Bosch Series 4 Bagged Vacuum Cleaner - Black vs Series 6 BCS612GB Unlimited ProHome Cordless Vacuum Cleaner — Comparison

The Bosch BGL38BA3GB is a corded bagged cylinder cleaner, and the Bosch BCS612GB is a cordless stick. Both cost £199, but they suit different homes. The cylinder is rated at 850 air watts and has a 4-litre bag, HEPA filtration, a 7-metre cord with automatic rewind and four tools, weighing 4.5kg. The stick has an 18-volt battery with a run time of up to 30 minutes, a 0.9-litre bagless bin, an AllFloor power brush and nozzles, and weighs 2.3kg.

In daily use the trade-off is power and reach against convenience. The corded model suits larger homes where a heavier cylinder is manageable, and its big bag and long cable mean fewer interruptions. The cordless stick is quick to grab for a tidy-up and stores neatly on its charging base, but the battery limits how long you can keep going. Reviewers of the corded machine say it is strong for the money, but they also mention awkward handling on stairs and bags that are expensive to replace.

Buyers of the cordless stick are pleased with how light it is, how easy it is to manoeuvre and how well the brush works across floors. One reviewer finds it quieter than earlier stick cleaners. The complaints concern battery life, with one buyer finding it runs for about ten minutes rather than the advertised time, and the fiddly charging connectors. One buyer also wished for a small brush tool, so check the accessories if you rely on upholstery tools.

Bottom line: choose the Bosch BGL38BA3GB if you want strong suction and a long cable for a larger home and do not mind the weight, choose the Bosch BCS612GB if you want a light, quick cordless cleaner for everyday tidy-ups.