Convention says canister vacuums—the type with a low, compact body and a long hose that you attach to a brush—are very effective on bare floors. They’re also easy to use on stairs and maneuver around ...

I grew up using canister vacuums, so I’ve always had a soft spot for them. While their long hoses and bulky bodies might make them trickier to store than, say, an upright, there are advantages to ...