Vacuum cleaners.(Home and Yard: Reap the Savings)(Buyers guide)

A rough-and-tumble market is also driving new designs and features as the humble vacuum goes high-tech. But as we've found, high-priced, feature-laden machines don't necessarily deliver better cleaning. You'll find plenty of strong performers at a reasonable price.

Pet owners, rejoice: Now you can revel in Fido's and Fluffy's antics without fretting over their sheddings. Our pet-hair scores show which vacuums were best at whisking away embedded hair and which ones you might want to scratch from your list.

WHAT'S AVAILABLE

Hoover, the oldest brand, was recently bought by Techtronic Industries, which also makes Ryobi tools and Dirt Devil vacuums. Other major brands include Bissell; Eureka, which also offers central vacuums and makes high-end Electrolux models; Dyson, a brightly colored British brand; Oreck; and Kenmore (Sears). Brands such as Miele, Panasonic, and Riccar tend to be sold at specialty stores. Higher-priced Aerus (which also makes central vacs) is sold in its own stores and by direct mail; upscale Kirby is still sold door-to-door. You'll also find Roomba, a robotic vac, and Euro-Pro stick vacs.

Along with the brand, your vacuum choices include several types:

Uprights. These tend to cost the least and account for the most sales. They still tend to do better than canisters on carpets, and their one-piece design makes them easier to store. But many weigh more than 20 pounds, and some are less stable than canisters on stairs. Price: $100 to $500 for most.

Canisters. The best can clean carpets about as well as uprights. Most are quieter and can be easier to maneuver, since you're moving only the hose and powerhead. And most are better at getting under furniture. But the added clutter of the hose and wand makes canisters bulkier overall and harder to store. Price: $150 to $700 for most.