The Miele Complete C3 is a canister vacuum with several variants to better tackle different floor types and messes. While the Alize variant we tested is a little more bare-bones compared to others in the same lineup, it still delivers an overall amazing performance on all surface types and is highly maneuverable. It also has a sturdy build quality that's incredibly easy to maintain. Its only real downsides are that parts like its HEPA filter and dirtbag need to be replaced regularly. Its range is a little short, which means you may need to change outlets a bit more frequently. Still, this impressive vacuum is versatile enough to tackle a variety of different messes.
Our Verdict
The Miele Complete C3 is outstanding for bare floors. It doesn't have any problems picking up pet hair or small and large debris, and its performance remains consistent as the dirt compartment fills. It's also very easy to maintain this well-built vacuum as its parts clip together. However, there are a few recurring costs, such as the dirtbag.
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Has no trouble picking up pet hair on all surface types.
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Easily picks up small and large debris.
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Outstandingly easy to maintain.
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Exceptional build quality.
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Several recurring costs.
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Short cable length.
The Miele Complete C3 is great for low-pile carpet. It can pick up pet hair and most large debris, although it struggles a bit more to clean small debris. That said, this vacuum has an excellent build quality that makes it easy to maintain. It also has excellent maneuverability. However, it has a few parts that need to be replaced over time.
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Has no trouble picking up pet hair on all surface types.
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Picks up most small and large debris on carpet.
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Outstandingly easy to maintain.
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Exceptional build quality.
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Several recurring costs.
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Short cable length.
The Miele Complete C3 is great for high-pile carpet. It can pick up pet hair as well as a lot of large debris, although it has a bit more trouble with small debris. That said, this well-built vacuum is easy to maintain and maneuver throughout your home. There are several recurring costs such as the disposable dirtbag though.
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Has no trouble picking up pet hair on all surface types.
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Picks up most small and large debris on carpet.
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Outstandingly easy to maintain.
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Exceptional build quality.
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Several recurring costs.
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Short cable length.
The Miele Complete C3 is excellent for pets. This well-built and sturdy vacuum easily picks up pet hair from all surface types and it has excellent maneuverability. It's also outstandingly easy to maintain, although there are several parts such as the disposable dirtbag that need to be replaced over time.
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Has no trouble picking up pet hair on all surface types.
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Outstandingly easy to maintain.
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Several recurring costs.
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Short cable length.
The Miele Complete C3 is great for stairs. While it's a somewhat heavy vacuum, it has a handle to make it a little easier to carry it up steps. Thanks to its handheld configuration with a built-in LED light, you can also get into harder-to-reach areas and see what you're doing. It has an overall amazing performance on all surface types too.
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Can be used in a handheld configuration.
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Outstandingly easy to maintain.
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LED light on vacuum handle.
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Several recurring costs.
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Short cable length.
The Miele Complete C3 is good for cars. While this very well-built vacuum can be a bit heavy to move around, thanks to its handheld configuration, you can get into difficult-to-reach areas and crevices. Its LED light is also a nice touch to help illuminate shadowy areas. It has a great performance on low-pile carpet like car rugs. However, some people may find its cord and hose length to be a little short.
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Can be used in a handheld configuration.
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Outstandingly easy to maintain.
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LED light on vacuum handle.
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Several recurring costs.
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Short cable length.
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Outstandingly easy to maintain.
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Exceptional build quality.
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Several recurring costs.
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Short cable length.
- 8.6 Bare Floor
- 8.2 Low-Pile Carpet
- 8.3 High-Pile Carpet
- 8.2 Pets
- 8.3 Stairs
- 8.1 Cars
- 6.2 Workshop
- Updated Nov 25, 2022: We've changed the full product name to 'Miele Complete C3' in order for the review to encompass all model variants.
- Updated Aug 09, 2022: This vacuum's suction force has been retested with a more accurate manometer. The test results for the 'Maximum Suction' and 'Normal Suction' fields have been updated. All relevant scores and text have been updated.
- Updated Jul 28, 2022: Converted to Test Bench 1.1.
- Updated Mar 18, 2022: Converted to Test Bench 1.0.
- Updated Sep 11, 2020: Review published.
- Updated Sep 03, 2020: Early access published.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
There are many variants of the Miele Complete C3. Although they use the same PowerLine motor, these models differ from one another depending on the vacuum head(s) as well as tools and brushes included in the box. As a result of these differences, we don't expect our performance results to be identical to the C3 Alize variant that we tested.
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Model Name |
Vacuum Head | Parts Included | Canister Color | Notes |
| Complete C3 Alize PowerLine - SGJE0 |
AllTeQ Combination Floorhead SBD 285-3 |
Upholstery tool, crevice tool, dusting brush | Petrol, Ivory White |
Comes with comfort handle with spotlight, and filter change indicator |
| Complete C3 Calima PowerLine - SGFE0 | Parquet Twister Floorhead SBB 300-3, Turbo Brush Floorhead STB 305-3 |
Upholstery tool, crevice tool, dusting brush | Curry Yellow | |
| Complete C3 Cat & Dog PowerLine - SGEE0 |
Small Parquet Floorhead SBB Parquet-3, |
Handheld mini turbo brush, upholstery tool, crevice tool, dusting brush |
Lotus White | |
| Complete C3 Marin PowerLine - SGJE0 |
Parquet Twister Floorhead SBB 300-3, |
Upholstery tool, crevice tool, dusting brush | Marine Blue | |
| Complete C3 SoftCarpet PowerLine - SGFE0 |
Parquet Twister Floorhead SBB 300-3, |
Upholstery tool, crevice tool, dusting brush |
Tayberry Red | Comes with a filter change indicator. |
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Complete C3 Kona PowerLine - SGFE0 |
Parquet Twister Floorhead SBB 300-3, |
Upholstery tool, crevice tool, dusting brush |
Obsidian Black | Comes with a filter change indicator. |
| Complete C3 HomeCare PowerLine - SGFE0 |
AllTeQ Combination Floorhead SBD 285-3, |
Extended flexible crevice tool, adjustable universal brush, |
Mango Red | |
| Complete C3 HomeCare+ PowerLine - SGPE0 |
AllTeQ Combination Floorhead SBD 285-3, |
Extended flexible crevice tool, adjustable universal brush, |
Mango Red | Electro Premium Floorhead has headlights and is designed for deep cleaning carpets. Also has a filter change indicator. |
| Complete C3 Brilliant PowerLine - SGPE0 |
AllTeQ Combination Floorhead SBD 285-3, |
Upholstery tool, crevice tool, dusting brush | Bronze/Pearl Finish | Electro Premium Floorhead has headlights and is designed for deep cleaning carpets. It also has a switch for the electrobrush right on the handle. Also has a filter change indicator. |
If someone comes across a Complete C3 that's different from ours, let us know in the discussions and we'll update our review.
Compared To Other Vacuums
The Miele Complete C3 is a canister vacuum with an amazing overall performance on all surface types. While many canister vacuums struggle a bit more on carpet, this vacuum has a great performance as it can pick up quite a bit of small and large debris. It also has a well-built design that makes it incredibly easy to maintain as most parts clip together. However, just like the NaceCare HVR 200 Henry or the Miele Classic C1, it uses a disposable dirtbag which, along with replacing its filters, can add cost over time.
Check out our recommendations for the best hardwood vacuums, the best vacuums for pet hair, and the best vacuums for high-pile carpet.
The Miele Complete C3 and Dyson V15 Detect are differently-designed vacuums with advantages. The Miele is a bagged canister vacuum with a virtually indefinite runtime, thanks to its corded design. It feels better built, is easier to maintain, and is easier to maneuver under couches and tables. Meanwhile, the Dyson is a cordless stick vacuum that's smaller, lighter, and much better suited to cleaning areas far from an electrical outlet. Its bagless design and washable filters keep recurring costs to a minimum, it performs better on carpeted floors, and it comes with more tools and accessories.
The Miele Complete C3 is a better overall canister vacuum than the Miele Classic C1. The Complete C3 has a better performance on all surface types, it's more maneuverable, and it comes with a HEPA filter. It also feels better-built and slightly quieter. However, it's a bit heavier than the Classic C1.
The Miele Complete C3 and SEBO Airbelt D4 each have their advantages, meaning one might suit you better than the other, depending on your needs. The Miele weighs less, is easier to maneuver, makes less noise, and delivers slightly better crack-cleaning performance. Meanwhile, the SEBO incurs much lower recurring costs thanks to its larger dirtbag and longer-lasting filters, has a much longer cleaning range, and gives you a wider range of adjustability in terms of changing its suction power level.
The Miele Complete C3 is a better overall canister vacuum than the Dyson Cinetic Big Ball. The Miele feels better built, it's easier to maintain, and it has a significantly better performance on all surface types. The Miele can also be used in a handheld configuration and its handle has an LED light to help you navigate more shadowy areas. However, the Dyson has virtually no recurring costs and it comes with more tools and brushes.
The Miele Complete C3 is a better overall canister vacuum than the NaceCare HVR 200 Henry. The Miele has a better performance on all surface types, especially on carpet, and it's more maneuverable. The Miele also has a HEPA filter and is easier to store. However, the NaceCare uses larger dirtbags and a more durable filter, resulting in lower recurring costs. The NaceCare also has a longer power cord hose, and it comes with a hard bristle brush.
The Miele Complete C3 is better than the Airsign HEPA Vacuum. The Miele feels better-built, has a longer range, makes less noise, is easier to maneuver, comes with more tools, and performs better on low and high-pile carpets. The Airsign is a little smaller and lighter, making it a little easier to store in small closets.
The Miele Complete C3 is a better overall canister vacuum than the Eureka Whirlwind Bagless Canister. the Miele is better built and easier to maintain. The Miele has a better performance on bare floors as well as high-pile carpet, and it's more maneuverable. Its dirt compartment is larger, and it comes with more tools and brushes. However, the Eureka is a bit better on low-pile carpet. It also doesn't have any recurring costs.
Video
Test Results
This vacuum has excellent build quality. It has a sturdy plastic body while its telescopic wand is made from stainless steel. The bottom of the head is aluminum, while its rubber-like wheels help it to move smoothly around your home. There are several thoughtful details in this vacuum's design. There's an LED light button on its handle to help you see in darker areas of your home as well as an auto-cable winding button.
This vacuum is easy to assemble as most of its parts and tools clip to one another. However, you still need to connect the hose to the handle and wand before it's ready to use. You also need to insert its batteries to use the LED light.
This vacuum is outstandingly easy to maintain.
- Dirt compartment: This part is easily accessible by pressing the top cover lid. There are arrows to let you know how to take out the bag. It needs to be disposed of when full.
- Pre-motor filter: It's located behind the dirt compartment and it can be unclipped if you want to replace it. It should be replaced after every four dirtbags.
- HEPA filter: The HEPA filter is located on top back of the dirt compartment. It has a time strip on it to let you know when it needs to be replaced too, which is after about one year of normal use.
As the vacuum head doesn't have a brushroll, you don't really have to worry about detangling hair from the vacuum.
This vacuum has a few recurring costs as three parts need to be replaced quite often. The dirtbag needs to be disposed of when full. The pre-motor filter needs to be replaced after every four dirtbags depending on your usage, while the HEPA filter needs to be replaced when its time strip turns red, which is estimated at 50 hours of normal use. Luckily, you can buy all of these parts from Miele directly. Consider the SEBO Airbelt D4 if you're looking for a premium bagged canister vacuum that incurs significantly lower recurring costs, as it uses much larger dirtbags and has filters with a much longer service life.
This vacuum has decent storing compatibilities. Just like the Miele Classic C1, you can store your tools and brushes directly onto the vacuum to help save space. It also has an automatic retractable cable.
This vacuum has a great-sized dirt compartment. Although Miele advertises that this dirtbag can hold 4.5L, we measured much less. It can still hold a lot of debris. There's also an indicator to let you know when the dirt compartment is full.
- Telescopic wand
- Handle
- Hose
- 1x Bag
- 1x HEPA Filter
- 1x Pre-motor filter
- Main head
- Crevice tool
- Upholstery tool
- Soft brush
- 3x AAA batteries (for handle LED light)
- Vacuum canister
- User guide
This vacuum has an alright range. Its cord length is a bit longer than the Miele Classic C1, but you still may have to change outlets if you're cleaning a big room. If you want a canister vacuum with an even longer range, then check out the NaceCare HVR 200 Henry.
This vacuum has decent portability. It's quite heavy, but it feels lighter in your hands. There's also a carrying handle to help you bring it up and down stairs.
This is a corded vacuum. It does use three AAA batteries, but this is for its LED handle light.
The Miele Complete C3 has a suction power control feature that can be raised or lowered to seven different levels: Min. (curtains), Furniture, Rugs, Auto, Ear (quiet mode), Carpet, and Bare Floor. There's also a LED light on the handle, which can help you clean dark, shadowy parts of your home. When the vacuum head is placed in the stored position, the vacuum automatically turns off, which is a nice touch.
This vacuum comes with a couple of different tools. There's a soft bristle brush for cleaning more delicate objects as well as a crevice tool and an upholstery tool. All of them can be stored in the vacuum's body, which is convenient.
You can use this vacuum in a handheld mode by connecting a brush or tool to its handle, which is handy for cleaning inside your car or hard-to-reach places.
This vacuum has an incredible performance on bare floors. It's able to easily pick up pet hair as well as small and large debris. Its performance also stays consistent, even as the dirt compartment fills up.
This vacuum has an excellent performance on low-pile carpet. It doesn't have trouble with pet hair or large debris like sand. However, it has a bit more trouble picking up small debris like baking soda.
This vacuum has a great performance on high-pile carpet. Just like on low-pile carpet, it can clear pet hair without a problem. While it picks up most large debris, it has a harder time with small debris. That being said, its performance remains consistent, even as the dirt compartment fills.
The Miele C3 has great suction power at its floorhead, making it easier to clear debris in cracks or stubborn messes. You can adjust its suction power using buttons on its canister body.
This vacuum has excellent maneuverability. Thanks to its rubber-like wheels, it rolls smoothly as it moves around the room. The LED light is pretty bright, and it can help you illuminate dark areas of your home like under couches as you clean. When using the extendable wand, its reach under furniture is very good, although the head can fall on the storage clip on the wand, which causes it to not lay completely flat on the floor. It's easy to clean around electrical cords though and while it can suck up rug tassels, the vacuum head mostly moves around it.
