The bagged vacuum cleaner technology has been around for decades and has enjoyed a long history of cleaning our homes. This system generates enough suction to pull dust and other particulates from floors and into a disposable bag. Some bagged vacuums also use high-efficiency particulate air filters, or HEPA filters. The bag is removed once full, and debris, dust, hair, and other collected particles are disposed of without touching them.
Vacuum cleaners with bags tend to be bulky and heavy, which is one of their biggest drawbacks. It is possible for some models to weigh as much as 16 pounds. The times are changing, though, and you can now find bagged cleaners weighing less than 10 pounds. There are also rechargeable batteries that cut out the cord completely.
The Most Important Features to Consider
- Motor and Suction
Whether your dream vacuum cleaner is a bagged or bagless design, the motor and associated suction power are both of paramount importance. Look for vacuum cleaners that feature durably made and high-grade motors that can operate with gusto or delicately, for the purposes of preventing accidental damage to delicate flooring types. Often, vacuums can switch between different modes to suit different flooring types at the push of a button, so that could be something to look for as well. - Bags and Filtration
One of the best parts about a bagged vacuum cleaner is the bag itself. These bags often include high-quality filtration systems with integrated true HEPA filters for the purposes of eliminating 99.97 percent of harmful particles such as allergens and bacteria. Look for a vacuum with a genuine HEPA filter embedded in the bag. Some vacuum also allow for non-touch emptying of the bag and related debris, often just with the push of an eject button. - Additional Attachments
Many modern vacuum cleaners ship with all manner of useful attachments and accessories. These attachments include lengthy hoses, crevice tools, dust brushes, pet brushes, and more. These attachments can typically be easily plugged into the base of the vacuum, significantly increasing the versatility of your chosen vacuum. Even if a vacuum doesn’t ship with these accessories, they can typically integrate with third-party attachments, so be sure to read the fine print before making a purchase. You might want a fur-dedicated attachment if you’re a pet owner, or a vacuum dedicated to sucking up fur. If you find your pet’s fur winds up in hard-to-reach areas, an easy-to-use model like a cordless vacuum for pet hair might be a good fit for your household.
Bagged Vacuum FAQs
What is the best bagged vacuum cleaner to buy?
The best bagged vacuum cleaner is one with a powerful motor system that can excel across a wide variety of surface types, including both pile carpets and hardwood floors. These bagged vacuums also typically include a genuine HEPA filter, for the purposes of eliminating harmful particles in the air and embedded in your carpeting.
Are bagged vacuums better?
Bagged vacuum cleaners typically include most of the same features as their bagless counterparts. They have bags, however, and these bags often include robust filtration systems complete with true HEPA filters. The bags also tend to seal in odors and potentially harmful particles better than their bagless cousins.
Which is best bagged or bagless vacuum cleaners?
Both designs have their advantages and disadvantages, but bagged vacuums have a leg up in the filtration department, as the bags themselves often include true HEPA filters for the purposes of eliminating germs, bacteria, and other harmful particles. These bags can also be emptied easily into a wastebasket via the push of a button, so you won’t have to actually touch anything foul.
Which vacuum has the strongest suction?
Bagged vacuums with high-grade motors typically feature incredible suction, which can easily remove caked-in dirt and debris from a wide variety of surface types. Suction isn’t the only metric to measure, however, as modern vacuums include brush rolls that can dig deep into carpet fibers to extract even more dirt and debris. Bagged vacuums, stick vacuums, handheld vacuums, and robot vacuums can all display incredible suction power for a long time.