Choosing a new cylinder vacuum cleaner:
Bagged vs. Bagless

What is a cylinder vacuum cleaner?

A cylinder vacuum cleaner, which might also be referred to as a canister vacuum, has a separate body and hose. A well-known example of a cylinder vacuum cleaner is the popular Henry Hoover. When you're vacuuming, the dust and dirt travel through the hose and into the canister that sits on the floor. Dust will be collected in a bag or directly in the cylinder, whichever you prefer. Cylinder vacuum cleaners are easy to manoeuvre meaning you can carry them upstairs without a fuss, and they're great for cleaning those hard-to-reach areas of your home.

Bagless cylinder vacuum cleaners: pros and cons

One of the main differences between the two types of cylinder vacuum cleaners is the way dust is collected. Let's take a look at some of the benefits that come with bagless cylinder vacuum cleaners:

Pros of bagless cylinder vacuum cleaners

• The best bagless cylinder vacuums typically come with a transparent cylinder so you'll be able to see when it's ready to empty.
• You won't need to remember to buy cylinder vacuum bags! All you need to do is remember to change the filter in your cylinder vacuum cleaner regularly to maintain suction power.
• Bagless cylinder vacuum cleaners are convenient and have no ongoing costs - simply purchase the best bagless cylinder vacuum cleaner for you, and get started tackling tough dirt and dust!

Cons of bagless cylinder vacuum cleaners

• Emptying the dust canister can be messier than you'd find with a cylinder vacuum with a bag. The dust and debris you've hoovered up won't be contained, so you'll have to empty it straight into the bin.
• Bagless vacuums tend to have a smaller capacity than bagged models, which means you'll need to empty them more frequently.
• Bagless cylinder vacuum cleaners are typically more expensive upfront than models with bags.

Cylinder vacuum cleaners with bags: pros and cons

Cylinder vacuum cleaners with bags collect dust and debris. The bag can then be removed and disposed of quickly and easily. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of this type of cylinder vacuum cleaner:

Pros of cylinder vacuum cleaners with bags

• When you remove the bag from your cylinder vacuum cleaner, you'll be able to seal it tightly, making it a good option for those who suffer from allergies as dust will be unable to escape.
• Generally, cylinder vacuum cleaners with bags have a higher capacity than those without. This means you can vacuum for longer without having to empty or remove the bag.
• Need a heavy-duty vacuum cleaner? Cylinder vacuum cleaners are a great choice! Whether you've got a few four-legged friends leaving hairs on every surface or your house is no stranger to muddy footprints - a bagged cylinder vacuum can tackle it all.

Cons of cylinder vacuum cleaners with bags

• You'll need to replace the bags in your cylinder vacuum cleaner regularly and make sure you keep on top of reordering them so you don't get caught without one. This is an ongoing cost.
• Even though the bags are typically sealed when removed from the vacuum, dust and allergens can still escape when removing a full bag.

Cylinder vacuum maintenance

To keep your cylinder vacuum cleaner working as it should - or any vacuum cleaner for that matter - there are a few things you'll need to do to maintain it. Let's take a look at how to maintain each type of cylinder vacuum cleaner:

Bagged

With this type of cylinder vacuum cleaner, you'll need to change the bag regularly to make sure it works as it should. Keep an eye on how full your vacuum cleaner is every time you use it to ensure it's not overfilled. You'll be able to tell if it's too full as it won't work as effectively.

You'll also need to clean or replace the filter. This is the element that catches dust and debris, so they can become clogged. The filter needs to be cleaned regularly and replaced every 3-6 months. Make sure you check the hose attachment and inspect it for blockages, dust build-up and general wear and tear.

Bagless

With the best bagless cylinder vacuum cleaners, you'll need to make sure you empty the dust canister regularly. If it gets too full, you'll end up with a lack of suction power.

Simply detach the canister and empty it over the bin. Once it's empty, make sure you wipe down the insides of the canister to ensure stubborn dirt is gone.

Similar to bagged cylinder vacuum cleaners, you'll need to clean and replace the filters regularly to make sure your cylinder vacuum is still functioning as it should. You'll need to check the brush roll (inside the vacuum head) to free up any hair or dust. Make sure you inspect the exterior elements of the bagless cylinder vacuum too. To prevent damage, ensure you store your vacuum cleaner correctly in a cool, dry place.

Buying a cylinder vacuum cleaner: factors to consider

Before you purchase a brand-new cylinder vacuum cleaner, there are a few factors to keep in mind to make sure you're choosing the right appliance. These include:

Suction power

Need a heavy-duty cylinder vacuum cleaner? It's essential to consider suction power. Typically measured in watts, the higher the number the better. The best cylinder vacuum cleaners will have a suction power between 100-200 air watts. Learn more in our guide to vacuum suction power.

Filtration

If you suffer from allergies, choosing the best cylinder vacuum with a HEPA filtration system means you can eliminate dust particles, pet dander and pollen effectively. Some of the best bagless cylinder vacuum cleaners may come with a multi-layer filtration system to trap dirt more effectively. To save on replacing filters, look for a cylinder vacuum cleaner with washable filters as these are easier to maintain.

Noise level

Whether you have a new baby or a dog that's not too keen on the vacuum, considering noise level is essential. Some of the best cylinder vacuum cleaners operate quietly. Check the decibel level on the listing - vacuums are considered quiet if they produce less than 60 decibels.

Floor-type

When choosing your new cylinder vacuum, it's essential to consider the type of floor you'll be vacuuming. If you're tackling hard floors and carpets, a vacuum with a setting for both could be a great choice. Typically, cleaning a hard floor doesn't require as much suction power as you'd need to clean a carpet, so keep this in mind. If you have pets, choosing a cylinder vacuum with tools and brushes to tackle pesky little hairs is a great option.

Find your new vacuum cleaner

Shop cylinder vacuum cleaners at Marks Electrical for the biggest brands at competitive prices including Bosch, Miele and Numatic. Browse our floorcare range for robot vacuum cleaners, as well as upright and cordless vacuum cleaners to find a product to suit you. Order online today and receive your order tomorrow with next-day delivery options.