Article 2 (Aug 2021): Choices abound with vacuums

If you're thinking about replacing your old, broken-down vacuum cleaner get ready for a dizzying array of options at a huge variety of price points.
              
Budget or high-end models, bag-less, cordless, robotic, allergy-friendly -- today's vacuum cleaners aren't like your grandmother's heavy old upright model.
              
Cordless vacuums offer a lightweight, versatile alternative to the bulky corded appliances of the past and the newer models can handle all types of flooring and other cleaning projects with the same power as a corded vacuum.  The lighter weight and maneuverability are great for homes with lots of stairs. But buyers should be aware -- these vacuums often have lower debris collection capacity than their corded counterparts and without regular charging, a low battery could interrupt your housecleaning.  A high-end model like a Dyson V15 is priced around $700, while a more affordable cordless vacuum like the Moosoo M X6 still offers great cleaning power for a much more affordable $90.
              
Bag-less vacuums substitute the traditional vacuum bag with a clear chamber where debris collects.  When the chamber is full, simply dump it in the trash. They're lower waste and less expensive to operate than vacuums that require bags, but for allergy sufferers, the increased exposure to allergens -- especially when emptying the chamber -- might make this a non-starter.  A higher-end model like the Sharp APEX costs around $390, while the Bissell Cleanview will run about $80.
              
Robot vacuums, unlike humans, never forget to vacuum the carpet and can usually be relied upon to find hidden crumbs behind the sofa and those pesky clumps of pet hair.  Some of the latest models can even mop and empty themselves, but the dust collection bins have limited capacity and the robots aren't ideal for multi-level homes with lots of steps.  If you've got deep pockets and want a robot that empties itself, try the iRobot Roomba s9+, which retails for about $950.  The iLife A9, however, still does a good job on low-pile carpet for a more affordable $220.
              
If you have asthma or allergies, you may want to purchase a vacuum with a HEPA filter to keep the air around the vacuum free of flying dust, dirt, pet hair, dander and other indoor air pollutants that might go airborne. The Miele Complete C3 canister vacuum offers HEPA filtration and a sealed air system to avoid kicking up extra dust particles, and runs about $1,100. The Hoover Wind Tunnel 3 High-Performance Pet upright vacuum also offers HEPA filtration, as well as extra features, to get pet hair off the floor for about $200.