Anyone who finds emptying a nuisance
You’d rather not open and clean a dust-filled container. How the bag is removed and sealed is also worth considering.
Who is this choice for?
Homes with a mix of floor types
You need to clean different types of flooring and are looking for a suitable brush, rather than judging cleaning performance by the stated wattage alone.
Homes looking for automation
You want to empty your robot less often thanks to a station, while bearing in mind that the bag will need replacing and the robot still needs maintenance.
What matters when choosing
Bagged cylinder vacuum cleaner
Consider it: if you want to handle dust as little as possible when emptying, check how the bag is removed and sealed.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to replace the bag and choose the right part number.
Bagless vacuum cleaner
Consider it: if you’d rather avoid buying bags and are happy to follow the instructions for emptying the bin and cleaning the filters.
Bear in mind: you’ll still need to empty the bin and maintain the filters.
Robot vacuum with a station
Consider it: if your priority is to automate some of the routine cleaning of accessible floors.
Bear in mind: the station has a bag that needs replacing, and the robot still needs maintenance.
To choose, compare the emptying and maintenance steps for the specific model, then check the brushes and any test results for your floors. UFC-Que Choisir points out that motor wattage alone isn’t enough to judge cleaning performance.
| What matters to you | What to check before buying | Who prioritises it |
|---|---|---|
| Dust when emptying | The bag-sealing or bin-opening system, and the emptying procedure for the exact model. | When I empty the vacuum, I want to handle dust as little as possible and choose a process I can follow at home. Around 36% of consumers prioritise emptying with minimal handling. |
| Cleaning performance on different floors | The brushes supplied for your surfaces and, if available, test results for those floors. | If my home has a mix of hard floors, rugs or carpets, I want a suitable brush rather than relying on electrical power alone. Around 29% of consumers put performance on their floors first. |
| Maintenance and consumables | Compatible part numbers for bags and filters, and instructions for cleaning and replacement. | I’d rather know what maintenance is involved and which consumables I’ll need before choosing a vacuum cleaner for the long term. Around 21% of consumers make this their main concern. |
| Automation and the station | Whether the exact model variant includes a collection station, which bag it uses and what other maintenance is required. | If I want to reduce day-to-day upkeep, I check what the station automates without forgetting the bag or the robot’s maintenance. Around 14% of consumers prioritise automating routine cleaning. |
Mistakes to avoid before buying
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Choosing based on motor wattage alone
The stated electrical power isn’t enough to determine how well a vacuum cleaner will clean your floors.
Compare the brushes supplied and any available test results for the model and surfaces you’re interested in.
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Assuming a bagless vacuum cleaner needs no maintenance
You’ll need to empty the bin and maintain the filters. The process may involve handling dust.
Read the instructions for the exact model and check that you can carry out these tasks in a suitable place.
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Assuming an automatic station means you never have to empty the vacuum
A station transfers some of the emptying to its bag, but the robot’s bin and brushes still need maintenance.
Check what tasks are required and the bag’s part number before choosing a robot variant.
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Choosing a bag without checking the vacuum cleaner’s series
Bag part numbers can vary between series from the same brand. Miele, for example, distinguishes HyClean Pure TU bags for the Guard L1 from those for the Complete C3.
Note down the vacuum cleaner’s full model number and match it to the bag or filter part number.
Brands to consider by vacuum cleaner type
Miele
The Guard L1 Allergy is a bagged cylinder model worth considering. Check the exhaust filter and consumables for its series together.
- Miele lists an AirClean HEPA filter and identifies the HyClean Pure TU bag for the Guard L1 Allergy.
- The TU part number shouldn’t be confused with bags for the Complete C3. The manufacturer’s claims aren’t proof of a health benefit.
Rowenta
The G-Force Silence Effitech is an example of a bagged cylinder vacuum cleaner to compare for its stated filtration, accessories and consumables.
- For this model, Rowenta lists a 4.5 L Hygiene+ bag, HEPA-level filtration and several accessories, including a parquet brush.
- Check the part number of the replacement bags that fit the exact model. These stated specifications aren’t the result of a comparative test.
Philips
The PowerPro Expert FC9745/09 lets you compare a reusable bin with the maintenance it involves.
- Philips lists a 2 L bin for the FC9745/09.
- For the relevant PowerPro procedure, Philips recommends cleaning the inlet filter every time you empty the bin and states that the (H)EPA filter described isn’t washable. Follow the instructions for the exact model.
ECOVACS
The DEEBOT T30C Gen2 is worth considering if automating emptying is one of your priorities.
- ECOVACS describes a bag in the station and provides instructions for replacing it.
- The robot’s bin and brushes also need maintenance. The manufacturer’s stated specifications don’t show that every user will have less exposure to dust.
Joybuy products related to this topic
This selection includes bagged vacuum cleaners, robots with emptying stations and a cordless vacuum cleaner, so you can compare different ways to manage emptying and floor care.
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Electrolux 600 EB61C4OG, bagged cylinder vacuum cleaner
A bag could suit you if you’d rather not empty a reusable bin.
The description lists a 3.5 L bag and brushes for floors, parquet and turbo cleaning. It also states that the vacuum has HEPA filtration.
The Hygiene 12 filter must be washed and left to dry for 24 hours before being refitted.
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roborock Qrevo S5V White, robot vacuum with station
Worth considering if you want to automate some of the robot’s emptying and floor cleaning.
The description lists a station that empties the bin, as well as vacuuming and mopping functions.
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Hoover H-ENERGY 300 HE330ALG 011, bagged vacuum cleaner
A bag may suit you if you’d prefer a cylinder vacuum cleaner to one with a reusable bin.
The description lists a 4 L bag, a 9.5 m operating radius and stated HEPA filtration. The brush supplied is described as suitable for hard floors and rugs.
A parquet brush isn’t listed as included.
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Vactidy W15, robot vacuum and mop with bagless station
This model may suit anyone who wants to automate emptying the robot without using a bag in the station.
The description mentions LiDAR navigation and vacuuming and mopping functions. It also says to rinse the filters and let them dry completely before refitting them.
The product information advises against cleaning rugs and carpets and asks you to set no-mop zones in the app.
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Daynee XL60, cordless vacuum cleaner
Worth considering if you’re looking for a cordless model, bearing in mind that you’ll need to empty the bin manually and maintain the filters.
The description lists a 1.5 L bin, HEPA filters and an anti-tangle brush for floors and rugs. It also mentions a removable battery and accessories for handheld use.
The filter and brush need regular cleaning.
Frequently asked questions
Is a HEPA filter enough when choosing a vacuum cleaner if you’re sensitive to dust?
No. Assurance Maladie mentions a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter among the options discussed in its advice on allergens, but emptying, maintenance and the surfaces in your home matter too. This doesn’t allow anyone to promise an individual health benefit.
How do you maintain a Philips PowerPro bagless vacuum cleaner?
Follow the instructions for the exact model. For the relevant PowerPro procedure, Philips recommends cleaning the inlet filter every time you empty the bin, states that the (H)EPA filter described shouldn’t be washed with water, and advises cleaning it outside the home to avoid spreading dust indoors.
How should you dispose of dust collected by a vacuum cleaner?
ADEME advises putting dust from sweeping or vacuuming in household waste, preferably in a sealed bag. This guidance is about waste sorting, not the amount of dust released back into the air when you empty the vacuum.
What rights should you check when buying a vacuum cleaner online in France?
When you buy from a professional seller, the legal guarantee of conformity applies in particular to new, second-hand and refurbished goods. For distance purchases, you generally have at least 14 days to withdraw, subject to the conditions and exceptions set out by the authorities.
Does the repairability index apply to vacuum cleaners?
Yes. The French authorities include vacuum cleaners among the products that must display a repairability index. This index indicates how repairable a product is; it doesn’t tell you about filtration or exposure to dust.