Vacuum Cleaners Discussions

Hello Venson,

It appears the Wall Street Journal shares your interest in quiet performing vacuums.  Under the title:  Shopping Around: Quiet Vacuum Cleaners, Sara Scahaefer Munoz went on a quest to test several vacuums for quiet operations.

"Vacuum makers are touting a new generation of machines that pack plenty of power-without making lots of noise.  We tested four models and found they are indeed quieter than the traditional models, but we wouldn't advise running them during a baby's nap."

"Responding to concerns over indoor air quality, manufacturers in recent years have added high-efficiency particulate air, or HEPA, filters to capture things like dust mites and pet dander. Hoping to boost consumer interest, manufacturers insulated the motors to reduce noise.  We checked whether we could comfortably talk on the phone while using them.  Here's what we found."

"Electrolux Oxygen 3 Ultra with Quiet Clean.  Retail price is $499.  Made by Electrolux Home care Products.  

Comments: Canister vacuums are typically quieter but this one is especially so.  It's compact, and the manufacturer says its HEPA filter captures dust mites and pet dander.  When we made a phone call with it running, the person on the other end siad she could barely hear it."

"Miele Callisto.  Retail price is $799.  Made by Miele Inc. 

Comments:This sleek canister vacuum also has a soft hum and would be possible to use while on the phone.  Easy to maneuver; has a HEPA filter."

"Healthy Home Vacuum.  Retail price is $269.  Made by Bissell Homecare Inc. 

Comments: This upright is louder than canister vacuums, but isn't as shrill as other uprights.  Talking on the phone while using it wold be tough, but it's fairly easy on the ears.  Along with the HEPA filter, it has height adjustments and a pet hair attachment."

"Oreck XL 21 Titanium Upright with IntellaShield Technology.  Retail price is $749.  Made by Oreck Corp. 

Comments:  Also louder than the canister vacuums we tested, but quieter than older uprights.  At 9 pounds, it weighs less than most uprights and has a HEPA filter. "

Source:  WSJ, January 24, 2008. Personal Journal. Section D.  Home & Family.  Page D3.

Carmine D.

I too would be interested if any manufacturers have experimented or are experimenting with sound reduction technology for their motors.  That definitely seems like a difficult undertaking, but the winner would certainly reap the benefits.  I can't think of anyone who wouldn't want a quieter machine, myself included.  Added insulation is nice, but like someone mentioned, it raises the temperature of the motor compartment and may lead to overheating.

In regards to brushless/SR motors, from my experiences with a Rainbow E-series, they don't seem any quieter than the brushed type, at least as of now.  Aside from the different sound on startup, it had that constant drone of any other Rainbow when it was running.  Although it seemed to me in that situation, the fans were the main factor in the noise.

Vernon wrote:

Hello Vernon:

Interesting observation.  When President Kennedy made the space race with Russia the number one national priority, he encountered vehement arguments against it from Federal government officials including the head of NASA.  Why?  The cost was prohibitive.  Billions of dollars.  Money was not an issue with the President and his core group of inside advisors who forged ahead against the consensus of the bureaucracy.  And prevailed.

Money is a huge factor for mass market users and buyers in the USA.  Who are spoiled now and expect better performance and the same and/or cheaper prices .  My sense is manufacturers are advancing vacuum technology with lesser noise producing products.  But through marginal changes on the fringes.  Innovative noise reduction is too cost prohibitive for buyers.  Eventually motor innovation may  prevail and truly quiet operating and performing vacuums will be intro'ed.  But price will keep these from being widespread unless and until the manufacturers reap the benefits of economies of scale [like through fan applications and other household appliance uses].

Why?  The glory days of vacuums in the USA probably started in the 50's.  At that time most vacuums, especially tanks and canisters, operated quieter than today's.  And vacuums have become noiser over the years as they became better.  It's taken over 50 years for vacuum makers to start thinking in terms of toning down the noise levels again.  Vacuum customers are getting more vocal about it too.  Until now, it just was not an important consideration.  Vacuum manufacturers didn't see the need and application as important among end users and buyers.  Ultimately this is what drives innovation to the market.  Customers want it and it has to be affordable.  The all important question for makers of consumer goods:  Who will buy it?

Carmine D.

I read an article several years ago, and I know it's bad form to quote an article without being able to site it; I am just unable. (I know it was in the late 80's early 90's)  In any case the jest of the article was that American's equate noise level with power.  Thus in this article which I believe the research was commissioned by a large American manufacturer, they determined that noise was a plus at that time to the vacuum business.