Pros and Cons of Vacuum Features

Feature Type	Pros	Cons
Bagless	Environmentally-friendly because of less waste from throwing away bags  Bagless machines thwart the inconvenience of dealing with torn bags  Save money on bags	Buy more filters than bagged vacuums  Bagged models hold more dirt and dust  Dust and debris can be released back into air when emptying  Less appealing to allergy and asthma sufferers
Electric Power Head	More powerful, efficient, reliable and consistent  Handles deep-pile carpets with ease  Good agitation	Second motor for brushroll requires additional maintenance from time to time  More expensive then standard power head  Unnecessary for low-pile carpets
Air Driven	Less expensive than motorized brushrolls  Handles low-pile or shallow carpets	Not as effective on thick, high-pile carpeting  Not as powerful or consistent as motorized brushes
Brush On/Off Switch	Avoid damaging hardwood or tiled floors while using power nozzle  Avoid scattering debris when vacuuming non-carpeted floors  Avoid potentially dangerous or damaging results of vacuum tipping over while brush roller is on
Pet Vacuums	Attachments designed for picking up pet hair  Charcoal filters absorb pet odors directly from the filter bag	More expensive than non-pet vacuums
Automatic Height Adjustment	Less work, no worrying that you'll forget to change the height	Less control over the type of cleaning you want
Manual Height Adjustment	More Control over cleaning, better for matching to unique or specific carpet types	Possibility of forgetting to change the carpet height or adjusting it inaccurately
HEPA Filtration	Filters only need to be changed twice a year  HEPA filters remove 99.97% of particles, allergens, and dust from the air  HEPA filters capture particles smaller than 0.3 microns  Ideal for individuals with asthma or allergies	HEPA Filters can be expensive
Cordless	Cordless vacuums can be moved around the house without unplugging and replugging the power cord  Less expensive	Cordless vacuums have limited run time  Batteries have limited lifetime and sometimes are not replaceable  Less powerful motor
Bag Full Indicator	Alerts you when bag is full or almost full  Prevents bags from overfilling and decreasing vacuum efficiency	Can sometimes give incorrect readings or signals that hinder performance
Headlight	Allows you to see what you are vacuuming when cleaning under low tables when it's dark  Makes it easier to see debris or spots you have neglected to clean	Headlight can be overkill and unnecessary  Replacement batteries for some models  Adds to price of the vacuum
Motor Protection System	Protects motor from overheating, especially during brush roll jam
Retractable cord	No cord storage necessary  Helps reduce tangles or knots  Protects cord when vacuum not in use  Makes clean up time faster and easier	Difficult to replace or repair if it breaks  Poor mechanism on some specific models
Self-Propelled	Helps reduce physical exertion when pushing vacuum across carpet	Adds another belt and another mechanical component that could break or require repair  Adds excessive weight to the vacuum making it difficult to carry
Suction Control	Allows more control over suction power to prevent damage to delicate surfaces  Maximize power on deep, high-pile carpets	Adds an additional feature that may not be necessary in all homes