Miele Classic C1 vs. Compact C1 vs. Compact C2
You will agree with me that Miele is among the best vacuum brands on the market.
In this Miele Classic C1 vs. Compact C1 vs. Compact C2, we have compared three of the best canister vacuums.
Find out which one should top your wishlist if you have decided that Miele is your next vacuum.
But before we go into the finer details, here is an overview of the brand, and some highlights of the individual models.
About Miele
Established in 1899, Miele is among the oldest appliances brands in the US.
Its product portfolio includes ovens and steamers, cooktops and combisets, ventilation hoods, coffee machines, refrigeration and cooling, dishwashers, washing machines, and vacuum cleaners.
Under vacuum cleaners, the company boasts a range of upright vacuums, stick vacuums, canisters, and even robot vacuums. Today, we are interested in their canister vacuums from Miele Classic and Compact series.
Miele Classic C1 vs. Compact C1 vs. Compact C2
Miele Classic C1
For this review, we will be focusing on the Miele Classic C1 pure Suction PowerLine – SBAN0 canister vacuum.
This is the most popular model in the US, but still, the Cat & Dog PowerLine and Home Care PowerLine are favorites.
Miele Compact C1
Amongst the three models, the Miele Compact C1 Pure Suction PowerLine is the popular model and offers the best value for money.
Miele Compact C2
The Miele Electro+PowerLine and Hard Floor Canister are the only available models from the Compact C2 series in the US at the moment of writing.
There are a few other retailer variants that feature a PowerHead bundle. In this comparison review, we’ll go with Electro+ PowerLine.
Miele Classic C1 vs. Compact C1 vs. Compact C2
1. Design
Miele C1 Classic
The Miele C1 Classic is egg-shaped and is quite heavy at 16.1 lbs. If you have homes with more than two floors, it might not be a good idea considering the heavy lifting.
Regarding the dimensions, it measures 18.2 x 8.7 x 11-inches.
In terms of handling and reach, we like the telescoping wand that makes it easy to access tight spots where dirt hides. Together with the cable, the Classic C1 has a 29.5ft reach.
Miele Compact C1
The Miele Compact C1 shares the same design as the Classic series, but it’s a little bit more compact.
It measures 16.9 x 9.8 x 9.1 inches and weighs just 14.8lbs.
When it comes to maneuverability, the vacuum still includes a stainless steel telescopic wand and a 29.5ft cord.
Miele Compact C2
Last is the Miele Compact C2 Electro+PowerLine, which measures 16.7 x 9.6 x 9.1 inches but is slightly heavier at 18.7lbs.
That means it’s also not suitable for homes with more than one level because of the lifting.
But then, we really like the longer 33ft cable, which, together with the telescopic wand, offers a generous reach.
2. Suction
The Classic C1, Compact C1, and C2 are similar here.
They boast the Miele-made Vortex motor rated 1200W. It’s capable of providing powerful suction and features a 6-setting rotary dial for easy suction power adjustment.
The operation noise is 57 to 65dB depending on the power setting.
3. Cleaning Head
Miele Compact C1
The Compact C1 tags along with the following cleaning head attachments; combo tool, parquet floor brush, and turbo head.
These make it the best Miele for all hard floors, including tile, linoleum, and hardwood, as well as low pile area rugs and low to medium pile carpets.
Miele Compact C2
On the other hand, the Compact C2 comes with fewer, but highly specialized cleaning head attachments.
These are the parquet floor brush and 5 height electric powerhead. While the former makes it ideal for bare floors, just like the C1, the latter turns it into a beast on all types of carpets, including the high pile carpets and Flokati.
Miele Classic C1
As for the old Classic C1, you get a pure suction combination floorhead and a parquet floor head.
From the included attachments, it’s clear this vacuum is designed for bare floors only.
4. Filtration
Miele Compact C1
The Miele Compact C1 is bagged and use the Miele AirClean filtration technology.
The three feature an AirClean dustbag, which has 0.92 gallons (3.5 liters) capacity. It is washable but will need replacement from time to time.
The bag also has an automatic seal that ensures captured allergens don’t sneak back into the atmosphere.
As for filters, we have a pre-motor filter that works alongside the primary exhaust filter.
Unfortunately, these are not HEPA grade filters, but at least, they filter down to 0.5 microns while the ordinary HEPA style filters do just 10 microns. These filters also need replacement.
Miele Compact C2
The new Compact C2 is also the same as C1.
It features the same filtration technology, and components but then, this one is a Completely Sealed model. That makes it the best Miele for allergy sufferers.
Miele Classic C1
As for the Classic C1, we have almost the same filtration system, but there are a few differences.
First, the Classic C1 lacks the Miele AirClean Sealed™ System.
But still, the filters go a long way in capturing the allergens like pollen and dust mites.
5. Cleaning Tests
As usual, we do thorough cleaning tests on all vacuums we review. Below are the Miele cleaning test results using the common household dirt on bare floors and carpets.
Bare Floor
On bare floors, the Miele Classic C1, Compact C1, and C2 were all commendable. They vacuumed all the dirt we put on its way, save for a few patches of flour that needed a few more passes to clear.
Medium pile carpet
On medium pile carpets, we tested the Miele Compact C1 and C2 only as they are the only models designed for carpets. Below are the results.
Miele Classic C1 vs. Compact C1 vs. Compact C2
Now, we have come to the end of this review, and it’s time to declare the winner in this Miele canister vacuum comparison review.
The first model to bow out is the Miele Classic C1. While it is a great canister vacuum, it’s quite an old model. Also, it’s not ideal for allergy sufferers as it lacks the AirClean Sealed™ System to boost the already existing HEPA filtration.
Now, which is the best model between Miele Compact C1 vs. C2?
Well, it depends on your cleaning needs. If you have bare floors, and less carpeting, the Compact C1 is just fine.
But then, the C2 is the complete option as it tags along with a longer cable, and most importantly, it is suited for both bare floors and all types of carpets, unlike the C1, which works well on bare floors, and low pile carpets only.
