Bosch GL-30 Free'e ProPower BGL3PWERAU
VerifiedMPN: BGL3PWERAU50 reviews
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Purchased some years ago on the strength of positive reviews by Choice. It's been a reliable machine for us. The bags are expensive, but you can get cheaper replacements that seem to work fine. We've had no reliability issues and it's working well. It has decent suction on it, so it can be quite hard to vacuum carpet given there's no powerhead… Read more
attached. But hard floors are pretty straightforward and you can turn down the suction levels for carpet to make it a bit easier to push back and forth.
Pros - Below-average weight - 2200 W - good power - Cheap Cons - Fragile body construction; the lid is already coming loose even though it’s been used occasionally for less than 3 years - No brush or handle locks – they rely on friction, making them sometimes difficult to remove Overall I would not buy it. Will not buy again, definitely. Show details
Reviews with attachments
Outstanding suction and superior clean – This is the economical Bosch that has been designed and made in Germany. I reluctantly returned to a bagged machine after many years of using the most expensive bagless machine on the market. I was sceptical that this ‘cheap’ cleaner ($139) could do as well as the expensive brand, but I was pleasantly surprised. My apartment floors, rugs and sofas… Read more
haven’t been so clean in years. There is a dial on the cleaner that enables you to choose the level of suction. The pole is made of steel, not plastic, which is important if you are taller than average and tend to push down on the pole while vacuuming. It won’t split. I highly recommend this cleaner because it is so economical and bags can be purchased easily.
Understated product of the year – This machine is exceptional. I actually can’t work out how they are making a profit, but I’ve been using it for a year and this is equal top 3 best vacuum I’ve ever used. Show details · 1
I am disappointed with this vacuum cleaner – I bought this because it was highly rated on Choice, however, it doesn't have a good brush attachment, and the other attachments are also quite flimsy. I am trying to use the brush head from my old vacuum cleaner with it!! The lack of suitable attachments means I am having trouble getting the dust off window screens and blinds etc. but it also… Read more
prevents me from properly vacuuming draws and windowsills. I had high expectations due to the Choice review but I wish I had had the opportunity to try it out in a store, because I would not have bought it.
In-depth reviews
Ones fitted with a turbo brush, it's a awesome vacuum – I was about to return it. While this vacuum had fantastic suction, it was so difficult to use this over the carpet surface. My home has medium pile carpeting & I had difficulty vacuuming it unless I go in a pulling monition. It was so difficult. I purchased another brand of vacuum (Miele C1 Young) & when I unboxed the Miele and tried it out for… Read more
the first time. I found the Miele was also hard to move on the carpet, just like the Bosch.
So I decided to go online & research why it is hard to vacuum on medium pile carpeting. The solution, buy a turbo brush. Apparently, with these German brand vacuum cleaners, the brushes that come as standard is designed mainly for light pile carpeting, rugs and hard floor surfaces like tiles. You need to purchase a turbo brush if you want to use it on the floor-to-floor carpeting found in a typical Australian home. So I tried it on the Miele, noticed it was much more to vacuum on the carpet surface, and tried it on Bosch & it was even better to use on the carpet surface than the Miele. While the Miele is still a great vacuum, I found the power cable was too short, the telescopic pole wasn't retractable & it wasn't as powerful as the Bosch. So I decided to return the Miele and keep the Bosch.
Now with the Bosch equipped with a turbo brush, it is so much better to use that it is probably the best vacuum I've ever owned. With the Turbo brush, while you can buy the genuine Bosch ones, you can get generic ones from places like eBay, Amazon or even your local Godfrey store, which are much cheaper but works just as good. Just make sure it has a 35mm fitting for it. Moreover, you don't need to crank the power too max; as another person mentioned in their review, this can result in the vacuum ripping your carpet. I found halfway on the power dial to be more than adequate. Even with the additional cost of a power brush, I still find this vacuum to be a fantastic value for money. The only other grip is that the auto-retracting power cable can get stuck, but it's a minor grip that I have. The vacuum made in Germany & it's solid as a rock. Very happy with the quality of accessories that come fitted with the machine.
Protecting an investment in loop pile carpet – Loop pile or long pile wool carpets should not be vacuumed with power or turbo brush cleaners because too much suction and too much agitation can drag threads of wool out and they appear as excessive fuzzing on the carpet. [references: Victoria Carpets “Carpet Care”, and Hycraft Carpets “Carpet Care Guide”] This lesson is important for me… Read more
because I’ve just bought loop pile wool carpet and I’ve learned that my electric power head vacuum cleaner can’t be used.
This review is about the Bosch GL-30 Propower, a modest adjustable vacuum cleaner with a floor tool, and a surprising role to play in the care of my loop pile texture wool carpet. This light, budget priced vacuum cleaner has the essence of an excellent machine with a regular carpet/hard floor tool (i.e. not turbo).
With adjustable suction control, this cleaner can vacuum at the right suction level needed to lift dust and debris from hard floors and carpet. It has a Hepa filter and an extended power cord, which is a welcome convenience. In other respects, it only has basic tools and omits a dusting brush. The plastic body of this cleaner is a little bit flimsy, but it is lightweight and easy to carry. It is the vacuuming that is important, and this cleaner is good for me because it has a dial to adjust the suction power.
Searching for the right cleaner has been a problem because vacuums with power or turbo heads have taken over the world. There are precious few adjustable suction vacuum cleaners on the market with which to vacuum loop pile wool. I am counting on the Bosch GL-30 Propower to protect my investment in this new carpet.
btw, BOSCH continues making parts available for its products for 10 years after a model has been discontinued.
Finally a fantastic Vacuum cleaner and not expensive either – We have had that many vacuum cleaners from $49 to $949 ones and they all "suck" to excuse the "french" They either don't last long, don't clean well, or are very short for tall people and this includes a very expensive brand that I never liked from the get-go. Back in June 2022 a special came up on Amazon and I saw how great the reviews were… Read more
including Choice recommended 2021, so gave it a go.
This vacuum is so powerful that the mat sticks to the head and lifts the carpet off the ground! Thankfully you can tone done the power suction for that sort of thing. We have all tiled floors, except one room that is timber floorboards, and of course we have many rugs and the Bosch GL-30 cleans superbly. There is plenty of pipe so if you are tall you don't have to stoop over. Another thing is that it is extremely quiet as well, so more positives all round.
Despite our household having lots of hair shedding on floors from the females, the bag hasn't been emptied after 2 months. It has a HEPA hygienic filter system incase you have allergies.
Though replacement bags can be expensive, there is a bulk pack you can purchase which is 16 bags kit normally $80 and we got them for $60, so another plus there in the spare parts department.
We both love this machine and rate it the best we have had by a country mile from being together 30 years. Though its $249 retail, we paid only $205 when it was on special and we would definitely buy again if the performance lasts. It comes with a 2 year warranty which is excellent value.
Positive reviews
This is one powerful sucker – This is just one more very positive review of this vacuum cleaner. As many other reviewers have commented, it's so powerful that the control dial often needs to be turned down to under 50%. The carpet head becomes largely stuck to the floor and very hard to move at higher settings. I followed the advice of other people in these reviews and got… Read more
hold of a turbo head on Ebay, which works great and doesn't need much effort to move it. The bag is very large and I still haven't had to replace it even after a lot of use. Also it's reasonably quiet. I'm very happy with this machine.
Great value for money – For the price you cant beat this vac. It has very powerfull suction, is made in germany and has a metal wand, which most vacs are plastic, and the vacuum head seems very solid. The only negatives i can find are the outlet blows up instead of out the back. If you are on a budget this vac beats all other cheapies hands down. Im really impressed with the quality, performance and value for money Highly reccomended Show details · 1
Would be 5 stars if handle didn't keep coming off – As previously stated this is a powerful little vacuum that can realistically only be pulled backwards. No problem with that, but it is VERY annoying that there's no clip on the two pole parts fixing them together. I bought this to replace an old Bosch vacuum which had the same issue due to breakage ( that one did originally clip together)! As I… Read more · 1
move backwards, the two pieces can't be pushed in hard enough to stay put. I may have to consider getting something to lock it in place.
Negative reviews
Head falls off repeatedly and other limitations – Components don't function as they should. The cord needs repeated active encouragement to retract, the hose is thin and easily damaged. Most impacting function is that the head which detaches several times per use though not on highest suction. I regret the purchase and wish I had saved my money and bought from KMart! Show details
Didn't get a chance to use it – Brought this a few weeks ago , opened it the other day and what do you know faulty from the get go. Didn't even get a chance to turn it on or use it. Had to return it . Is there anything on the shelf that isn't faulty or that doesn't last the 12mth period without a fault or problem. I'm afraid to buy another brand after all I've experienced the past couple of weeks. Whose going to pay for my fuel, time and kms for all the back and forth Show details
Find out how Bosch GL-30 Free'e ProPower BGL3PWERAU compares to other Barrel Vacuum Cleaners
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Worst vaccuum ever – This would have to be one of the worst vaccuums I’ve ever had the displeasure to use. On hard floors it kinda works but on carpet or rugs is where you will become so frustrated with it you want to throw it out a window. It is near impossible to move back and forth across carpet unless you bend your back down low to the ground to get the angle of… Read more
the stick just right. As a relatively larger, fit man it gives me a workout better than my local gym and I end up a sweaty mess. Which is great except I’m vaccuumingand should have to feel like I wrestled an crocodile just to get clean floors. I hate this vaccuum so much that I logged in just to leave a review and I never leave reviews! Avoid at all costs.
Recent reviews
Made in Germany machine – We have had this for a year now and it has been very good. It is relatively light so is easy to carry up and down stairs. Despite the light weight, it has good suction. It works well on both carpets and floors. The only niggle is that the cord often does not retract fully, leaving 10 cm hanging out unless it gets twitched. It is a relatively long cord, longer than a Miele we also have. Show details
Expect a workout! – This vacuum sucks.... literally! I was sick of my Dyson stick that didn't pick up anything bigger than a fingernail. I wanted something that was cheap, but had good reviews. I wasn't disappointed. My rug is now pristine clean, and my carpets were lifting off the floor the suction is that good! I had to turn it down from max power it's that… Read more · 2
powerful! It also cleaned my lino perfectly, not one single crumb was left on the floor. Easy to use, very lightweight, way better than Dyson, and half the price. After having two Dyson's and having issues with both of them, I'll never buy another when this little beauty is now in my home. Highly recommend, and I cannot wait to use the other tools on my car. It doesn't come with a turbo head brush, however that doesn't worry me because I've had nothing but trouble with turbo heads anyway. This head doesn't clog, or stop working like a turbo head. Very happy with my purchase, and cannot recommend it enough!
Excellent vacuum – I have had one for 4 years. It works well. The pipe broke but I was able to source a replacement from Bosch for $30, which is very reasonable. Show details
Value for Money – This is an Excellent Vaccum cleaner, nice and tidy. Its got very good suction power; the bag last about six months while using twice a week in a 2-bed apartment. The motor comes with a 10-year warranty. Costs between AUD 200 to 250 depending on the offer. Show details
It’s not meant to be this difficult! – Bought it because we have two cats and two dogs- the choice review was very convincing - but it’s horrible to use! The head either lifts up or won’t come back after I’ve pushed it… waste of time because it only sucks in one direction?!?!! Regretful purchase. Show details
O my gosh,Bosch! – I bought it yesterday, it arrived today through Appliances Online and finally I have a vacuum that works well. After 10 years of a Hoover that cost twice the price back then and half as good as this little beauty I'm very happy with the BGL3PWERAU. Show details
Uncomfortable for me to push, the cord constantly retracts – I purchased this vacuum based on Choice review and had pretty high expectations. Sure, it looks well built, seems to have plenty of power, and does come with useful accessories. However, when I used this to vacuum our floors (a mixture of hardwood, carpet, and large wool rugs) I ran into problems with the floor tool not staying down flat on any… Read more
surface despite changing power and floor tool settings, cord constantly retracting (I'm used to pulling my Miele vacuum cord taut and it stays put) and the handle was so uncomfortable for me to hold firmly. I am 168cm and the telescopic wand was only just long enough, I did feel I had to stoop a bit so ended up with a slight backache. Perhaps it wasn't set up properly (but I've already given this away after one use).
Hi CathyS05, Thanks for your review, we… Read more
Not good for carpet – Vacuum cleaner head won't move forwards or backwards on the wool carpet surface without great difficulty, rendering it useless. I immediately took it back to the shop. Thankfully got refund. Show details
Find out how Bosch GL-30 Free'e ProPower BGL3PWERAU compares to other Barrel Vacuum Cleaners
Know better, choose better.
Not a great purchase – It was purchased as it was recommended to use on slate and hard floors. The metal wand for accessory attachment is flimsy and if dropped then end for attaching accessories will squash - although it is flimsy enough to easily straighten it out again. Attachments push on to the wand but do not lock on so they are not very secure and the vacuum head… Read more
especially comes off easily when using it. The retractable cord is a great length but retracts just when you don't want it to. It is a noisy unit. The suction is strong but the brush head for hard floors can still scratch the slate. Not what I expected at all and it will end up in the shed as soon as I can afford to replace it.
Hi Judy, Thanks for your review, we… Read more
Awesome vacuum cleaner, ridiculously powerful suction – Simple, just a ridiculous amount of suction and it seems really well built - I find the head comes off the pole sometimes if I'm dragging it towards me due to the great suction to the surface so either i'm doing it wrong or they could improve the design so it locks onto the pole. Show details
Impressed again by Bosch – Purchased in May ( appliance online ) awesome price and great delivery , The unit itself is fantastic doesnt hurt my back like my old hoover ,was impressed after first use results and the cords longer which is perfect also , has a first rate filter system which is good for my Asthma , went with bosch for this based on my Bosch washing machine which i'm glad I bought also , Thanks Bosch . Show details · 1
Bought this vacuum after reading a review in Choice. How wrong did they get it! – This vacuum has such strong suction as to render it extremely hard to use on carpets and rugs as even on the lowest suction setting the head digs in and the handle is slippery.Where the handle pushes into the wand there is no locking mechanism so it keeps coming apart unless you push it in hard and then you will never get it apart when you want… Read more
to!Bags are also quite small and at $19.00 for a pack of 4 this becomes an expensive proposition.In fairness it performs very well on hard floors but overall I cannot recommend this machine.Now sits in the garage awaiting our next yard sale!!!
Hi Gary, Thanks for your review, we… Read more
Expected so much more from a German made product – The first issue is the wind up cord although other brands have this feature, this one requires no button to push to rewind so expect the cord to want to rewind itself if you accidentally pull slightly on the cord while vacuuming. Happens more often than you think and it is annoying. The expelled air from the vacuum cleaner comes out of the top of… Read more
the machine instead of the rear so when you are close to the cleaner you are constantly pummelled by hot air. Another thing is the wheels, these are quite good on hard floors, absolutely useless on even the shortest of carpet or rug. Expect to be tugging at the machine like a reluctant pet. Suction seems fine and the extendable tube is strong and does not flex. All in all I would not buy this item again given the chance.
Oh, and good luck registering the warranty online. I will have to mail it in old school
Hi, Thanks for your review, we appreciate… Read more
It lost suction after 4th use! Poor customers Service – We bought it from Harvey Norman 9 months ago. Since we bought the vacuum cleaner, we have used it for 5 times as we usually use our Electrolux rechargeable vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner had a great suction in its first 3 use so that we didn't need to use it on maximum power. On it's 4th use its suction dropped noticeably. Even on maximum… Read more
power it didn't have its initial power. The dust bag was half empty, we thought if we replace the bag the suction would come back. We replaced the bag but still the suction is not good enough. We checked the hose for any blockage and it was clean.
The filters are also very clean so the only thing that could come up to our minds was that one of the coils in electrical motor is burnt.
We tried the after sales service which was disappointing too. They sent us a new filter while I said to them there is something wrong with the motor.
Don't waste your money on such a poor product.
A great vacuum cleaner! – Having lost patience with our Dyson V6, I purchased this machine on a Choice recommendation from Appliances Online during its Australia Day sale. The machine cleans equally well on carpet or hard floors, cleans edges well, is quiet, light to pull around and very powerful. I have to turn the suction right down to vacuum carpets and rugs. Register… Read more
on line and the motor warranty is extended to ten years. We are very happy with our purchase and wonder what extra we would receive with machines twice or three times the price.
Pretty good – This vacuum came with plenty of accessories and works well on all surfaces. The only issue was actually fitting the bags. As with many brands this was tricky. We also have a Meile which is far more powerful but was double the price. Show details
Good value for money – This model is good for value given it is genuine German made. The only thing I am not totally happy about it is there is no secure lock 'slots' at various connection points for different sections of the tubes. As a result, the sucking head easily slips out. The middle tube that connects with the arrow button that suppose works for overall tube length extension adjustment also easily slips out while the vacuum cleaner is in use. Show details
Best one to keep its competitors to rest – I am not yet sure of the after sales service however the vacuum cleaner is silent and powerful. You need to set to minimum power to vacuum the carpet effortlessly. The extension cord is long enough to cover two bedrooms in one go. So far so good. I feel I made a good choice. Show details · 1
Forget the brand name competitors – This is the best vacuum cleaner I have ever had. Solid and sturdy and very quiet. Wide hose, with very strong suction. Went into retailer to purchase a different one. Sales person said "forget that " everyone comes into buy that particular one. I am so glad I listened as the Bosch was not as expensive but equal or even better in quality. Show details · 1
Black beauty beast – Love at first sight - For the price -she’s an absolutely beauty and powerful suctions. Show details · 1
Works well – Not a bad machine. No on board storage for tools. Bag lid feels a bit cheap when closing it. Good value for the cost. Show details
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Hi Be happy, Thanks for your review, we… Read more