If your main priority is avoiding the need to empty a dusty container, start by comparing bagged cylinder vacuum cleaners: Que Choisir reports that cleaning the container of a bagless model exposes you to more dust. A stick vacuum may suit quick clean-ups, but check how it collects dust and what maintenance it requires. Whatever type you choose, also look at the floorhead and accessories suited to your floors.
A bagged cylinder vacuum directly addresses this priority: you remove the bag, whereas a bagless model’s container needs cleaning. Que Choisir highlights this difference in handling; however, check how the bag on the model you’re considering is sealed and replaced.
If you need to clean hard floors, rugs and furniture, compare the floorhead and accessories included, not just the dust collection system. Que Choisir’s testing assesses suction on different floor types separately, so a result on one surface won’t tell you how it performs for every task.
A stick vacuum may be a good choice if you’re looking for something easy to manoeuvre. However, check where the dust goes when you empty it: manually emptying a small container is not the same as using a station that collects dust in a bag if you want to minimise handling. Remember to factor in maintenance for the container, filter and brush, too.
Start by deciding how you’re happy to empty the vacuum, then check the maintenance and accessories needed for the surfaces in your home.
Consider it: if you’d rather remove a bag than empty and clean a container; Que Choisir reports less exposure to dust during this process.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to replace the bag and maintain the filters as instructed, using consumables compatible with the exact model number.
Consider it: if you’d rather not use bags and are happy to empty and clean the container.
Bear in mind: Que Choisir says that cleaning the container exposes you to dust, so access to the filters and how they’re maintained are important factors in your choice.
Consider it: if manoeuvrability matters for frequent clean-ups and its dust collection method suits the way you prefer to empty it.
Bear in mind: check that the battery life suits your needs and consider maintenance for the container, filters and brush, as Rowenta recommends for its bagless stick vacuums.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Emptying | Check how the bag is removed, or how the container opens and is cleaned. If a stick vacuum comes with a station, make sure it really does collect dust in a bag. | I want to dispose of dust without regularly opening or cleaning a full container. On this point, Que Choisir distinguishes between bagged and bagless models. |
| Maintenance | Check the bag and filter model numbers, how to access the filter and brush, and follow the model’s instructions for washing and drying. For example, Philips requires the relevant filter in its 7000 cordless series to dry for 24 hours. | I want to be able to carry out the required maintenance without refitting a filter while it’s still damp or following the instructions for a different appliance. |
| Floors and accessories | Compare the floorhead supplied and any performance results available for your floor types; check for accessories designed for crevices, furniture or fibres. Que Choisir’s testing, for example, distinguishes between carpet, tiles and wooden floors. | The floors and areas I need to clean at home vary, so I should check that the equipment is suitable rather than relying on the motor’s wattage alone. |
The container needs to be emptied and cleaned. According to Que Choisir, this exposes you to more dust than removing a bag.
If emptying is your main concern, look at bagged models first. Choose a bagless model only if you’re happy to maintain its container and filters.
This figure on its own doesn’t tell you how well the vacuum picks up dirt from different surfaces. Que Choisir tests vacuum cleaners on several floor types.
Look for results that match your flooring, and check the floorhead and accessories included.
Miele says that a full bag or blocked filters can reduce suction in a bagged vacuum cleaner. The consumables you need depend on the model.
Check the exact model numbers of compatible bags and filters, and read the replacement instructions before choosing your appliance.
Instructions vary depending on the filter and model. For example, Philips requires the relevant filter in its 7000 cordless series to dry for 24 hours after cleaning.
Check the instructions for the exact model before washing a filter or putting it back in place.
These points apply to specific ranges or models. Always check the instructions and consumables for the appliance you’re considering.
A brand to consider if you’re looking for a bagged cylinder vacuum and want to check exactly how the bag and filters are replaced.
A brand to consider if you’re looking for a bagless appliance and are happy with the process for cleaning the container and filters.
A brand to consider if you’re looking for a stick vacuum and can maintain its dust collection system regularly.
These two Electrolux models are bagged cylinder vacuums. Compare their features and check the accessories and consumables compatible with each model before choosing.
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Its bagged system suits anyone who wants to avoid emptying a dusty container. Check that the brushes supplied are right for your floors, and make sure you choose bags and filters compatible with the EB61C4OG.
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This bagged cylinder vacuum means you won’t need to choose a model with a container that has to be emptied by hand. Its 550 W rating refers to motor power, not performance on every floor type: check the brushes supplied and make sure the bags and filters are compatible with the EB61C2GRN.
No. Que Choisir reports less exposure to dust when removing the dust collector from a bagged model, but this difference in handling doesn’t demonstrate that it can prevent or treat allergies.
Follow the full-bag indicator, if there is one, and the instructions for each consumable. Miele says that a full bag or blocked filters can reduce suction; the maintenance process and frequency depend on the parts fitted to the appliance.
No. Check the instructions for the exact model before washing any filter. Philips requires the relevant filter in its 7000 cordless series to dry for 24 hours before refitting; this instruction doesn’t apply to every filter.
Check the floorhead and accessories actually supplied for each surface or area you need to clean. Que Choisir’s testing distinguishes between suction results on different floor types, so motor wattage is no substitute for this comparison.