How much do you think you know about bagged vacuums? Nowadays, they have somewhat of a bad reputation as bagless vacuum models are becoming more and more popular.
However, a bagged vacuum cleaner has an immense advantage when compared to a bagless vacuum, especially for allergy-prone people.
In the article below, you can find some of the best models and useful information on how to buy one.
Product Name | Type | Weight | Cord Length |
---|---|---|---|
Oreck Commercial XL2100RHS Vacuum | Commercial | 8.2 lbs | 35 ft |
Kenmore Elite 31150 Pet & Allergy | Upright | 20 lbs | 30 ft |
Hoover Platinum Collection Bagged Corded with Canister Vacuum | Canister | 12.8 lbs | Unknown |
Miele Pure Suction Canister Vacuum | Canister | 11 lbs | 21 ft |
Panasonic MC-UG471 Vacuum | Upright | 20 lbs | 24 ft |
Bissell Zing Maroon 4122 | Canister | 5.25 lbs | 17 ft |
Hoover WindTunnel MAX Bagged UH30600 | Upright | 18.4 lbs | 30 ft |
Kenmore 81414 Vacuum | Canister | 19 lbs | 26 ft |
Hoover Vacuum Cleaner Tempo WidePath U5140900 | Upright | 14.8 lbs | 25 ft |
Eureka Mighty Mite 3684F | Canister | 9 lbs | 20 ft |
Panasonic MC-UG223 | Upright | Unknown | 25 ft |
Kenmore 31140 Pet & Allergy Vacuum | Upright | 20 lbs | 30 ft |
Eureka Pet Rewind Vacuum | Upright | 12.3 lbs | 25 ft |
Electrolux EL4012A | Canister | 16.8 lbs | 21 ft |
Top Rated Bagged Vacuum Cleaners
Oreck Commercial XL2100RHS Bagged Vacuum Cleaner
Oreck XL2100RHS is a commercial upright vacuum cleaner with a path that’s 12 inches wide. It’s best for low-pile carpets and hard floors while it might be too strong for a soft carpet.
It’s important to mention that this upright vacuum cleaner got Ease-of-Use Commendation from Arthritis Foundation for its helping hand handle. Plus, the on/off switch is at the handgrip which adds to the overall convenience of this vacuum cleaner.
The Oreck Commercial XL commercial upright vacuum cleaner has automatic floor adjustment so moves between the hardwood floor and carpet with ease. You won’t have to use any extra effort nor change it to manual.
It features a fast, balanced brush and two helix brush rolls that spin at 6500 RPM. These side brushes collect and move all the dirt toward the cleaner’s inlet. The entire vacuum cleaner weighs about 8.2 pounds and comes with an extra-long power cable of 35 feet.
If we had to pick the best bagged vacuum, then this upright vacuum cleaner would be our top choice.

Specifications
- Weighs 8.2 pounds
- Best for low-pile carpets and hardwood
- 35 ft long cord
Pros
- Picks up hair
- Automatic floor settings
Cons
- It’s very loud
Kenmore Elite 31150 Pet & Allergy
Kenmore is a well-known company that came out with some of the most powerful bagged vacuums over the years. One of their best vacuums for every type of carpet is definitely this Pet&Allergy upright vacuum cleaner.
It has the 3D Inducer Motor that gives you 20% more air and helps maintain the suction. It’s beltless and has an infrared dirt sensor that activates a LED showing you where to focus the power. The LED lights turn off once the area is clean.
Much like all pet-friendly Kenmore bagged vacuum cleaners, this product is best for allergy-prone and people who own pets. Its HEPA captures 99.97% of pollen and dander, helping to improve the air quality in your house.
The exhaust air is clean, so you have no trouble breathing. The vacuum cleaner is certified by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.
Pros
- Certified filtration system
- Lots of attachments
- Shows where the dirt is
Cons
- Short hose
Hoover Platinum Collection Bagged Corded with Canister Vacuum
Everyone who has ever searched for best vacuum cleaners probably heard of Hoover. It’s among the best bagged vacuum models for deep and spot cleaning every type of carpet. However, their Platinum Collection is among the best-selling as it comes with two vacuums, one a canister vacuum cleaner, and one with a bag.
The best thing about this bagged vacuum cleaner is that it’s lightweight and it has a 12-Amp motor that maintains the suction at a constant satisfactory level.
It also has Wind-Tunnel and Direct Air-Flow technologies for fast and more effective results. When it’s assembled, the vacuum measures 9.75×44.87×14 (DxHxW) inches in total.
This bagged vacuum cleaner has illuminated hand controls and two speeds. It has a check-bag indicator and a self-sealing HEPA bag for improved air quality.
You get several attachments in the package, including a low-profile bare-floor and a dust brush, telescoping wand, dry floor nozzle, and a motorized brush.

Specifications
- 12-amp motor
- lightweight
Pros
- Comes with a canister vac
- Reusable HEPA bags
- Continuous suction
Cons
- No height settings
Miele Pure Suction Canister Vacuum
If you’re looking for a classic but impressive model, you should definitely consider the Pure Suction by Miele. It looks like those old canister vacuums we’re used to, but of course, with a more modern spin, sleek design, and elegant lotus white finish.
It’s so much more than your old and bulky canister vacuum cleaner as it features the Air Clean sealed system that removes hair and lint. It also has a turbo brush that helps pick up all the dirt, and hair and is suitable for most floors.
With the 6-stage variable speed Miele-made Vortex motor, this best canister vacuum cleaner delivers impressive cleaning performance without any loss of suction. Plus, it’s easy to use around furniture legs thanks to its 360-degree swivel wheels.
The HEPA AirClean filter features a dustbag, motor protection filter and an exhaust filter for maximum filtration. Plus, the self-sealing collar keeps all the dirt you’ve vacuumed safely trapped in the dustbag.
Pros
- 5 feet of cleaning radius
- Comes with a few accessories
- 6-setting rotary dial
Cons
- Not for thick carpets
Panasonic MC-UG471 Bagged Vacuum Cleaner
Panasonic is a veteran in the industry, so it’s no surprise they have some of the best bagged vacuum cleaners. The best thing about the MG-UG471 is that it’s quiet but powerful with a 12-Amp motor. It delivers strong suction on different types of carpets and floors in your home.
Its HEPA filter captures the smallest dust particles, irritants, allergens, and pollutants and traps them within the disposable bag. This improves air quality and creates a fresher and healthier environment for you and your family, which is especially suitable if you have pets indoors.
With a 15-inch wide floor nozzle and automatically adjustable height, the cleaner covers large areas of your home in less time. It also has an automatic headlight that helps you stay on track and not miss any spots.
The tool attachment features two wands, a stretch hose, and a dust brush. It’s within reach and allows quick access to convenient and easy floor cleaning. It also features an automatic power cable rewind mechanism that adds to the convenience, ease of use, and ease of storage.
Pros
- Adjustable Height
- Automatic cable rewind
- Constant and powerful suction
Cons
- Brush can’t be turned off
Bissell Zing Maroon 4122 Canister Vacuum
Bissell Maroon 4122 is a portable bagged canister vacuum that’s powerful and best for all kinds of carpets and hard floors.
It’s a versatile canister vacuum that’s suitable for both hard floors and soft carpets. The best thing about 4122 is that it’s also easy to use on furniture which is quite convenient if you have pets. It takes just a flip of a switch to go from cleaning hard floors to high-pile carpet and soft carpet types.
This canister vacuum features automatic cord rewind that helps with overall storage and ease of use. Just one push of a button and the cable is within the cleaner.
Another useful feature is the full bag indicator that shows when it’s the time to empty the bag. The bag is reusable so you can just empty it in the trash and put it back in. Replacement bags are sold separately so you can change them once they wear out.

Specifications
- 14V Lithium-ion battery
- 5.25 pounds
- Handheld Vacuum
Pros
- For all floors
- Automatic cable rewind
- Full bad indictaor
Cons
- The attachments don’t lock with the hose
Hoover WindTunnel MAX Bagged UH30600
If you don’t like vacuuming that often, you’ll love this Hoover upright vacuum cleaner. The unique technology creates three channels of suction that lift, remove, and trap dust mites and dirt from your floors.
It’s especially convenient since you don’t even have to touch the full and dirty bag. A simple touch releases the bag into your trash, so you don’t have to make any contact with it.
Plus, it has the option of turning the brush off. This model is best used for low-pile carpets, hard floors, and other types of floors that require versatile cleaning. Plus, the brush turns off automatically when you set the cleaner against the wall.
The WindTunnel Max comes with a 30-foot cable allowing you to cover large areas of your home without having to re-plug the cleaner. It includes a 12-inch crevice attachment, an upholstery tool, an air-powered hand tool, and a telescoping extension wand.
Pros
- HEPA filters
- Automatic brush
Cons
- Quite noisy
Kenmore 81414 Vacuum Cleaner
This multi-surface sweeper has a powerful 2-motor system much like most Kenmore cleaners. It has two dedicated floor nozzles and a triple HEPA filter for efficient floor cleaning and improved air quality.
It’s best recommended for those who suffer from any allergies as the HEPA certified filtration system captures 99.97% of trapping debris, pollen, pet dander, and other allergens. The exhaust air is clean and fresh for a better environment.
It comes with a crevice attachment, a dust brush, and a bare floor tool for easier cleaning transitions from carpets to hard floors. The automatic cord rewind makes it easy to store away when not in use. On top of that, it has an extension wand allowing you to reach up to 10 feet.
The four height settings allow you to clean different floor types but keep in mind its suction. Some claim the cleaner is too powerful for a plush and soft carpet.
Pros
- 26-feet cable
- Optimal airflow
- 2-motor system
Cons
- Not for thick carpets
Hoover Vacuum Cleaner Tempo WidePath U5140900
This unique machine has a cleaning head that’s 15’’ wide hence its name. The width allows you to clean larger rooms much faster than you would with a smaller cleaner.
It has an effective filtration system as the air is cleaned when it leaves the bag and then once more before it leaves the machine.
The filters are washable so they’ll last you a long time. Additionally, this cleaner is the best when it comes to picking up both pet and human hair.
Another thing that makes it suitable for allergy sufferers is its bag. It’s made with Allergen Media and has filters that trap about 99% of pollen and dirt. This is best if you have pets in the house.
The 25-foot cord makes it easy to clean larger rooms without having to re-plug the machine all the time. This is especially convenient if you have a large house with a staircase.
To get the job done easier, Hoover included two extension wands, a dust brush, crevice, and other tools.

Specifications
- 25-foot cord
- Filters trap about 99% of pollen and dust
Pros
- Washable filters
- Long cord
- Suitable for pet hairs
Cons
- No bag indicator
Eureka Mighty Mite 3684F
Eureka is known for its excellent pet hair vacuums, so it’s only logical we include one of their high-quality bagged ones. The Mighty Mite 3684F is best used if you have children or allergy-prone family members as it helps to improve air quality.
It comes with several attachments that are specially designed for pets like a crevice attachment, combination dusting, and upholstery tool. Plus, with a 10-inch cleaning head, vacuuming won’t take as much of your time as it used to.
This model has a HEPA system that captures up to 99.97% of debris, pollen, and every type of dirt created by your dog or cat.
On top of that, it comes with the Arm & Hammer odor-eliminating bag that captures pet dander and eliminates pet odors. Its 20-foot cord and extended telescoping wand make it easier to clean different areas in your home.

Specifications
- 20-foot power cord
- Weights 9 pounds
Pros
- Weighs 9 pounds
- Odor-eliminating bag
- Cord storage
- Best bagged vacuum for cleaning up hair
Cons
- Not the best for dense carpets
Panasonic MC-UG223
Though the cleaner doesn’t look that attractive, Panasonic made sure it performs well which is essentially far more important. It comes in this olive green color that makes it look a bit old-fashioned, but that doesn’t really matter because it performs quite impressively.
The best thing about this model is that it has a 12-Amp system that provides and maintains supreme suction power throughout the entire cleaning process.
With a 14-inch nozzle cleaning path, it won’t take you as long to clean spacious rooms. Plus, it comes with a 10-feet attachment that helps you reach some tricky areas.
Another thing that’s important to note is the headlight that makes it easier to spot dirty areas. Also, because it has automatic edge cleaning, the cleaner picks up even the most persistent dirt in the corners of a room.
It adjusts to different height and surfaces, so you don’t have to manually adapt the vacuum cleaner going from a hard floor to a soft carpet or the other way around.
Pros
- Edge cleaning
- Long reach
- Automatically adjustable height
Cons
- Doesn’t fit under most furniture
Kenmore 31140 Pet & Allergy Vacuum
The Kenmore 31140 Pet & Allergy has a 2-motor system and the brand’s unique Power Flow technology. The combination ensures the powerful suction remains consistent throughout the floor cleaning process. It captures debris, dirt, and dust from bare floors, carpets, and area rugs.
Its triple HEPA filter system makes it best for all who suffer from allergies because it captures about 99.97% of fine dust, dander, debris, dirt, pollen, and other allergens. The best thing about this model is that it’s also AAFA certified as it helps to improve air quality.
It comes with a combination cleaning tool that’s best for tight corners and baseboards. You also get a Pet Handi-Mate and a telescoping wand for carpets under and behind your furniture.
This model has four height adjustments for high efficiency if you have several different carpets and hard floors in your house. The LED lights help with carpet cleaning, allowing you to notice dirty areas.
Pros
- 30-feet cord
- 10-feet attachment reach
- HEPA
Cons
- A bit hard to maneuver with
Eureka Pet Rewind Vacuum
The Eureka Pet Rewind is among the most popular upright bagged vacuum cleaners. This model is best for everyone who is prone to allergies. Though it looks a bit bulky, it’s simple to maneuver with because it’s lightweight and suitable if you have back pain.
The vacuum comes with a crevice attachment, pet power paw, telescoping wand, and a dust brush for more versatility. These tools help you pick up and remove hair from carpets, furniture, and stairs with ease.
You can turn the rotating brush on and off depending on the surface you’re cleaning. Keep it on in order to deep clean carpets, and off to clean hardwood and other hard floors.
The Pet Rewind vacuum has a HEPA filter that picks up allergens, pollutants, dirt, debris, and pretty much anything else on its way. It also eliminates odors.
It might be a bit hard to store away due to its size depending on how much space you have in your home. The cord rewinds in the vacuum to make the storage a bit easier.

Specifications
- Crevice attachment included
- HEPA Filtration
- Telescoping wand included
Pros
- On/off brush
- HEPA
- Absorbs odors
Cons
- The hose is a bit floppy
Electrolux EL4012A
If you’re looking for a compact vacuum that’s efficient and easy to work with, you should check out the Electrolux Silent Performer.
It’s among the best models on the market due to the fact that it’s much quieter than most others.
Additionally, this model produces minimal noise so you can use it at any time you want without fearing you might disturb the neighbors.
The 360-degree motion technology allows easy maneuverability. This allows the vacuum cleaner to go around and behind your furniture easily.
On top of that, the Clean Air filtration traps all debris, and other allergens. Its Deep-cleaning suction is perfect for cleaning carpets, hard floors, and rugs quickly and with ease.
The vacuum comes with a 3-in-1 crevice attachment, upholstery nozzle, and dusting brush. It weighs a little over 16 pounds.

Specifications
- 3-in-1 crevice tool
- 360-degree motion technology
Pros
- Easy to maneuver with
- Silent operation
- Compact and easy to store
Cons
- Not for thick carpets
Benefits of Using an Upright Bagged Vacuum Cleaner
The best thing about this type of vacuum is that there’s no contact with the dust that’s in the bag.
Once the vacuum is full, you simply remove and throw it without actually touching the contents. This is great especially if you have to clean a lot of hair.
Some of the best bagged vacuum cleaners in the market even come with reusable replacement bags which is a more eco-friendly option.
Another plus is the fact that these come with different filters. Bagged vacuum cleaners use HEPA bags and all kinds of other filtration systems to achieve clean exhaust air. Although some bags are disposable, many bags and filters are reusable which means you can occasionally clean them.
Bagged vacuum cleaners come in many different sizes and styles. The versatility allows you to choose anything from an upright to a canister vacuum cleaner depending on your cleaning needs and preferences.
Buyer’s Guide
It’s no secret that bagged vacuum cleaners have a bit of a bad reputation now that the market offers bagless vacuum cleaners as well. But, as you’ve seen, there are many benefits to owning a bagged vacuum thanks to the many types of bags they use.
Manufacturers, as well as users, still acknowledge these benefits which is why we have as many models to choose from. The extensive list of different options tends to make it hard to pick just one.
For this reason, we did some research and testing and came up with a buyer’s guide to help you in your search for the best bagged vacuum. Choosing a bagged vacuum cleaner requires some experience and time, so it’s easy to make a mistake when looking to buy one.
You’ll find some useful information below that can help you find the best bagged vacuum cleaner for your household. We’ll discuss all you should know about bags and other factors before buying one.
Check Features
Top of the line vacuums typically come with various features and specifications. Many agree that there’s no right or wrong when it comes to the list of features and that it’s all merely a matter of your preference.
Bagged vacuums usually come with a motorized brush though you can find some models without. If it does come with a brush, make sure it has a switch allowing you to turn it off. You’re probably wondering why would you want to turn off the brush, and the answer is simple.
When the brush roll is deactivated, the vacuum instantly becomes more suitable for hard floors especially hardwood and laminate. A motorized brush can sometimes damage hard floors if there is much debris on the surface.
Another thing you want to consider when looking for the best bagged vacuum cleaner is a height adjustment, both manual and automatic. In most cases, it doesn’t matter whether the vacuum cleaner adapts to carpets and hard floors on its own or you have to do it manually. What’s important is that it has such an option.
When it comes to features, many make the common mistake of looking for the strongest suction. It’s quite crucial for your vacuum to be strong, but you want to consider the one that has adjustable power settings and allows you to control that floor cleaning power. This will let you clean every type of dirt from all-pile carpets to draperies and different delicate fabrics.
Types of Filters
Cartridge
These are disposable which means you’ll have to replace them now and then. However, you can sometimes just tap off the dust before you replace the entire filter. This could make the disposable system last longer which is especially useful if you forgot to buy a replacement.
They are easy to work with, and it takes little time to replace them. They are fitted with rubber casings that help to fix the filters in place. In most cases, your filter should slide into position quickly and without any force applied.
These are sometimes primary but can also be found as secondary filters depending on the exact vacuum model.
Foam
Filters made of foam serve as secondary since they can only filter the air that’s already been separated from dirt and particles. They help the vacuum produce cleaner exhaust air.
The best part about them is that in most cases they can be washed and reused. However, make sure to double check in your user’s manual if the particular foam filter can be reused.
Disk
These are primary filters and are mostly used in cordless stick vacuums. They can’t sustain as much dust and usually need to be emptied more regularly. However, they’re usually more expensive than all of the other types.
Cloth
Cloth filters are something you’ll find in large machines that vacuum large particles. They are much tougher than other types, and you can wash and reused them many times.
In most cases, you’ll see them in older models, shop-vacs, and other large units.
Canister or Upright?
As we said, each type of vacuum has its pros and cons, so they all deliver different things. Still, you can find filter bags in both bagged upright and canister vacuum cleaners which often makes people wonder which of one is better.
Upright vacuum cleaners are best for wall-to-wall cleaning and can be found as cordless too. They might be a bit heavy which is a little inconvenient since you have to push them in front of you. However, best upright vacuums do a great job of cleaning hard-to-reach areas under and around your furniture. In most cases, these also come with many accessories.
Canister bagged vacuums are more lightweight and compact thus easier to maneuver with. You have to pull them as you clean which is much easier for some homeowners.
They are equally as effective in picking up hair, debris, dust, and dirt from different kinds of surfaces. It’s unlikely you’ll find a cordless model, but they do come with rather long power cords.
Again, neither one is better, nor will a canister vacuum cleaner or an upright vacuum give an edge on what’s considered the “best bagged vacuum”; it’s just based on what you need to clean in your household or office.
Noise Level
No vacuum cleaner can be silent, but some are quieter than others. In most cases, it depends on what suction settings you use and whether the vacuum comes with a motorized brush.
Bagged vacuums aren’t any louder or quieter than any other since the bag itself doesn’t affect the noise level in any way.
Some brands do have quiet models in their offer, and most of them are worth considering if the noise level is something you’re particularly worried about.
Bag or Bagless
There’s an ongoing battle between bagged and bagless vacuums, and the truth is, it can get a bit confusing. Bagless vacuums have become so accessible and easy to find that it’s hard to resist them.
Bagged vacuums are sometimes bulkier when compared to nearly every bagless vacuum cleaner, but they have other, more significant benefits.
These are more suitable for allergy-prone people as they have a better cleaning ability, capturing even the finest dust. More so, a bag keeps that dust trapped within the vacuum throughout use which isn’t the case with bagless vacuums.
Once the bag is full, all you have to do is remove and throw it away. Some newer models even allow throwing the bag without actually touching it. This means far less dust is flying around when the vacuum cleaner is open.
The case with a bagless vacuum is entirely different. A bagless upright vacuum has a dust cup that you have to empty outside because of all the dust flying around which, we can all agree, isn’t the best scenario for allergy-prone people.
To put it simply, a bagged vacuum is far cleaner than a bagless vacuum. In most cases, these are easy to maneuver with. They are best for pet owners and people with small children.
FAQ
Q: Are Bagged Vacuums Good for Hardwood Floors?
Answer: Most vacuums are different which means some are better for certain types of floors. This hard floor is especially sensitive which is why you want something that’s effective yet gentle on the surface.
We consider the Kenmore Elite 31150 Pet & Allergy as the best bagged vacuum when it comes to hardwood.
It’s an impressive upright vacuum with a HEPA filter and many useful features and accessories that make the floor cleaning process easier. Its four-level height settings make it equally as suitable for carpets and rugs.
Q: Can bagged vacuums clean pet hair?
Answer: It doesn’t really matter whether a vacuum has a bag or not for it to be effective against pet hair. Nonetheless, most bagged vacuums do a great job of picking up the persistent debris.
Mighty Mite 3684F by Eureka is one of the best bagged vacuum models to fight hair with ease. It’s efficient and provides plenty of cleaning power while it also has a HEPA system. Its Arm & Hammer odor-eliminating bag helps to exhaust fresher air.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, our reviews helped take off some of that bad rep that bagged vacuums usually come with. These are great and powerful vacuums that are often easy to use on all kinds of flooring.
More so, the new technology brought us many choices, so bagged vacuums are no longer huge, heavy, and tricky to maneuver with. Primarily, you can choose between canister models and uprights depending on your preference and needs.
The ones we included in our list of best bagged vacuums are the most popular on the market. They come with different features and specifications which means one of these is the best bagged vacuum cleaner for you.