There are many things to consider when purchasing a new upright vacuum, including different sizes, styles, and prices. Before you think of those things, consider whether you want a bagged or bagless vacuum. Since bagless vacuums have come along, there has been intense debate about which is better. Both sides have dedicated followers, but what if you’re looking to buy your first vacuum or are thinking about switching sides?
Both have pros and cons, so there isn’t really a one-is-better-than-the-other argument. We’ll cover the benefits and drawbacks of each option so that when you decide to purchase one, you can make the best vacuum selection to fit your preferences.
Bagged Vacuums
Bagged vacuums are the original style and have stood the test of time. They feature a simple system that’s clean, efficient, and long-lasting. A bagged vacuum usually features an outer layer of cloth that holds the bag within it and helps keep any debris contained.
Pros
System: A bag system allows dust to enter the inner bag, so you don’t have to worry about high pressure causing leaks in the bag or hoses. The bag’s containment inside another layer helps keep dust contained if the bag bursts.
Great for Allergy Sufferers: Most bags automatically seal when you remove them, so you have to worry less about dust getting back into the air when throwing them out. Also, some bagged vacuums use HEPA filters, which are better at removing allergens from the air and keeping them inside the bag.
Less Maintenance: Filters are built directly into the bags, so you don’t have to worry about swapping out filters throughout the vacuum’s life. Bags also hold much more dirt and debris than a bagless vacuum, so you can use them for longer periods without having to change them.
Cons
Buying Bags: The fact that bags work so well comes at a cost. They usually only last 2 to 3 months and need to be replaced once they become full. This is a recurring cost over the vacuum’s life, so it needs to be weighed against its excellent filtration capability.
Slow Down: As your bag fills up, the vacuum will experience lower overall suction power, so the machine’s performance will decline once you put it in an empty suitcase. It’s also hard to tell when a bag is completely full, and you risk emptying it before it’s full or wasting time vacuuming with a bag that’s too full to accommodate more dust. Some models have an indicator light to notify you when the bag is full.
Bagless Vacuums
Bagless vacuums are a newer invention that has become more prevalent in households. They are usually lighter, easier to use, and less expensive, but they have their flaws.
Pros
Less Money: Bagless vacuum cleaners are less expensive to operate and maintain. They don’t require bags, so you aren’t incurring that additional cost on top of the original purchase price. The chamber on a bagless vacuum can be emptied as much as you want for the machine’s entire life.
More straightforward to empty: As mentioned above, you can empty the dust chamber of a bagless vacuum at any time at zero cost. The chamber is also clear, so it’s easy to see when it needs to be emptied, which brings you closer to achieving maximum performance. However, a bagless vacuum still experiences performance slow-down as more dust enters the chamber.
Eco-Friendly: The absence of bags makes a bagless option better for the environment because you aren’t consistently adding bags to your trash. The filters can also often be reused by cleaning and letting them dry before returning them to the vacuum.
Cons
More Mess: When a bagless vacuum is emptied, the chances for dust and allergens to re-enter the air increase. This method can also get messy depending on whether pet hair or other materials get stuck in the chamber or if you accidentally miss the garbage can.
Higher Maintenance: A bagless vacuum has a higher number of parts, which means there is a higher chance something will break, which can increase the overall cost of the machine. Also, many parts of the vacuum need to be cleaned throughout its life, which can be more hassle than it’s worth for some.
At Acme Tools, you can shop upright vacuums from some of the top brands in the industry, including Hoover Commercial, Hoover Residential, Dirt Devil, Makita, Oreck, and more.
