Best Vacuum Cleaners for the Buck
A vacuum that kills dust mites; find out whether the Roomba really works.
Sept. 21, 2007 — -- This year is the 100th anniversary of the first portable electric vacuum cleaner.
Good Housekeeping says we've come a long way since the original model, which was a fan motor attached to a soap box, stapled to a broom handle with a pillow case as a dust collector.
The Good Housekeeping Research Institute recently tested innovative vacuums and found five models to recommend, ranging in price from $99 to $399. The results are in the magazine's October issue.
Judy Coyne, Good Housekeeping's executive editor, shared some of the results on "Good Morning America."
Most Innovative: Halo UVX
Its UVC rays kill dust mites. Costs $399.
Best Inexpensive Model: Dirt Devil Kruz Stick Vac
It's agile, compact and costs only $99.
Lightweight Champ: Electrolux Intensity
It has great suction and only weighs 16 pounds. Costs $299.
High-Tech: iRobot Roomba 560
You can program the Roomba to vacuum on a schedule. Costs $349.
No Crevice Left Untouched: Dyson Slim
Great for hard-to-reach places. Costs $470.