Bag or Bagless Vacuum: What's Best For You?

In Australia, vacuum cleaners have long been a staple appliance in our homes, alongside TVs, refrigerators, and washing machines. Whether you prefer a canister, upright, handheld, or robot vacuum, there's one core difference that many overlook: bag vs bagless.

In recent years, bagless vacuums are getting popular thanks to their convenience and environmentally friendly appeal. But are they the best fit for your home? Choosing between bag or bagless vacuum models isn’t just about looks or price; it affects how you clean, how often you maintain the machine, and even how well allergens are captured.

Bag or Bagless Vacuum: What's the Difference?

The main difference between a bagged and a bagless vacuum lies in how each stores and disposes of the collected dust and debris. While bagged vacuums collect dust in a disposable bag that you throw away, bagless models use a built-in dustbin that you empty manually. The user experience can be quite different between these two designs.


 

What Is a Vacuum with a Bag?

A vacuum cleaner with a bag collects dirt and debris in a disposable paper or fabric bag that fits inside the vacuum’s chamber. These bags are designed not only for storage but also to serve as an extra layer of filtration, helping the machine, like DEEBOT robot vacuums and mops, to trap allergens and fine dust more effectively.

As the bag minimises the exposure with the debris, it is also a more hygienic option for those who are suffering from allergy or respiratory sensitivities. Besides, these vacuums demand less hands-on cleaning. For instance, the DEEBOT T50 MAX PRO OMNI robot vacuum automatically empties the dustbin into a 3L dust bag at the station, so you don’t have to empty it yourself for up to 90 days.

However, bagged vacuums do have some drawbacks. Other than the ongoing cost of purchasing garbage bags, it’s harder to tell when the bag is full compared to the clear dustbins in bagless models. They are also less eco-friendly due to the waste produced by disposing of used bags.

What Is a Bagless Vacuum Cleaner?

A bagless vacuum cleaner uses a built-in container instead of a disposable bag to collect dust, which you empty directly. For example, the DEEBOT N20 PLUS comes with a transparent, consumable-free dust container that lets you easily check when it’s full, and its easy-empty design allows you to simply remove the bin and dump the collected dirt straight into the bin. Hence, you save the costs of buying dust bags, which makes it more budget-friendly down the road. Being able to see the dust level is convenient, and the design is considered more environmentally friendly since it produces less waste.

That said, emptying a bagless bin can release dust and allergens back into the air, a major concern for allergy sufferers. In terms of capacity, these models also tend to have smaller dustbins than bagged vacuums, meaning they fill up faster and need to be emptied more frequently. The process can also be messier than simply tossing a bag.

Bag or Bagless Vacuum: Which One Should You Choose?

Choosing between bagged and bagless vacuum cleaners mainly depends on your needs. Families with pets or allergy sensitivities may prefer the large capacity, sealed filtration, and hygienic disposal of a bagged vacuum. Meanwhile, those who are more eco-conscious or prefer the convenience of not having to buy bags may find bagless models more appealing.

Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

Convenience: Bag or Bagless Vacuum

Bagless vacuums are convenient for those who like to monitor dust levels at a glance. For instance, during shedding seasons, pet owners might like to track how quickly pet fur is building up. Meanwhile, bagged vacuums like the DEEBOT robot vacuum self-empty and store more debris, perfect for families with less time as you just need to empty the dustbin of the station every 45 to 60 days.

Hygiene: Bag or Bagless Vacuum

Bagged vacuums are better for hygiene thanks to their sealed bags, which trap dust and block it from escaping. Robot vacuum for allergies, for instance, benefits people with allergies or respiratory issues by limiting exposure to allergens. With bagless vacuums, dirt can get out during the disposal and become airborne again if not handled properly.

Ease of Use: Bag or Bagless Vacuum

While both designs are user-friendly, bagged vacuums allow for minimal contact with dirt, and you simply remove the bag and toss it. DEEBOT’s Antibacterial Dust Bag further features SILVADUR TM 930 Antimicrobial that stop inhibits bacteria, mould, and mildew, such as E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus, to prevent odours, discolouration, and deterioration inside the bag. On the other hand, with bagless models, you have to take the bin off, empty it, and sometimes wipe off any dirt that is still stuck on. This extra step may feel like added hassle for some.

Maintenance: Bag vs Bagless Vacuum

When it comes to maintenance, bagged vacuums are relatively lower maintenance than bagless ones, since the bag catches most of the dust. Bagless models usually have lower dust collection capacity. After vacuuming a dirty carpet, for example, you might need to clean the filter and wipe down the bin right after to maintain suction performance.

Eco-friendliness: Bag vs Bagless Vacuum

Bagless vacuums are better for the environment because they reduce long-term waste: instead of tossing multiple bags, you simply clean and reuse the bin. Conversely, the dust bags used in bagged vacuums are single-use, which contributes to landfill waste and may not appeal to those who prefer a sustainable option.

Costs: Bag vs Bagless Vacuum

Vacuum cleaners with bags are often more affordable upfront than bagless models; yet, they come with ongoing costs since you’ll need to keep on purchasing single-use dust bags, which can add up over time. With a higher initial price tag, bagless models waive this expense completely, though their filters require more frequent replacement, which can impact the overall cost.

Suction: Bag vs Bagless Vacuum

Vacuum cleaners rely on good suction power to clean efficiently. Given the same suction power, bagged vacuums tend to deliver more consistent performance, as long as the bag is replaced before it becomes too full. In contrast, bagless models are more vulnerable to suction loss because their filters clog faster. Without cleaning or changing the filters on time, you may notice a drop in cleaning efficiency.

FAQ

Disclaimer(s):

1. 8,000Pa: This data comes from ECOVACS laboratory. The suction power of DEEBOT N20 PLUS can reach 8,000Pa.