Makers of portable vacuum cleaners
Hoover
Hoover is a division of Maytag , and is the oldest and largest vacuum manufacturer. Hoover offers roughly 50 upright and canister models that are priced from $50 to $500. They also provide hand-held models as well as central vacuum systems. Many of Hoover’s upright and canister models are similar in performance, with some minor differences in features; the “variety” is mostly marketing. Hoover household appliances are sold in many retail chain stores.
Kenmore
Kenmore is the biggest name for canister models, accounting for about 25 percent of U.S. sales. They also manufacture other styles of vacuum cleaners.
Upscale Vacuum Cleaner Brands
Higher-priced Aerus (which also makes central vacuums) and Oreck models are sold in their own stores and by direct mail. Eureka offers high-end Electrolux models. Upscale manufacturers such as Kirby and Rainbow models are still sold door-to-door.
Other name brands
Other manufacturers include Dirt Devil , which sells uprights and canisters as well as stick brooms and hand vacuums. Eureka, offers low-priced models, central vacuums, and high-end Electrolux models. Bissell , a mostly mass-marketed brand. Dyson , a British brand, which recently introduced a canister to its brightly-colored line up of upright vacuum cleaners, and brands such as Miele , Panasonic, Samsung , Sanyo , Sharp , and Simplicity , which are likely to be sold at specialty stores.