Before buying a vacuum cleaner, take a good look around the place you intend on using it. These are the things I look at before paying out that big money for the right cleaner.
Do you have deep carpet or short?
Thankfully, most cleaners do have several carpet levels and can be used on several different carpet depths, however, being able to simply roll the cleaner around does not make that carpet clean as you know. If you have deep pile carpet, then you might want to consider a vacuum with a large motor so it can suck down deep and not just pick up what is on the top layer.
Are you going to need attachments?
Most of the time, we want our vacuums to be able to clean more than just the floors. For instance, we want a hose so that we can reach up and catch those spider webs or dust that may settle on curtains or blinds. If you know that you will be wanting to use your vacuum to do these sort of things, then watch and make sure the one you are considering on buying has this capability.
You may also want to see how the tools attach to the vacuum. How easily do they snap on or off? Do they fall off when you roll it around? Often times the stores in my area have some of these cleaners on display and you can roll them around to see if this happens. Also try extending the hose and see if the cleaner wants to tip over. Not all do tip over, and this can be very aggravating when you are trying to clean.
Bag or Bag less
I have both kinds of vacuum cleaners. But up until about a month ago all I had was the old type that required a bag. These sell for cheaper in this area, however, it can be so aggravating if while you are cleaning your bag becomes full or worst yet, bursts. I had this happen the last time I used my old one, and as you may guess, I did not have any more bags to fit the cleaner.
So when I bought my new one I chose one that did not require a bag. The one also has what is called a hepa filter to filter out the dust before the air leaves the vacuum cleaner. I can tell a big difference in the level of dust in the house.
Price Check
Depending on where you are, you may want to check around after you have decided on what make you are thinking of buying. Sometimes stores may offer them on sale or some stores prices may be a bit cheaper.