The 5 Best Bagged Vacuums - Spring 2023 Reviews

The Miele Complete C3 is the best bagged vacuum we've tested. The Brilliant variant represents the pinnacle of the C3 lineup and is loaded with convenience features, including handle-mounted power controls, a separate 'Auto' power mode that automatically adjusts its suction setting to match the surface it's on, and additional sound insulation compared to other C3 models, which are already very quiet vacuums. The C3 Brilliant also comes with three separate floorheads; the SBD 365-3 floorhead for cleaning bare floors and low-pile carpet, a dedicated parquet tool, and Miele's top-tier SEB 236 height-adjustable powerhead, ensuring strong performance on almost any surface type. All C3 models have an allergen-sealed body, but this variant also features an additional HEPA-rated post-motor filter, making it a great choice for those suffering from allergies.

If you can do without the C3 Brilliant's automatic power adjustment system, SBD 365-3 universal floorhead, additional sound insulation, or handle-mounted controls, the C3 Kona variant will deliver similar performance for a much cheaper price. You could also consider the SEBO Airbelt D4 if you want a similarly well-rounded alternative with a much longer operating range. The SEBO also uses larger dirtbags and longer-lasting filters, resulting in lower recurring costs. However, its bulkier body and stiff hose make it trickier to maneuver.

The Kenmore Intuition Bagged is the best bagged upright vacuum we've tested. It isn't nearly as well-built as a premium canister vacuum like the Miele Complete C3 or as easy to maneuver, but it's a lot cheaper and still delivers decent overall performance. While its filtration system isn't quite as sophisticated, it has a HEPA filter and is compatible with HEPA-rated dirtbags, limiting the spread of allergens as you clean. You can drop its dirtbag out of its housing with the press of a latch, so you don't need to worry about kicking up a plume of dust when taking it out. Its 'Lift-Up' alternative configuration allows you to pick up and carry its canister body separately from its floorhead, making it easier to clean on top of furniture or shelves.

Unfortunately, while you can turn this vacuum's brushroll off to prevent it from scattering debris on bare floors or getting caught on rug tassels, there's no way of adjusting its height, so it can easily get bogged down in thick carpeting. If that's a feature you want, consider the Hoover WindTunnel Tempo Bagged, which offers five levels of head height adjustment, making it easier to push around on thick carpets. If you're comfortable shopping for a used vacuum, the now-discontinued Miele U1 Dynamic PowerLine is a high-end option with superb build quality and strong performance. However, it has a very bulky, heavy design.

Check out the Cat & Dog variant of the Miele Classic C1 if you don't want to spend as much on a premium canister vacuum as you would on a higher-end variant of the Miele Complete C3. Compared to its bigger brother, the C1 lacks an onboard tool storage compartment, doesn't feel quite as robust, and doesn't have handle-mounted controls. However, if you're basing your purchasing decision only on raw performance, there's very little difference between the two, with both the C1 and C3 using a powerful 1200W suction motor. The Cat & Dog variant of the C1 comes with a Miele's SEB 228 powerbrush that offers five levels of height adjustment, enabling you to quickly adapt to a variety of carpet types, along with a dedicated smooth floor tool for cleaning surfaces like hardwood or tile. It also comes bundled with Miele's Active AirClean post-motor filter, which features an additional layer of activated charcoal to trap unpleasant odors.

Unfortunately, its power cord is fairly short, so you'll probably need to swap power outlets when cleaning far-away areas. It uses the same 2.5L dirtbags as the C3, which are a little on the small side, so ownership costs are a little on the higher end of the scale.

Consider the entry-level Pure Suction variant of the Miele Classic C1 if you're looking to spend a little less on a bagged vacuum. While it's outwardly similar to the more expensive C1 Cat & Dog, there is one important difference: the Pure Suction doesn't have a power socket at the base of its hose, so it's incompatible with powered floorheads, meaning it isn't suitable for cleaning plush carpeting. That said, if you mainly have bare floors and low -pile rugs in your home, this model is a great option, as the included SBD 365-3 floorhead features retractable bristles for cleaning low and medium-pile rugs. This model comes with the entry-level AirClean filter, which is very good for trapping airborne particles, but you can always swap in a HEPA AirClean or Active AirClean filter if you suffer from really serious allergies.

If you're looking for a similarly-priced canister vacuum that incurs lower ownership costs, the NaceCare HVR 200 Henry is a very solid option that uses higher-capacity dirtbags. However, its suction motor is less powerful than the C1, so it lags behind in debris pickup performance.

If you're looking for a budget-friendly bagged vacuum, look at the Eureka Mighty Mite. Compared to the Miele Classic C1, it feels very cheaply built and lacks many convenience features, like the allergen-sealed body, a telescopic wand, or a self-winding power cord. However, it's still a good option if you're looking for solid performance on a budget. It easily clears debris on bare floors, and while it only has a straight-suction floorhead, it's still decent when dealing with debris on carpets. User maintenance is incredibly simple, thanks to the vacuum's basic design. Its lightweight construction enables you to carry it from room to room with minimal effort. It has a hard bristle brush for dislodging stuck-on dirt and debris and a combination crevice/upholstery tool too.

Unfortunately, this vacuum's power cord is very short, so you'll probably need to swap outlets when vacuuming a larger area. There are also a few noticeable weak points in its construction, most notably its wand, which is made of two hollow plastic tubes that can fall apart if you don't shove them together tightly.