MIELE S2121 OLYMPUS

The Miele S2121 Olympus occupies a unique niche in the world of vacuum cleaners. It’s an entry-level, high-end canister vac that’s designed exclusively for use on hardwood floors and low-pile carpets. When used as directed, it delivers some of the best performance we’ve ever seen. On thick carpet, though, it’s completely out of its element, like a Mercedes sedan off-roading at Moab.

Even though it sells for the relatively high price of $299, the Olympus isn’t a full-featured vacuum. There’s no motorized or even turbine powered brushroll — just a straight floor brush, and HEPA filtration is also absent out of the box. While its MSRP may seem high compared to vacuums from other manufacturers, keep in mind that this is one of Miele’s least expensive vacuums: Their higher-end units sell for upwards of $800. While the Olympus isn’t quite up to the standards of its pricier siblings, its fit and finish are head and shoulders above any other vacuum we’ve tested in this price range