Bagged vs Bagless: 12 experts reveal their favorite type of vacuum cleaner

I was planning to build this roundup for quite some time, as a lot of people are asking me lately what type of vacuum cleaner should they buy. There are plenty of good reasons why both types would suit any household, no matter how big or small. Bagless units are really trending right now because they’re cheaper in long-term, comfortable and usually transparent. However, plastic bins have some flaws. Besides the smaller capacity, emptying them is a messy business. Filters need to be changed (or washed) often on bagless vacuums. On the other hand, bagged units can accommodate up to 2 lbs. of debris, they may come with an additional filtration layer and are safe and easy to dispose.

Over the last weeks, I have gathered several emails from bloggers, online experts and editors whom I regularly follow. After contacting them, I’ve managed to gather 12 answers to the following question:

What type of vacuum cleaner do you prefer, bagged or bagless?

Without further ado, here they are:

Mariette Mifflin (Twitter, Facebook), housewares and appliances expert at About.com, chooses bagless:

I currently have both types of vacuums in my home – a bagged model and a bagless unit and each has earned its keep. While there are pros and cons to each type, if I had to downsize to only one, I would prefer a bagless model.

I like the fact that there are no bags to purchase (my frugal side) and watching the small dirt bin fill up, gives me sense of (cleaning) accomplishment. As long as a bagless vacuum meets all my expectations performance-wise, I don’t mind being proactive with care, especially when emptying/cleaning the dirt bin.

My hubby on the other hand, prefers a bagged vacuum cleaner with multi-layered disposable bags. The main reason being that it does a better job when it comes to containing and disposing of fine dust, allergens and dirt. Understand that he is extremely proactive with care and maintenance which is essential.

We obviously have a divided house when it comes to vacuum preference. However, our main objective is the same. A vacuum requires regular cleaning and maintenance to keep it performing efficiently. It’s not necessarily what you buy; it’s how you use it and look after it.

Diana Miller (Twitter, Facebook), a mom writing about her creative little adventures on TheGirlCreative.com, chooses bagless:

To be honest, I’ve been using a bagless vacuum cleaner for years. I always thought they were best. I just recently read somewhere though that bagged vacuums are better. I do find the bagless to be much easier to maintain. I can remember trying to change the bags on our vacuum as a teenager and always making a mess. So, for me, I’m going with bagless.

Dana White (Twitter, Facebook), editor of ASlobComesClean.com – a reality-based cleaning and organizing blog, chooses bagged:

Bagged for sure! I suffer from severe dust allergies. I love my Oreck xl (that I’ve had for more than 13 years) with the hepa filter built into the bag. It never needs to be cleaned or replaced. I borrowed a friend’s bagless while my Oreck was being serviced, and when I emptied it, dust flew everywhere. The outside of my trashcan was covered in dust. I see the value in not needing to purchase bags, but I find the cost very worth it!

Crystal Light Faulkner (Twitter, Facebook), a Southern mom blogging at MrsHappyHomeMaker.com, chooses bagless:

I used to prefer a bagged vacuum, but recently that has changed & I now prefer bagless. This is only because I ended up getting a Shark Rotator, which is bag less, and it completely changed my mind. It’s just fabulous!

Jamie Dorobek (Twitter, Facebook), creator of C.R.A.F.T. – a blog about creating awesome free things by yourself, chooses bagless:

I use a bag less vacuum! I love it because I never have to worry about a bag and I just empty the container in my compost bin every 10 or so times I vacuum… easy peasy!

Diane Henkler (Twitter, Facebook), a DIY expert which helps you decorate your home with style at InMyOwnStyle.com, chooses bagless:

I choose bagless.

1. You can dump the dirt right away. When vacuumed up dirt stays in a bag for a while it starts to smell and you have to dump it before it is filled. A waste of money having to buy bags.
2. Better for the environment – no bags to add to a landfill.

Lisa Teeter (Twitter, Facebook), the engine behind FlourMeWithLove.com, a lovely blog about the baking adventures of a stay-at-home mom, chooses bagged:

I prefer bagged because they are less dirty, easier to change and I feel it keeps the germs inside 🙂

Jennie Larsen (Twitter, Facebook), an expert DIY blogger which enjoys creating things at Craft-o-Maniac.com, chooses bagless:

I prefer bagless and that is currently what My family owns. We just remove the main compartment that holds all the dirt and we dump it in the garbage, very easy.

Darla Shine (Twitter, Facebook), author of “Happy Housewives”, a housewife blogger writing about cooking and cleaning at HappyHouseWivesClub.com, chooses bagged:

I like the old fashioned canister vacuums with the bag. They work the best. The bag less get so filthy.

Kristyn Merkley (Twitter, Facebook), mom of five (meaning she expert in just about everything from cooking to cleaning), blogging at LilLuna.com, chooses bagless:

Bagless… yes, it’s more work but I like knowing I can empty and refill my vacuum without having to have bags on hand.

Cheryl Sousan (Twitter, Facebook), creator of TidyMom.net – a blog  which inspires women around the world to embrace their inner-homemaker spirit, chooses bagless:

I LOOOVE my bagless Dysons and will never go back to bagged! I feel like bagless are cleaner.  I like that they have to be emptied more often and the filters and some parts can be rinsed to clean.

Tiffany Hewlett (Twitter, Facebook), a writer which tries to make the world cuter at MakingTheWorldCuter.com, chooses bagless IMO, but doesn’t really fit my question in her opinion:

I haven’t responded because I have a rainbow, and while it is bagless, it is also filled with water. It’s what I prefer, and it doesn’t really fit with your question. I also have a Dyson for quick jobs around the house, and I do like that better than anything bagged I have ever owned. I’m a big vacuum snob, and really hate a crappy vacuum.

Finally, after drawing a line and accounting the answers above, we find that it’s 9-3 in favor of bagless vacuum cleaners. I guess experts from companies such as Dyson and Shark have figured it out and moreover, that leaves Miele, Kenmore & co. with place for improvement. Before finishing this post, I would like to thank once again to all the participants of this roundup. I didn’t expect to see that many answers, I really enjoyed your thoughts and I will definitely do more roundups in the near future, so stay tuned!

And what about you, dear reader? What do you think? What type of vacuum cleaner do you prefer? Comment bellow and improve your karma levels :).