Bagless vs Bagged Vacuum Cleaner ?

[terence_fdes]

Hi,

Budget: 5-10k
Usage : Home & Indoors Only

I need a vacuum cleaner. I have zeroed down to these two (also open for any other brands).
[Bagged] Karcher wd 3.200 or wd 4.200
[Bagless ] LG - VC3116NNTM

I have gone through earlier threads and noted the suggestions that were made - Panasonic did come up. I had earlier used a Eureka Forbes for more than 12 years (stopped working long back) & not interested in it anymore - the brand.

I have also noted that both the above brands come with limited accessories. Karcher comes with just 1 paper bag. So I was thinking why not go for a paperless vac like the LG & be permanently free from this nuisance.

However, after some random searching on the net - the general view is that "bagless" IS NOT THE BEST option.

BAGLESS - Main advantage is it is easy to retrieve any object that gets accidently sucked. Biggest disadvantage is periodic cleaning of the "filter" + annual replacement. How much do these filters cost ? Salesmen do not point out so many things.

Bagless vacuum systems use a "cyclonic" technology that separates larger dirt and debris from the main air stream and drops these particles into a cup. This cup can then be removed and the dirt dumped into a waste can. The problem with "cyclonic" technology is that only the larger particles of dirt and debris are removed, and the fine dirt exhausts out of the vacuum -- back into the room.

To overcome this problem, all bagless machines require filters to capture smaller particles. While it's true you'll save money not purchasing bags, you will have to pay yearly for replacement filters. Bagless vacuum manufacturers recommend changing filters 1-2 times per year.

http://www.simplicityvac.com/choosing-a-vacuum/?id=18

A very exhaustive thread with feedback - http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/1735735
Marketing gimmicks and what they never tell you - http://www.mikesvacuum.net/2012/04/30/which-is-better-bagged-or-bagless/
http://housekeeping.about.com/od/vacuumcleaners/f/vac_bagorless.htm
http://www.home-ec101.com/bagless-vacuums-the-dirty-secret/
Top 5 Reasons To AVOID Bagless Vacuum Cleaners

Your opinions and feedback will be most appreciated.

Terry

 

[namrata]

i've been using the bagless vac and i've found it to be "use-it-and-forget-it" type. in my opinion, the bagged ones are messy and i found them to be less efficient. i'd suggest you to check out the wet-n-dry ones as well. they are much suitable for indian homes... not just for upholstery but also for cleaning water tanks, cisterns etc. and if you buy the bagless one, make sure it's quite sturdy... don't buy the cheap ones as these types of vacs need to have tight seals.

karcher is no doubt the industry leader but they are simply dumping low-tech stuff in india. may be they are testing out indian market.

i've got a dyson root cyclone vac
its build quality is awesome and the handles are really functional. i just need to wash the HEPA filter once in 6 months and the manual doesn't say that it needs to be replaced each time. this one is quite powerful as well.

i guess all the bagless vacs are now based on root cyclone technology.

 

[terence_fdes]

Sigh @namrata - you really know how to drive me "nuts"....... [I would have loved to use a Dyson .... but what about "service/spares"??? The cheapest Dyson is $400 ]

Dyson is the "worlds best"...... period. But it's not available in apna desh. And the same would also go for other reputed brands - these would need spares or other replacements which are so difficult to get in India. Also agree with you that Karcher is dumping low end stuff here (same is story with Panasonic & LG too). So that leaves us with very little choices.

Whatever I have read till now about the "bagless" vacs - they would need replacement of the HEPA filter & say, if I want it to last for 10 years (the vac), then I would have to replace the filter at least 3 times (even after doing the mandatory 3/6 month cleaning) - & it's very expensive.

Do you know of any "quality" bagless vac - that is easily available in India & having their service center/availability of spares?

 

[namrata]

i just wanted to stress on the build quality of the vac if you are going in for a bagless version, otherwise all of those online horror stories would come true. i've seen the indian versions and they look flimsy (or it's just my perception).

i've no idea about what's available in india these days. i am sure, other TE folks can help you here. the only suggestion i can make is that you inquire about various service centers available in your city. you can buy any brand but spares and service matters. heck, i couldn't even find batteries for the watches i bought abroad - that too in a city like gurgaon!

after a lot of thought, i went ahead with dyson. of course, it's not serviceable in india but i hope it won't die just yet. i got mine from UK because of 240V requirement. i've inspected mine very closely and i can see that the build quality is in fact quite good otherwise the joints would definitely spew out fine dust (as mentioned online). another thing: the root cyclone types can catch dust as well apart from large debris. online reviews say otherwise.

look for the one with highest suction power. it'll be noisy but can give you satisfactory results.

someday, i'll buy the dyson cordless version as well, as it suits my needs.

 

[terence_fdes]

Well, thanks @namrata .... I may have to say "goodbye" to "Dyson" - It is the Mike "Tyson" in Vacs

[Geek} Ever wondered, Why "Quality Brands" in Vacuum Cleaners have never come to India ?
- [Desi-Gyani] - What would then happen to our mega workforce of Bai's, Maids, helps & the MM guy in 3-Idiots - millimeter/centimeter