Electrolux - UltraSilencer DeepClean (EL7060A, ZUS3940P, etc.)

I really wish there were vacuum cleaners with a cyclone pre-filter, so all that floof would be filtered out before hitting the bag. My Electrolux vacuum (i think its called Silent or sumsuch) is really good, its quiet and has lasted for several years now, but even the floof from my 7 kg German Spitz fills it prematurely.

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

Least favorite: Bissell uprights. Every one I've ever used, the end caps for the brush roll has melted. I also find the suction power really lackluster and feel like they scatter more dirt and dust than they actually collect. Rainbow - gigantic pain to use, too high maintenance, and the water is gross AF and messy to deal with Cordless sticks - not powerful enough for my liking, multiple passes to pick everything up and they die too fast. Favorite: Windsor Versamatic, Old school style Electrolux and Kenmore canisters, old school style Hoover uprights, Windsor XP-12. Just good, sturdy, effective machines.

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.

Well,I did it. I walked into a vacuum cleaner store and repair shop just to see this Sebo upright people refer to. I had already ordered a Kenmore BU4050 based on reviews although I have never seen one. I've been through every vacuum type imaginable in the last - ahem - 40 years. Starting with Electrolux canister on glider rails, a family hand-me-down. Dirt Devil tiny little canister. Hoover upright, Sanitaire commercial upright, Miele stick vac with removable handheld dustbuster thing, Miele canister. Had a Dyson V5 for when the canister was too heavy to pull out. Shark Navigator Pet upright - nimble, easy to use, went under bed - I liked it for a long time but slider for floor type change got stuck and it all those plastic parts got a little rickety. I learned: While cordless is quick and easy, it's also weak suction. Sanitair upright cleaned well on carpet but no accessories. Dysons are pretty colored plastic but all marketing, hurts my wrist, went through 2 batteries, just top heavy, and poor suction. Miele corded stick vacuum had very strong suction but was too heavy and center of mass is midway up so awkward unless you are very strong and was not self standing. Miele canister is great but all those accessories take up a lot of space and I'm over moving canisters around and banging the wall. Bagless was good as a novelty but so messy - the vacuum itself attracted dust and emptying always led to some dust on me. So I wanted a bagged, corded, self-standing, upright that had a low center of gravity, was nimble, no too heavy, and could go under the bed. Even though the sales guy was enthusiastic and informative but not pushy, the Sebo Felix sold itself. I bought the Sebo Felix even though I wasn't going there to buy, just see it. It does every thing I want and is much quieter. 10 year warranty, locally serviced by "Onyx" dealer \[that's what they call official dealers\], give loaner vacs if it takes more than 3 days. The store has been there 26 years, first the father and now the son owns it. They repair every brand of vacuum but only sell Sebo, Miele, and some in-the-wall systems. When I think of all the money I've spend on vacuums .... The good ones were Electrolux, Miele, Sanitaire, and for a while the Shark impressed me. Now I hope the Sebo will be my last vacuum. $700 US, price goes up $200 on September 25 due to tariffs. Dealer said he's sold 17 of them this month from special orders I will return the Kenmore BU4050 unopened when it arrives.