Packed or bagless? packed
Eligibility: 6 liters
rope length: 87 ft / 26.8 m
Weight: 7.5 kg / 16 lbs
This canister vacuum cleaner is the smallest vacuum cleaner in the Numatic Henry range. When testing, we found that no mess was too much for it, with the vacuum remaining undisturbed by even debris that fell in front of it. It comes with crevice and dusting tools and a brush for detail cleaning, although we mainly use it with the floor tool installed on carpeted and hard floors.
to
- large capacity
- Great suction
- Long power cord
against
- Great for storage
- It has some weight to it
- Expense bags
Packed or bagless? bagless
Eligibility: 2 liters
rope length: 4.67 ft / 1.4 m
Weight: 10.2 lbs / 4.6 kg
The Bissell Zing Vacuum Cleaner is lightweight and easy to maneuver. As a bagless model, there are no ongoing costs in the form of replacement bags, and the dirt cup is relatively easy to empty. The capacity is small, however, regular emptying is required. Plus, its power cord is short, and reviewers didn’t find it to perform great on carpet.
to
- Lightweight
- Good for all floors
- easy to use
against
- Small capacity
- Short power cord
- Not great on the carpet
When comparing bagged and bagless vacuums, the differences between them are beyond the obvious, and these are not well known. To help you in your search for the best vacuum cleaner for the home, we’ve looked at the pros and cons of both bagged and bagless models, and within that framework both corded and cordless vacuums, to provide the key differences between the two.
Whichever option you choose, the basics of how to vacuum remain the same. The two vacuum cleaners we compared (above) are just two examples of the types of bagged and bagless vacuum cleaners available. Read on to find out more.
Bagged vs. Bagless Vacuums: The Key Similarities and Differences
- Bagless vacuum cleaners have a bag to dispose of when full, while bagless vacuum cleaners (most often) have a canister to empty
- Bagged vacuums generally have a larger capacity than bagless vacuums
- Bagged and bagless cleaners are available as cordless and corded models
Filled spaces: strengths and weaknesses
strength point
- Good for allergies – The vacuum bags are sealed when you come to remove them, which means that dust or airborne allergens will not be released back into the air to trigger unwanted reactions.
- Mess free to unpack – The self-sealing bag also means that no dust or debris is likely to escape when removed. There’s also no need to empty the bag, so it’s quick and easy to throw it in the trash, too.
- They generally come in large capacities – Vacuum bags tend to hold a lot more dirt than bagless vacuums, which means you won’t have to empty it as often. Some bags can last for months without needing to be replaced, while a bagless vacuum requires it to be emptied after each use, so it’s ready for next time.
- Less vacuuming required It may seem obvious, but because the dirt in a bagged vacuum cleaner is inside the bag, when it comes to emptying, you’re less likely to leave anything behind, as you might with a bagless vacuum cleaner. In addition, the bagged model will look cleaner and tidy because you won’t see any mess through the transparent case; Everything neatly stashed in a bag.
vulnerabilities
- It costs (slightly) more money – Although some bagged vacuum cleaners come with two bags in the box, once you use them, you will need to purchase replacements. While it won’t set you back too much, the ongoing cost remains a consideration—especially since such a cost can be avoided with a bagless vacuum.
- Not very good for the environment – When the vacuum cleaner bag is disposed of, it will be thrown into the trash and therefore not recycled. Note that the majority of the materials used to make these bags are non-recyclable and non-recyclable either.
- Bag availability is limited – Oftentimes, you’ll be limited on where you can buy replacement bags for your bagged vacuum cleaner. Likely direct from the brand itself.
- The options for cordless vacuums are limited – The majority of bagged vacuum cleaners are overhead or upright models due to the size of the bag. Having said that, we’re starting to see brands like Numatic Henry add cordless vacuum cleaners to their repertoire; But you are limited in choice.
Bagless vacuum cleaners: strengths and weaknesses
strength point
- It can be seen when it is full – It’s rare to find a bagless vacuum cleaner that will alert you when it’s full or needs emptying, so having a clear can is helpful. It’s also fun to be able to see the dirt the vacuum has collected. Plus, the clear case provides a useful way to tell if something isn’t working as it should; If there is a blockage or malfunction somewhere, you won’t see dirt collecting in the bowl.
- Cheaper maintenance Not using bags saves you time and money. You don’t have to run out of replacement bags, and you don’t have to take the time to find them in the first place.
- Better for the environment – With no bag to throw away, you won’t be responsible for putting non-recyclable bags in the trash and then on the ground.
vulnerabilities
- Messy to unpack – This is one of the biggest drawbacks of a bagless vacuum cleaner. Emptying the canister is often messy, shooting a lot of dust onto the surfaces again. This isn’t great for allergy sufferers, nor is it demoralizing to see the dirt and debris you just spent emptying itself onto the floor.
- You will need to empty more often – Bagless vacuum cleaners generally have smaller capacities than bagged vacuum cleaners. As such, you’ll need to empty its contents frequently, perhaps even after every cleaning.
- more prone to clogging – Bagless cleaners tend to be thinner and therefore more compact with smaller parts, which can clog easily. Dust and debris can get stuck in the case and can be difficult to access and remove
- Less powerful than bagged vacuum cleaners Being more compact and portable than bagged vacuums, a bagless vacuum is not suitable for tackling larger debris like that left over after a spot of DIY, for example.
- Takes up more storage space Bagless vacuum cleaners tend to come with plenty of attachments for more detailed cleaning jobs around the house. Since bagless vacuums are generally smaller than their bagged competitors, storing the attachments on board is not an option, so more space will be required to store the vacuum cleaner and attachments.
- More maintenance included – Filters in bagless vacuum cleaners are usually more difficult to find, and because they are smaller, they will require more regular rinsing due to their smaller surface area. With debris collecting in the can instead of the bag, a bagless vacuum cleaner will require regular cleaning of both the inside and outside of the can as well. This will also be the case for the various attachments in order to keep your bagless vacuum cleaner in tip-top condition.
Bagged vs. Bagless Vacuums: How We Compare
We put both bagged and bagless vacuum cleaners through the same set of tests, although their maintenance needs are different.
First, we see how easy it is to set up the model, and then we use the device to clean a variety of surfaces around the house to ensure that the majority (if not all) of the accessories are used. Then we remove the bag or empty the case, removing any hair or other tangled debris, in the case of the latter. If we have been reviewing vacuum cleaners for a few months, the models may also go through a filter clean or change and remove the blockage.
After testing a particular model, we may compare its performance to that of other cleaners we’ve tested, since our experience has shown us that they all clean in different ways and we all have homes that require different levels of attention.
Bagged vs. bagless vacuums: The range
Bagged vacuum cleaners have been around for much longer than their bagless vacuum counterparts. The first vacuum cleaner launched in 1901 was a gasoline-powered horse-drawn unit that required six people to operate it, using hoses and nozzles to suck air through a filter. Collected dirt can be seen in a glass chamber inside the device.
Brands like Hoover and Electrolux have taken the original vacuum cleaner and made it smaller, more portable, and more affordable. The idea of a broomstick-like vacuum cleaner with a cloth filter and a dust-collecting bag attached to a long handle was sold to William Hoover in 1908, and the bagged vacuum cleaner design has remained unchanged to this day.
The Hoover Complete Performance Corded Upright Vacuum can be had for $154.99 on Amazon. (Opens in a new tab)while the Hoover Pet Canister Vacuum Cleaner costs £149 direct from the brand. (Opens in a new tab). These are some of the most affordable Hoover bag-equipped vacuums we can find—much cheaper than bagless models but they’re more limited in range.
Another brand of canned vacuum cleaners that we’re fans of is the Numatic Henry. These powerful and friendly looking vacuum cleaners are great for all types of vacuuming. More difficult to obtain in the US, we’ve found some models on Amazon (Opens in a new tab); But you will spend between 300 to 900 dollars. In the UK, you’d better head to myhenry.com (Opens in a new tab). The range is fully packed with capacities of between 1 and 1 liter, and priced between £149.99 and £249.99. The brand also launched its first handheld stick vacuum (that we’re aware of), the Henry Quick, which impressed us in our review.
You get a much wider choice of select bagless vacuum cleaners, with prices starting at $54.99 for the Dirt Devil Vibe 3-in-1 Vacuum Cleaner. (Opens in a new tab). However, there are also models at the higher end that come in at a more attractive price tag of $1,000 / £822 / AU$1,446. The Dyson V15 falls somewhere in the middle at $749 / £499 / AU$1,083; It’s one of the most popular vacuum cleaners among our readers, and it performed brilliantly when we reviewed it.
Apart from bagless vacuums, you can also choose between top vacuums, upright and handheld vacuums. These all vary greatly in size and capacity, but in the same spot is the lack of a dirt-collecting bag; All debris gets sucked into the canister, which you empty once it’s full.
Then, of course, there are the best robot vacuums to consider. These bags rarely include a disposal bag; They also feature a dust cup or canister. One of the advantages of a robotic vacuum is that you will be notified via the companion app when the vacuum requires emptying.
The capacity of a robot vacuum is usually no more than 14oz / 0.4L, with models ranging in price from $299 / £149.99 / AU$432 for the Trifo Emma to $1,099.99 / £1499.99 / AU$2899 for the iRobot Roomba S9 Plus.
Bagged vs. Bagless Vacuums: Which Should You Buy?
The answer to this question depends on your specific needs and requirements. A bagged vacuum is always likely to be the best choice for those with allergies, those who need a vacuum for more rigorous cleaning, or those who hate getting their hands dirty clearing clogs. On the other hand, a bagless vacuum will be more suitable for those looking for a compact, lightweight, and versatile cleaner for use on multiple surfaces in and around the home.
If you’re still not sure what type of cleaner to choose, read some reviews and customer reviews of the product before you buy. It may also be helpful to pop into a store (if you can) to get a feel for the vacuum before making a decision.