Before tossing out your old vacuum cleaner, do some troubleshooting and look out for these things: Scan the hoses for clogs. If you do find a clog, explore CNET's guide for removing it in a pinch.

Vacuum cleaners are a must have, while the carpet cleaner is good to have if your home life meets those requirements." You should also take into account your floors.

It's possible to find a powerful vacuum on a budget. The best cheap vacuums under $200 we tried include upright, cordless, handheld, and robot models.