How to choose a Miele vacuum

Bagged canisters (Guard, Complete C3 and Classic C1) are Miele's signature. Dust goes into a sealed bag, so you rarely touch it. They are the better choice for allergies and asthma, and bags are easy to buy and swap.

Bagless canisters (Blizzard CX1) skip the bag purchases and use washable filters. The tradeoff is some dust exposure when you empty the bin, so we usually steer allergy-sensitive households toward a bagged model.

Classic C1 is the entry level: strong Miele suction and a rugged build, with a reach of about 29.5 ft. It skips the fully sealed system and HEPA on most models.

Complete C3 is the premium bagged canister, with sealed filtration, HEPA on most models (the Cat & Dog uses an odor filter instead), a quieter motor and a reach of about 36 ft.

Guard is Miele's newest bagged line. The L1 adds powered brushes and HEPA options, and the M1 is the more affordable way in.

Blizzard CX1 is bagless, with washable filters and a reach of about 33 ft.

The tool on the end of the hose matters as much as the series. Most Miele models come in editions that differ mainly in the tools included.

• Hard floors and area rugs: a combination floorhead such as the SBD 365-3, or a soft Twister head for delicate hard floors.
• Low to medium carpet and upholstery: a turbo brush such as the STB 305-3.
• Thick or high-pile carpet: an electric power brush such as the SEB 228 or SEB 236. Power brushes only fit certain models, and we will confirm compatibility before you order.

A cordless Miele is the grab-and-go option. It starts in seconds, hangs on the wall and turns into a handheld for stairs, furniture and the car. A canister still has more power and a bigger dust capacity for deep cleaning, so many homes pair one of each.

The standard Triflex HX3 suits most homes. Choose Cat & Dog for pets, Plus for a second battery and more run time, and Aqua if you want to wet-clean water-resistant floors.

The Complete C3 and Classic C1 use HyClean GN bags. The Guard L1 uses HyClean TU bags, and the Guard M1 uses HyClean CO bags. Tell us your model and we will match the right bags and filters. Cordless Triflex models use a lifetime HEPA filter, so there is nothing to replace.