Tired of dust bunnies staging a takeover in your home? You want a clean space, but picking the right vacuum can feel like a chore itself. Bagged upright vacuums are a popular choice, but with so many brands and features, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Are you wondering which one will actually get the job done without breaking your back or the bank?
Choosing a bagged upright vacuum means you need one that’s powerful enough for tough messes, easy to maneuver around furniture, and doesn’t leave you constantly buying expensive bags. The good news is, we’re here to cut through the confusion. By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly what to look for, understand the key differences between models, and feel confident picking the perfect bagged upright vacuum to make your cleaning routine a breeze.
Our Top 5 Bagged Upright Vacuum Cleaners Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Bagged Upright Vacuum Cleaners Detailed Reviews
1. Oreck Commercial XL Vacuum Cleaner
Rating: 8.6/10
The Oreck Commercial XL Vacuum Cleaner is a powerful and lightweight cleaning machine designed for both carpets and hard floors. It’s built for tough jobs, making it a great choice for commercial spaces or busy households that need serious cleaning power.
What We Like:
- It has strong suction to pull up dirt and messes from deep within carpets.
- At only 9 pounds, it’s super easy to carry, even up stairs.
- The high-speed brush roll really gets into carpets to lift out dirt, and side brushes clean corners well.
- It automatically adjusts to different floor heights, making cleaning simpler.
- It has helpful features like a cord guard and wall bumpers to protect your furniture and walls.
- Oreck has been making vacuums since 1963, so they know how to make them work well and be easy to use.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s great for deep cleaning, some users might prefer a vacuum with more advanced features like adjustable suction levels for different types of messes.
- The bag system means you’ll need to buy replacement bags, which is an ongoing cost.
This Oreck vacuum offers great cleaning power in a lightweight package. It’s a reliable tool for keeping your floors spotless.
2. Kenmore Intuition Bagged Upright Vacuum Lift-Up Carpet Cleaner 2-Motor Power Suction with HEPA Filter
Rating: 8.8/10
Meet the Kenmore Intuition Bagged Upright Vacuum, a powerful cleaning companion designed for your home. This green machine tackles dirt and pet hair with ease, offering a versatile cleaning experience. Its innovative design makes cleaning above floors and stairs simple, and its lightweight build ensures you can move around your house without a struggle.
What We Like:
- The Lift-Up feature lets you easily detach the canister for cleaning stairs and other high or hard-to-reach places.
- No Touch Bag Technology means you don’t have to touch messy dust or dirt when emptying the bag.
- The PowerFlow bag chamber keeps suction strong even as the bag gets full.
- It’s lightweight at only 14 pounds and has swivel steering, making it easy to push and guide.
- LED headlights illuminate dark areas, helping you see all the dirt.
- The HEPA filtration system and sealed design trap tiny particles, keeping your air cleaner.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the 200.0 watts of power sufficient, but others may desire even more robust suction for very deep cleaning.
- While the 3-in-1 tool is useful, more specialized attachments could enhance its versatility for specific cleaning tasks.
The Kenmore Intuition is a user-friendly vacuum that simplifies your cleaning routine. It offers effective performance and thoughtful features for a cleaner home environment.
3. Kenmore BU4050 Intuition Bagged Upright Vacuum
Rating: 9.5/10
Tired of hair tangles and dusty messes? The Kenmore BU4050 Intuition Bagged Upright Vacuum in Rose Gold offers a powerful and convenient cleaning experience. This vacuum is designed to make your chores easier, from carpets to hard floors, and even tackling pet messes.
What We Like:
- Lift-Up Canister: Easily detach the lightweight pod for cleaning stairs and reaching high places.
- Hair Eliminator Brushroll: Say goodbye to manually removing hair from the brushroll. It cleans itself!
- No Touch Bag Technology: Emptying the vacuum is a breeze. Just press a button, and the bag seals itself, keeping your hands clean.
- Powerful Suction: The PowerFlow Bag Technology ensures strong suction until the bag is full.
- HEPA Filtration: It traps 99.97% of dust, so the air in your home stays cleaner.
- Lightweight and Maneuverable: Weighing only 14lbs and featuring swivel steering, it’s easy to move around furniture.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might prefer a cordless option for ultimate freedom.
- The rose gold color, while stylish, might not appeal to everyone.
The Kenmore BU4050 Intuition is a smart choice for a cleaner home and easier cleaning days. It truly takes the hassle out of vacuuming.
4. Kenmore BU4018 Intuition Bagged Upright Vacuum Lift-Up Carpet Cleaner 2-Motor Power Suction with HEPA Filter
Rating: 9.5/10
The Kenmore BU4018 Intuition Bagged Upright Vacuum is a powerful cleaning tool designed to make your chores easier. This vacuum tackles dirt and pet hair on all floor types, from carpets to hardwood. It’s built to provide strong suction and a cleaner home environment.
What We Like:
- The Lift-Up feature lets you easily clean stairs and high places.
- No Touch Bag Technology means you don’t have to touch messy dust or bags.
- The vacuum maintains strong suction even when the bag is nearly full.
- It’s lightweight, weighing under 14lbs, and easy to steer.
- HEPA filtration and a sealed system capture 99.97% of dust and allergens.
- It comes with an upholstery tool, making it a 3-in-1 cleaner.
What Could Be Improved:
- The bag capacity might require frequent changes in larger homes.
- While versatile, the hose length for the Lift-Up feature could be longer for some users.
This Kenmore vacuum offers great cleaning power and convenience for your home. It’s a solid choice for tackling everyday messes and keeping your air clean.
5. Hoover Commercial HushTone 13-Inch 2-Speed Upright Vacuum Cleaner with IntelliBelt
Rating: 8.6/10
The Hoover Commercial HushTone 13-Inch 2-Speed Upright Vacuum Cleaner, model CH54113, is a powerful and quiet cleaning tool for any professional setting. Its gray and orange design looks professional. This vacuum makes cleaning easier with its smart features.
What We Like:
- The HUSHTONE 2-SPEED MOTOR lets you choose between quiet cleaning at 69 dB and extra power when you need it.
- The EXTENDED-LIFE BELT system protects the belt by stopping the motor if it gets stuck, making it last longer.
- The SEALED ALLERGEN SYSTEM with Hexaguard Technology traps 99% of dirt and pollen, improving air quality.
- It requires NO TOOLS REQUIRED for assembly or maintenance, so you can use it right away and clean it easily.
- The QUICK-CHANGE CORD has a long 40-foot reach, and it’s easy to replace if needed, saving you money.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s designed for commercial use, the 13-inch cleaning path might be a bit narrow for very large open spaces, requiring more passes.
- The bagged design, while good for allergens, means you need to buy replacement bags, adding an ongoing cost.
This Hoover vacuum is a solid choice for efficient and quiet cleaning. It offers excellent performance and user-friendly features for a cleaner environment.
Your Guide to Bagged Upright Vacuum Cleaners
Bagged upright vacuum cleaners are workhorses for keeping your home sparkling clean. They offer a familiar and effective way to tackle dust, dirt, and debris on carpets and hard floors. This guide will help you choose the best one for your needs.
What to Look For: Key Features
When shopping for a bagged upright vacuum, keep these important features in mind:
- Suction Power: This is the most crucial feature. Good suction pulls dirt out of carpets and from crevices. Look for vacuums with strong motor power.
- Bag Capacity: The size of the dust bag matters. A larger bag means you won’t have to change it as often. This is great for bigger homes or if you vacuum frequently.
- Filtration System: A good filter traps tiny particles like dust mites and allergens. HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters are the best for this. They clean the air as you vacuum.
- Adjustable Height Settings: Floors are different. You need to adjust the vacuum’s height to clean carpets of varying thicknesses and hard floors properly.
- Maneuverability: You want a vacuum that’s easy to push and steer. Swivel steering helps you get around furniture and tight corners easily.
- Attachments and Tools: Many vacuums come with special tools. Crevice tools are good for tight spaces. Upholstery tools clean furniture. Brush rolls can be turned on or off for different floor types.
Materials Matter: What’s Inside and Out?
The materials used in a vacuum affect its durability and performance.
- Housings: Most vacuum bodies are made of strong, durable plastics. High-quality plastics resist cracking and breaking.
- Brush Rolls: Metal brush rolls are generally more durable than plastic ones. They can handle more wear and tear.
- Hoses: Flexible and strong hoses are important for reaching difficult spots. Reinforced hoses are less likely to kink or tear.
Quality Boosters and Reducers
Certain aspects can make a vacuum better or worse.
- What Boosts Quality:
- Powerful Motors: A strong motor means better suction.
- Sealed Systems: When the vacuum is well-sealed, air and dirt don’t leak out. This makes the filtration more effective.
- Durable Components: Parts that are made to last, like metal brush rolls and sturdy wheels, improve the vacuum’s quality.
- What Reduces Quality:
- Weak Motors: These lead to poor cleaning performance.
- Leaky Seals: Dirt and allergens can escape back into the air.
- Cheap Plastic Parts: These can break easily, shortening the vacuum’s life.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your vacuum and how it feels to use it are very important.
- Ease of Use: A vacuum should be simple to set up and operate. Controls should be easy to understand.
- Weight: If you have to carry the vacuum upstairs, a lighter model is better.
- Noise Level: Some vacuums are very loud. If noise bothers you, look for quieter models.
- Storage: Consider how much space you have for storing the vacuum. Some models are more compact than others.
Bagged upright vacuums are great for:
- Deep Carpet Cleaning: Their strong suction and rotating brush rolls excel at lifting dirt from carpet fibers.
- Homes with Allergies: HEPA filters and sealed systems trap allergens, improving indoor air quality.
- General Household Cleaning: They are versatile for cleaning most floor types and can handle everyday messes efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why choose a bagged vacuum over a bagless one?
A: Bagged vacuums are often better for people with allergies. They contain dust and allergens when you empty them, as the dirt is sealed in the bag. This means less dust can escape into the air during disposal.
Q: How often should I change the dust bag?
A: You should change the bag when it’s about two-thirds full. If you wait too long, the vacuum’s suction power will decrease, and it won’t clean as well.
Q: Are bagged vacuums good for pet hair?
A: Yes, many bagged upright vacuums are very good at picking up pet hair. Look for models with strong suction and specialized brush rolls designed to tackle pet fur.
Q: What is a HEPA filter, and why is it important?
A: A HEPA filter traps at least 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 microns in size. This includes things like pollen, dust mites, and pet dander, making the air cleaner.
Q: Can I use a bagged upright vacuum on hardwood floors?
A: Yes, most bagged upright vacuums can be used on hardwood floors. It’s important to adjust the height setting to prevent scratching the floor and to turn off the brush roll if the vacuum has that option.
Q: What does “sealed system” mean for a vacuum cleaner?
A: A sealed system means that all the air that is sucked into the vacuum passes through the filter and out of the machine without leaking. This ensures that all the dirt and allergens are captured by the filter.
Q: How do I maintain my bagged upright vacuum?
A: Regularly change the dust bag, clean or replace the filters as recommended by the manufacturer, and check the brush roll for tangled hair or debris. Also, ensure the hose and other parts are clear of blockages.
Q: Are bagged vacuums heavier than bagless ones?
A: Not necessarily. The weight depends more on the vacuum’s size and materials than whether it uses a bag or not. Many bagged models are quite lightweight and easy to handle.
Q: What are the advantages of swivel steering?
A: Swivel steering makes the vacuum much easier to maneuver around furniture, corners, and obstacles. It allows for smoother and more effortless cleaning.
Q: How do I know if a vacuum has good suction power?
A: Look for vacuums with higher wattage motors or specific PSI (pounds per square inch) ratings if available. Reading reviews from other users can also give you a good idea of a vacuum’s suction strength.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Tom Scalisi, and welcome to The Saw Blog! I started this blog to share my hands-on experience and insights about woodworking tools—especially saws and saw blades. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of tools, and I’m here to help both professionals and hobbyists make informed decisions when it comes to selecting and using their equipment. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips, or just advice on how to get the best performance out of your tools, you’ll find it here. I’m excited to be part of your woodworking journey!