In this guide, we will review 10 of the best vacuum cleaners for high pile carpet. We’ve chosen these 10 after considering various different products available in the market, and here we will consider all the pros and cons of each product along with our verdict.
Further below, we will also cover a buyer’s guide and several important factors to consider in choosing the best vacuum for high pile carpet according to your budget and needs.
Without further ado, let us begin with the first one.
Top 10 Best Vacuums for High Pile, Shag or Thick Carpet
1. Soniclean
Key Features:
- Patented sonic-cleaning technology. It can produce 200 vibrations/second. State-of-the-art technology to clean sticky dirt and dust in the carpet pile.
- EZ-Push adjustable vent system for ease of use (patented).Easier time to push and pull on both soft and thick carpets.
- Ultra-soft brush roll, gentle but effective for soft carpets
- Large front wheels for better mobility
- Ultra-lightweight design, only 10.5 pounds
- Multi-speed motor (digital control): Quiet Mode: For regular vacuuming of hard floors and carpets. Deep Cleaning Mode: For vacuuming high traffic or heavily soiled carpeted areas
- Hospital-grade HEPA filtration to capture fine dust, dirt, and particles including allergens and bacteria.
- The efficient motor design produces superior suction while only using 50% less electrical energy compared to many full-sized vacuums
- Long 35’ power cord included
- Patented jam protection when a jam is detected and will notify users to check the brush
- Fragrance dispensing system (patented, optional), releases a light scent every time you vacuum
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Ultra-lightweight vacuum designed to clean soft carpets
- Patented sonic technology to effectively clean thick and deep carpet without damaging the soft fibers
- HEPA filter included provides a germ-free environment after vacuuming
- Fragrance dispersing system releases fragrance on vacuuming every time
- Long 35 ft. cord providing easy access to every corner of the room
Cons:
- Not very good for low-pile mat carpets
- Need to change the filter bag occasionally
Our Review
Sonicclean is arguably the best vacuum for high pile carpet especially if your carpet is thick but with softer fabric textures. Designed specifically for soft-style carpet so it won’t get stuck on the carpet, with large wheels that can easily glide over soft, plush carpets.
Patented sonic technology to vibrate embedded dust and dirt from the carpet, and certified Gold by the Carpet and Rug Institute.
Also, it’s ultra-light design with long 35’ cord provides convenience for us so we can clean the carpet more quickly and easily. A minor downside is that the Sonicclean isn’t really effective for low-pile mat carpet. Not only it might damage the carpet, but there’s also the possibility that the Sonicclean will be damaged. Also, the relatively small filter bag means we will need to change it regularly.
Rating out of 5 4.4/5
Dollar rating $$$
2. Shark Navigator
Key Features:
- Lightweight vacuum weighing only 13.7 lbs
- 1,200-watt motor
- On/off brush roll, suitable for both carpets and bare floors
- 5-year warranty
- Long 25 ft. power cord
- Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology+HEPA
- Pet power brush, dusting brush, 8” creative tool
- 2-in-1 vacuum
- 1.2 dry quarts bin capacity
- Anti suction-loss
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- One of the affordable options in this list
- Excellent suction power
- Lightweight, 13.7 pounds
- Large dirt cup
- Anti-allergen complete-seal technology with HEPA filtration
- Gentle deep cleantech
- Lift-away function for convenience
Cons:
- No LED lights
- The hose leading to the wand is relatively short
Our Review
One of the best vacuums for high-pile carpet due to its power and durability. Shark is a well-known and reputable brand known for its vacuums’ excellent suction power with gentle deep cleantech while being relatively lightweight and affordable.
Some minor downsides are that the hose that leads to the Shark Navigator’s wand is too short, and there isn’t any LED light, so less visibility. Still, it offers a lot of features and very versatile.
Rating out of 5 4.3/5
Dollar rating $
3. Oreck Commercial
Key Features:
- Ultra-lightweight, weighing only 8 lbs
- Can cover 12” wide area, easy and quick cleaning
- Extra-long 40 ft power cord, easily replaceable
- Convenient on/off switch on the handle, Ease-Of-Use Commendation from the Arthritis Foundation
- Microsweep feature can easily move between carpet and hard floor, don’t need to change any setting
- Top-fill 630 cubic inch bag, more suction power, and versatility
- Saniseal technology, automatically seals in allergens, debris, and dirt upon disposal
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Ultra-lightweight, 8 lbs weight
- Excellent suction power
- It has an awarded handle
- Great value for money, relatively affordable
- Disposable 630 cubic-inch top-fill bag
Cons:
- Very noisy
- Doesn’t include any accessory
Our Review
One of the best carpet vacuums with great value for money. One of the key highlights of this Oreck Commercial carpet vacuum is its ability to handle almost all different carpet types. Its versatility is among one of the main reasons why this vacuum is sought after by many, so you can vacuum both low-pile and high-pile carpets without worrying that it will break the carpet.
Some minor downsides are that the Oreck Commercial produces a big noise during vacuuming, and it doesn’t include any attachment/accessory.
Rating out of 5 4.2/5
Dollar rating $$
4. Oreck Magnesium
Key Features:
- Ultra-lightweight under 8 lbs (7,7 lbs), among the lightest upright vacuums in the market today
- Magnesium frame reduces weight but increases overall durability
- A direct suction system shortens the path that air has to travel, improving performance
- 7,000 RPM motorized brush, great deep cleaning action
- Wireless quick switch controls, easy way to transition between different cleaning modes from carpet to hardwoods
- Oreck patented SlimSwivel technology, not only swivels but it also lies virtually flat. Can clean under furniture
- Fully-sealed HEPA system prevents 99.97% of allergens (at 0.3 microns) from coming back out
- Long 30 ft power cord included
- 7-year warranty (5-annual tune-ups), one of the best warranty package available
- Twin LED lights, better visibility
- Endurolife belt prevents unexpected jams
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Ultra-lightweight,7.7 lbs weight
- Long warranty-7 years
- Fully sealed HEPA bag prevents virtually all of the allergens from coming back out – great for people with allergies and asthma
- Direct suction technology improves ease of use and performance
- A large bag will last longer before needing replacement (holds around 8 quarts of dry dirt)
Cons:
- Relatively expensive
- Replacement odor bag is expensive
- Doesn’t include any attachments to clean upholstery
- Not very good on rugs and shag carpets
Our Review
The key highlight of the Oreck Magnesium is obviously its lightweight magnesium design, allowing it to weigh under 8 pounds (7.7 pounds to be exact). As a result, this is one of the lightest carpet vacuums available in the market today, especially for upright vacuums.
However, even with its ultra-lightweight design, this vacuum is very durable with great performance. Strong suction with a stiff beater bar, giving us a versatile yet powerful carpet cleaner that can also clean bare floors.
Rating out of 5 4/5
Dollar rating $$$
5. Dyson Ball
Key Features:
- Advertised strongest suction of any vacuum for tough tasks
- Self-adjusting cleaner head, can automatically adjust between hard floors and carpets
- Wand and hose can release in just one smooth action
- Hygienic bin emptying, push a button to release the dirt
- HEPA filtration traps for the whole-machine, effective in trapping allergens and bacteria
- Ball technology for easy maneuver around furniture and obstacles
- Tangle-free turbine tool to remove hair from carpets without tangling
- Extra attachments for tough tasks including combination tool, multi-angle tool, stair tool, etc.
- Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America certification, allergy and asthma friendly
- 5-year warranty on parts and labor
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- One of if not the most powerful suction compared to other lightweight upright carpet vacuums
- Versatile, the brushes set can vacuum top of furniture, kitchen bench, carpets, books, lamps, and many other surfaces.
- Easy to use, self-adjusting head that can adjust itself between carpet and hard floor without you needing to change the head
- Compact size, can store in a small cupboard (saves up to 40% more storage)
Cons:
- Can be hard to assemble at first
- Relatively heavy compared to others in this list
- Big vacuum head, difficult to clean under some pieces of furniture
- Power cord non-retractable
Our Review
Dyson is a relatively well-known brand as a carpet vacuum manufacturer, and the key highlight of this Dyson Ball is definitely its above-average suction power with the highest suction rate in this list.
Ball technology allows us to clean various areas in the house without too much hassle, as we can easily maneuver the vacuum around furniture and obstacles. A minor downside is its relatively bulky vacuum head, so it can be difficult to go under certain pieces of furniture.
Rating out of 5 4.5/5
Dollar rating $$
6. Miele Compact C1
Key Features:
- 1,200-watt Miele-made vortex motor can increase power efficiency to the selected power level
- Versatile suction control with 6-setting rotary dial for optimal cleaning results
- Combination floorhead, ideal for both hard floor and carpets
- Three additional accessories on VarioClip: upholstery tool, crevice tool, and dusting brush
- AirClean sealed system with genuine Miele dustbag, motor protection filter, and AirClean exhaust filter to maximize filtration.
- Self-sealing collar, dirt, and dust can’t escape once it’s vacuumed into the Miele dustbag.
- 29.5 feet cleaning radius
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Germany-engineered Miele, reliable and durable
- The most affordable Miele vacuum available in the market
- Great suction power
- Versatile 6-stage power setting to accommodate various vacuuming tasks
- Low sound output, quiet operation
- Ergonomic handle minimizes the risks of straining off your hands
- Auto filter bag adjustment for positioning
Cons:
- Not using HEPA filter but Miele AirClean sealed system (although it’s pretty good)
- Not very good for high-pile carpets
- Bagged cleaner, require replacement from time to time
Our Review
Miele is obviously a very famous name in the world of home appliances, but sadly we can’t say the Miele Compact C1 is a good option for high-pile carpets and rugs. The compact C1 is more suited for low-pile carpets and hard floors, but it does offer higher ventilation rates for effective cleaning.
Great longevity expectations with 1,200 hours, higher than most commercial motors, and in general a really good cleaning vacuum for low-pile carpets.
Rating out of 5 4.5/5
Dollar rating $$$
7. Kenmore Elite 81714
Key Features:
- The motorized Pet PowerMate attachment gets even the most stubborn pet hair or dust out of carpets and hard-to-reach corners
- HEPA media filter captures 99.97% of dust particles, including pollen, pet dander, mold and bacteria
- A double-wall design that’s designed to keep airflow strong and steady
- An Ultra Plush nozzle uses airflow to get into even your ultra-plush carpeting for a deeper, more complete clean
- The variable power mode is perfect for cleaning delicate carpet and rugs.
- Swivel+ Steering system makes it easier to move around the house
- The exclusive Stair Grip enables this vacuum to rest on the staircase for easy stair cleaning
- The Performance Indicator tells you when the bag is full or when to check for clogs
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Versatile speed controls for ease of use around different surfaces
- Great HEPA filter, can capture various dust particles and allergens
- Great for cleaning pet hairs with Pet PowerMate attachment
- One of the best vacuums for high pile carpet
- Carpet height adjustment feature
Cons:
- Relatively heavy at 22 lbs
- Expensive replacement bags, need to be replaced from time to time
- Handle attachment not very ergonomics
Our Review
The Kenmore Elite 81714 is among the best choices if you are looking for a vacuum suitable for high pile carpets. Very versatile with multiple swivel heads and attachments so you can easily clean various areas of the house and various surfaces. Great for dirt, dander, and stubborn pet hairs.
A minor downside is that the Kenmore Elite is relatively heavy at 22 pounds compared to others on this list. However, it’s still a great versatile option and definitely one of the best vacuums for high pile carpet.
Rating out of 5 3.9/5
Dollar rating $$$
8. Bissell Rewind
Key Features:
- Automatic cord rewind, fast and easy cord storage with just a button push
- Features a 27’ power cord for extended reach. Can clean more room and further without switching plugs
- Dirt filter indicator and fingertip on/off switch
- Triple Action Brush Roll designed with two bristle types to assist cleaning performance
- Attachment tools included:TurboBrush® Tool, Crevice Tool, and Combination Dusting/Upholstery Tool
- 3-year limited warranty
- Powerful, multi-cyclonic system for deep clean
- Easy Empty™ dirt tank (1.0L)
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable for an upright vacuum cleaner
- Great suction power with very decent brush head
- Bagless, don’t need to spend additional money to buy dust bags
- Ability to capture dusts and particles without scatttering
- Automatic cord rewind
Cons:
- Relatively heavy at 15.4 pounds
- Can’t fold the vacuum down, so will take some space
Our Review
A very good upright vacuum that is worth investing in. Easy to assemble and diassemble (for cleaning purpose), and very effective in picking up particles without scattering. One of the best vacuums in cleaning high pile carpet, but also for hard floors and other surfaces.
Relatively affordable especially considering the Bissel brand, which is quite well-known in delivering high-quality products and good customer services. Great value for your money with extra feeatures like the automatic cord rewind, included attachments for versatility, and more. Pretty decent and cost-efficient option overall.
Rating out of 5 3.8/5
Dollar rating $
9. Eureka NEU202
Key Features:
- Lightweight & Liftable: It is easy to carry around 12. 3-lbs upright vacuum cleaner for easy and quick cleaning
- XL Dust Cup Capacity: With a 2. 1-liter dust cup, this bagless vacuum cleaner requires less frequent emptying and with an easy empty flip lid, it can be easily cleaned and washed with no maintenance cost
- Automatic Cord Rewind: Wraps 25′ cord with a push of a button for hassle-free storage
- All-floor Powerful Cleaning: By turning the 5-floor selection dial, this versatile vacuum cleaner with 12. 6 -wide cleaning path can make hardwood floors, tiles, carpets and area rugs free from pet hair, debris, and dirt
- Accessories Included: 7 Crevice Tool, Dusting Brush, Upholstery Tool and Pet Tool can be stored onboard the lightweight vacuum cleaner
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Powerful suction, great at picking up pet hair, dust particles, and more
- 5 different modes, very versatile for any type of flooring and especially high pile carpet
- High-volume dust cup can pick up before you need to empty it
- Automatic cord rewind feature
- LED light to assist cleaning under furniture
Cons:
- Not very durable
Our Review
With its bagless system, the Eureka NEU202 relies on its dirt holder (which needs to be cleaned properly every time it’s full). Yet, it’s a fairly easy thing to do, so it doesn’t really disrupt its value as a versatile vacuum for cleaning high pile rugs.
Relatively lightweight (12 pounds) while offering powerful enough suction. Also, it offers various attachments allowing us more versatility to clean various surfaces and tight spaces.
Rating out of 5 4/5
Dollar rating $
10.Hoover WindTunnel 3 Max
Key Features:
- Carbon HEPA filtration, great for pets with odor-absorbing filters
- Powerful suction with 13 powerful cyclones, no-loss suction adequate for deep clean
- On/Off Brush Roll, effortlessly transition from carpets to hard floors with the touch of a button.
- Hoover’s best upright bagless vacuum
- Windtunnel 3 Technology, three channels of suction create efficient airflow from the extra-wide nozzle to the large capacity dirt cup
- 15ft of extended reach
- Great for pets with pivoting dusting tool, crevice tool, and pet turbo tool
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Long hose for extender reach and helps in cleaning hard to reach places quite easily
- Various attachments included like a Crevice tool, Pet Turbo tool and, pivoting dusting tool, versatile for various applications
- Fifteen-inch nozzle and 30 ft power cord for extensive cleaning
- WindTunnel technology combined with a multi-cyclone system for powerful suction, great for embedded particles and dirt
- The HEPA filter, cleaner environment for everyone and your pets
Cons:
- Relatively heavy, can be hard to maneuver with
Our Review
The Hoover WindTunnel 3 is a very versatile vacuum for high pile carpet with a decent set of features. Excellent in dealing with pet hair. Also, due to its great suction power, capable of getting rid of embedded dirt and debris in every nook and cranny of your house.
A minor downside is that the Hoover WindTunnel 3 is that it’s relatively heavy at 18 pounds, so it can be difficult to maneuver it around the house.
Rating out of 5 4.2/5
Dollar rating $
Best Vacuum for High Pile Carpet: Buying Guide
How to Choose The Right Vacuum
With all the different options available in the market, picking the right vacuum to clean your high pile carpet according to your needs can be quite difficult: there are various brands to choose your vacuum from, with different vacuum models, unique features, and benefits.
With that being said, our main focus here is to find the best vacuum for high pile carpet, and so we’ll start our search with that premise. There are several unique characteristics and benefits to consider in cleaning high pile carpet, and below are some important factors to consider in that regards:
- Extra Venting
This is one of the important factors to consider: check whether the vacuum posses an extra venting anywhere on the machine, which is important with high pile carpets to ensure the vacuum head doesn’t get sucked down into the carpet.
The purpose of venting is mainly to create an airflow, preserving the suction power without sticking the vacuum to the floor.
If you are vacuuming hard floors or low pile carpets, then we wouldn’t need to worry too much about venting, but that’s not the case with high pile rugs. High pile carpets “pull” the machine down into the fibers, so it’s going to be harder to maneuver the vacuum over the carpet. With extra venting, we can make sure the suction is unaffected so we can push the vacuum around with convenience.
- Detached Canister VS Upright
Another consideration is whether you would like a detached canister or an upright vacuum instead, which will mainly dictate maneuverability.
With a detached canister, the head of the vacuum is going to be smaller and so it’s easier to maneuver. This can be useful when, for example, some parts of your high pile carpet are under your furniture. In this case, we can use the vacuum in tight spaces, and so eliminating the need for different vacuum attachments. The downside of a detached canister, however, is that the nozzle doesn’t always fit into the canister and the storage itself is generally larger.
Upright vacuums, on the other hand, offer a smaller storage footprint in exchange for less maneuverability. It’s going to be harder to use the upright vacuum in tight spaces and/or under your furniture.
- Air Filter
High pile carpets have longer and thicker fabrics with relatively high density. So, they can easily accumulate dirt, particles, allergens, and bacteria between the carpet fibers. This is why getting a vacuum cleaner with a great filtration system is going to be really important. Look for vacuums offering advanced air filtration features like the HEPA system.
HEPA stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air, indicating that the vacuum can trap at least 99.97% of dirt and particles. Vacuums with HEPA systems can filter out much smaller particles and also can trap them properly so they won’t be released back into the surrounding air.
How much of your flooring is high pile carpets?
This is a very important consideration.
If, for example, your entire house consists of high pile carpets, you might require a different vacuum than if you only have a single high pile rug.
Go back to the three factors we have discussed above: extra venting, detached canister vs upright, and air filtration. In general, the more areas in your house that feature the high carpet rugs, the more you are going to need to consider these three factors.
On the other hand, if you only have certain areas with high pile rugs, you can compromise for a cheaper vacuum instead.
Your Budget
How much you are willing to spend on the vacuum is going to be a very important factor to consider. In general, you can get a relatively high-quality vacuum cleaner for around $150-250. You can get an affordable vacuum cleaner for as low as $50, and there are high-end vacuum cleaners above $1,000.
Quite obviously, if your budget is higher, you can get more features, more suction powers, and more versatility, while if you decide to get a pretty affordable vacuum cleaner, it will require more maintenance and might not last as long.
It’s important not to solely consider the price alone, but rather the overall value. Check various reviews for the vacuum you consider whether it’s a good value for your money.
Accessories and Extras
There are accessories and extra features you might consider for your vacuum cleaners depending on your needs. For example, if you have dogs or cats in the house, you might want to consider vacuum cleaners with motorized brushes that are designed to clean up pet hairs. If you need to clean your upholstery often, you might want to consider upholstery attachments.
Some vacuum cleaners might offer different bundles depending on included accessories. So, if you don’t really need certain attachments or accessories, you might not want to pay extra for them.
Weight
The vacuum’s weight is going to be a very important factor since it’s going to affect maneuverability and performance.
In general (although not always), a lightweight vacuum means a compromise in features and suction power. There are ultra-lightweight and compact models with great features and power, but in most cases, they are going to be quite expensive.
However, for the case of high pile rugs, there is another factor to consider: Heavier vacuums tend to sink deeper into the carpet, which can end up damaging the carpet instead.
Also, it’s going to be difficult to maneuver a heavy vacuum. Prolonged use of vacuums that are too heavy for you can end up injuring your hands and arms.
FAQ’s
What is the best vacuum cleaner for high pile carpet?
A very tough question since all the models we have reviewed above are among the best available in the market and each has its own unique advantages. However, based on our tests, our choice goes to:
Soniclean Soft Carpet Upright Vacuum Cleaner
In our opinion, the best vacuum for high pile carpet due to its rich set of features, well-designed, easy to use, and comes with a long warranty. Plenty of features that are designed specifically to cleaning high pile and soft carpets.
What is considered high pile carpet?
“Pile” in the carpeting world refers to the fabric loops of the carpeting, that is, the soft surface of the carpet itself. We can call the carpet “high pile” if the fibers are taller and looser. As a result of this quality, a high pile carpet is softer, fluffier, and produce a heightened appearance.
However the long, loose threads are virtually magnets for dirt and dust particles, and so a high pile carpet usually requires more maintenance.
In general, a high pile carpet might be right for you if:
- You want more warmth and comfort with your carpet. High pile carpet is known for its coziness.
- High pile carpet is less likely to flatten, so this is a good option if you prefer longevity with your carpet.
- Simply put, high pile carpets provide a more luxurious look thanks to their full and fluffy appearances
How do you deep clean a high pile rug?
There are three main ways to use a vacuum to deep clean a high pile carpet with a vacuum cleaner:
- Vacuum the high pile rug regularly (usually once per week. If you have pets or toddlers, you might want to vacuum daily or every couple of days. If it’s rarely used or walked on, you can stick to a monthly schedule
- Set the vacuum’s head to the high pile if the vacuum cleaner offers this option
- Suction the dirt thoroughly and don’t leave any dirt at the high pile carpet’s fibers. Do not use the vacuum’s beater bar or powerhead on a high pile rug.
- Flip over the high pile carpet to expose its underside. In general, you’d want to vacuum the underside at least once per month. Use the vacuum’s beater bar to remove more dirt from this part. Avoid using too strong suction (or don’t use the powerhead).
Conclusion
The 10 best vacuums for high pile carpet we have reviewed above are our top picks based on our tests on various products and brands available in the market.
Our number one pick here goes to the Soniclean Soft Carpet Upright Vacuum Cleaner
due to its cost-effectiveness and overall performance (affiliate link?), but all models presented are great vacuum cleaners with their own advantages and disadvantages.
We hope you’ve gathered enough information from this buying guide, and can make a better purchase decision with what we’ve shared.
