Buying guide for Best bagless vacuums
Ready to buy now? Shop the best:
Every home needs a high-quality vacuum cleaner to keep the floors clean, and there are many different types that can make tidying up as easy as possible. But if you’re tired of having to buy and replace the bag in your traditional vacuum cleaner, it might be time to consider a bagless vacuum. A reusable dust container collects all the dirt and debris from your floor, which means you’ll never need to buy replacement bags again.
Many bagless vacuums cost less initially than bagged models, too, so they’re an ideal money-saving option for anyone on a budget. If you’re concerned about finding green cleaning equipment for your home, a bagless vacuum is worth considering because its lack of bags makes it a more eco-friendly choice.
Key considerations
Corded vs. cordless
Bagless vacuums are available with and without a cord.
-
Corded: A traditional corded bagless vacuum must be plugged into an outlet to use. This can limit how easily you’re able to maneuver around your home, and it might require you to stop in the middle of vacuuming to unplug the machine and change outlets. Corded models are usually heavier than cordless vacuums, too, and can be more difficult for some people to handle.
A corded vacuum typically has greater suction power than a cordless model, so it can pick up more dirt, dust, and debris. While it might cost more initially than a cordless model, it has a longer lifespan, which can help you get the greatest return on your investment.
-
Cordless: For anyone who wants a compact, lightweight bagless vacuum, cordless might be a better option. Because it’s battery operated, you can move freely through your home without having to change outlets. However, depending on how much cleaning you need to do, the battery could run out before you’re done and you’ll need to wait for the battery to recharge before you can finish.
Since cordless, bagless vacuums don’t have the same suction power as corded models, they usually work best as a secondary vacuum for quick touch-ups rather than as your main vacuum. If you have pets, you’ll definitely want a corded model to pick up all the loose hair.
Dust bin
A bagless vacuum collects all the dirt, dust, and debris in a dust cup, container, or canister, which you then empty into your trash can. The size of this container is key. You want one that’s large enough to vacuum an entire area without having to stop frequently to empty the container.
Avoid models with a container that has a capacity of less than 1.0 liter. A 1.5-liter dust container can work well for the average home. If you live in a larger house or apartment, you might prefer a container that’s 2.0 liters or larger.
Washable filters
Like bagged models, any bagless vacuum you consider should have a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, which can remove up 99.97% of common allergens like dust and pet dander from the vacuum’s exhaust. Bagless vacuums often have additional filters to minimize the chance that any debris returns to the air in your home when you empty the machine.
Some bagless models use disposable filters, which must eventually be discarded and replaced. Others vacuums have washable filters that you simply clean when they are dirty or full. If you’re buying a bagless model to save money, it’s better to choose a vacuum with washable filters or you could end up spending more on replacement filters than you would on bags for a bagged vacuum.
Suction power
Another benefit of bagless vacuums is that they usually don’t develop clogs and lose suction power the way bagged models can. However, to be sure a vacuum will maintain consistent suction, choose a bagless model that uses cyclonic action to pull dirt, dust, and debris into the machine. With this cone- or cylinder-shaped design, the vacuum spins the dirt around the chamber so the filter is less likely to become clogged and airflow doesn’t decrease. Some bagless vacuums even offer multi-cyclonic action, which utilizes other smaller cyclones in the machine to remove even smaller particles before they can get to the filter.
Extended-length attachment hoses with dusters, upholstery brushes, and crevice tools are some of the important add-ons we look for in the best bagless vacuums.
After rounding up all the top bagless vacuums on the market, we compare them based on a number of features, including how many types of attachments they have and how well they work.
We consider traditional upright bagless vacuums as well as lightweight handheld models.
We look for bagless vacuums that collect dust and keep it contained within the canister rather than releasing it back into the air.
Most consumers want to minimize the mess when cleaning their floors. We find out which bagless vacuum cleaners are the easiest to empty.
We appreciate bagless vacuums that are easy to navigate around furniture. Advanced features such as a pivoting head and an edge-to-edge brush can help accomplish this goal.
We look for bagless vacuum cleaners that easily switch from carpeting to hard flooring.
For those who are concerned about straining their arms or back while vacuuming, we note the weight of each bagless vacuum as well as how balanced it feels when in use.
We research the long-term reliability and ease of maintenance of each bagless vacuum on our list.
We review both corded and battery-powered models in our search for the best bagless vacuums.
Bagless vacuum features
Indicator light
Most bagless vacuums have a clear dust container, which allows you to easily see when it’s full. However, some models also have an indicator light that alerts you when the container needs emptying, so you won’t try to vacuum when it’s already full and unable to pick up more debris. Some bagless vacuums also have indicator lights to notify you when the filters need cleaning or replacement.
Multi-floor settings
While vacuums are particularly effective at cleaning carpeting, homeowners also use them to pick up dirt, dust, and debris from hard flooring. But unless it’s designed for use on hard floors, it could damage these surfaces. In particular, hardwood flooring can get scratched if you don’t use an appropriate vacuum.
Choose a bagless vacuum with multi-floor settings so you can easily transition from carpeting to other types of flooring. That usually means you can turn off the motorized brush to prevent scratching bare floors.
Headlight
When you need to vacuum under furniture or in dark corners, it can be difficult to see if you’ve picked up all the dirt. A bagless vacuum with a headlight makes it easier to see these areas so you can thoroughly clean your home.
Accessories
Like their bagged counterparts, bagless vacuums often come with accessories to make cleaning your home even easier. These might include an extension hose for hard-to-reach areas, upholstery brush, duster brush, and crevice tool for tight, narrow areas.
Convertibility
Many cordless, bagless vacuums are designed to disassemble to convert to a handheld vacuum. This feature allows you to use the vacuum for smaller cleaning tasks and touch-ups throughout the house.
Bagless vacuum prices
Bagless vacuums typically range in price from $35 to $500.
Budget-friendly
Cordless models that offer less suction power than corded vacuums, have smaller dust containers, and don’t include many special features usually cost between $35 and $100.
Mid-range
These bagless vacuums may be corded or cordless, offer moderate suction power, have large dust containers, and include some special features. They generally cost between $100 and $250.
Expensive
If you’re in the market for the highest-quality bagless vacuum, you’ll pay between $250 and $500. These models are typically corded, offer greater suction power, have extra-large dust containers, and include a variety of special features.
Tips
-
Empty the dust container after every use. It’s a good habit to get into even if you’re only doing quick cleanup jobs. That way, your vacuum is always ready to use.
-
Check the brush roll on your vacuum periodically. If any hair or string is wrapped around it, use a pair of scissors to cut it away so the roller can move freely.
-
Clean or replace the filter regularly. This is extremely important with bagless vacuums. Follow the instructions in the owner’s manual regarding how often you should perform maintenance on the filter.
- Pick up small items off the floor before you start vacuuming. That way, they won’t accidentally get stuck inside the vacuum where they can damage the components.
FAQ
Q. How long does a bagless vacuum usually last?
A. It depends on the model you choose and how often you use your vacuum. In most cases, a bagless vacuum lasts an average of five years, with some models making it to ten. Keep in mind that cordless models aren’t as durable as corded bagless vacuums, so you might need to replace them sooner.
Q. What type of maintenance does a bagless vacuum require?
A. It’s important to regularly empty the dust container on a bagless vacuum to keep it working effectively. You should also take the vacuum apart every few months and clean each part that’s washable with soapy water. Because a bagless model doesn’t have a completely sealed system, you should also use a can of compressed air to dust the interior components periodically. Be sure to clean or replace the filters as recommended in the owner’s manual as well.
Q. Will a bagless vacuum be effective if I have pets?
A. A bagless vacuum can work extremely well at keeping pet hair and dander from collecting in your home. In fact, several manufacturers offer bagless models designed specifically for use on pet hair, a great option if you’ve got four-legged friends at home.
