Miele cylinder vacuum cleaners here come in two types: the bagged Guard series and the bagless CX1 models, Boost CX1 and Blizzard CX1. Every one is corded and lists an 890 W motor. That means your choice comes down to how you want to deal with dust, how much weight you're happy to carry and which floorheads suit your home.

Guard models come in S1, M1 and L1 versions. The S1 and L1 hold 3.5 litres and the M1 holds 4.5 litres, so the M1's bag needs changing less often. Several Guard models use HyClean Pure dustbags, which Miele says seal automatically when you open the vacuum. This keeps fine dust inside, which is helpful if anyone at home has allergies. The Guard L1 Allergy also lists a HEPA filter. The Guard S1 is the lightest at 5.7 kg. The L1 models have the longest cord at 8.5 m and the lowest listed noise level, at 74 dB.

The bagless models use Vortex Technology to spin dust into a bin. You empty the bin rather than buying bags, but it does mean more contact with the dust. The Boost CX1 stands just 28 cm high and has TrackDrive. The Blizzard CX1 Comfort XL has a 2 litre bin, a ComfortClean self-cleaning filter, the Silence System and suction controls on the handle. It's the heaviest here, at 8.6 kg.

Floors and pets narrow things down further. The Guard L1 Parquet XL and Blizzard CX1 Comfort XL include a Twister XL parquet brush for large hard floors. The Guard L1 AllFloor has a single floorhead that Miele says handles carpets and hard floors without swapping attachments. For homes with pets, the Cat & Dog versions of the Boost CX1 and Guard M1 come with a Turbobrush for lifting hair. The Guard L1 Cat & Dog Flex adds a pet hair attachment instead. Both Guard pet models also have an Active AirClean filter.

Start by choosing bagged or bagless. Then match the floorhead to your floors and pick a Cat & Dog version if you have pets. For other styles, browse all Miele vacuum cleaners or compare Miele upright vacuum cleaners.