Bagged vs Bag-less Vacuum Cleaner: Whats Better?

January 22, 2022

256 5 minutes read

Although buying a vacuum cleaner might seem easy, it can be pretty tricky. The price of these appliances and their effectiveness in cleaning are two different things. You can also find them in a variety of sizes and shapes. You can even get robotic vacuums.

Instead, let’s focus on the more fundamental question: Should you purchase a bagless vacuum or a bagged one? This helps narrow down your choices. It may be easier to decide if you have a low tolerance for dust and allergens.

Specifications and Features of Vacuum Cleaners

Modern bagless vacuum cleaners have a cyclonic design that allows for great air-dirt separation. In addition, they are equipped with washable, replaceable pre-motor mechanical filters. These filters can often be combined with non-washable HEPA post-motor filters.

This design allows the suction power to stay constant until the dirt bin is nearly complete. In addition, high-end models often have filter sensors to remind users to change or clean the filters. However, these sensors are optional because many bagless vacuums have transparent dirt bins.

Bagged vacuum cleaners have provided better airflow filtration for a long time. This is especially true when the vacuum cleaner is equipped with high-end dirtbags and several mechanical filters. However, full dirtbags can reduce the suction power of vacuum cleaners as they fill up with dirt. This is true regardless of the model.

Bagged models have certain benefits, but there are also some drawbacks.

Disposable dirtbags can be thrown in the trash when they are full. As a result, there is virtually no dirt left in them. This is especially vital for folks with allergies.

Although disposable dirtbags can be expensive, they are much cheaper when purchased in larger quantities. In addition, although reusable dirtbags can provide a high level of air filtration, emptying them after they are complete can be quite messy.

Disposable bags can be purchased for people sensitive to pollen, dirt, and other allergens.

These dirtbags, however, are not available for all bagged vacuum cleaners, and they are more expensive than regular disposable bags.

Bagless vacuum cleaners with high-end features have an air filter between the dirt bin and motor and sometimes an additional filter after the motor. The HEPA filter, which can also include activated charcoal, is used if the vacuum cleaner has been certified as a HEPA vacuum cleaner.

Bagless models offer several ways to empty the dirt bin. However, it must always include opening the dirt can and emptying it above the trash can. This can cause a cloud of dust and dirt to form if one isn’t careful.

Bagged vacuum cleaner

The bagged vacuum cleaner technology has been around since the 1970s and has a long history of cleaning homes. The system produces enough suction to lift dust and other particles off the floors and into a bag. A HEPA filter is also used in some bagged vacuums. You can remove the bag once it is full and discard the rest of the debris, including hair, dust, or other particles.

Bagged vacuum cleaners such as the Hoover WindTunnel T-Series use a HEPA air filter system.

Hoover

Bagged vacuum cleaners have one major drawback: they are heavy and bulky. Some models can be as heavy as 16 pounds. However, times have changed, and bagged cleaners are now available at 10 pounds or less. Others have slashed the cord and now come with rechargeable batteries.

Bagless vacuum cleaners

The Dyson bagless vacuum cleaner, first developed in the 1980s, popularized that a vacuum cleaner could be used without using bags. Dyson has been using the device since the early 2000s.

Many competitors have created their own Dyson cordless, bagless vacuum cleaners. This field includes everyone from small businesses like Moosoo to big names like Shark and Hoover. They all have Dyson’s trademark feature, a transparent compartment that collects vacuumed particulates. You can empty it and return it to the machine.

Environmental impact

Bagless vacuum cleaners have one advantage: you can dispose of your waste right from the machine. This is a considerable difference from bagged cleaners, which produce more waste and force you to throw away whole bags every time they are full.

Vacuum bags will be more likely to get thrown away if you have pets or live in an environment that is prone to particulates. This alone could convince you to buy a bagless vacuum cleaner, especially environmentally conscious. However, despite the popularity of green products, at least one study shows that features, price, and power are still more important to vacuum cleaner shoppers.

Allergen disposal

Some people are more concerned about dust particles, pet hair, and other allergens. Consider a bagged vacuum system if this is the case. Why? Why? You can try to empty your vacuum outside or in a well-ventilated place. However, this is far from practical.

A vacuum with a HEPA filter is another option. HEPA filtration is more critical than vacuum bags. This determines whether allergens can escape into the vacuum’s air. This filtration is only possible while the vacuum’s running. All bets are off if you expose the vacuum’s dust container to the atmosphere when emptying it.

Paying upfront versus paying ongoing costs

There are multiple vacuum cleaners to choose from. Bagged cleaners, unlike bagless models, will have a lower cost of ownership over the life of their equipment. However, factors are affecting the cost of replacing vacuum bags. This includes how often you clean your home and how much dirt is in it.

Vacuum cleaner maintenance

Some people may prefer a bagged vacuum cleaner to clean the filters and empty the dustbins from bagless vacuums. Bagged vacuums are best if you need a cleaner that requires less maintenance. However, it would be best to take care of your vacuum still, as any vacuum can catch hair and other objects.

The short version boils down to the users’ individual preferences when deciding which vacuum cleaner is best, bagged or not. Bagged vacuums and bagless vacuums both have pros and cons. It is up to users to choose the vacuum cleaner that best suits their needs.

Disposable vacuum bags can increase the cost of vacuums but are a quick way to get rid of dirt.

Bagless vacuums are more cost-effective, but users must be careful with dirt and debris.

Although they keep operational costs low, reusable vacuum bags are not the best option for disposing of vacuumed dirt.

I prefer a vacuum that does not use disposable bags to a bagless vacuum. It is up to you which vacuum is best for you.

The verdict

We can’t declare any vacuum cleaner superior to another. Your personal preferences and needs should dictate the type of vacuum you buy. There are both bagged and non-bagged options available.

A cordless, bagless vacuum is the best choice for the smallest and lightest machine. However, a bagged vacuum with a HEPA filter is a good choice for those who need to maintain a healthy home.