Jeannie, I highly recommend a canister vac since you have stairs. My vote would be a Kenmore.

I don't really care to go by CR because the last few purchases that were highly rated by CR turned out to be a bust with our household. Instead, read the reviews by actual customers. They offer the best, and most objective, opinions.

Personally, I have a Dyson Animal that I purchased in '04. I use it almost daily since I have 2 german shedders. So far I've replaced the hose and a drapery tool. I will need to replace the beater brush soon as it's not picking up things as well. Other than that, I really have no complaints about the vacuum.