While it’s possible to rent heavy-duty carpet cleaning machines from home improvement stores, in the long run it’s more convenient and economical to purchase your own and use it as needed. Most carpet cleaners are corded uprights (though there are a few canister-style models) and they typically include attachments for dealing with specific messes, like mud or pet stains. Our favorite models come from trusted brands like Bissell and Hoover—and many cost roughly the same as regular vacuums. These are the best carpet cleaners we recommend, along with advice on how to pick the right model for your home and needs. We believe each carpet cleaner on this list fills a specific role or category better than other, similar models.