We’re big fans of Miele vacuums, but which are the company’s best models? And are there any to avoid? Keep reading for our list of the best Miele vacuum cleaners that are available in the UK.
Top Pick: Miele C3 Cat & Dog
Miele C3 Cat & Dog
The Miele Complete C3 Cat & Dog is our top pick for a Miele vacuum. It’s powerful, easy to use, and great for all floor types.
As the name suggests, it’s also brilliant for pet owners, due to the Active AirClean filter and Turbo Brush for removing pet hair.
Contents
Miele is one of the most popular vacuum manufacturers – and for good reason. Our testing has found that the German company produces high-quality vacuum cleaners with excellent performance, durability, and versatility.
While Miele is often associated with their range of bagged cylinder vacuums, the company also manufactures cordless and robot vacs. Still, most of their models are cylinders, so these dominate our list of the best Miele vacuums.
If there’s a downside to this brand’s vacuum cleaners, it’s the price. While we think Miele’s best vacuums provide excellent value for money, they aren’t cheap! The performance and build quality justify the price though.
Note: Most of Miele’s vacuums are bagged models, although the CX1 series has shown they are just as adept at making bagless vacuums.
Which are the Best Miele Vacuums?
The table below is designed to help you quickly compare Miele vacuums (or Miele hoovers as they are often called in the UK) and see which is most likely to meet your requirements. For full Miele reviews, use the navigation to skip to the review section.
Miele C3 Cat & Dog |  Miele Blizzard CX1 Cat & Dog |  Miele Triflex HX2 Cat and Dog |  Miele Classic C1 Junior |  Miele Complete C3 Comfort | |
| Price Range | £££ | ££££ | £££££ | ££ | £££ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Cylinder | Cylinder | Cordless | Cylinder | Cylinder |
| Bag Type | Bagged | Bagged | Bagless | Bagged | Bagged |
| Dust Capacity (L) | 4.5 | 2 | 0.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Weight (kg) | 7.3 | 5.8 | 3.6 | 5.5 | 7.3 |
| Hose? | |||||
| HEPA Filter? | |||||
| Pet Tool? | |||||
| Overall Rating View Rating Breakdown | |||||
1. Miele Complete C3 Cat & Dog
Type: Cylinder | Bag Type: Bagged | Price Range: £££ | Dust Capacity: 4.5 litres | Weight: 7.3kg | Pet Tool: Yes | HEPA Filter: No
- Powerful bagged cylinder vacuum that excels at picking up pet hair
- Adjustable power settings and an Active AirClean filter
- The best Miele vacuum for pets
- Relatively heavy
- Not great for larger debris
The Miele Complete C3 Cat and Dog is one of the best bagged cylinder vacuums for pet hair – and the current #1 pick on our list of the best pet vacuums. But why are we such big fans of this vacuum?
Firstly, the C3 Cat & Dog is a powerful cylinder vacuum that we found provides excellent performance on almost any type of floor. Whether you’re cleaning hard floors, laminate or carpet, the C3 is brilliant at picking up dust and dirt.
Secondly, it comes with a range of features that we think are great for pet owners. For example, the Miele has an Active AirClean filter for removing odours when vacuuming. It also comes with Miele’s Turbo Brush for getting rid of pet hair, along with controls to adjust power settings depending on the type of floor. Other features include an automatic bag-shutting mechanism and one-touch rewind for the cable, which are also handy.
We’re big fans of the C3 Cat & Dog and think it does a great job with pet hair. It’s also easy to use – plus with both the turbo brush and standard floorhead it can tackle almost any cleaning task. We certainly think it’s the best Miele cat and dog vacuum available at the moment (although the Blizzard Cat & Dog is a close second).
Are there any downsides to this model though? It’s a relatively heavy vacuum cleaner, so it might not be the best choice for elderly people or those with back problems. We found that it also struggles with larger debris more than previous versions, so you sometimes need to pick up the floorhead.
Even so, if you’re looking for a high-quality Miele pet vacuum then we think the Complete C3 is an excellent option. It’s powerful, easy to use and relatively inexpensive for a model of this quality – making it one of the best cleaners available at the moment. It’s also a decent choice as a Miele allergy vacuum, due to the bagged design and excellent filtration (although for severe allergies we recommend a vacuum with a HEPA filter.)
Note: The C2 Complete Powerline and C2 Cat & Dog are also excellent options that are slightly cheaper than the C3. We’ve written an in-depth Miele C2 vs C3 comparison which you may find useful.
Full Review: Miele C3 Cat and Dog
Type: Cylinder | Bag Type: Bagged | Price Range: ££££ | Dust Capacity: 2 litres | Weight: 5.8kg | Pet Tool: Yes | HEPA Filter: Yes
- The power of Miele in the form of a bagless cylinder vacuum
- TurboTeq floorhead for improved pet hair pickup
- Strong suction and great cleaning performance
- HEPA filter for allergy sufferers
- Expensive for a cylinder vacuum
- Small dust capacity compared with bagged Miele vacuums
If you’re looking for a Miele bagless vacuum, then the Blizzard CX1 range is the perfect option. It’s powerful, has great filtration, and features a bagless cyclonic design (which Miele calls “Vortex”).
Our top recommendation in this range is the CX1 Cat & Dog, as it comes with the company’s TurboTeq floorhead for better pet hair pickup. This model also has improved filtration compared with the standard CX1.
As you would expect from a Miele cylinder vacuum, the CX1 Cat & Dog PowerLine is built to a high standard. It’s a durable model that’s simple to use, including having adjustable suction power and a straightforward emptying system.
We found that the cyclone provides great suction, so you’ll never be lacking cleaning power. The CX1 Cat & Dog model comes with both the EcoTeq floorhead, which is great for hard floors and light carpet cleaning, and the TurboTeq for pet hair. So, whether you need to clean laminate, tiles, carpet, or vinyl floors, we’ve found that the CX1 is a great choice. We also think it’s probably the best Miele vacuum for hardwood floors.
Another feature we love about the Miele CX1 Cat & Dog is that it comes with a lifetime HEPA filter. This makes it an excellent choice for pet owners with allergies. The vacuum’s cyclone also does a good job at separating out smaller dust particles, which helps improve the model’s overall filtration.
As you can probably tell, we’re big fans of this Miele bagless cleaner – but that doesn’t mean it’s perfect. It’s an expensive cylinder vacuum, so it’s not for people on a tight budget. It also doesn’t come with the Comfort handle controls found on the Miele CX1 Comfort, which is a shame.
Even with these drawbacks, Miele’s bagless vacuum jumped immediately onto our list of the best cylinder vacuums when it was released. With its powerful suction and range of useful features, the CX1 Cat & Dog won’t let you down – as long as you don’t mind paying a premium.
Type: Cordless | Bag Type: Bagless | Price Range: £££££ | Dust Capacity: 0.5 litres | Weight: 3.6kg | Pet Tool: Yes | HEPA Filter: Yes
- Powerful cordless vacuum cleaner from Miele
- Versatile cleaning due to the 3-in-1 design
- Up to 60 minutes run-time
- Expensive
- Filter is fiddly to remove and clean
The Miele Triflex HX2 Cat & Dog is our top recommendation if you’re looking for a Miele cordless vacuum. This vacuum provides powerful suction, a relatively long 60-minute maximum cleaning time, and a detachable handheld mode. The Triflex HX2 also has a motorised brush bar in the main floorhead and a mini turbo tool, so we found it’s great for removing pet hair from carpets and rugs.
The Triflex series doesn’t revolutionise the cordless vacuum market, but there’s no doubt it provides excellent cleaning performance. Our research found that it performs well on both carpets and hard floors, while the handheld mode is useful for car interiors or stairs.
The vacuum is built with Miele’s 3-in-1 system, allowing you to change between “Reach,” “Comfort,” and “Compact” modes depending on what you need to clean. In simple terms, these are handheld, medium stick and long stick lengths, which we found makes the HX2 useful for vacuuming everything from stairs to ceilings.
Unlike most of Miele’s cylinder vacuums, the HX2 is a bagless vacuum. The Cat and Dog model comes with a HEPA Lifetime filter, making it one of the best cordless vacuums for people with allergies.
Other features include an LED headlight for illuminating dirt, motorised pet tool, and a low battery indicator. You can expect the battery to last anywhere from 17 to 60 minutes, depending on the power mode used.
So, should you choose the Miele Triflex HX2 Cat and Dog over other cordless vacuums?
While the HX2 provides strong all-round cleaning, we don’t think it matches the Dyson V11 Absolute when cleaning hard floors. This is mainly due to the lack of a “Soft Roller” equivalent. We also wish it had a slightly larger dust capacity, as the 0.5 litre canister fills up quickly.
Even so, the Miele Triflex HX2 Cat and Dog is brilliant for cleaning pet hair and a match for any other cordless vacuum when cleaning carpets. If you’re looking for a cordless vacuum with the reliability of a Miele, then it’s a great choice.
Note: The HX2 is the newer version of Miele’s original cordless series known as the Miele Triflex HX1. This series also included the Miele Triflex HX1 Cat & Dog, which had a HEPA filter and a pet tool, and a Triflex HX1 Pro version, with two batteries.
Type: Cylinder | Bag Type: Bagged | Price Range: ££ | Dust Capacity: 4.5 litres | Weight: 5.5kg | Pet Tool: No | HEPA Filter: No
- AirClean filter system for reduced quantity of escaped allergens
- Great value for money
- Strong suction for a model in this price range
- Short power cable compared with other cylinder vacuums
- Can struggle with larger debris
If you’re looking for a cheaper Miele cylinder vacuum cleaner, then we highly recommend the Miele Classic C1 Junior. It lacks the advanced features of the C3 or CX1 ranges, yet still comes with six suction settings, a reasonably lightweight design, and excellent performance on carpets and hard floors.
How does the Classic C1 compare to the C3 or CX1 though?
In terms of weight and dust capacity, the C1 Junior is similar to the C3 range, although it has a more lightweight design. We found that it’s brilliant for cleaning hard floors and carpets, while also being a solid choice for removing pet hair.
However, the lack of a pet tool or turbo brush makes it less effective for removing hair than the C3 Cat and Dog. It’s no slouch when it comes to cleaning hair, but it’s not the best either. The floorhead also struggles to pick up larger debris, although we’ve found this is a common issue with Miele cylinder vacuums.
Other features of this cylinder vacuum cleaner include an accessories clip, including crevice and upholstery nozzles, and the company’s AirClean filter system. It’s also built with the same automatic bag-sealing mechanism as the C3.
To summarise, if you’re looking for a cheap Miele vacuum cleaner, the Classic C1 Junior is one of the best options. It’s lightweight and relatively inexpensive, yet still has strong suction power and an AirClean filter.
Note: There’s also a Miele C1 Compact which has a smaller design.
Type: Cylinder | Bag Type: Bagged | Price Range: £££ | Dust Capacity: 4.5 litres | Weight: 7.3kg | Pet Tool: No | HEPA Filter: No
- Great suction power
- Wide 12-metre cleaning radius
- Strong performance on hard floors and carpets
- Doesn't include a turbo brush
- No HEPA filter
We’ve already mentioned the C3 Cat and Dog, but we think the C3 Complete Comfort PowerLine version also deserves a place on our list of the best Miele vacuum cleaners. It’s a brilliant vacuum cleaner that’s arguably the best cylinder for the price – especially if you don’t have pets.
What makes the C3 Comfort (which replaces the discontinued Miele Complete C3 Pure Red) such a great vacuum though?
We’ve found the model provides excellent dust pick-up on almost any type of floor. It’s most effective on hard floors, and for this type of cleaning we think it’s amongst the best on the market. It also has a 12 metre cleaning radius, several power settings, Miele’s excellent Universal Floorhead, and a cheaper price tag than the Cat & Dog.
Like most Miele bagged vacuums, the C3 Comfort comes with an AirClean Filter to prevent dust from escaping. This isn’t as effective as the company’s HEPA AirClean filter found in the C3 Allergy, but for people who don’t have allergies, it’s still a great choice.
The biggest downside of the Miele Complete C3 Comfort is that it doesn’t include a turbo brush or pet tool. We found that it still does a decent job of removing hair from carpets, but it can’t match the company’s pet models for hair pickup.
So, if you’re looking for a powerful all-round cylinder vacuum and you don’t have pets, then the Miele Complete C3 Comfort PowerLine is one of the best cylinder vacuum cleaners. It provides excellent suction, has a wide cleaning radius, and is available for a very reasonable price. However, if you have pets, then we recommend the C3 Cat & Dog.
Note: Miele also produces a similar model in black, called the Miele C3 Pure Power.
Frequently Asked Questions
This is a difficult question to answer. Both companies produce excellent cleaners in similar price ranges, so the comparison is a natural one. The “best” depends on your requirements and preferences though, so there isn’t a single answer.
In recent years, Dyson has moved away from uprights and focused more on cordless vacuums. Miele has continued to focus on their cylinders (although they also produce cordless models), but has signalled an intent to move towards a bagless design with the Blizzard range.
So to try and give a helpful answer, if you’re looking for a cordless or upright vacuum, Dyson are probably the better choice. For cylinder vacuums, Miele are the best option.
Tip: Want to learn more about German vacuum cleaners? Check out our guide to German vacuum brands.
Yes! The company now produces the excellent Blizzard range of cylinder bagless vacuums. There are several options, including a Cat & Dog version, and all use the company’s new Vortex design. The Miele Boost series also has a bagless design.
Conclusion
Miele are an excellent manufacturer of vacuum cleaners, especially cylinder models. The best Miele vacuums are reliable, powerful and provide excellent value for money. While the company’s models are often at the mid-high range in terms of price, even the cheapest Miele vacuums provide strong suction power.
If you’re looking for a cylinder model that can deal with cat and dog hair, we recommend the Miele C3 Cat & Dog Powerline. It’s one of the best pet vacuums and provides fantastic all-round performance. If you’re looking for a cordless or upright vacuum, the Miele Triflex HX2 Cat & Dog is a good (if expensive) option if you don’t want a cylinder.
Do you have any questions about the best Miele vacuum cleaners? Please let us know in the comments section below.
All Our Miele Vacuum Reviews
In addition to the brief summaries above, we also provide in-depth Miele vacuum cleaner reviews. The most recent reviews are listed below, but if you’re looking for a specific model use the search bar at the top of the page.
| Name | Overall Rating | Type | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miele C3 Cat & Dog | Cylinder | £££ | |
| Miele Complete C2 Powerline | Cylinder | £££ | |
| Miele Complete C3 Silence EcoLine | Cylinder | £££ |
Page Update History
7th September 2023
Updated to the new Spotless Vacuum design. Also added several new vacuums:
- Miele Blizzard CX1 Cat & Dog (replacing the Miele Blizzard CX1)
- Miele Triflex HX2 Cat & Dog (replacing the Miele Triflex HX1)
- Miele C3 Comfort (replacing the Miele C3 Pure Red)
Loved the miele C2 personally. Easy to use and reliable. The bag lasts ages. It can be a pain to drag about but it is worth it because it is really awesome at deep carpet cleaning
Hi HPT. Yes the C2 is another good option. We chose the C1 for this list because of the value it provides with the lower price, but you can’t go wrong with either.
We have a complete C3 and have had it a couple of years now, would we have another one? in a nutshell no, no way. We thought the deep cleaning might be of use for an asthma sufferer we have. I can’t say it made any difference but that’s not the complaint.
All was good to begin with, then in very short time the filter got clogged so the cleaner cuts out. These filters are not cheap, I mean really not cheap, we get through 3 or 4 a year and that’s a decent amount of money. I’m not even sure all the dust reaches the filter via the bag either. The other little filter you have to cut to fit gets clogged with fluff not just dust so I’m pretty sure a quantity of dust never gets collected properly in the bag. When these filters get clogged the machine will not switch on, it takes some time cleaning and replacing these filters and is a real pain when all you want to do clean and get on. I think all in all poor value for money, a pain to live with and not particularly good at the job they are designed for. It has now started to sound like an airraid siren and run hot, I will not be that sorry when it finaly gives up, one thing is for sure it will not be replaced with another over priced Miele. I have a hepa filter cleaner that is designed to be connected to power tools, it has to deal with a lot more than a domestic Miele. It performs better is much cheaper to run and frankly better made. Too big to for my Wife to use but I manage it, quiter too and will suck up liquid. The Henry we had did a better job than the Miele and lasted years
James , I would appreciate your views. Have just bought ( may return ) the C3 complete cat and dog to replace the C2 caplets cat and dog which we are passing on to our daughter. Always bought Miele appliances. The C3 is always showing bag full even on first use unless on the curtain setting. Opening the slide vent at top of handle just creates awful noise……Miele technical department unable to shed any light on this……your views/experience gratefully appreciated . If this is how the C3 functions then will have to be returned and is it an over heating risk as bag always showing as full.
from a Miele fan
Hi Rebecca, this certainly doesn’t sound like it should be happening. It’s not something I’ve experienced with Miele. I would try calling the Miele tech department again and getting a replacement if they can’t fix it.