There are dozens of vacuum cleaner manufacturers producing hundreds of different types and styles of machines around the world. Cheap, lightweight machines coming out of China and Japan, to the efficient but unwieldy German types and the multi-functional machines coming from American manufacturers, there are a lot of choices on the market today. Determining which brand or which model might be called the best vacuum cleaners in the world depends on what the consumer is looking for.

One of the popular brands is Miele. With over 100 years of experience producing high quality machines, Miele consistently delivers outstanding results. The Miele vacuum is the world's first-ever certified vacuum cleaner due to the unequalled capture and retention of dust particles that their design produces. Their machines provide years of consistent, trouble-free performance even under conditions that would make lesser machines break down.

Known for making a dependable, powerful and yet lightweight line of different vacuum cleaners, Eureka has turned itself into one of the largest manufacturers in the world. Owned since the 1960's by Electrolux, the combined company claims 25% of the market for home appliances around the world.

Hoover, originally an English company, has marketed its name to such a high degree that the word "hoover" has become synonymous with vacuum cleaner much the same way that "Xerox" has become synonymous with copy machines in America. Known for its lightweight and powerful models that housewives have grown to love, their reliability and dependability has become legendary. For a lot of people, Hoover is their vacuum cleaner forever.

Another English company with a well-respected line of vacuum cleaners and a good market share in America, Dyson has been around for a long time. Known lately for "the ball," which is making other manufacturers rethink their design strategies, Dyson is known for pushing the envelope on design features that make life easier for anyone who has to vacuum anything. "The ball" is a rubberized motor cover on an upright vacuum that allows the entire sucking apparatus to turn and pivot with much less effort than other uprights. Pretty soon, if Dyson has their way, you'll be seeing ads for other brands using some altered version of "the ball" on their new models.

A 65-year old company, Rainbow, has the only unique filtration system being used today. Rainbow vacuums use a water canister in the housing to filter the air through, which results in a much higher retention of dust and particulates than with any other filtration system. Combine this unique feature with a reputation for reliability, flexibility and dependability and you have the Rainbow line of vacuum cleaners.

The first Kirby vacuum, incorporating toe-touch control and a belt-driven brush roller, was made available to the public in 1935. Ever since, the Kirby vacuum has had a loyal and dedicated following that swears by its durability and effectiveness.