Is the performance of your current vacuum starting to decrease? Are the pet hairs piling up on your carpet? We get it – you’re in the market for a new one. However, with many vacuum types available, it’s hard to know which kind to consider.
Bagged vacuums have been in the game for a long time. But what gives them their staying power? Among other things, they seal dirt away and tend to make less of a mess.
So, if you prefer your dirt locked away in a bag while you vacuum, you’re probably interested in one of these best bagged vacuums. Keep reading for our seven picks.
- AirClean filter included
- Lots of power
- Perfect maneuverability
- Premium electric brush head
- Five floor settings
- Large working radius
- User-friendly and lightweight design
- Large bag
- Easy cord replacement
- Practical easy-to-use design
- Cord retraction
- Multi-layer filtration
- Excellent for pet hair
- No-touch bag release
- Fitted headlight & no-scuff bumper
- Only weighs 8.9 pounds
- 1,500W suction power
- HEPA filter
- Lightweight and powerful
- 12-inch cleaning path
- User-friendly handle
The Best Bagged Vacuum Reviews of 2024
Check out our reviews of these seven brilliant bagged vacuums.
Miele Classic C1 Canister Vacuum
Best Overall Bagged Vacuum
Immense power in an aesthetically pleasing package is what this Miele C1 is all about. But what makes us love Miele is that its beauty goes beyond the exterior.
Inside sits a powerful 1,200-watt motor, guaranteeing a high output of suction power. Plus, it includes several accessories such as a floorhead, dusting brush, upholstery, and crevice tool to make up your cleaning essentials.
Miele made the vacuum exterior from high-quality ABS plastic. This vacuum is so durable, it’s backed by a seven-year warranty. Miele also included its AirClean system — a thorough filtration feature.
What We Like
Aesthetic and Durable Design
We highly recommend this limited edition vacuum if you enjoy having nice-looking equipment at home. Miele put extra emphasis on the exterior, creating a beautiful angled and curved shell. Then they coated it in subtle graphite grey.
It is great to look at, but it’s also durable as well. The ABS material is sturdy yet lightweight.
Lots of Power from 1200 Watt Motor
Power is essential when it comes to vacuums, but so is control. Miele gives you both in its limited edition. It’s a Vortex 1,200-watt Miele motor offering you the choice of bringing it down to 300 watts which is great for cleaning curtains.
Plus, it’s fitted with a Pure Suction Combination Floorhead. By using the footswitch, you can set it to hard floors or carpeting. For smooth gliding, it has a metal soleplate and small rubber wheels to avoid scratching the floor.
Perfect Maneuverability With 360-Degree Wheels
Under the canister sits three 360-degree castor wheels, making movements as smooth as possible. The wheels sit on steel axles, giving excellent stability while enforcing effortless maneuverability. Additionally, Miele gives you a 29.5-feet power cord.
Place the wand into Miele’s park system when you need to take a break. It’s practical and eliminates the need to rest it against a wall.
AirClean Filter Included
The AirClean system is composed of Miele’s dust bag and protection filter for the motor and exhaust. It ensures optimal filtration, leaving almost no particles in the room.
Additionally, it has a self-sealing collar, confining everything inside the machine. Dirt and dust have no chance of escaping.
What We Don't Like
Cord Is Shorter Than Stated
The description states that with the cord, you’ll have a 29.5-feet working radius. However, a few disappointed users pointed out that the cable is much too short for that. Some measured it to be 17 feet.
Product Specs
Type of vacuum | Canister |
Power | 1,200 watts |
Weight | 13 pounds |
Warranty | Seven-year limited warranty |
Our Ratings
Miele Marin Complete C3 Canister Vacuum
Best Canister Bagged Vacuum
Miele is behind some of the best vacuum cleaners in the market, and its Complete C3 doesn’t disappoint. With an attractive marine color, this vacuum packs a punch.
It has a 1,200-watt motor with fitted suction control, allowing you to set it for a specific task. You can also choose between five different height settings — perfect for low to high carpets.
Miele stresses that it’s ideal for carpet cleaning, thanks to its Electro Comfort brush. The electrobrush head is where the practicality reaches its climax. It features a Parquet Twister, 180-degree swivel, and LED headlights.
What’s more, the automatic self-adjusting setting lets the vacuum think for itself and change according to the surface.
What We Like
Premium Electric Roller Brush Head
The brush head is one of our favorite features of this vacuum. It’s an electrically driven roller, specifically made for carpet cleaning. It measures approximately 14 inches wide, giving you a significant span.
When you turn the vacuum on, the brush underneath spins. This drives out dust and dirt from your carpet into the suction. Just retract the brush with the footswitch as you move to hard floors.
Five Floor Settings for Flexible Cleaning
Even though it’s perfect for rugs, it also includes settings for hard and bare floors. It lets you choose between five different heights suitable for high carpets to uncovered flooring.
What’s more, it has six-speed settings, which you adjust as you transition between them. The machine will automatically reduce power when you move to a carpeted surface. Then, once you pull out onto the floor, it increases power again.
Large Working Radius
Miele states that you get 36 feet of working radius before needing to change the outlet. It has a long cord — which retracts with the push of a button — and a long stainless steel wand.
LED Lights and Swivel
Miele placed a row of LED lights on the brush to illuminate hard-to-see places. It also adds to the appeal of the vacuum, giving it a techy touch. The head can turn 180 degrees, reaching spots you otherwise wouldn’t be able to.
What We Don't Like
Suction Clogs at 90-Degree Angle
Although the head can turn 180 degrees, it sometimes struggles at the 90-degree mark. A few users report that the vacuum’s suction significantly reduces as if that angle blocks the tube.
Product Specs
Type of vacuum | Canister |
Power | 1,200 watts |
Weight | 10.35 pounds |
Warranty | Seven-year limited warranty |
Our Ratings
Oreck Commercial, Professional Upright Vacuum
Best Commercial Bagged Vacuum
If you’re looking for an efficient upright vacuum, we highly recommend this one from Oreck. It’s versatile and lightweight, weighing about eight pounds. Plus, it fits comfortably close to walls and under furniture.
To keep the suction going, a cog-V Endurolife belt motor whirls the helix head brushes at 9,500 RMPs. It’s incredibly durable and efficient, especially for hard floors.
It features a 620 cubic inch bag designed to fill up without decreasing the suction power. What’s more, Oreck included a 40-foot power cord, providing plenty of room to clean before changing the outlet.
What We Like
Powerful Suction Brushes
The brushes on this vacuum are fast and efficient and create just enough turbulence. So all the small particles loosen their grip and are pulled right up to the suction.
The belt responsible for turning the brush is Oreck’s special Endurolife. As the name suggests, it can endure heavy usage with ease.
User-Friendly and Only Weighs 8 Pounds
The machine weighs approximately eight pounds — easy to carry with you from room to room. Many also point out that the handle is comfortable and easy to use. You get complete control right from your fingertips, thanks to the button at the top.
Large 620 Cubic Inch Dust Bag
The vacuum has a 620 cubic inch dust bag. So, it can hold a lot of dirt before requiring a change. Additionally, as it fills up, it preserves the machine’s suction power.
Easy Cord Replacement
Oreck makes it super easy to replace the cord. It’s attached via a clamp, so simply remove and replace it if something should break.
What We Don't Like
No Cord Retraction System
Oreck didn’t include a retraction system or hook for the long 40-feet power cord. This may prove to be an annoyance while cleaning and storing.
Product Specs
Type of vacuum | Upright |
Power | Not Specified |
Weight | 8 pounds |
Warranty | One-year limited warranty |
Our Ratings
Bissell Zing 2154 Bagged Canister Vacuum
Best Bagged Vacuum for Multi-Surface Homes
Practical and light as a feather is how we describe this multi-surface vacuum. It ranks high among bagged canister vacuums, thanks to its ability to effectively remove pet hair.
Although the rug is where it thrives, take it for a spin on hard flooring, and you’ll see what it can do. Its ergonomic handle fits comfortably in your hand, and it glides effortlessly at your commands.
You can change the settings to suit a carpet or floor with a flip of a switch. The telescoping wand allows you to get under furniture and other hard-to-reach places. Once you’re done, the cord retracts with the push of a button until next time.
What We Like
Practical and User-Friendly Design
This Bissell bagged vacuum is super practical. Everything from the ergonomic handle to the telescopic wand makes it easy to use. The flexible hose is 6-feet long, giving you incredible reach under furniture and up the drapes.
To suit various floors, it comes with a multi-surface nozzle. And toggling between modes requires only the push of a button. What’s more, although it’s not specifically made for it, many users mention how effective it is at removing pet hair.
Cord Retraction System
The power cord isn’t the longest, but it does come with a retraction system activated by a button. It rewinds smoothly once you’ve finished cleaning, keeping it out of sight during storage.
Multi-Layer Filtration
The filtration is extra thorough. Dust and dirt go through several layers, each catching a certain amount until nearly none is let through the exhaust. This makes this the perfect choice for people sensitive to dust.
Remember, though, that we still recommend HEPA for those with allergies.
Bissell offers separate dust bags and filters to replace the old ones. It’s recommended to change the filters once in a while. Unfortunately, the machine doesn’t have a filter indicator light but double-check while changing the bags.
What We Don't Like
Not Optimal for Carpet Work
The canister has tiny wheels on the side, and it doesn’t glide as smoothly. When you use it on carpets, it tends to get stuck. Some users find this annoying, especially since rugs are where pet hair is often found.
Not for Heavy-Duty Work
This vacuum performs well for everyday tasks such as crumbs on the carpet or dust on the floor. However, it’s not for heavy-duty jobs. Given its nine amps power, this is a disappointment.
Product Specs
Type of vacuum | Canister |
Power | 9 amps |
Weight | 7.5 pounds |
Warranty | One-year limited warranty |
Our Ratings
Hoover WindTunnel Pet Upright Vacuum
Best Bagged Vacuum for Pet Hair
We certainly do cherish our pets — but they leave behind a fair amount of mess. No matter how much we love them, the shedding hair has got to go. Hoover specifically designed this vacuum to fit a household with pets.
It consists of a Pet Approved Windtunnel System, adorably called P.A.W.S. The system is composed of Hoover’s WindTunnel Technology, enforced by a HEPA filter to trap pollen and dust.
Two other great features are the One Touch and Clean-Drop bag systems. You can quickly access the dust bag and release it into the bin without touching it.
What We Like
Excellent for Pet Hair
The P.A.W.S system combines two features excellent for keeping pet allergies at bay.
Windtunnel Technology separates fixed dirt and hairs stuck to surfaces while minimizing scatters and blowbacks. The other excellent component of P.A.W.S is the use of activated carbon HEPA filters.
This filter is particularly thorough. It can trap 99.9 percent of pollen and dust, down to 0.3 microns. The carbon used absorbs odors around the house while the vacuum is in use.
No-Touch Bag Release
Hoover includes the One Touch door and Clean-Drop Bag systems to ensure there’s no contact with the vacuumed content.
One Touch is a release system, enabling a smooth opening for the bag door. Then the Clean-Drop Bag lets you press a button, and the dust bag is released into the bin.
Practical Settings and Long Cord
The cord has a great length, measuring 30 feet. You can quickly go from one room to another without unplugging. On the vacuum’s head is a brush roll, which you engage when you transition from floor to carpet.
You can choose between five heights suitable for thick carpets to bare floors. Hoover also included several accessories such as an air-powered tool, pet upholstery tool, extension wand, and crevice tool.
Fitted Headlight and No-Scuff Bumper
This vacuum is fitted with a useful headlight, helping you spot hiding hairs and other dirt. What’s more, it has a No-Scuff bumper: a rubberized edge on the head preventing damages to your furniture.
What We Don't Like
Loud Machine – May Scare Pets
Pets such as cats and dogs can get spooked by loud sounds (1). While many users said it didn’t scare their pets, they still noted that it was pretty noisy.
Cord Tangles Easily
The cord is quite long, and unfortunately, there’s no retraction system or hook to contain it. This is definitely an inconvenience. It tangles while you’re vacuuming and is challenging to store.
Product Specs
Type of vacuum | Upright |
Power | Not Specified |
Weight | 15 pounds |
Warranty | Two-year limited warranty |
Our Ratings
Eureka Bagged Mighty Mite Canister Vacuum
Best Lightweight Bagged Vacuum
If you’re searching for a lightweight vacuum with plenty of power, look no further. Eureka’s Mighty Mite weighs less than nine pounds but packs a 1,500-watt motor.
It comes with several pet hair attachments as well as a HEPA filter. The filtration will remove 99.97 percent of dirt and dust. It’s also fitted with an odor-eliminating Arm and Hammer Dust Bag.
The vacuum provides a decent reach with its 20-foot cord, 6-foot hose, and extended wand. You’ll also receive a crevice tool to get into the narrow spots.
What We Like
Only Weighs 8.9 Pounds
Mighty Mite is like a canister handheld vacuum. It weighs 8.9 pounds and has a handle attached to the top for easy carrying. You can quickly take it on the carpeted staircase and get all the dirt out.
We appreciate how compact it is. It has a length of 17 inches and a height of 11 inches. So, this vacuum won’t take up much space in storage.
1,500W Suction Power
We’re highly impressed with the suction power. The compact canister holds a 1,500-watt motor. It’s incredibly powerful – one of the strongest on our list today.
It’s practical as well. You can adjust the height between two settings: rug and bare floors. The suction head has a broad cleaning path, measuring 10 inches.
Practical Accessories
The pet attachment is convenient and easy to use. It consists of a small head with bristles, which you attach to the wand. Then as you move it across a carpet, the brush will loosen the hair before the suction picks it up.
Other accessories are a crevice attachment for the hard-to-get spots and a blower port. Thanks to its light weight, you can even use it to blow dirt from your garage or off your car.
HEPA Filter for Clean Air
The vacuum comes with a HEPA filter and odor-eliminating dust bag. This will capture 99.97 percent of dust around the home, preventing it from shooting out the exhaust.
To eliminate odors, Eureka utilizes a unique dust bag. It removes pet-dander and smells, leaving your indoor space refreshed.
What We Don't Like
Not Great on Carpets
The head has brushes that extend when you vacuum a carpet or rug. However, a few users said it became almost three times harder to push it across the surface. Some even noticed that it lost suction power as you pulled back.
The Hose Is Very Soft
The 6-foot hose is quite soft and bends far too easily. This is especially disappointing since the former Mighty Mite didn’t have this issue.
Product Specs
Type of vacuum | Canister |
Power | 1,500 watts |
Weight | 8 pounds |
Warranty | One-year limited warranty |
Our Ratings
Oreck XL2100RHS Commercial XL Upright Vacuum
Best Bagged Vacuum for Low-Carpet Homes
Extra-large yet ultra-lightweight, this Oreck AL commercial upright vacuum is excellent for homes needing more power. It weighs approximately eight pounds and is perfect for all types of flooring.
It has a 500-watt motor. While not the strongest, it can spin the dual helix brushes 6,500 times per minute. We appreciate the 12-inch broad head with side brushes. It allows you to get up close to baseboards, removing all the dust and dirt.
Furthermore, it’s quite user-friendly — you control everything from the comfortable handle. It can automatically adjust its height according to your specific task. And it’s excellent in low-carpeted areas.
What We Like
Lightweight and Powerful
This vacuum has great power in a relatively lightweight body. At only eight pounds, it’s super light compared to other upright models. This makes it easy to maneuver and carry with you from room to room.
It packs a punch when it comes to power. Although the motor is only 500 watts, it spins the brushes at an incredible speed. It’s capable of loosening up all the embedded dirt and dust.
12-Inch Cleaning Path
The 12-inch cleaning path is ample for most cleaning jobs. This vacuum can lay down almost flat, allowing you to get under furniture or other objects. It has a 36-foot long cord, giving an impressive radius to work with.
Dust loves to accumulate on baseboards and in corners up to the wall. Fortunately, Oreck fitted the vacuum with side brushes, effectively removing dirt and dust. There are also bumpers, protecting walls and surfaces.
User-Friendly Handle
Oreck received an Arthritis Foundation Ease-of-Use commendation thanks to the handle. User-friendly is what this machine is all about. It eliminates any need for squeezing or bending the wrists.
What We Don't Like
Lacks Additional Tools and Accessories
Not many tools are included. For example, it’s not great on stairs – a hose would be helpful for this. Other accessories such as crevice tools could’ve been handy for those tight spots.
Product Specs
Type of vacuum | Upright |
Power | 500 watts |
Head width | 12 inches |
Weight | 8 pounds |
Warranty | One-year limited warranty |
Our Ratings
Product | Best | Type | Power | Weight | Warranty |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Miele Classic C1 | All Rounder | Canister | 1,200 W | 13 lbs | 7-year limited |
Miele Marin C3 | Canister | Canister | 1,200 W | 10.35 lbs | 7-year limited |
Oreck Professional | Commercial | Upright | N/A | 8 lbs | 1-year limited |
Bissell Zing | For Multi-Surfaces | Canister | 9 amps | 7.5 lbs | 1-year limited |
Hoover WindTunnel | For Pet Hair | Upright | N/A | 15 lbs | 2-year limited |
Eureka Mighty Mite | Lightweight | Canister | 1,500 W | 8 lbs | 1-year limited |
Oreck XL2100RHS | For Low-Carpets | Upright | 500 W | 8 lbs | 1-year limited |
Should You Choose a Bagged Vacuum?
Bagged vacuums are excellent in many ways. However, they aren’t for everyone. To help you out, we’ve made a list of pros and cons:
Pros
- Large capacity: Bagged vacuums, in general, have room for plenty of dirt. Some can carry a 1-gallon bag, while others can hold two gallons.
- Less mess: While some come with reusable bags, disposable is more common. So when it’s time to replace a bag, all you do is remove it and put it in the trash. Nowadays, there are also compostable, eco-friendly vacuum bag options.
- Easier on allergies: Many vacuums use enclosed bags fitted with a HEPA filter, leaving the air cleaner. Additionally, if you utilize disposable bags, there’s no canister to empty, meaning less dust becomes airborne again.
- Budget-friendly: Bagged vacuums come at reasonable prices ranging from around $50 to $500. Still, high-end brands such as Miele come with a higher price tag. However, these brands often have more features and better motors.
Cons
- Disposable bags: As we’ve mentioned, disposable bags cause less mess. But at the same time, they can be inconvenient and perhaps pricey. You must purchase new ones when you run out. It can also sometimes be challenging to find compatible bags for specialized vacuums.
Considerations Before Buying a Bagged Vacuum
The vacuum you choose must suit your lifestyle. To make the best purchase, here are some points are worth considering:
Useful Bagged Vacuum Features
Features should make the job easier, and bagged vacuums have lots to choose from. That said, not all are necessary. Here are a few to mull over: