The Best Bagged Vacuum Cleaners – Top Picks and Reviews

Do you really know as much about vacuums as you think you do? Well, the bagless models are more popular now and that seems to bring some bad reputation to vacuum cleaners in general. But, there are many advantages with using the best bagged vacuums. This is important if you or someone around is prone to allergies.
The extra filter of bagged vacuum models helps them catch dust and debris. Better technology makes them lighter, smaller, and more advanced than before. This guide is the result of our research on the best bagged vacuum cleaners the market is serving.
Related buyer’s guide:
Reviews of The Best Bagged Vacuum Cleaners
Hoover T-Series WindTunnel Pet Bagged Vacuum, UH30310
Key Product Features
- 15.9 lbs
- Bag capacity: 2.9 liters
- 30-foot power cord
- 12-foot deluxe stretch hose
- On/Off brushroll switch
- WindTunnel Technology
- Activated carbon HEPA filter
- One-touch bag door release
- Headlight
As one of the more efficient vacuum cleaners with bags, the Hoover T-Series WindTunnel Pet Bagged Vacuum, UH30310 is effective on every imaginable kind of floor – from carpets to hard floors. It is also effective in dealing with pet hair and dander, doing so with sheer ease.
For collecting dirt, the Hoover UH30310 bag has filters of activated carbon HEPA media. This picks up around 99.97 percent of pollen, dust, and other harmful allergens. The carbon helps absorb any odors, keeping your home clean and fresh after every use.
It is really easy to dispose a full bag and replace it with another. The UH30310’s Clean-Drop Bag system keeps dirt and dust away from users, and drops the bag easily into the trash.
Hoover’s powerful WindTunnel is innovative technology that lifts and traps dust like none other. The three separate air channels ensure there is no risk of particle dispersion. The technology agitates tough dirt from the surface before sucking it into the vacuum. Then, it prevents it from being blown back onto the carpet or floor surface.
There is a brushroll switch to hasten transition from carpets to hard floors. It has attachments such as a pet hand tool, a pet upholstery tool, an extension wand, and a crevice tool.
Things We Liked
- It is lightweight, easy to carry around during cleaning sessions
- The long power cable allows you clean a much wider than you normally would in a shorter time. It is not necessary to install separate sockets for this reason
- The device offers excellent value for money, as most people can afford it
- Can extract pet hair, and is maneuverable. With its powerful suction, it can suck up pet hair and dirt more easily, making it the best bagged vacuum cleaner if you’ve got pets
- It is easy to set up
- The 12-amp motor
- HEPA-level filtration helps remove more 95% of all dirt, allergen, pollen, and debris. It also extracts pet odors from surfaces and rooms
Things We Didn’t Like
- Plenty of plastic in the overall construction.
- The pipe does not expand enough, making it slightly awkward to use.
Oreck Commercial XL Commercial Upright Vacuum, XL2100RHS
Key Product Features
- Weight: 8.2 lbs
- Cleaning path: 12 inches
- 35-foot power cord
- Low-profile design
- Helping Hand handle
- Edge cleaning brushes
- Non-marring bumpers
As one of the best lightweight bagged vacuum cleaning tools available, the 8-pound Oreck XL2100RHS is perfect for carpets and bare floors. The low-profile design enhances access to areas beneath low furniture pieces.
The bagged system is highly convenient, disposing dirt with less mess. Available side brushes ensure that edges are easier to clean.
Though the motor has a 4-amp rating – much less than most vacuums – it is effective in accomplishing various cleaning tasks. A double helix-enable brush roll rotates 6,500 times every minute.
The vacuum is really easy to use. The Helping Hand design lets you hold it more easily as you push it to clean. Best of all, the Oreck Commercial XL2100RHS has an Ease-of-Use Commendation from the Arthritis Foundation.
The XL2100RHS has automatic height adjustments, so you’re really not doing anything when taking the cleaner from hard floors to carpets and vice versa. The machine takes care of that by itself.
Note that this vacuum cleaner lacks accessories such as a crevice tool which normally helps in targeting spots that are hard to reach.
Things We Liked
- Great ease of use
- Long power cord
- Commercial-grade vacuum at the cost of a consumer-grade vacuum product
- Rated for commercial applications and can bear the daily strain of vacuum cleaners
- Lightweight device that is easy to use. Great for people who have to attend to cleaning for a long time in multiple levels in a building
- Powerful suction can handle deep-cleaning and is great for tidying floor surfaces
- Not expensive at all, considering it offers similar services to a professional-grade cleaner
- Excellent option for deep-cleaning carpets
- Multi-floor ability
- Controls and long power cord make access easier
- Can lie flat to reach under furniture
- Easy to replace bags
- 1-year limited warranty
Things We Didn’t Like
- No attachments
- Uncomfortably loud
Kenmore Pet-Friendly 31150 Pet & Allergy Vacuum Cleaner
Key Product Features
- Weight: 20lbs
- Cleaning path: 12.75 inches
- 35-foot power cord
- 5 height adjustment positions
- 12A 3D inducer motor
- Beltless agitator
- Triple HEPA filtration
- Infrared dirt sensor
- LED light
What if your bagged vacuum came with a 5-position manual adjuster? This feature is all some people need to be proud of their bagged vacuum. But, the Kenmore Pet & Allergy vacuum cleaner is more than just this feature.
This vacuum provides a strong, fade-free suction while cleaning hard floors and carpets. The powerful suction is due to a 3D inducer motor.
A combination dusting/crevice tool, a Pet Handi-Mate tool, and a telescoping wand can help get dander, pet hair, debris, and dirt off above-ground areas. These are utility attachments.
The Kenmore Elite 31150 has one of the longest reaches of all vacuums. The lengthy power cord is impressive, while the telescoping wand can help to clean up to 10 feet into areas that are hard to reach.
With respect to germs and allergens, this bagless vacuum is top of the range. The triple HEPA filtration locks in up to 99.97 percent of pollen, dander, dust, other allergen particles.
Indeed, it has the certification of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), making it the perfect cleaning machine for allergy sufferers and pet owners.
It has an infrared dirt sensor that automatically activates and LED light to indicate an area that needs more cleaning. The light goes off once the area is dirt-free.
Things We Liked
- Leans tight spaces really well
- HEPA filtration
- Easy to assemble
- Easy to maneuver
- Really long power cord
- Anyone can use the machine, thanks to its 5-position adjuster
- Strong suction
- Has a light that points to dirt
- Has attachments
Things We Didn’t Like
- Heavy piece of equipment
- Relatively loud
- Short hose that can impede effective cleaning
SEBO 9587AM Automatic X5 Upright Vacuum
Key Product Features
- Weight: 16.9lbs
- 10.8A motor
- Capacity: 1.4gal
- 40-foot power cord
- Wand & suction hose
- Brush obstruction light
- Bag full or clog light
- Rubber-coated wheels
- Automatic height adjustment
- S-class pre-motor microfilters
- Auto shut-off
SEBO has global renown for some of the world’s most powerful vacuums for home and commercial use. The bagged SEBO 9587AM vacuum is a vivid showcase of German engineering. But, be warned: you’ll need close to $1,000 to own one.
Beyond strong suction, the capacity of the unit is quite large. This ensures you do not have to switch bags often. There’s also an electronic controller that automatically makes changes for spotless cleaning. Let’s say you want to transition from hard a floor to carpet, it adjusts the floor head to match.
Another function of the electronic controller is to protect the unit from damage. It alerts you of clogs, a full bag, worn-out brush, or brush roller obstructions. Where necessary, the controller will automatically shut off the unit to keep the motor or belts in top shape.
The SEBO 9587AM is very easy and convenient to use. Check this out:
- You can bend it back almost horizontal (180 degrees) to reach any under-furniture dirt.
- The wheels come with rubber coating to protect floors and improve maneuverability. An instant-use wand and suction hose help to clean areas that are hard to reach, with a reach as much as 8 feet.
- An extra-long 40-foot power cord is one of the market’s longest.
The 9587AM’s filtration system is second to none. It is not HEPA, but it captures allergens as tiny as 0.3 microns – as many as 99.9 percent of them. The S-class pre-motor micro filters and three- or four-layer dirt bags is responsible for this impressive feature.
Things We Liked
- Strong suction
- Durable
- Easy to maintain
- Excellent design
- Large capacity
- Extra-long cord
- Wide cleaning path
- Full bag indicator
- Great for asthma and allergies
- Lifetime belt warranty
- 5-year warranty on motor and all non-wear parts
- 5-year warranty on labor charges
- Automatic shut-off once there’s an issue
Things We Didn’t Like
- Really high price-point
- Can be heavy, depending on who’s carrying it
- Comes with few attachments
Panasonic Vacuum Cleaner MC-UG471 Bagged Upright
Key Product Features
- Weight: 17lbs
- 12A motor
- 15-inch wide nozzle
- 24-foot power cord
- HEPA bag
- Motor-protection system
- 1-year limited warranty
The Panasonic MC-UG471 vacuum is one excellent bagged vacuum. The manufacturers say it is great with debris, pet hair, dander, and dirt. Also has a powerful suction, though there’s more that qualifies it to be among the top bagged vacuums. Also effective on floors and hard carpets.
Where someone around suffers from asthma or allergies, this vacuum is effective to keep out allergens. A HEPA-standard bag helps capture up to 99.97 percent of allergens, preventing them from returning to the air.
This vacuum speaks the language of convenience if you desire to quickly and effectively clean up. It provides a wider cleaning path than most vacuums, reducing the time you need to clean. There is also an automatic headlight to help you spot dirt hiding away in dark corners.
The Panasonic MC-UG471 is not short attachments that ease the cleaning of above-ground areas. Three are: a stretch hose, a crevice tool, two wands, and a dusting brush.
Things We Liked
- Easy to store
- Powerful suction
- Quiet
- HEPA filtration
- Large capacity
- Wide cleaning path
- Automatic cord rewind
- Easy changing of bags
- Picks up pet hair with ease
- Ease of carrying
- Has attachments
Things We Didn’t Like
- The short cord
- Ease with which it tips over
- Relative heaviness
Bisell Zing Bagged Canister Vacuum, 4122
Key Product Features
- Weight: 8lbs
- 10A motor
- Cleaning path: 10.3 inches
- 5-foot hose
- Swivel head
- Bag capacity: 2 liters
- Full bag indicator
- Multi-level filtration
- 17-feet power cord
- 1-year limited warranty
The Bisell Zing Bagged Canister 4122 is cheap, but is highly focused on doing its job with excellence. It belongs to the class of the most effective bagged vacuums. Over the years, people across the world have continued to report glowing reviews of the product.
The Bisell Zing may cost far less than you expect, but it remains powerful enough to rid your carpet of pet hair and dirt. However, it shines most on hard floors as it quite difficult to push on carpets and rugs.
This vacuum is highly convenient:
- It is nimble and can easily move from one area to another, due to its ergonomic design and lightweight handle.
- Pushing a button rewinds the power cord automatically, making it easy to store the vacuum.
- It is one of a handful of bagged vacuums with a full bag indicator.
There are several accessories the Bisell Zing ships with, including an extension wand, a combination dusting brush/crevice tool, and an upholstery tool.
Things We Liked
- Easy to carry
- Cheap
- Compact unit
- Lightweight design
- Quick to set up
- Strong suction you can adjust
- Retractable cord
- Flexible use
Things We Didn’t Like
- Relatively short hose
- No HEPA filtration
- Short power cord
- Less-than-impressive on rugs and carpets
Related buyer’s guide:
Bagged Vacuums and their Bagless Counterparts
The major differences between bagged vacuums and bagless vacuums lie in:
- The manner of collecting dirt, and
- The manner of storing dirt inside the unit
- The disposal
Bagged vacuums basically collect dirt into a bag, and is removed for disposal once it reaches its maximum level of about 50%.
A bagless vacuum has a canister instead. This canister is also called dust bin, dirt cup, dirt bin, or dust cup. Until the canister reaches its maximum level, dirt is collected into the it. The way to empty the canister is to detach it and open over a thrash can. You can then clean it and reattach to the unit.
Advantages and disadvantages of bagged vacuums
Being bagged or bagless does not really impact the performance of the vacuum. The motor power determines the suction. Personal preference often plays a part in whether one buys bagged or bagless vacuums. But, what are the several reasons why you might choose a bagged vacuum instead of a bagless one?
Emptying without mess
Bagged vacuums are a more hygienic way to emptying your vacuum. A bagless vacuum can blow back dirt onto your face and into the air, effectively nullifying your hard cleaning work. This non-ideal scenario matters if you or someone has issues with allergies.
Bagged vacuums ensure you only need to remove the closed bag and drop it into the thrash. Easy-peasy!
Excellent for fighting allergies
Because all the dirt and debris are collected in a bag, bagged vacuums are great for keeping allergens at bay. The majority of vacuum bags use HEPA filtration to ensure allergens are not returned to the air.
The air is cleaner and better for asthma patients and allergy sufferers. HEPA filtration is not limited to bagged vacuums, but most bagless vacuums also have these filters.
Also, as emptying is easy, there’s little chance of dirt and other pollutants becoming airborne at this point.
Improved capacity
Bagged vacuums have more capacity than bagless vacuums. This improved capacity means you need to replace bags less compared to how often you have to empty duct cups. Therefore, you won’t need to pause often during cleaning.
Budget-friendly
Bagless vacuums are not always more expensive than bagged vacuums. The reason is because vacuum prices depend on features such as build material, dirt capacity, suction power, attachments, and so forth. But bagged vacuums are mostly more pocket-friendly.
Factors to Consider when Choosing Bagged Vacuum Products
Capacity of the Dust Bag
You replace a bag when it’s around 50 percent full. Allowing the bag to be fuller can experience a loss in suction. The bigger the vacuum’s capacity, the better for you.
Weight
It is often necessary to move the vacuum around when you clean. Same thing applies when you clean stairs and rooms. The heavier a vacuum is, the less efficient this is. Be sure to check the weight of your chosen bagged vacuum before you buy.
Length of Power Cord
A short power cord will limit your movement. You will probably change power outlets several times to cover a small area, whereas a longer cord will give you more leverage. The Bisell Zing 4122 is a great product that sports a short cord.
However, small rooms may make a really long cord appear redundant.
Pets and Floor type
Your type of flooring can determine what bagged vacuum you settle for. Some vacuums handle various floor types effectively. But, some vacuums do not perform as well on hard floors as they perform on carpets.
Besides, a vacuum that is good with long pet hair and dander will be nice if you keep any pets around.
Price
Price remains a critical factor when sourcing for any product. The most expensive item may not necessarily be the best, but some products have features to justify their price point.
Similarly, being cheaper does not necessarily mean being worse of in quality. Always do proper features comparison before settling on the best vacuum. Remember though to always stick to your budget.
Conclusion
Most people prefer bagless vacuums due to its low maintenance costs. Still, there are bag vacuum enthusiasts. Those who prefer bagged vacuums do so because they are generally better at handling allergens and are duly more powerful.
However, choosing the best bagged vacuum from among several hundred options is really daunting. This is why extensive research to choose the very best matters. While other brands seem to hold their own here and there, the standout performer is the SEBO 9587AM (view product).
The SEBO 9587AM is the most technically advanced vacuum cleaner. The electronic controller measures the resistance of the brush roller against the floor, letting the power head know when to adjust up or down to the appropriate brush height. This ensures optimum performance on hard-floor surfaces and carpet.
The controller also regulates a warning system that tells the user about issues such as a full bag, a worn brush, clogs, and any obstructions in the brush roller. The SEBO 9587AM is a product of German design and manufacturing, so you can trust it to be reliable and of high performance in all situations.
Investing in a SEBO 9587AM will offer you the best features of any bagged vacuum; saving you money, lasting a long time, and extending your carpet’s life.
Related Buyer’s Guide:
Top 10 Best bagged vacuum cleaners
Source: Safetyhub