Model 1453

I feel this so hard. We've always had 2-3 cats in the house and have killed 4 vacumns in the past, 2 of them brand new. 23 years ago, my MIL gifted us a vintage Electrolux (circa 1970 I think) canister vacuum for our wedding. I thought it was odd, getting something used for our wedding. HOWEVER, this thing is the best damn vacumn I have EVER had. I swear it'll suck up small children if you're not careful. If I lift the head slightly as I pull back slowly, it gets a good seal and pulls up the most stubborn hair off thick carpet. Performed way better than my parent's Kirby in side-by-side tests, (we were bored and bets were made okay??) The beater bar takes a bit to clear of my hair but nothing a pair of scissors can't handle. Clogs have been easy to clear. Haven't ever had issues finding bags for it either. It's bonkers that this thing is probably as old as I am and is still an amazing workhorse. They do not make vacumns like that anymore. It is absolutely worth hunting down if you can find one on ebay or a local shop. I can give you pics if you want.

I personally prefer a canister vacuum because of all the attachments that can get under and behind things. I still use a vintage Electrolux canister vacuum. That thing has lasted through 2 Dyson canister vacuums (I clean house for a living) and still keeps on purring. I got a little fitting online so Ll my Dyson attachments fit on the Electrolux hose. I also have a LeVoit rechargeable hanging on the kitchen wall for quick pick-ups. I love a rechargeable for that and they are great if you have pets to keep after shed hair daily.

My Electrolux canister has a non-powered rug attachment with no brush and it works great on the washable rug.

In some ways, not much would change! Avoid bagless (filter queen, messy to empty), cheaper models would have more reliability problems though vacuums were simpler and easier to repair then. Good quality canister vacuum such as an Electrolux if you have a mix of hard floors and rugs. Electrolux also had better than average filtration for the time and was a bit more compact and easier to pull around than many competitors. Compact/tristar similarly a good option. If you had mostly carpet or prefered to sweep hard floors, a quality upright such as a hoover convertible would be hard to beat. Back when consumer reports was truly excellent (they're hit and miss now), Electrolux usually earned the top rank for canisters and hoover at the top for uprights.

I would really recommend an old Kenmore.  It’s a canister vacuum, you can still buy them new.  However, they show up at goodwill for like 20 bucks.  Replace the bag and filters, clean the roller and you have a really solid machine.  All the attachments are inside the body and it can be stored in a closet or under a bed.  Plus if something happens to it you don’t have to feel bad because it wasn’t super expensive.  Also a Electrolux canister is a great option too.  I will also say a Kirby, but they do take up more space and the hose situation is kinda bizarre.  They are like $1,000 new, but you can get them at the thrift store for like $50 bucks.  Also change the bag and belt on that if you get it.  They are built like a tank so you don’t really need to worry about it getting a little abuse. If you really want something new I think this would work for your situation: https://www.homedepot.com/p/KENMORE-200-Series-Bagged-Canister-Vacuum-Cleaner-BC4002/308593772?MERCH=REC-_-pipsem-_-308593689-_-1-_-n/a-_-n/a-_-n/a-_-n/a-_-n/a Once you get a house/ apartment you can look into a Kirby/Miele/Electrolux.  Just order it on line. Dorms can be a lot on appliances.

I use my old Electrolux or Compact/TriStar (both are canisters & use bags) bcuz I can get under furniture easily & no mess dirt disposal (bag contains the dirt). Also both have a mini power nozzle (Electrolux Sidekick & Wessel Werk HEB160) for vacing upholstery, stairs & 🚗 interiors

I think the new Electrolux canisters are worth a look. They are light and compact but will outperform a cordless. This sub prefers the sebo and Miele but they are relatively heavy. For those who struggle with a full sized vacuum, we should look at lightweight options that are not crap.

I have an Electrolux canister vac and a cordless stick vac. They are amazing. I vacuumed the living room with my aunt’s Dyson and then my Electrolux and the Electrolux picked up a ton of dog hair and sand that was deep in the carpet.