When a Washington Post reporter asked us to dig into online vacuum cleaner debates, we didn’t expect to find a treasure trove of consumer insight. But the data we found using Brandwatch Consumer Research told a different story.
Below you’ll find five fascinating vacuum cleaner trends derived from public conversations on Reddit.
1. The conversation on r/VacuumCleaners is huge and growing
A great first place to look when you’re trying to understand how consumers are talking about a specific product category is Reddit. There’s usually a subreddit or a thread that will give you plenty of insight into what people think about different aspects of the product, what they’re asking for advice on, and perceptions around different brands.
There’s a dedicated subreddit for vacuum cleaners (r/VacuumCleaners) and it's buzzing with activity.
Not including comments from AutoModerator, there were 19,826 posts and replies on r/VacuumCleaners in Q1 2025. That’s up 27% compared to Q1 2024.
While overall volume has gone up, the number of unique authors contributing to the conversation has remained fairly steady. This means there is a dedicated group of highly engaged authors sharing their insights.
2. Vacuum cleaners are unique in their ability to generate conversation compared to other common appliances
The conversation on r/VacuumCleaners is unique in that it overshadows how other appliances are discussed on the popular subreddit r/Appliances.
While items like washers, dryers, freezers, and refrigerators don’t have their own dedicated subreddits on the same scale as vacuum cleaners, they do receive plenty of mentions on r/Appliances. That said, the volume of conversation is tiny compared to the conversation on r/VacuumCleaners.
Consider that there were 19,826 posts and replies on r/VacuumCleaners in Q1 2025. The most mentioned appliance on r/Appliances (the washer) only got 6,109.
3. The bagged vacuum cleaner is back in vogue
Using Brandwatch Consumer Research to analyze mentions of “bagged” vs. “bagless” on r/VacuumCleaners, we found that “bagged” vacuum cleaners are driving a larger and faster-growing conversation.
Posts and comments about bagged vacuum cleaners were up 9% from Q1 2025 to Q4 2024. Meanwhile, the conversation about bagless vacuum cleaners is significantly smaller and volume fell by 5% in the same period.
The debate around bagged vs. bagless vacuum cleaners has many aspects. Which is more environmentally friendly? Which is more effective in different scenarios? Redditors are characteristically keen to share their thoughts.
This Reddit post from r/VacuumCleaners reflects the growing consumer interest in bagged vacuum cleaners. Users are citing better filtration, less mess, and longer-lasting machines as reasons for switching back. This echos the wider trend seen in the Brandwatch data.
4. Price and budget are an important factor for vacuum cleaner buyers
Price and budget are one of the biggest topics of conversation on r/VacuumCleaners, and there are more mentions of this topic than of any other particular feature (like suction power, ability to deal with pet hair, suitability for different floor types, etc).
That’s not to say that consumers are just looking for cheap models or deals. Price is a consideration alongside a varied and detailed range of factors.
Many will post on r/VacuumCleaners looking for purchase advice and include details like the kind of flooring they have, challenges they’re looking to tackle (like pet hair or rugs), and – importantly – how much they’re willing to spend. The subreddit even has a “No Price Shaming” rule to discourage judgment around budgets and purchasing decisions.
5. Consumers are getting into the detail with vacuum cleaner specs
Posts and comments on r/VacuumCleaners featuring very specific details or product aspects (like “brush,” “nozzle,” “filter,” “motor,” and “canister”) saw a boost in Q1 2025 compared to Q4 2024.
The level of detail and knowledge shared on this subreddit makes it a trusted lifeline for consumers trying to make smart choices – and a goldmine for brands listening in. They can learn how they’re perceived, track emerging trends, and spot opportunities in the market.
Conclusion: Vacuum cleaners don’t suck at generating online conversation
It turns out vacuum cleaners aren't just a household essential, they’re quite the online discussion starter. Part of that comes down to accessibility: renters and homeowners alike need one, and the wide range of price points and features means there’s plenty to compare.
Add in rising pet ownership and practical concerns like allergies, and you’ve got a product that sparks huge conversations online. The conversation around vacuum cleaners might seem niche, but it’s a perfect example of how insight-rich, passionate, and commercially relevant online communities can be.
