As the cylinder cleaner became established in the early 1920s, an interesting variation developed into a separate product, where the motor/dust container layout was vertical, rather than horizontal. This allowed for greater dust capacity, so that early canister cleaners for domestic use eventually developed into commercial and industrial cleaners.

The pioneer example, the Tellus, arrived in the UK from Denmark in 1921 and there were a couple of similar British models, the 'Norfolk' (1931) and the 'Welbeck' (1934 - which cleverly located all the tools on the body of the cleaner). The format was revived in the USA in the 1950s, the most popular models in the UK being the Morphy-Richards' canister cleaner and, from the USA, Hoover's space-age 'Constellation'.

• 1921 Tellus Super M20
• 1954 Hoover Constellation 822
• 1959 Hoover Constellation 862
• 1973 Hoover Celebrity Air-Ride

1921 Tellus Super model 20 Denmark First compact canister cleaner in UK by Fiskar & Nielsen (Tellus in UK). Popular alternative to cyinder format, with large range of tools. Like Electrolux 5, compact, lightweight and efficient, though utilitarian with vertical component arrangement, larger dust container and conical filter. No skids /wheels. Small hoop handle on top of motor. Top /bottom apertures for hose for blowing/suction. Cast alloy motor housing, nickel-plated brass dust container. Produced 1922-45, 315,000 made, numbers 3001-318000. Developed into larger models S50/S51/S55 and on to modern Nilfisk models. Patent apps. 1921. Click here for a 1920s sectioned illustration. Click here for a close-up of the motor and nameplate. Click here for a contemporary advertisement.
1954 Hoover Constellation model 822 UK Perivale Original Hoover floating canister cleaner inspired by 'space-age' forms. Launched in USA 1954, UK 1956. Vertical arrangement of components. Pure, spherical shape with hinged rim at base to trap exhaust air (fixed on 822A, 1958), creating air cushion. Splits into two parts at centre for access to motor (below) and bag (above). Early cleaner with disposable paper dust bag. Two-tone deep blue/blue grey stove enamel on steel. Hose plugs in top via 360 degree rotating cast alloy arm. Aqua blue plastic tools with double-stretch hose from model 638. Completely re-designed only 5 years later. Click here for a 1950s US advert. Click here for a larger, colour 1950s US advert. Click here for the complete ensemble (US specification). Click here for the space graphics!
1959 Hoover Constellation model 862 UK Perivale Second design of floating spherical canister cleaner, drastically simplified, but emphasising space-form aesthetic; a definitive 50s/60s domestic icon. Single-piece base with integral flared rim for air cushion, from model 822A. Direction now implied in design by side hose connection and more substantial sweeping handle, with rear fin (for flex winding). Popular model, produced until c1980 in various colours with only detail and tool design changes: model 862 (1959) ivory/pink; model 867 (1963) ivory/pale grey; model 867A (1964) ivory/pale green.; 1970s; ivory/royal blue then amber. Click here for the complete ensemble. Click here for the Constellation graphic.
1973 Hoover Celebrity Air-Ride model S3005 USA North Canton Ultimate development of canister cleaner. Central, vertical motor with long dust bag around it, resulting in ultra-slim, space form/flying saucer shape. Motor blows directly downward, trapping exhaust air in base and creating air-cushion mobility, as Constellation. Powerful 800watt motor. Whole top hinges up giving access to dust bag and (under plastic cover) motor/fan unit. Robust all metal shell, stove-enamelled: base section brown, lid either sand or 'flamingo red'. Available in UK until c1980. Larger versions (models 3001/3003) with taller plastic motor hood, wheels, on-board tools and unique air-powered switch. Click here to see the slim profile. Click here to see the air-trap underneath. Click here to see a top view. Click here to see a brochure image (UK c1978).