When it comes time to purchase a new vacuum there are a lot of choices to make. What brand you want, whether you want a cordless or plug-in model, what your budget is, and what kind of accessories you need. Another decision that you have to make is whether you want a model that includes a bag or not. If you’re not sure what the differences are, and which type works best for you, here are some tips to help decide.

The Purpose of Bags in a Vacuum

In the early days, all vacuum cleaners came with a bag that would collect dirt, dust, and debris as you cleaned. These types of vacuums remain today—although with a lot of upgrades since the early days of vacuum bags—but they are no longer the only option. Generally there is no difference in the price, quality of suction, or the accessories available whether you have a bag or not, as both types come in a variety of models at various price points. The difference between the two is how you collect and dispose of the dust and debris. Bagged vacuums collect it all inside a bag that you have to remove and replace when it gets full. Bagless vacuums have a filter that leads into a chamber for collecting dirt you will have to empty.

Advantages of Bagged Vacuums

As mentioned, bagged vacuums have been around for a while (the first model was invented in 1907 by James Murray Spangler, and the patent sold a year later to William Henry Hoover).

Benefits of bagged vacuums include:

• Hygiene – keeps dirt and debris inside a closed bag, even when you are cleaning and replacing the bag
• Simplicity – remove the bag and throw it out versus trying to empty dirt into the trash and releasing allergens back into the air in the process
• Allergies – trap dust and allergens inside a bag, protecting allergy sufferers
• Low maintenance – most can hold up to two pounds of debris so you won’t need to empty the bag very often

Advantages of Bagless Vacuums

Advantages of bagless vacuums include:

• No additional costs – you won’t need to buy new bags ever
• Simple cleaning – emptying out the dirt chamber is usually quick and easy, although you will occasionally need to rinse and air dry the filter

Both bagless and bagged vacuums are available with HEPA filters, which makes each a good choice for capturing harmful allergens from your house. The risk with a bagless vacuum is that you might release some of those allergens back into the air when you empty it.

To see all the bagged and bagless options available and talk to our experts about which is right for you, stop by or shop online at Vacuums 360 today.