The highly rated Kenmore 35922, which retails for about 00, proved effective at picking up allergen-sized particles.

It used to be that all a vacuum cleaner had to do was pick up dirt from carpets and floors. But some manufacturers have begun adding claims about their machines’ ability to provide relief to allergy sufferers by removing allergens from the home. Some models made by Dyson actually carry an asthma-friendly seal from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

But how effective are vacuums when it comes to cutting down on sneezing and wheezing?

Recent tests performed by Consumer Reports showed that manufacturers’ promises about allergen relief mean less than they suggest. Just about any vacuum should be able to suck up pollen, mold spores and other typical allergens since the particles’ relatively large size make them easy to capture once they’ve fallen to the floor.

In rigorous tests that took cleaning, handling, noise and emissions into account, the $300 Kenmore Progressive with Direct Drive received the highest overall score. Yet the tests indicated that savvy shoppers also can get fine performance and less weight for considerably less money. For example, Consumer Reports recommended three Hoover uprights as CR Quick Picks – one model cost only $60.

However, some of the other vacuums that were tested were downright disappointing. Electrolux claims that its Twin Clean canister’s “powerful brushroll” is designed specially for deep cleaning, yet when it was subjected to a tough pet-hair test, it stopped cold. One Eureka Optima model spewed visible dust, and another Optima scored poorly in emissions tests. Both temporarily shut down when those tests triggered their thermal-overload switches.

While several vacuums earned Consumer Reports’ “Best Buy” rating, most were far from perfect when it came to handling. Look for models that perform well at the type of cleaning you care about most. Then keep these tips in mind:

¢ Choose the right kind. Most vacuums do well on bare floors, and uprights tend to do best on carpets. But you may prefer a canister model, which is easier to push and pull because it requires moving only the hose and the powerhead. Canisters also are easier to use on stairs.

¢ Check its features. A brush on/off switch helps prevent dirt from scattering on bare floors, while a manual pile-height adjustment lets you match the vacuum’s height to carpets more precisely. Suction control allows you to reduce airflow through the hose when cleaning curtains and upholstery.

¢ Think twice about bagless vacuums. Emptying the bin in a bagless vacuum is a dusty task that needs to be done frequently, so if you have allergy concerns, you’ll probably prefer a bag. And while HEPA bags and filters can provide added filtration, they don’t guarantee that the vacuum they’re in won’t spew dust. In general, vacuums that test well also should do well in your home as long as you use the type of bag or filter they came with.