Bypass vacuums, also known as canister vacuum cleaners, have not been universally found to have terrible carpet cleaning performance. The performance of any vacuum cleaner, including bypass/canister models, depends on several factors, including the design, power, and features of the specific vacuum.
However, there are a few reasons why some bypass vacuums might be perceived as having poorer carpet cleaning performance compared to upright vacuums:
Lack of Agitation: Many upright vacuums come equipped with motorized brush rolls or beater bars, which help agitate and lift dirt and debris from carpet fibers. This agitation can enhance the cleaning performance on carpets, particularly when dealing with embedded dirt and pet hair. While some canister vacuums do have motorized brush heads or turbobrush attachments, not all of them offer this feature.
Suction Power: The design of canister vacuums often requires air to pass through the hose and wand before reaching the floor head. This setup can cause some loss of suction power compared to upright vacuums that have a more direct path from the floor to the dustbin. However, modern canister vacuums are designed to minimize this loss and provide adequate suction for efficient cleaning.
Operator Technique: Canister vacuums can be more challenging to use on carpets if the operator doesn't maintain the right angle or pulls the vacuum too quickly, which might lead to reduced cleaning performance. It might require some practice to use a canister vacuum effectively on carpets.
Carpet Height Adjustment: Some upright vacuums have adjustable height settings to accommodate different carpet heights, which ensures optimal cleaning performance across various surfaces. Canister vacuums might have adjustable height settings too, but not all models have this feature, which can affect their effectiveness on different carpet types.
It's important to note that technology and engineering in the vacuum cleaner industry continuously evolve, and there are many high-quality canister vacuums available that offer excellent carpet cleaning performance. When selecting a vacuum, regardless of type, it's essential to consider factors like suction power, brush agitator availability, carpet height adjustment, and user reviews to find a model that best suits your specific needs and preferences.