Vacuum Cleaners Discussions

The Hoover Z was certainly not a great idea but at least looked like it might be.  It's main failing for all its feature is the rather small mesh filter between the dust bin and the self-cleaning filter.  It can become clogged relatively quickly and bring about a noticable drop-off of its already lackluster suction.  The compartmentalized dust collection set-up -- a compartment for incoming dirt and another for dust shed by the rotating filter -- also does no lend to easy emptying. However, that's all old news.

I visited a Home Depot in lower Manhattan about two days ago and was surprised to find the "Z" still for sale -- for $50.00.  After all this time, this isn't flattering.  It may not be good business, but I wonder why Hoover just didn't do a recall.  After all we're talking about a vacuum that hit the market at around $500 or more and that has been allowed to hang around on shelves as its price has plummeted down to ten-percent of what it was initially.  Of course a recall would have meant a loss to Hoover but might have meant saving face regarding this particular item.  This also might not have been possible due to plans for the company's changing of hands.

Though I hate the fixed prices some manufacturers demand their vacuums must be sold for, I must admit there may be some point to the practice regarding the maintenance of supposed value.

Venson

Hi Venson, The Z, was hoovers bid at the high end upright market. The box stores cant sell vacuums for that kind of money,reminds me what halo's going through right now.

The dyson was just good timing,it's getting tuff now. There are some pretty nice deals out there now,you know the saying money talks,bull$$$$ walks.

There are a lot of desperate dealers out there.

MOLE

I have one of those (Z400) and had no idea they were still around in stores...I remember when the Z400s were on sale at my local Home Depot a year ago for $99 and I was waiting for the price to drop to $50 after hearing rumors about it.  It never did, the Z just disappeared there.  Luckily I came across one later as I had been wanting one as a future collectible.

When the filter is clean, the Z is really not a bad cleaner on carpets, and it is fun to use since it's such an oddball machine.  You can feel the brushroll pulling it across the rug, and for something as heavy as the Z, that's quite an accomplishment.  It's not badly made, either, and the touch control with electric height adjustment and "soft start" was a great idea.

The main problem with the Z, and why it didn't turn out to be a success (at least to me), is because it's so darn big.  Have you ever seen one in person, out of the box, in the upright position with the telescoping handle fully extended?  The sheer size (both weight-wise and height-wise) rivals even some commercial uprights, and it weighs 28 pounds.  I can't even begin to imagine a 100-pound housewife trying to schlep that monstrosity up the stairs.  Sure, it's a neat cleaner, but from that standpoint, it was just not practical for everyday use.

What the Z will be, in the future, is a highly sought-after vacuum for the next generation of collectors.  Especially the TOL Z700.  Those are hard to come across even today.

Motorhead, you've sold me. I've already got one so maybe I'll go get a couple more and put cushions on 'em when they're folded down so campany can have a place to sit.

Venson