Consumer Reports: Expensive vacuums aren't always best

If you're in the market for a new vacuum and tempted to spend hundreds of dollars, do some homework first.

According to Consumer Reports, not all the most expensive vacuums do well at the most basic task: cleaning.

Consumer Reports provides these tips for choosing a vacuum cleaner:

• Choose the right kind: Uprights are better for carpets, while canisters are better for drapes, upholstery and stairs.
• Useful features: A brush on/off switch helps prevent scattering dirt and protects bare floors, while manual pile height adjustment lets people match brush and carpet height more precisely.
• Think twice about bagless: Emptying a bin can be a frequent and dusty task. If you have allergy concerns, you'll probably prefer a bag. And although HEPA bags and filters can provide added filtration, they don't guarantee that a vacuum won't spew dust.