Canister vacuum vs. Upright vacuum?

I am in the market for buying a new vacuum and I have only owned an upright. But I wonder if I would be better off owning a canister vacuum.

What is the advantage of a canister vacuum and what is the advantage of an upright vacuum?

TIA

Re: Canister vacuum vs. Upright vacuum?

http://www.allergybuyersclub.com/vacuum-cleaner-buyers-guide.html

Canister Pluses

• Best rated design for allergy sufferer since hepa sealed systems are available
• Flexible hose gives excellent versatility
• Most suction power for carpets
• Pushes more easily with the lightweight head as opposed to pushing the entire vacuum cleaner
• Can get under furniture easily because head has lower profile
• Usually has a retractable electrical cord
• Easier and lighter to carry up and down stairs
• Easier to vacuum stairs - a canister vacuum cleaner will often have a tool specially for stairs
• On board tools for convenience and for cleaning special surfaces

Upright Pluses

• The vacuum cleaner is always in front of you, which some people prefer
• Vacuum cleaner bags are usually larger and require less changing
• Most upright vacuum cleaner models now come with a flexible hose for greater versatility
• An upright vacuum cleaner is easy to use for hallways and large open carpet areas

Canister Minuses

• Canister is behind you as you pull which some people find awkward
• This kind of vacuum cleaner may require lifting over thresholds
• If using powerhead, may require changing floor brushes when going from carpet to bare floor (This is not true of a canister vacuum cleaner with extra turbo head or straight suction.)

Upright Minuses

• The hose is usually short and somewhat stiff and can cause the vacuum cleaner to tip over
• Cannot get under furniture easily (except for the Sebo X4 vacuum cleaner)
• Less maneuverable around furniture legs
• Does not have a retractable electrical cord
• Harder to vacuum stairs and much heavier
• An upright vacuum cleaner is more difficult to carry up and down stairs
• Does not have on board specialty vacuum cleaner parts or tools for dusting crevices, upholstery and the like
• The beater bar can damage delicate Persian rugs
• The design is not as friendly to allergy sufferers

Re: Canister vacuum vs. Upright vacuum?

Shawn posted a great list of the pros & cons. Currently, I only have an upright. I love it (as much as I could love a vacuum ) for the carpets. now I really want a cannister for my wood floors. Then I'd keep the upright upstairs with all of the carpeted bedrooms & use the cannister on the wood floors and the carpeted den, playroom, & living room on the main floor.

Re: Canister vacuum vs. Upright vacuum?

Thanks! This is exactly what I needed. Canister it is!!!

Re: Canister vacuum vs. Upright vacuum?

Canister on the most part are great for wood floor while Upright's aren't. Canisters rubber wheels Upright's plastic...

Re: Canister vacuum vs. Upright vacuum?

I am a canister person, especially with hardwood floors. I like the ease which you can switch from the carpet attachment to floor attachment.

Re: Canister vacuum vs. Upright vacuum?

Re: Canister vacuum vs. Upright vacuum?

I love canister because it's sooooooo much easier to vacuum tight spaces and to get under furniture without actually moving it. And I also find it much easier to clean stairs & couches.