6 Best Commercial Upright Vacuum Cleaners (Buying Guide 2020)

Cleanliness is an essential factor for any commercial establishment, may it be a shop, a motel, hotel, mall, hospitals, offices, gym, beauty salon, or schools. A good vacuum cleaner is an indispensable piece of equipment that keeps the premises spick and span.

See also:

• Best Commercial Backpack Vacuum Cleaners
• Best Commercial Vacuum Cleaners
• Best Commercial Steam Cleaners For Floors

Upright Vacuum Cleaners and Why You Need it?

There are various types of vacuum cleaners available in the market like the canister/backpack models, upright models (bagged and bag less), corded stick models, etc. Upright Vacs generally come with a revolving brush roll to provide agitation to the carpet. These models come with one motor that provides the suction and turns the agitator brush, or two engines, one to provide suction and one to drive the brush.

Upright Vacuum cleaners are effective in cleaning synthetic carpeting and are commonly used in commercial establishments.  On-board attachments and integrated extension hoses have made uprights much more versatile. With a powered cleaning head, a bag or canister on the handle, and a long power cord, upright vacuum cleaners are ideal for general purpose cleaning in hotel rooms, and offices.

Upright vacuum cleaners come in two categories – bagged and bagless. In the bagged variety there is a separate dust bag to trap all dust and debris, whereas in the bagless variety, the dust and debris is trapped in a built-in canister/dust cup. Commercial establishments prefer to use the bagged models as the dust/debris carrying capacity is much higher than the bagless models.

Things to Look for Before Purchasing an Upright Vacuum Cleaner

Motor Capacity – The Motor Capacity impacts the suction and cleaning ability of the machine, the powerful the motor, better the cleaning. 

Hose Diameter – Most commercial vacuum cleaners come with a hose ranging between 1 1/4 and 2 inches.  A narrower hose might be enough for light cleaning; for heavy-duty projects and renovations, a larger hose is a must.

Cord – Consider the length of the power cord while deciding the vacuum cleaner. For many businesses such as hotels or offices, the standard 35′ or 40′ cable may be adequate; however, if you are planning to clean places with larger surface areas or a scarcity of outlets, consider units with longer than 50-inch power cords.

Bag / Canister Capacity – Vacs with smaller capacities need to be emptied frequently, resulting in downtime and extra labor expenses. Also, a smaller capacity in a bagged model would lead to additional costs by purchasing bags more often.

Weight – Upright vacuums tend to weigh on the heavier side as they are designed to carry a lot of dirt and produce a powerful suction to tackle floor cleaning. Many modern upright vacs offer lift-away features and hand or stick vac convertibility, providing comfort during heavy cleaning.

Noise Level – It the vacuum cleaner is going to be operated in high-density areas such as workplaces, or hotels, a vacuum cleaner with a noise level around or below 55 dB would be ideal. Or run the machine at lower power settings during working hours.

Brush roll: Suction is not very effective at cleaning the carpet on its own; hence a brush roll is essential to clean dust from carpet fibers. 

Geared belt: Flat rubber belts lose tension over time, but a geared belt with interlocking teeth stays tense. A taut belt connecting the motor’s brush roll would be more suitable for effective cleaning and prolonged usage.

Hose and attachments: While upright, Vacs are mostly used for cleaning floors, but additional attachments come handy for cleaning windowsills, shelves, curtains, ceilings, upholstery, and tight spaces around furniture and appliances. Useful extensions include a crevice tool, combo brush, and a handheld motorized tool. Look for vacuum cleaners that provide space to store these tools or an option for them to be clipped onto the vacuum body, for added convenience.

Upright Vacuum Cleaner Reviews

Based on these criteria we have chosen a few models of upright vacuum cleaners that are best for commercial use. These include:

1. Hoover Commercial HushTone Upright Vacuum Cleaner

The Hoover Commercial HushTone Upright Vacuum Cleaner is powered by a 1.61 horsepower, two-speed motor, and also comes with a Boost mode for high-traffic areas. The HushTone motor generates only 69 dB of sound, hence it can be used in day-time without disturbing patrons. It is a hard-bagged vacuum cleaner with the safety of 15-inch Intellibelt, which protects the user by shutting down immediately if the brush roller gets stuck.  The Hoover vacuum cleaner can be used on carpeted and bare floor areas and comes with a 15-inch brush roller covers a larger area.

The Hoover Commercial HushTone Upright Vacuum Cleaner features a sealed Allergen System with Hexaguard Technology that ensures cleaner air by trapping 99% of dust, dirt, and pollen down to 0.3 microns. The device can be used immediately after unboxing, as it does not require any assembly.

The Hoover Upright Vacuum Cleaner weighs 19-pounds and comes with 40 feet long “Quick change Cord.” As per the manufacturer, the device provided tool-free maintenance, which increases productivity and reduces downtime. The Vacuum cleaner comes equipped with additional attachments such as hose and tools that come handy while cleaning difficult to reach areas and furniture.

Pros:

• Good Quality Construction
• Easy to assemble and operate
• Uses Hexaguard Technology and washable filters
• Generates low sound making it easy for even day-time use
• Equipped for heavy-duty use and has excellent suction.
• Low side profile for getting under retail shelving
• Comes with a two-year warranty

Cons:

• Slightly on the heavier side
• Prolonged uses can cause strain on the wrist due to heavy handle weight.
• The filters need to be rinsed regularly and allergen bags to be replaced periodically for best results
• The bottom cord mechanism occasionally jams when rewinding.
• Allergan bags are expensive and difficult to find

Why Buy: The Hoover Commercial HushTone Upright Vacuum Cleaner is an excellent model for all types of commercial establishments and for cleaning multiple surfaces.  It is sturdy and long-lasting.

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2. BISSELL BigGreen Upright Commercial Vacuum Cleaner, Model – BGU1451T 

The Bissell Pro Bagged Upright Vacuum cleaner comes with a 13-inch cleaning path with a five-position height adjustment. Weighing just 12 pounds, the device can be useful for cleaning various surfaces, including bare floor, high carpet, and is perfect for cleaning vents, furniture, and upholstery. 

A 10-Amp motor powers the Bissell Pro Bagged Upright Vacuum cleaner. It features cyclonic cleaning and a three-stage filtration system to effectively remove dirt from every nook and corner. The device comes with a 30-feet long power cord connected to a pigtail cord by a cord lamp that allows easy replacement without needing expensive repairs or rewiring. The vacuum cleaner generates a sound of 67 dB

The Bissell Pro Bagged Upright Vacuum cleaner comes equipped with a crevice tool, combination dusting brush/upholstery tool, and an extension wand. The device comes with a one-year limited warranty.

Pros:

• Lightweight model making it portable and easy to maneuver
• A 13-inch roller covers large surfaces.
• Handle comes with a two-stage adjustment.
• Cleans various surfaces from floors to furniture, but best for cleaning carpets, furniture, upholstery, curtains, vents, etc.
• Special attachment for cleaning crevices and furniture.
• Easy storage of attachments in the compartment behind in the vacuum cleaner.
• Easy to replace extension cord without the need to rewire the entire machine.
• The clip provided in the handle to attach the power cord so reduces the risk of tripping on the cable.
• Great value for money.

Cons:

• Not for extended heavy-duty use.
• All-plastic body and wheels are an issue in the long run.
• Suction is not powerful enough for cleaning heavier grime and dirt like garden debris or food items.
• Requires unclogging from time to time
• Only a one-year limited commercial warranty.

Why Buy: The Bissell Pro Bagged Upright Vacuum cleaner is a compact, yet lightweight model suitable for those needing to move between different places, like housecleaning service companies or small boutiques and showrooms self-managed premises, etc.

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3. Sanitaire Tradition Wide Track Upright Commercial Vacuum (Model: SC899G)

The Sanitaire Tradition Wide Track is a heavy-duty model bagged upright commercial vacuum cleaner powered by a seven amp, 840-watt motor capable of producing 145 CFM airflow. This upright vacuum cleaner model comes with a 16-inch wide cleaning path. The device comes with double ball bearing chrome steel with replaceable bristle strips and includes a chrome hood making it a sturdy option for challenging environments like a janitorial business, hospitality, schools, etc.

The Sanitaire Tradition Wide Track Upright Commercial Vacuum cleaner comes with a high capacity shake-out bag that can accumulate to 18-quarts of dust and dirt. The model includes a 50-feet long detachable power cord for efficient cleaning. The model uses a chrome steel brush roller with replaceable bristle strips.

The Sanitaire Tradition Wide Track Upright Commercial Vacuum cleaner can deliver up to 2,000 hours of commercial-grade cleaning, five times higher than the average household vacuum cleaner’s motor life. The unit weighs 21.6 pounds and is equipped with a looped handle, making it comfortable to use. The Tradition Wide model comes with a 2-year manufacturer warranty on parts & labor.

Pros:

• Sturdy and Heavy-duty model aimed for commercial use.
• A 16-inch wide brush roller allows for cleaning a larger area.
• Powered by a heavy-duty motor with 2000 hours of motor life.
• Shake-out bag system (no need to purchase disposable bags)
• Designed to work in harsh environments
• 50-feet long detachable power cord makes it ideal for more extensive cleaning areas.
• Does not clog easily.
• Easy tool-free maintenance as the fan chamber can be removed to clear any clogs, belts can be replaced.
• Two-year manufacture warranty

Cons:

• Heavy machine. Difficult to carry from place to place.
• Shake-out bags can only be purchased from the seller.
• Needs assembling when unboxed.
• Noisy when being used.
• Does not provide extra attachments for tight spaces or corners.

Why Buy: The Sanitaire Tradition Wide Track Upright is a no-nonsense vacuum cleaner built for heavy-duty cleaning. The powerful motor gives excellent suction and can clean all types of floors and last for a long-time.

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4. Oreck Commercial Upright Bagged Vacuum Cleaner (Model: U2000R1)

An 870-watt motor powers the Oreck Commercial Upright Bagged Vacuum Cleaner. It includes a powerful, high-speed, balanced brush roll with double helix brushes that whirls at 6,500 RPM and move debris toward the vacuum inlet for cleaning.  The ultralight vacuum cleaner comes with a low-profile design that enables it to lay virtually flat, making it great for vacuuming under furniture without damage. The side brushes are great for gathering up pet hair and dirt, especially around baseboards or furniture.

The Oreck U2000R1 comes with automatic floor adjustments that allow the machine to move seamlessly between carpets and hard surfaces without changing manual settings. Weighing just 8-pounds, the vacuum cleaner has a cleaning path of 12 inches. It features a cogged V-belt with cog motor and brush pulley that resists slippage and also includes an RPM circuit breaker that helps protect against clogs and jams and shuts off the motor when rush roller RPMs slow down.  The machine uses an Endurolife belt and a 630 cubic inch “top fill” bag. The Vac uses “Saniseal technology” to ensure that the collected dust and debris remain sealed in the bag.

The Oreck Commercial Upright Bagged Vacuum Cleaner has received Ease-of-Use Commendation from Arthritis Foundation for its helping Hand handle and includes the power switch for added convenience. The device consists of a detachable 40-feet long power cord connected to the pigtail cord using a cord clamp, allowing you to replace a damaged cable without expensive repairs or re-wiring.

Pros:

• Compact and lightweight
• It can be used to clean all types of floors as well as cabinets, furniture, etc.
• Microsweep feature can easily switch between bare floor to
• The 12-inch brush roller can clean quite a wide area.
• 40-feet long power cord allows for cleaning in a larger area.

Cons:

• Does not have an adjustment for carpet heights.
• The aluminum body is prone to bending.
• Requires assembly on unboxing.
• The power cord needs proper assembly.
• It comes with a 1-year warranty that includes the belt.

Why Buy: The Oreck Commercial Upright Bagged Vacuum Cleaner is an excellent lightweight yet compact model that is user-friendly and can easily be used by people who have arthritis or are not comfortable handling heavy machinery.

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5. ProTeam ProForce 1500XP Bagged Upright Vacuum Cleaner with HEPA Media Filtration

The ProTeam ProForce 1500XP Bagged Upright Vacuum Cleaner is a compact, lightweight vacuum, designed for commercial and residential cleaning professionals.  Powered by a high performance a 924 watt, the 10-Amp dual-motor creates powerful suction for effective soil removal and improved indoor air quality and is suitable to withstand the rigors of heavy-duty cleaning in hotels, resorts, offices, schools, etc. The dual-motor system maintains power to both the brush roller and the suction motor to maximize efficiency and effectiveness. The machine has large rubberized wheels, which allows for easy use on carpeted surfaces and hardwood floors.

The ProTeam ProForce 1500XP Bagged Upright Vacuum Cleaner has a compact design and weighs 26.7-pounds. The unique 15-inch L-shaped low-profile cleaning head can seamlessly move across different types of floors and under furniture without having to bend. The machine is equipped with ProLevel Filtration with HEPA Media, an advanced four-level filtration system, capable of capturing 97.33% of dust and allergens up to 3.5 microns. The dust bag can capture 3.25-quarts of dust and debris.

The ProTeam ProForce 1500XP Bagged Upright Vacuum Cleaner comes with a 50-feet long power cord and an 18-gauge power cord to clean large areas without unplug. The device has been given a Bronze certification by the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI).  The device comes with two micro-filter bags, Exhaust filter made from HEPA media, an upholstery/ dust brush, and a crevice tool. The 5-foot flexible hose with the attached wand provides up to 7 feet of reach and lets you clean above-the-floor areas such as stairs, furniture, vents.

Pros:

• Excellent suction
• Compact design and durable.
• The flexible hose and wand are perfect for cleaning vertical surfaces.
• Equipped with upholstery /dust brush and crevice tool for easy cleaning of furniture, curtains, and hard to reach areas.
• The device comes with a 3-year warranty on parts, motor, and labor and a lifetime warranty on molded body parts.
• 50-feet long power cord makes it easy to clean large spaces, like banquet halls, cafeteria, etc.
• The machine works till the bags are filled and also indicates when it needs to be changed.
• The filters/bags can be easily changed without any major hassles.
• Easy to clean and maintain

Cons:

• The vacuum cleaner is on the heavy side.
• Difficult to use when cleaning stairs, especially carpeted stairs.
• Requires minor assembly on unboxing.

Why Buy: The ProTeam ProForce 1500XP Bagged Upright Vacuum Cleaner is a robust, sturdy, and long-lasting cleaning machine. Backed by a long-warranty, the device is well suited for multi surface cleaning and can be used in multiple applications.

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6. Shark APEX Upright Vacuum with DuoClean 

Shark APEX Upright Vacuum with DuoClean is a bagless vacuum cleaner. Generally, bagged upright vacuum cleaners are preferred for commercial use. However, the Shark APEX Upright Vacuum with DuoClean vacuum cleaner is an exception and is an excellent choice for salons, pet parlors, and any pet-friendly commercial establishment.

Shark APEX Upright Vacuum’s unique feature is the handle can be separated from the canister pod and transformed into a carry-along vacuum cleaner. The Shark APEX is equipped with dual brush rollers, making it easy to clean multiple surfaces like carpeted/bare floors, vertical surfaces, furniture, upholstery, and even carpeted stairs.

The Shark APEX Upright Vacuum with DuoClean model weighs 17.1-pounds and is powered by a powerful 1350-watt, 11.3-Amp motor. The model uses Shark’s proprietary DuoClean (dual brush rollers), Powered lift away (detachable pod for easy cleaning under furniture and vertical surfaces), and Zero M technologies (self-cleaning brush roller for auto hair removal). The model uses an advanced anti-allergen seal with HEPA filter that seals dust and debris in a 1.5-quarts capacity Dust-cup. The Shark Vac comes with a 30-feet power cord and has a cleaning path width of 11 inches. The device also features a pet power brush, a 12-inch crevice tool, and an upholstery tool. The machine comes with LED light on the handle, and floor noodle provides visibility in dark spaces, spotlighting hidden debris.

Pros:

• A multipurpose and multi-surface cleaning machine
• Powerful suction that offers deep cleaning on carpeted and hard floors.
• The detachable canister/pod makes it a superb cleaning machine to clean stairs, vertical surfaces, curtains upholstery, and tricky places.
• It does not strain the hand cleaning vertical surfaces or stairs.
• The double brush roll is great for cleaning hard surfaces.
• The Zero M technology used in this model self-cleans the brush rollers and is excellent for hair removal.
• The LED light on the floor nozzle is ideal for cleaning dark areas or places with low lighting.
• Comes with a 5-year limited warranty.

Cons:

• Requires minor assembly on unboxing.
• Only two can be stored with the machine attachments, and others need to be stored carefully or misplaced.
• The dust cup fills up fast, needs to be manually emptied.
• Challenging to repair

Why Buy: The Shark APEX Upright Vacuum is one of the best bag-less models in the upright vacuum cleaner category. The dual-use capability of this model makes it a versatile yet easy to use the machine. The dual-use allows for optimum use of the device for thorough cleaning. The Vac is especially suitable for hair salons, parlors due to its hair removal and self-cleaning brush technology.

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Cleaning and Maintenance Tips for an Upright Vacuum Cleaner

Upright vacuum cleaners are simple to clean. While the exact cleaning demands differ based on the manufacturer, some useful tips to keep the device spick and span are mentioned below:

• Discard debris from the brush rollers after every use from the vacuum cleaner. 
• Ensure that there are no obstructions in the hose
• Clean the dust cup at least once a month if you have a bagless vacuum cleaner. In case of a bagged vacuum cleaner, clear the bag’s contents and replace it once it is two-thirds full.
• If your vacuum has washable filters, sweep off any accumulated dust before washing the filters in warm soapy water.
• Replace the filters of your vacuum cleaner once every year.
• If the hose or accessories display signs of wear and tear, replace them immediately.
• Frequently wipe the machine’s exterior with a damp microfiber cloth to prevent dust or dirt from gathering.