4 Best Canister Vacuums Under $100

By Louis DeNicola, Cheapism.com

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An upright vacuum is a trusty cleaning tool that occupies many a closet. But some upright models weigh too much or prove too awkward to carry upstairs. There's also the task of vacuuming the stairs and the worry of scratching hardwood floors. That's where canister vacuums come in. They're versatile, easy to operate, and come with loads of attachments for reaching tricky crevices and high-up places. These four top picks from Cheapism.com boast favorable reviews and cost less than $100.

Related: Best upright vacuum cleaners under $150

Choosing a vacuum means choosing between a bagless model and one that collects debris in a bag. Bagless canister vacuums store the dust and dirt they accumulate in a bin that must be emptied into the trash. The process can be a little messy if you're not careful, but on the bright side you don't need to bother buying and replacing bags. Bagged models have the advantage of keeping everything contained for easy disposal. Two of each type are featured here.

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Another distinguishing factor: the type of filter the vacuum uses. All filters are designed to help capture dust and other small particulates that the vacuum sucks up, so they don't escape back into the air. But only high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters claim to capture 99.97 percent of particles that measure 0.3 microns or larger. Vacuums with HEPA filters, such as the Dirt Devil and Panasonic models Cheapism recommends, are the best options for consumers with allergies or asthma. Regardless, the filter should be replaced or cleaned periodically.

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