Berghoff Merlin All-in-ONE Corded Vacuum

Well, for a small corded vacuum. Pickup is strong on everyday dirt and debris, and since the Merlin plugs in, the 500-watt motor doesn't fade partway through a clean the way a battery can. The 3.79 liter container is see-through, so you can tell when it needs emptying.

Yes. The Merlin is light and easy to steer, and it slides under furniture without much effort, which suits anyone who finds a full-size upright tiring, older users included. It weighs 5 lb, and the removable handle lets you lift it onto stairs or up toward ceiling fan blades.

It's mixed. Some units keep going for years, while others have had the handle latch or the neck break within months. Those two parts are where the failures show up, so give the latch a firm check early on and keep your proof of purchase in case you need to make a claim.

Yes. Wood, tile and laminate are where the Merlin gets most of its use, and it does well on them. The light body moves easily across smooth floors, and the crevice nozzle and compact brush pick up along edges and on cushions and curtains.

No. It's bagless, with a transparent 3.79 liter container and a HEPA filter, so there are no bags to buy. It's rated at 82 dB, worth knowing if you clean while others are asleep.