5 Best Miele Vacuums – 2022 Buying Guide

There is something about the words “German engineering” that set your heart aflutter and make you think about quality and reliability. That is exactly you get with Miele vacuums: no bells and whistles, just quality vacuum cleaners. We have put together a list of the five best Miele vacuums currently on the market, and suggested what type of home and cleaning challenges each is best for.

A word of warning: Miele is not the cheapest vacuum cleaner brand on the market, but for your investment you can expect quality, durability, and reliability. Miele certainly has one of the best reputations around when it comes to vacuums.

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: Miele Complete C3 Marin
2. Best Budget: Miele Compact C1 Pure Suction
3. Best for Allergies: Miele Blizzard CX1 PureSuction
4. Best for Pets: Miele Complete C3 Cat & Dog
5. Best Robot: Miele Scout RX2 Home Vision

Miele Vacuum Buying Advice

• Reviews of Our Top 5 Miele Vacuum Picks
• Side by Side Comparison
• The Complete Miele Vacuum Buyer’s Guide
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Best Overall: Miele Complete C3 Marin

Pros

• Very effective on all surfaces from low, medium, or high pile carpet to delicate hardwood floors.
• 6 speed settings controlled by foot that deliver a tremendous amount of suction.
• Construction quality and components used in the C3 are phenomenal.

Cons

• Expensive, but it is built to last and provides a very good return on investment

The Complete C3 comes in a number of different specific models, with differences focused on how well heads in the set deal with various flooring surfaces. The Marin unit has every adjustment and accessory you could imagine and covers surfaces from deep textured carpets to delicate hardwoods. It cleans with 1200 watts of power to suction up even the most stubborn debris.

One feature that sets this model apart according to users is the automatic suction control. The vacuum senses how much power is required based on the surface and the dirt level and adjusts accordingly. You can also change the power level and head height yourself with a foot lever control. Miele cleverly integrates three accessories into the unit so your dusting head, upholstery brush, and crevice tool are all handy.

Clicking those onto the telescoping wand extends your reach for ceilings or hard-to-reach corners. Additional attachments are available to add to your cleaning arsenal. Reviewers note that the 90-degree bend in the connection of the power brush head to the wand can clog.

Also, the bag is generally considered to have a small capacity. Overall, though, people love this auto-retractable corded canister for its cleaning versatility and general reliability.

Best Budget: Miele Compact C1 Pure Suction

Pros

• Quiet vacuum (especially when compared to a Dyson).
• Great for picking long hairs without clogging.
• Accessories are conveniently clipped to the hose.
• Lightest of all the models we reviewed so easy to move around.

Cons

• Comes with only one dust bag that is not a HEPA bag.
• At times can be difficult to push on low pile carpet.

For solid surfaces and low pile carpets, this canister will meet your basic cleaning needs. It comes with a range of tools and attachments for varied vacuuming purposes. A rotary dial on the canister controls the six levels of power suction.

The vacuum comes with a universal floorhead for any relatively smooth surfaces. It has a shorter cleaning radius overall, under thirty feet. The manufacturer states it is quiet, a nice feature to manage its 1200-watt capability.

Users don’t have much to say about this vacuum. Managing expectations on quality and functionality are important according to reviewers. However, if you want an entry-level canister vac that should last you for a few years under normal cleaning conditions, this lightweight vac can fulfill your vacuuming needs.

Best for Allergies: Miele Blizzard CX1 PureSuction

Pros

• Self cleaning dust filter that captures fine dust to help prevent particles from going into the air.
• Powerful shop vac like suction.
• 360 degree wheels make the canister easily moveable.

Cons

• Carpet head is a bit bulky which can make it difficult to go under furniture.
• Accessories are expensive if you choose to purchase them.

For those high traffic carpeted areas that seem to get dirty fast no matter what, Miele has a canister solution. It’s bagless, so you aren’t investing in a lot of disposable replaceable extras.

Users note the one-touch release on the dust bin is easy to use and the finer particles do not appear to spread into the air when you’re dumping the load. The Hygiene (sub-HEPA) lifetime filter helps tame the finer dirt too, and while not HEPA-rated, it traps 99% of the fine particles as they attempt to flow through. You don’t have to replace it since it is washable.

A rotary dial on the canister controls the four suction settings for flexibility across cleaning surfaces. The ElectroBrush head features an adjustable height control for varying pile textures. As in all of its canisters, Miele builds in a retractable spool for the power cord. Press your foot on a button and it whips back inside the canister.

Reviewers mention that this vacuum will not work with other Miele power attachments. It comes with the standard upholstery head, crevice tool and dusting brush. However, if your focus is keeping that carpet looking clean, this machine has the 1200-watt suction power and ease of use you’ll need.

Best for Pets: Miele Complete C3 Cat & Dog

Pros

• Incredible suction power especially for cleaning up after pets.
• Switch of a button to transition from carpet to floor.
• Easy to use with great placements of buttons and also easy to stow away.

Cons

• Can be difficult to remove long hair off the rollers.
• Some parts of the owner’s manual are not very clear

Miele has a number of vacuum models designated as pet cleaners, and for flexibility and general use, reviewers tend to like this Complete series C3 model. It features many of the bells and whistles of the “Best Overall” on our list with important differences.

For example, while it has the foot control lever to switch between power levels and brush head heights, it lacks the automatic sensing and adjustment of the Marin model. This may not be an issue if you have a single type of surface to clean (like a wall-to-wall carpeted house) or your cleaning style means you don’t mind changing the power yourself.

On the plus side, the active carbon filter is better than HEPA for neutralizing pet odors as it vacuums. The mini tool brush clicks into place on the wand for immediate attention to pet hair on the furniture.

This canister vac works on all types of surfaces and includes the Parquet Swivel floor tool for delicate hardwoods or wood-look tiles. Reviewers note this is a good choice for larger rooms or more frequent cleaning, the latter being something that is important for many pet parents.

It is also known for super 1200-watt suction that picks up whatever paw debris your pets drag in, too. Some users complain about the bag size, judging it to be too small to handle the normal amount of pet hair the average-sized dog or cat produces. The suction is too intense for others, causing the system to turn off if it is working too hard.

Overall, though, many people have been happy with their choice of this machine to take care of both pet hair and pet odors in their homes.

Best Robot: Miele Scout RX2 Home Vision

Pros

• Much quieter than competitors.
• 120 minute battery life.

Cons

• Very sensitive and is prone to get stuck on rugs or in corners.

For busy lives or basic vacuuming between deep carpet or hardwood cleanings, this robot takes care of business. You design its cleaning boundaries using a combination of programming in a smartphone app and magnetic tape. Setting it up might take a little time but after it ‘learns’ its terrain, it runs on its own.

That same app can be used to watch the cleaning progress remotely. A map tells you which parts of your house have been done and what still needs to be cleaned. However, users note the dust cup is small, just over a cup and a half in size, and you might run out of debris space before the unit is done with its tour.

Run time for average or normal cleaning is two hours before the system needs to recharge. Reviewers say this can be considerably shorter if a heavier, more thorough cleaning mode is used. It is adjustable to four levels of suction and power. Coupled with the fact that it has a quiet clean setting that you can use even when home, it might be the answer to cleaning for those of us who don’t have time to vacuum regularly. 

Side by Side Comparison

Product	Our Rating	Model #	Style	Warranty	Weight	Max Power	Filter Type
Miele Complete C3 Marin View on Amazon –> View on Walmart –>	Best Overall Overall: 4.8 Ergonomics: A Accessories: A	SGJE0	Canister	3 years	10.35 lbs.	1200 W	HEPA
Miele Compact C1 Pure Suction View on Amazon –> View on Walmart –>	Best Budget Overall: 4.6 Ergonomics: B Accessories: B+	SBAN0	Canister	2 years	5.19 lbs.	1200 W	Active
Miele Blizzard CX1 PureSuction View on Amazon –> View on Bed Bath & Beyond –>	Best for Allergies Overall: 4.7 Ergonomics: A- Accessories: A	SKRE0	Canister	3 years	8.6 lbs.	1200 W	Hygiene
Miele Complete C3 Cat & Dog View on Amazon –> View on Walmart –>	Best for Pets Overall: 4.8 Ergonomics: A Accessories: A	SGEE0	Canister	3 years	10.34 lbs.	1200 W	Active
Miele Scout RX2 Home Vision View on Amazon –> View on Sylvane –>	Best Robot Overall: 3.5 Ergonomics: B Accessories: N/A	SLQL0 30	Robot	2 years	8 lbs.	N/A	Active Plus

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The Complete Miele Vacuum Buyer’s Guide

• What Makes Miele a Premium Vacuum?
• How We Ranked the Best Miele Vacuums
• FAQs about Miele Vacuums

What Makes Miele a Premium Vacuum?

• Styles of Vacuums
• PowerLine
• DynamicDrive
• AirClean Filter

Let’s start with something basic: the name. Pronounced “ME-la”, this German manufacturer of small appliances is known for advanced engineering and quality production techniques. In the world of mixed-review mass production, they are arguably the Mercedes of vacuums.

Styles of Vacuums

As most manufacturers do today, Miele gives you options to choose from in terms of vacuum type. Their vacuums come in a variety of styles, though the ones most of us are familiar with are their canisters. Each style is good for a particular kind of cleaning.

Canisters with bags

Canister vacuums are the largest and most powerful in terms of suction among your choices. The brush head of the model is connected to the canister where the mechanics and dust bin live by a hose of significant length. You drag the canister behind you as the lightweight brushes do the work.

These vacuums are known for superior suction, easy to imagine since Miele doesn’t need to worry about overall vacuum weight. A good portion of it is on the floor. They come with disposable, replaceable bags, and they feature a much larger dust bin capacity than an upright or stick model can hold.

Use a canister for heavy-duty cleaning, large spaces that need regular cleaning, or if you have significant allergy problems that require frequent deep cleaning. While carpeting is what you’d probably want this for, canisters also work well on solid floors.

Bagless Canisters

Consider these the lighter, smaller canisters. The shape of a bagless system differs from the bagged model. Bagless requires access to a dust bin typically attached to the back (opposite end from the hose) of the floor canister.

Bagless bins have a smaller capacity than their bagged siblings. They may be slightly less powerful too due to their smaller size. However, everything that extends from the hose to the head and accessories generally do not vary.

The advantage to these systems is size overall. Smaller storage spaces, smaller homes, and less frequent vacuuming are all aspects to consider. If your cleaning needs are not heavy-duty, this canister vacuum is more than up to your challenges.

Uprights Vacuums

Upright vacuums conquer the transitions from high traffic carpeting to hardwoods and solid floors with ease. In recent years, many of these formerly bagged systems have transitioned to bagless, though not all Miele models have made the change.

They come with a variety of brush head types and designs, some with lift-off telescoping wands built in to extend your reach.

Known for strong suction and power, uprights feature a complete system attached to a single stem. When you want to move, you’re moving it all, and that can be annoying for some people. However, it also gives you the ultimate in control, including adjustable brush rollers and height settings for dense textured carpet or fine wood surfaces.

It’s much less cumbersome to move an upright from floor to floor in your house. If you need the ability to change surfaces quickly or target where you prefer to vacuum, an upright accommodates you. Miele uprights tend to be stiff, which is a good thing as you’re making passes around furniture or over those ground-in dirt places.

Sticks

Stick vacuums are an even smaller version of an upright with all of the mechanics and dust bin in a lightweight package. They come both corded and cordless from vacuum manufacturers in general. A corded system, the only one Miele offers, tends to have more suction power while carrying a little more weight.

Most of these vacuums from other manufacturers come with a removable bagless dust bin; Miele’s sole offering is a bagged model. Some have washable filters and several accessories for steps, furniture and tight corners. Stick vacs are great for spaces with lots of furniture to dodge around or floors to move between.

They are not known for super suction power, so sticks work best in homes that don’t generate big messes. They also work well for in between the big deep cleaning sessions. Homes with pet fuzz issues might want to think twice about making this their primary vacuum.

Robots

People like to believe that a robot vacuum is enough to take care of their floor cleaning needs by itself. It runs daily or with whatever frequency you program, and it’s smart enough to avoid tumbling down the stairs while keeping the areas under the furniture clean. However, robots have been known to get stuck in bathrooms or keep bumping into the same furniture legs without going around the obstacles.

If you want something to keep your minimal messiness under control and you don’t have a lot of time to vacuum, programming a robot to handle this is a good compromise. It learns your layout and develops a cleaning pattern to cover the allotted floor space. Programming it to run daily for light cleaning or regularly for a slower, more thorough pickup covers your general needs.

Still, you might want to do a deep cleaning with a larger system on a regular schedule. Robots don’t have the suction strength for heavy traffic or significant debris. Their dust bins are often small, and since they won’t run if the bin is full, it might not complete a cycle because it needs your human intervention to empty accumulated debris.

PowerLine

PowerLine is the name for Miele’s highest suction systems. Vacuums with this label offer the strongest cleaning power and are particularly great for households with pets or active dirt tracking. This is not included in all Miele models.

A finger touch control for the amount of suction the vacuum delivers is featured in most of the canister and upright models too. This means you can run the system with less power over surfaces that don’t need deep cleaning and adjust for delicate solid flooring. Couple this with what Miele calls the Comfort handle for ergonomic positioning while vacuuming.

DynamicDrive

You might think this label has something to do with the automated movement of your vacuum, but it’s the wheels that touch your floors. These castors rotate a full 360 degrees and feature a rubberized coating that won’t scratch your solid floor surfaces. They adjust to the terrain, so you won’t get stuck in deeper mortar spaces or changes in surfaces or elevations.

If you’re prone to shoulder discomfort, Miele’s shock absorbers mounted on the casters create movement less prone to jarring. This system is also quieter than the standard wheels we usually see on vacuums. When you want a machine that is easier to handle, look for the DynamicDrive designation on your selection.

AirClean Filter

If you live with pets, you have pet odors and dander. Indoor smoking also produces stale or unpleasant lingering odors due to residue suspended in the air. In both cases, you want the carbon cleaning efficiency of a Miele Active AirClean filter in your vacuum, an air exhaust system that scrubs the air of most odors.

Miele also offers a HEPA AirClean filter for those with severe allergies. It strips dust and allergens from the exhaust and traps it inside the filter. Replace it when the proprietary timestrip® signals that the filter is full.

How We Ranked the Best Miele Vacuums

• Style
• Ergonomics/Ease of Use
• AirClean Filter
• Dustbin
• Accessories
• Weight

Our selection criteria are fairly standard for our vacuum machine comparisons. However, we included a couple of features unique to Miele such as the filter system. Here are the facts for our Miele choices, and we expand on these in the comments for each machine.

Style

Certain styles work better in some cleaning situations than others. If storage space is an issue for you, we note any constraints or unique needs in the comments. Most Miele vacuums are known for their smaller footprint requirements when taken apart (hose from canister, for example).

Ergonomics/Ease of Use

Miele vacuums generally feature good ergonomic design, meaning their movement should be easy within the realm (forward and back, turning) of what they are intended to do.

For some of us with shoulder or back issues, ease of use can be impacted by the high suction power holding the vacuum to the surface below it. We assign a letter grade because of these potential issues and expand on this in our comments.

AirClean Filter

If your household deals with significant allergies, you’ll want the HEPA filter in your vacuum. The Active filter works almost as well but is not HEPA rated. Note that these filters are not washable but replaceable.

Dustbin

Most canister vacuums contain disposable, replaceable bags as their dust bins. Miele has some machines that are bagless. These are not recommended for high allergy households.

Accessories

While the world of Miele accessories is extensive, not all of their machines are compatible with all choices. A letter grade here indicates both how much comes with the machine and if you can add on later. We clarify anything less than a perfect grade in our comments.

Weight

If you move your vacuum between levels in your home or have strength issues, you’ll want to pay attention to the total weight of the system. Note that for canister models, the weight includes everything from the brush head to the canister. For all vacuums, it is weight of the unit minus attachments.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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