Canister Vacuum the honor of being on our list as the Best Splurge Canister Vacuum for Allergies.
Best Budget Canister Vacuum for Allergies – Ovente ST2620B Bagless Canister Cyclonic Vacuum
Ovente is a huge designer and manufacturer of kitchenware, household goods, and beauty products. This product line includes appliances and vacuum cleaners. Their ST2629 series of vacuums are rapidly becoming a staple among budget-minded vacuum shoppers.
Don’t let the low price fool you. The Ovente bagless canister vacuums come with all the filtration quality of much more expensive vacuums as well as the usual array of accessories and features. The HEPA filtration system and the bagless cyclonic dust collection can effectively remove mold pollen from your home, helping prevent the allergy symptoms that make your life miserable.
Feature for feature, the Ovente ST2620B Bagless Canister Cyclonic Vacuum can hold its own with most of the other HEPA filtration system canister vacuums on the market.
The Ovente ST2620B canister vacuum standard features and accessories include:
- Small and lightweight
- 15.8 pounds
- 1400 watts of suction power
- HEPA Filter system
- Floor brush
- Crevice tool
- Dusting brush
- Metal telescopic wand
- Sofa/pet-hair brush
- Bendable multi-angle brush
- Foot mounted on/off switch
- 360-degree hose swivel
- Retractable power cord
- One-year limited warranty
Pros
- Small size is easily maneuverable in the house
- Great suction power
- Bagless cyclonic action and HEPA filter remove ultra-small particles from the air before it returns to the room.
- Lightweight. Easy to move up and down stairs
- Good with pet hair
Cons
- Hose material is not very flexible
- Some accessories seem lightweight and flimsy
- Cleaning head is hard to move over carpet
If you are in the market for a budget-priced vacuum that provides HEPA filtration, you should consider the Ovente ST2620B Bagless Canister Vacuum. Price doesn’t always reflect quality and power. The low price and the high praise that the Ovente ST2620B canister vacuum gets from consumers and users rate the label Best Budget Canister Vacuum for Allergies on our list.
Best Special Category Vacuum for Allergies
We need to add one more category in our list of the best vacuums for allergies. Water filtration vacuums are such a different breed of vacuum that we weren’t comfortable, including them in the comparisons used to decide the vacuums in our other categories.
Water filtration vacuums employ technology that is radically different than the standard bag or bagless technologies. This reason alone means that we need a special category just for this class of vacuum.
Best Overall Water Filtration Vacuum for Allergies – Sirena Vacuum Cleaner
Not a well-known brand of vacuum in the US, the Sirena Water Vacuum is a feature-rich system that gets good reviews and high praise from its users. Consequently, the Sirena Water Filtration Vacuum earns a place on our list of Best Vacuums for Allergies.
The water filtration system on these vacuums, when coupled with a HEPA filter, returns some of the purest air to the room after vacuuming. One other feature of water filtration vacuums is the ability to add deodorizer or other scents to the water to leave a fresh, clean scent in the room after cleaning.
The Sirena water filtration vacuum comes with a well-rounded list of features and accessories.
- The Sirena vacuum comes with two hoses, one for dry vacuuming and one for cleaning up spills and small amounts of standing water.
- Crevice tool
- Brush tool
- Upholstery tool
- Inflation tool
- Floor brush
- Telescoping wand
- Elbow wand
- 21-foot power cord
- Ten-year limited warranty
- 2-speed modes
- Power Roller brush carpet head
Pros
- Amazing suction and cleaning power
- 10-year warranty
- Can be used as an air purifier
- Great with pet hair
- Water filtration coupled with HEPA filter ensures the highest quality air returns to the home
Cons
- Powerhead is large and doesn’t fit under some furniture
- Large and heavy especially when the tank is filled with water
- Handle feels weak and not sturdy enough to lift the vacuum when filled with water
Water filtration vacuums are notoriously expensive. However, the quality of the filtration and the purity of the air that they return to the room are undeniable. If you are someone in your family suffers from severe allergies, a water filtration vacuum could be a part of the answer.
The Sirena water filtration vacuum makes our list as the Best Overall Water Filtration Vacuum for Allergies because of the balance of price and features. If you want to invest in a cleaning solution for your home that provides the best in HEPA and water filtration at a reasonable price, the Sirena Water Filtration Vacuum deserves a look.
Best Splurge Water Filtration Vacuum for Allergies – Rainbow Model E2
The Rainbow Model E2 is easily the most expensive vacuum on our entire list. It is expensive for a reason. Rainbow has one product, the Model E2 and all their energy and resources go into making the Rainbow the top of the line in water filtration vacuum systems.
The Rainbow E2 is a system. It isn’t just a vacuum. The range of optional accessories makes the Rainbow a complete cleaning solution for your home. The Rainbow E2 can clean carpets, not just vacuum them. With the optional upholstery tools, you can deep clean fabric-covered furniture, drapes and spot clean carpets. The list goes on and on.
If removing as much of the allergy-causing material as possible from your home is your goal, then the Rainbow E2 should be a consideration. The efficiency of its water filtration technology coupled with the Rainbow HEPA Neutralizer filtration system is unequaled for removing pollen and other plant material, pet hair and dander, as well as mold and the many other materials that can bring on those annoying allergy symptoms.
“You get what you pay for” holds true in the case of the Rainbow E2 water filtration cleaning system. If your budget can stand the price, you will certainly get what you pay for with a Rainbow E2 water filtration vacuum.
The list of included features and accessories and the optional tools is impressive.
- Water filtration technology to collect the finest dust efficiently
- HEPA Neutralizer technology to trap allergens before they return to your home.
- Dusting brush
- Upholstery tool
- Crevice tool
- Pet grooming tool
- Inflator tool
- Wet pick up extractor head
- Refrigerator coil cleaning tool
- Eight-foot hose
- Stainless Steel wand
- 4/8-year warranty
Optional tools and accessories include:
- A powered rotating brush roller
- Carpet shampoo head with water spray
- Brush and Sponge head with water spray for cleaning hard surface floors
- A hand-held power roller-brush for spot cleaning carpets
Pros
- Easy to use and set up
- Comes with a huge number of accessories
- Dual filtration with a HEPA Filter and water filtration technology
- Great cleaning up after my pets
- Controls on the wand are convenient
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavy and hard to move up and down stairs
At the top of the list in price, the Rainbow E2 water filtration vacuum is not for everyone. However, if air quality and getting the most from your vacuum is important to you, the cost may not be a factor. The optional accessories can replace several other cleaning tools you may already have in your home.
Making Your Decision
Armed with the information we have provided, we hope that you are better equipped to make the correct decision when it comes time to purchase a vacuum to help deal with the allergens present in your home. Each of these vacuums on our list has the filtration technologies to help alleviate the itchy eyes, runny noses, and sore throats that accompany an allergy. No matter which vacuum you choose, any from our list of the Best HEPA Vacuums for Allergies will certainly make your quality of life better by keeping the air in your home clean.