Oreck with POD technology Review: Finally a Bagged Cordless Vacuum

One of the most significant issues with bagless technology is how messy it is to empty.

No matter what the manufacturers say, there will still be exposed to dust and allergen.

Even top-of-the-line brands like Dyson have this issue, and as long as there is no bag, there will be allergen exposure.

If allergen exposure is a big issue for you, then Oreck may have solved this issue.

I thought this day would never occur in all the years I’ve been running this site. But finally, here it is a bagged cordless vacuum.

Oreck calls this a cordless vacuum with POD technology.

They say that these pods are self-sealing and can hold three times more dirt than other brands.

But this technology isn’t cheap, and you’ll need to spend over $550 to buy this.

The real question is, is this worth the price tag? We’ll answer all those questions and more in this review.

A quick look at the features

• The first cordless vacuum in the market with a self-sealing filtration system that traps 99% of particles as small as 0.5 microns (first cordless bagged vacuum)
• It comes with an innovative POD system with direct airflow for better cleaning efficiency and power
• Lightweight cordless weighs less than 6 pounds
• All-in-one brush roll system is capable of cleaning bare floor and carpet
• POD system is easy to empty, and avoids exposure allergens
• Comes with three extra tools for easy above the floor cleaning
• Comes with 5 POD refills
• 35 minute run time (2.5 hour charge time)
• Lithium-ion battery
• Two-speed settings
• 3-year warranty
• 100-day love it guarantee

Pros

• Fully sealed bagged system keeps allergens inside the bag
• Easy to empty
• Great filtration makes this a good option for allergy sufferers
• The lightweight and versatile machine is great for small to medium-sized homes
• Also a good choice for mobile homes
• Interchangeable tools allow this to clean floors, stairs, and upholstery

Cons

• Very expensive at over $550
• You’ll have to buy PODS and cost will add up

What to expect from the Oreck Cordless with POD technology?

Before this Oreck, all cordless vacuums in the market had bagless technology. It means that dirt is kept in a container with a filter protecting the motor and user from allergens that could potentially come out from the exhaust.

One big advantage of a bagless system is convenience and cost savings.

When the bin is full, empty it over a bin. There are no bags to buy which keeps operating costs down. However, bagless vacuums come with one caveat which is allergen exposure.

If you want to learn more about the differences between a bagged and bagless vacuum, please read this guide.

POD technology

What makes this Oreck cordless unique is the POD technology that has a self-sealing system that traps allergens and keeps it inside.

The benefit of this feature is two-fold. First, you are sure that there is virtually zero exposure to allergens during operation. And second, emptying it is as mess-free as you can get.

If you have some sort of respiratory issue like asthma and looking for something cordless, this is the best option right now.

Out of the box, you’ll get 5 PODs, but you’ll have to purchase extra PODs for future use. A pack of 5 will cost around $15 in Amazon.

According to Oreck, these PODs will hold as much as three times more dirt than a competing brand. If you look at their adverts, they’re most likely talking about a Dyson V8 Absolute which has a 0.53-liter capacity.

Multiply that by three, and I’m estimating that the Oreck’s bag call hold 1.59 liters.

Status light

One big issue with older bagged vacuums is the time which you need to empty the bag. Older variants don’t have a status light that tells you when you’ll have wait for the performance to degrade before emptying it.

There’s no such issue with the Oreck. Once the bag is full the POD status at the back will flash red. No guessing which will save you time.

Interchangeable tools

Another selling point of this product would be its versatility. Like the Dyson V8 or V10 and Shark ION Rocket, this vacuum comes with a removable wand and interchangeable tools.

This cordless comes with a total of 3 interchangeable tools that you can attach on the wand or direct on the vacuum…

1. Crevice tool
2. Air Power Pivoting Brush roll
3. Soft bristle brush tool

It also comes with a tool racket that you can attach on a wall mountable bracket for easy storage.

Two speeds

To give you more flexibility on different surfaces, you’ll have two speed options – low and high.

Use the first speed setting for cleaning surfaces like bare floor where you don’t need as much suction.

On carpet where it is much harder to clean, use the max setting for that extra oomph to pick up dirt under carpet fibers.

Battery and Run Time

Powering this cordless is a lithium-ion battery that’ll run for 35 minutes max. It’ll take around 2.5 hours to fully charge this which is actually less time than the Dyson V10 and Shark ION Rocket.

Cleaning Performance

Oreck does not specify the amount of power that this cordless vacuum produces. But from what I’ve read and seen online, it’s pretty close to the Dyson V7 and V8.

It does have a motorized brush that’ll help somewhat in agitating carpet.

This brush has stiff bristles that’ll help clean surface dirt but do not expect it to deep clean.

To give you an idea of how this vacuum will perform on bare floor and rug, please watch this video:

It has almost as much power as the Dyson V7 that it was up against. However, that V7 is much cheaper than the Oreck. But remember that you’re paying for the convenience of a bagged vacuum.

If you’ve owned a previous generation Dyson like the V6, V7 or even the V8, you’ll know that emptying it is a messy proposition. Not everything inside the bin drops down as easy as in the adverts.

Something, you’ll need to use your fingers to scoop out static dirt like dust.

What do consumers say?

Since this is a new product, there isn’t much in terms of reviews. But those who’ve tried this vacuum had positive things to say.

Consumers like how the bagged system makes it easy for them to empty it. Emptying it is as easy as dumping a trash bag to a bin literally. And the best part is there is no exposure to allergens.

They also like how versatile this vacuum is capable of not just cleaning homes but also inside vehicles.

The low profile head design fill fit easily under furniture. And transitioning between hardwood and carpet is easy – you don’t have to change anything.

Suction is another strong point and since this has a bag, it will be a great option for pet owners because there’s no allergen exposure. However, don’t expect this to do very well picking up dog hair on the hardwood.

One big downside is the price. At over $550 this is more expensive than the Dyson V8 and Shark ION. But you are paying for the convenience of not being exposed to dirt.

Where can I buy this?

You can buy the Oreck cordless with POD technology from Amazon for a little over $550. And it’ll be eligible for their free 2-day shipping if you join Prime.

Another option would be buying this direct from Oreck for about the same price. But you won’t get the 2-day free shipping.

The verdict

The Oreck with POD technology is a perfect option for folks looking for a cordless vacuum that has a bag.

This feature makes emptying much easier and eliminates exposure to allergens.

Pet owners looking for a tool that’ll rid their carpet and fabric upholstery off pet hair should have a long look at this.

Yes, it is expensive but you’re investing in the POD technology that will pay off long term. Since you aren’t exposed to allergens, there’s less risk of having allergic flare-ups.