The Miele Complete C3 Alize is a discontinued high-end canister vacuum. While the Alize variant we tested is a little more bare-bones compared to others in the same lineup, with a straight-suction head that's ill-suited to carpet-cleaning and large debris, it has a powerful motor and is highly maneuverable. It's also sturdily built and incredibly easy to maintain. Unlike some other Complete C3 models, it's equipped with a HEPA filter which does a great job of sealing away allergens and fine particles. It has a powerful 1200W motor that generates impressive suction and an integrated tool compartment but a somewhat short range with a 24 ft (7.4 m) cord.
Our Verdict
The Miele Complete C3 Alize is good for bare floors. The STB 285-3 floorhead sits too low to easily fit over large or medium-sized debris, so you'll likely want to go for the brand's Parquet Twister tool if you have a lot of hard flooring in your home, though it's more than powerful enough to lift away finer material. Maintaining this well-built vacuum is also very easy as its parts clip together. However, there are significant recurring costs, like the dustbag and filters.
- Outstandingly easy to maintain.
- Powerful motor allows for good fine debris pickup.
- Exceptional build quality.
- Several recurring costs.
- Short cable length.
- Standard STB 285-3 floorhead pushes around larger debris.
The Miele Complete C3 Alize is okay for low-pile carpets when used with its straight-suction STB 285-3 head. You'll need to lift up the head to clear away larger debris, which can be a bit of a nuisance due to the vacuum's strong suction power, though it is powerful enough to suck up finer debris worked deep into carpet fibers. This vacuum has an excellent build quality that makes it easy to maintain. It also has excellent maneuverability. However, there is a high recurring cost of bags and filters.
- Outstandingly easy to maintain.
- Powerful motor allows for good fine debris pickup.
- Exceptional build quality.
- Several recurring costs.
- Short cable length.
- Standard STB 285-3 floorhead pushes around larger debris.
The Miele Complete C3 Alize is passable for high-pile carpets when used with its straight-suction STB 285-3 head. While it's powerful enough to suck up most fine debris embedded in carpets within a single pass, this attachment isn't high enough to pass over large or medium-sized debris. On the upside, this well-built vacuum is easy to maintain and maneuver throughout your home. There are several recurring costs, like the disposable dustbag and filters, though.
- Outstandingly easy to maintain.
- Powerful motor allows for good fine debris pickup.
- Exceptional build quality.
- Several recurring costs.
- Short cable length.
- Standard STB 285-3 floorhead pushes around larger debris.
The Miele Complete C3 Alize is okay for pets. This well-built and sturdy vacuum easily picks up pet hair from bare floors and is excellent for furniture, but the straight-suction STB 285-3 head is ill-suited for cleaning hair on carpets. Thankfully, it's outstandingly easy to maintain, although there are several parts, like the disposable dustbag, that need to be replaced over time. Its allergen-sealed construction with a HEPA filter makes it a great option for those who suffer from allergies.
- Outstandingly easy to maintain.
- Powerful motor allows for good fine debris pickup.
- Allergen-sealed construction.
- Several recurring costs.
- Short cable length.
- Struggles with pet hair on carpet.
The Miele Complete C3 Alize is good for stairs. While it's a somewhat heavy vacuum, it has a handle to make it a little easier to carry it up steps. The STB 285-3 head is light, and it's very easy to maneuver. Thanks to its handheld configuration with a built-in LED light, you can get into harder-to-reach areas and see what you're doing.
- Can be used in a handheld configuration.
- Outstandingly easy to maintain.
- LED light on vacuum handle.
- Powerful motor allows for good fine debris pickup.
- Several recurring costs.
- Short cable length.
The Miele Complete C3 Alize is very good for cars. While this extremely 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 dark areas. However, some people may find its cord and hose length to be a little short.
- Can be used in a handheld configuration.
- Outstandingly easy to maintain.
- LED light on vacuum handle.
- Powerful motor allows for good fine debris pickup.
- Several recurring costs.
- Short cable length.
The Miele Complete C3 Alize is a poor option for workshop cleaning, but that isn't what it's designed for. It can handle household messes easily, but using it to clean debris like metal shavings can damage its bag and filter system, and you can't use it to suck up liquids.
- Outstandingly easy to maintain.
- Powerful motor allows for good fine debris pickup.
- Exceptional build quality.
- Several recurring costs.
- Short cable length.
Changelog
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Updated Feb 05, 2025:
This vacuum is now discontinued; we rewrote the review to clarify that and bring the writing up to current standards.
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Updated Dec 02, 2024:
We've added a link to the Miele Complete C3 Cat & Dog in the Quality Of Life Features section of the review to provide an alternative with an electric hose that's compatible with powered floorheads.
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Updated Nov 04, 2024:
We've changed the product name to Miele Complete C3 Alize to further clarify which product variant we tested.
- Updated Aug 26, 2024: We've updated the scores in the Hard Floor Pick-Up, High-Pile Carpet Pick-Up, Low-Pile Carpet Pick-Up, and Pet-Hair Pick-Up tests to align with a broader data set. For more information about the reasoning for this update, you can look at our forum post.
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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 the 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 we tested. Note the C3 Alize is discontinued; it has been replaced by the C3 Calima.
| 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 | Discontinued. 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, Electro Plus Floorhead SEB 228 |
Handheld mini turbo brush, upholstery tool, crevice tool, dusting brush |
Lotus White | |
| Complete C3 Marin PowerLine - SGJE0 | Parquet Twister Floorhead SBB 300-3, Electro Premium Floorhead SEB 236 |
Upholstery tool, crevice tool, dusting brush | Marine Blue | |
| Complete C3 SoftCarpet PowerLine - SGFE0 | Parquet Twister Floorhead SBB 300-3, Electro Plus Floorhead SEB 228 |
Upholstery tool, crevice tool, dusting brush | Tayberry Red | Comes with a filter change indicator. |
| Complete C3 Kona PowerLine - SGFE0 | Parquet Twister Floorhead SBB 300-3, Electro Plus Floorhead SEB 228 |
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, Parquet Twister Floorhead SBB 300-3 |
Extended flexible crevice tool, adjustable universal brush, upholstery tool, crevice tool, dusting brush |
Mango Red | |
| Complete C3 HomeCare+ PowerLine - SGPE0 | AllTeQ Combination Floorhead SBD 285-3, Parquet Twister Floorhead SBB 300-3, Electro Premium Floorhead SEB 236 |
Extended flexible crevice tool, adjustable universal brush, upholstery tool, crevice tool, dusting 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, Parquet Twister XL Floorhead SBB 400-3, Electro Premium Floorhead SEB 236 |
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. |
Here's the product label of the C3 Alize model we tested.
If you come across a Complete C3 variant not listed here, let us know in the comments, and we'll update our review.
Popular Vacuum Comparisons
The Miele Complete C3 Alize is a canister vacuum with premium build quality and a wide variety of convenience features. Now discontinued, it is the least well-equipped variant of Miele's high-end Complete C3 line of canister vacuums. It has a well-built design that makes it incredibly easy to maintain as most parts clip together. It lacks a powerhead or turbohead which can limit its performance, but its powerful suction somewhat makes up for this lack of agitation. However, just like the NaceCare HVR 200 Henry or the Miele Classic C1, it uses a disposable dustbag 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 Alize is a better overall canister vacuum than the Miele Classic C1. The Complete C3 performs better on all surface types, is more maneuverable, and 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 Alize is a better overall canister vacuum than the Dyson Cinetic Big Ball Animal. The Miele feels better built, is easier to maintain, and has a significantly more powerful motor. 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 comes with more tools and brushes.
The Miele Complete C3 Alize and the SEBO Airbelt D4 Premium 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 when changing its suction power level.
The Miele Complete C3 Alize is a better overall canister vacuum than the NaceCare HVR 200 Henry. The Miele performs better on all surface types, especially carpet, and is 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 comes with a hard bristle brush.
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. The on/off button, power adjustment buttons, and auto-cable winding button on the canister can all be pressed with your feet.
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 3 AAA batteries into the handle to use the LED light.
This vacuum is outstandingly easy to maintain and accessing various components is incredibly easy.
Pressing the top cover lid opens it. Inside is the dustbag, the pre-motor filter, and the HEPA filter. The dustbag mounting bracket pops up for easy removal as soon as the lid is opened so you'll need to make sure it's back in place before closing the lid. The pre-motor filter is located behind the dustbag and can be simply unclipped for removal. It should be replaced when you have filled four dustbags. The HEPA filter at the top back of the dirt compartment has a time strip that changes color to indicate when it needs to be changed.
Since the vacuum head doesn't have a brushroll, it's very easy to remove any hair caught in it.
This vacuum has fairly high recurring costs as three parts need to be replaced quite often.
- Dustbag: The dustbag needs to be disposed of when full. There are replacements in four-packs and eight-packs, both of which come with basic pre- and post-motor filters.
- Pre-motor filter: These need to be replaced after four dustbags have been replaced. The dustbag sets come with appropriate numbers of pre-motor filters, which can't be purchased separately.
- Post-motor filter: This HEPA filter needs to be replaced when its time strip turns red, estimated at 50 hours of operation or about a year of normal use. The HEPA filter can be purchased from Miele and is available on its own or with dustbags.
Consider the SEBO Airbelt D4 Premium if you're looking for a high-end bagged canister vacuum that incurs significantly lower recurring costs, as it uses much larger dustbags and has filters with a much longer service life.
This vacuum has decent storage compatibilities. The tools can be stored in a compartment in the canister body, and the cable automatically retracts. The upright wand can be clipped to the left, right, or bottom of the canister to allow it to stand up, and the floorhead pivots up so it doesn't take up much space.
This vacuum has a great-sized dirt compartment. Although Miele advertises that this dustbag can hold 4.5L, we measured much less. There's also an indicator to tell you when the dirt compartment is full.
- Telescopic wand
- Suction hose with handle
- 1x GN AirClean 3D dustbag
- 1x HEPA AirClean 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, 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. The smoothly rolling caster wheels on the canister take most of the weight while pulling it across various surfaces.
This is a corded vacuum. It does use three AAA batteries, but these are for its LED handle light.
The Miele Complete C3 Alize has a suction power control feature that can be raised or lowered to seven different levels using the power adjustment buttons on the canister: min. (curtains), furniture, rugs, auto, quiet mode, carpet, and max. (bare floors). There's also an LED light on the handle, which can help you clean darker parts of your home. When the vacuum head is placed in the stored position, the vacuum automatically turns off, which is a nice touch. However, unlike the Miele Complete C3 Cat & Dog, this vacuum doesn't have a hose with an electric cable, meaning that it can't be used with powered floorheads such as the Miele SEB 228.
This vacuum comes with a soft bristle brush for cleaning more delicate objects, as well as a crevice tool and an upholstery tool. You can store all of them 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's single-pass performance on hard floors is disappointing. While the C3 itself is plenty powerful and easily clears away finer debris, the bristles on its straight-suction SBD 285-3 floorhead are too closely spaced to allow it to pass over large and medium-sized debris, causing it to push around this type of material. When dealing with this kind of debris, you'll need to lift the vacuum head so that the vacuum can suck everything up. Alternatively, you could also consider purchasing Miele's Parquet Twister head, which has less closely packed bristles, allowing it to more easily pass over large material.
The Miele Complete C3 Alize has poor performance on high-pile carpets and struggles with its straight-suction SBD 285-3 floorhead. While its powerful suction motor enables it to easily clear away finer, lightweight debris, its floorhead simply isn't high enough to pass over medium and large debris. With no electric corded hoses available for the Alize model, you will not be able to add a powerhead that would be able to deal with this sort of debris more effectively, though an air-driven turbo head like the STB 305-3 would help.
As with its performance on high-pile carpets, this vacuum isn't well-suited to low-pile carpets when used with the SBD 285-3 floorhead. It's more than powerful enough to suck up fine debris worked into carpet fibers, but the straight-suction head simply pushes around larger debris instead of allowing the vacuum to pass over it; you'll need to lift the vacuum head to clear away this kind of debris.
This vacuum has a hard time dealing with pet hair worked into low-pile carpeting. Its straight-suction SBD 285-3 floorhead simply doesn't provide a sufficient level of surface agitation to deal with pet hair worked into carpet fibers. If you're a pet owner with a lot of low-pile carpeting, consider purchasing a C3 variant that comes bundled with a powerhead, like the Miele Complete C3 Cat & Dog, or attach an air-driven turbo head, like the STB 305-3 head.
The Miele C3 Alize 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 the canister body.
The Miele Complete C3 offers superb airflow performance. Its powerful 1200W motor and efficient filtration and bag system enable it to easily lift all kinds of heavy household debris.
The Miele Complete C3 Alize is pretty quiet. With the vacuum running in its 'Auto' power setting, you won't have much trouble hearing what people nearby are saying, even with the vacuum running in the same room. It is noticeably louder in its 'Max' suction mode, but this level of noise is still very bearable and won't be too disruptive for people nearby.
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 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. But when doing long reaches where the head is at wide angles, the head can pull itself backward as if it's being stored, 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.
This vacuum does a fantastic job of dealing with pet hair on upholstered furniture when used with its upholstery tool. It easily clears away both long and short strands of hair within one or two passes. It's also very easy to maneuver on this surface.
The Miele Complete C3 is very effective at sealing in fine allergens, thanks to its three-stage filtration system. The post-motor HEPA filter keeps fine particles and allergens inside the dirt compartment and out of the air.
The Miele Complete C3 Alize is exceptional at cleaning debris from cracks. When using its floorhead, it easily cleans debris in shallow, medium, and full-depth cracks, with only a very small amount left behind in very deep crevices. If you want an even more thorough clean, you can always detach its wand and use its crevice tool.
