In this comparison, Miele C1 vs C2 vs C3, you will find the differences between these canister vacuums. These machines are very similar but the differences are enough to warrant a write-up. One of the biggest differences between these models is that the price. It is our goal that by end of this page, you will have enough information to make an informed solid decision.
Miele C1 – Click here to see price
Miele C2 – Click here to see price
The Miele C3 – Click here to see price
Miele C1 vs C2 vs C3 - Which Powerful Canister Vacuum is Best for You...?
Construction and Design
Both canister vacuum series have plastic shells. But the C2’s shell has a much thicker plastic than the C1. The C1 is the entry-level series and as such, has a basic vacuum design. While the C2 is an upgraded version of the C1 and so has a higher quality fit and finish than the C1.
Miele C2 Limited CordedThe C2 series, also known as the Compact series, comes with a shell that is resistant to scratches and damage. The C1 series also possesses this damage-resistant shell. Its clam-shell design allows users easy access to the bag and filter chamber. Both vacuums feature with self-sealing, multi-layer dust bags. Yet, while the Compact C2 series is completely sealed, the C1 has a semi-sealed system.
Size and Bag Capacity
True to its name, the C2 (Compact) series has a compact size. But the size difference is slight. It is a little smaller and lighter than the C1 (Classic) series. This gives the C2 the added advantage of being easier to store and transport from one place to the other.
When taking into consideration bag capacity, the C1’s dust bags are larger than that of the C2.
Suction
Both vacuums have roughly the same suction quality and performance. The Miele C1 has a straight-suction cleaning head. Both the Miele C1 and C2 series are designed with a six-setting suction control dial.
Filtration
The Miele C1 series has a semi-sealed filtration system while the C2’s is fully sealed. The semi-sealed filtration system of the C1 series puts it at a disadvantage. For one, people with allergies would be better served by a vacuum that is completely sealed.
Both series come fitted with Miele’s AirClean filter. But, if you have allergies or are prone to asthma attacks, you can install HEPA filters. Standard HEPA and Miele HEPA filters fit on any of the models within either series. The beauty of Miele’s HEPA filters is that they are superior in quality to the standard HEPA filters. They are able to trap even the smallest of allergens through their sealed system.
Motor Power and Noise
Both series feature Miele’s powerful 1200W motor. The motor is responsible for the impressive suction abilities of the vacuums. Though they have the same motor power, the C2’s motor has a better sound insulation system. So, although both vacuums have optimal suction quality, the C2 makes less noise doing it.
Convenient Features
When it comes to convenient features, the C2 series is a far better vacuum. Its cord is longer than that of the C1. It also features a longer telescopic wand. They both have automatic cord rewind buttons. The C2 series has a dust bag change indicator and has a remarkable crush-proof hose.
Area of Use
These canister vacuum cleaners work on various types of floors, as well as carpets and rugs. Each can handle low or medium pile carpeting, high-end carpets, area rugs, wood floors and tiles.
Accessories and Attachments
Both series have models fitted with several unique carpet tools. Each of these carpet tools work best on a certain type of floor or carpet. These tools include a rug and floor tool, turbo brush, and several power brushes. You should note that you can find these accessories in both series. But, each model in the series comes with its own unique combination of these accessories.
Miele Compact C1
The rug and floor tool is best suited for bare floors, area rugs and wool carpets. The turbo brush comes in handy for low pile carpeting and area rugs. There are several types of power brushes. The power brush 217 is best for medium pile carpet and completely get rid of pet hair. And the power brush 228 can also take care of pet hair but handles thick carpets best. Finally, the power brush 236 is the most sophisticated of the lot. It does exactly what the power brush 228 does but also comes equipped with a headlight and bumper.Note: Not all power brushes are compatible with all models. For example the 228 is not compatible with the Miele C1 classic.
All models in each series come with a full attachment set. There’s a dusting brush, crevice nozzle and upholstery tool for surfaces like curtains and upholstery. And that’s not all, there are also attachments for special jobs. You’ll find a radiator brushe for cleaning your car. There’s a bendable crevice tool for those hard-to-reach places. There’s also auto detailing kits, window blind brushes among others. And both series also come with a detachable VarioClip for convenient tool storage.
Compared to Miele C3
The Miele C3 (Complete) series is the most recent series in Miele’s canister vacuum line. It features several upgrades and improved features. It’s a higher quality fit and finish than either the C1 or C2 series. It is also the largest of the three canister vacuum series.
Miele C3 Soft CarpetThe C3 series has the same bag capacity of the C1. However, it holds its attachments inside the canister. As opposed to the C1 design of attaching its accessories to a metal tube. This built-in accessory storage is just one way the C3 series is superior to the C1 and C2.
When it comes to suction quality, there is no difference between the three series. The C3 is also powered with Miele’s 1200W Vortex motor system. But there is an important improvement that the C3 owns over its predecessors. Its motor has an encapsulated design and this makes the C3 the quietest of the three.
Other Vacuum Comparisons:
Unlike the C1 and C2, the models in the C3 series come with Miele HEPA filters. The C3 also has a fully-sealed filtration system. This makes it a great choice for customers with allergies.
The C3 series has a host of convenient features. One of the more important ones includes a foot-tap suction control. This allows you to adjust the vacuum’s suction. Some models in this series have electronic suction control panels. While others – like the Miele Marin – features an automatic suction control setting. This setting works by automatically adjusting its suction according to the surface type. With this feature, there is no need to change the suction manually. Other features include a rubber 3-D bumper surround, and stainless steel wand. There’s also a crush-proof hose, auto-stop tool rest, and a HEPA filter usage timer.
Most models in the C3 series can accommodate several height-adjustable power nozzles. This makes them for homes with deep-pile or soft carpeting. The C3 is capable of handling bare floor type with the exclusive Miele parquet floor brush. This parquet floor brush or twister is only found in the C2 and C3 series. It specializes in removing and effectively cleaning dirt and debris from the crevices of hardwood tiles.
The improved features of the C3 series make it the most expensive of the three vacuum series. While the entry-level C1 series is the cheapest of the lot.
The Miele C1 – Click here to get more details
Miele C2 – Click here to get more details
Miele C3 – Click here to get more details
Models
C1, C2 and C3 are all canister series with several models in each series. Each model in a series has separate carpet tools. The models in the C1 series include the Olympus, Capri, Delphi, and Titan. The Olympus vacuum comes with a rug and floor tool. The Capri has a turbo brush tool while the Titan comes with a power brush tool. Both the Delphi and Titan come with electric hoses and wands and deluxe comfort handles.
The models in the C2 series include the Quartz, Onyx, and Topaz. The Quartz has a rug and floor tool. And the Onyx has an air-driven turbo brush tool. While the Topaz comes with a power brush tool and an electric wand and hose. Only the Onyx and the Topaz in the C2 series come with the parquet twister tool. The Topaz vacuum also comes with a deluxe handle.
The C3 series has several models including Marin, Cat & Dog, Brilliant, Alize, Calima, and Kona. The Alize comes with a rug and floor tool, the Calima with a turbo brush tool and the Kona possesses a power brush tool. The Cat & Dog is the best C3 model for getting rid of pet hair. It is also the only model in the C3 series that comes with a standard AirClean filter instead of an HEPA filter. But, it can also accommodate an HEPA filter if you want to replace the AirClean filter with a more quality one.
Warranty
Miele canister vacuum cleaners are designed and tested to last for 20 years. They come with a 7-year warranty on the motor and a 1-year warranty on parts and labor. The Brilliant model from the C3 series is the only exception to this warranty period. It offers a full 10-year warranty on the motor and 5 full years on parts and labor.
Durability and Performance
Known for quality, Miele canister vacuums are durable and long-lasting. Customers back up these claims with examples of effective use after years of service.
All three canister series work well on wood floors and tiles, hardwood and other bare floor types. However, you will want to pay closer attention when it comes to carpets and rugs. It is advisable to get the model from any of the series that has the specific carpet tool that would be most effective for your carpet.
Users of the C1 series love its superior cleaning power and construction. While it is the beginner series of Miele’s canister vacuum line, it offers great quality and service. And definitely more than most beginner vacuum models out there.
Users of the C2 series prefer its compact size and weight to the C1. It does everything the C1 can do and even more in a lightweight canister design.
Users of the C3 claim that it isthe best series of the canister vacuum line. Its extra features and longer warranty period make it a favourite among home owners.
Customers that have used the three series claim that while the C1 isn’t noisy, the C2 is quieter. While the C3 is the quietest of the three. Customers of the three series, especially that of the C2 and C3 series, praise it.
C1 Series Pros and Cons
Pros
- Large dust bag capacity
- Great for various types of floors and carpets
- Has a wide range of carpet tools
- Has attachments useful for cleaning above-the-floor surfaces
- Long warranty period
- Durable and efficient
- Enormous suction power
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Heavier than the C2 series
- Larger than the C2 series
- Least quiet of the three series
- Semi-sealed filtration system
C2 Series Pros and Cons
Pros
- Lightest of the three series
- Smallest of the three series
- Enormous suction power
- Fully-sealed filtration system
- Long warranty period
- Easy to store and transport
- Great for various types of floors and carpets
- Has a wide range of carpet tools
- Durable and efficient
- Has attachments useful for cleaning above-the-floor surfaces
- Quieter than the C1 series
Cons
- Smallest bag capacity of the three series
- Costs more than the C1 series (at regular price, a sale can change this)
C3 Series Pros and Cons
Pros
- Large dust bag capacity
- Great for various types of floors and carpets
- Has a wide range of carpet tools
- Has attachments useful for cleaning above-the-floor surfaces
- Long warranty period
- Enormous suction power
- In-built storage compartment for tools and attachments
- Quietest of the three series
- Fully-sealed filtration system
- Fitted with HEPA filters
- Durable and efficient
Cons
- Most expensive of the three series (at regular price, a sale can change this statement)
- Largest of the three series
- Has more weight than the other two series
Miele C1 – Click here to check reviews and ratings
The Miele C2 – Click here to check reviews and ratings
Miele C3 – Click here to check reviews and ratings
Summary
All of the models in all of these series are great buys, but there are several differences between them that will sway you in one direction or another. Hopefully by now you understand the differences and have a much better understanding about which model you want. If it were me choosing, I’d most likely go with a model from the C2 series. The reason being is that these models have enough features and attributes to make them powerful and convenient but they don’t have too many unnecessary features.
