Look at a Nilfisk, primarily commercial but available for homes. We have had one for 7-8 years. Before that we burnt up a vacuum about every 2 years, including the commercial panasonics. Large home- 5000+sq feet, several birds, dogs, cats, kids, sand, hardwood, carpet, etc- vacuum hell. This thing will suck up anything- it is designed much like a small shop vac, with a hepa filter. Suck up fireplace ashes, no problem, no smell. Suck up a bunch of bolts in the garage, again no problem. It doesn't do well with water as it does use a bag. They are canister models with powered beater heads- best of both worlds. Cost more than most others, but worth every penny- kind of like our cars
Gary