Vacuum Cleaners Discussions

First upright from Miele

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29 February 2008 This summer, Miele will launch its first range of upright vacuum cleaners – the S7.  It will consist of about six models, all of which feature ultra large dust bags and  “a unique swivel body, which makes it easy to manoeuvre in even the trickiest  of room layouts”. According to the company,  the decision was made following  numerous requests from customers that wanted to buy Miele  but would only use  an upright model. courtesy ERTweekly.com (Bloody hellish formatting again! If you want, go to the ERTweekly site.)

Trilobite:

Several years back Miele introed the art

series uprights for the yuppies in small

upscale residences. The S7 looks like an

actual commitment to enter the upright

market with seriousness [with 6 models]. 

Should be interesting. 

Nice modern styling.  Sleek.  Has nice wow appeal. 

I read the fine print on the ad and Miele is trying to

capitalize on its rep for premier canns and says it's

launching the uprights to meet the demands of its

customers who don't like canns and tanks.

Has my interest.  Keep us posted, please on the

status and price.  Anyone know when they are

coming to the USA?  BTW the ert article was light

on the info and details as I expected.

Carmine D.

Now this I like...

Just doing a search on more info on the Miele S7 Upright and came across this link:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mglong/tags/s7/

S7 made of LEGO!!  But you can see what I believe is the real S7 models in one of the pictures in the background!

DC18

DC18 wrote:
Yes, I see them..

Very Large Picture

The main body of the upright looks slim, I wonder if it is heavy to lift!  Hope they are not like the new 'mach' series from Vax (UK) they are very heavy to lift!

They should be coming out in a few test markets this summer/fall. Only a handful, (VERY FEW), scattered dealers in a cross section of the US will get them. Assuming the response and reliability are OK then other dealers should get them. They are really counting on this being a superior machine.

Though it is quite nice, this is not Miele's first uprights.

Miele has been producing uprights plus stick vacs for years.  See link --

http://www.miele.com/usa/vacuums/product.asp?cat=1&subcat=2&model=33&series=5&menu_id=6&nav=21

Best,

Venson

Those are Panasonics. The new ones will be Miele Made.

What do you know?  Even comes with a head

lamp that lasts forever.  What will Miele think of

next?

Carmine D.

Lucky1 wrote:

Hi Lucky1,

You're right.  Yes, the S184 and S183 are made by Panasonic for Miele. From what I saw on Miele's UK website, the company only offers canisters in its vacuum cleaner listing which I guess technnically makes the S& upright a first for for European consumers.  The only question now is when and if the product will reach the U.S.  I called Miele today to inquire about that and their vacuum rep said she knew of no plans to head the S7 in our direction.  I'm surprised that this wasn't a given as Miele has a following here in the States.

Best,

Venson

Venson wrote:

Hello Venson:

I read the specs on the Panasonic made Mieles from the site you posted.  Note both uprights [the Powerhouse S183/184] are recommended for low to medium pile carpets and smooth surfaces.  I thought that was interesting and honest.  Apparently, Miele sold these primarily for Euro consumption based on Euro designed/made carpets and rugs.  Further adding credence to the ert article in which Miele says it is offering the new Miele made uprights for its customers who do not like tanks and canns. 

Carmine D.

Venson wrote:
My connections say: They should be coming out in a few test markets this summer/fall (OK Maybe Winter). Only a handful, (VERY FEW), scattered dealers in a cross section of the US will get them. Assuming the response and reliability are OK then other dealers should get them.

Well then Lucky1 -- old pal of whom never a derogatory word has passed these lips -- how could I go about getting one?  PM me.  We won't tell the rest of the crew :)

Thanks,

Venson

I'm 3000% sure my shop won't be selected BUT Where I used to work may very well. If they do get it...I will let all know.

Lucky1 wrote:
Well . . . I tried.

HI Venson,i wiil ask my east coast miele connections,you know the new jersey guy's and the new york guy's.Another dealer that should get them is Andy in springfield Mo.

Lets see if MIELE prices the machine out of reach of most customers,

MOLE

 

Lucky1 wrote:
I do not think so.  At least not the past few years.

Mole;
While you are at it, why don't you ask those guys to look on  the machine and tell you where it was made.

Miele has had a new upright vacuum cleaner in the works for a few years now. 

If you look at the head, you can see it still resembles one of the older Miele upright models.

I believe that the machines will range form $700.00-$900.00.  This would be in competition w/SEBO.

Yes, it is true that they are not going to be available to everyone at first.

How successful will Miele be with uprights? 

Not just in Euro but the USA?

Any thoughts?

Carmine D.

Mike_W wrote:

It appears unreasonable to have 6/7 uprights from $700-$900. 

To many to be so close in price.  Perhaps the upper end will

be, but I imagine one/more will be priced less.  Why?  Some

savvy shoppers, even Miele, will be reluctant to plunk down

$700-$900 on a new model.  May go $500,  then trade up if satisfied.

My sense is the 6/7 uprights are offered in different price ranges

to see which are most desirable among vacuum buyers in different

markets.

Carmine D.

My Uprights say ASSEMBLED IN THE USA, so I'm assuming they are the Mexican Pana's shipped over to the US to be put together. Just conjecture, so I will try to find out for sure.

Canisters are more popular in the East and North East. Miele wants to get some market share of the Midwest & Western upright US market. I also feel the price that you guys have mentioned might be too high as well, especially for Wallymart heartlanders!

Lucky1 wrote:
That is interesting, since I had heard a few years ago that Miele had found someone to assemble their uprights, other than Panasonic(Matsus_h_ita).  So if they are assembled in the USA, then they would be done in Danville, KY.

The price that I had mentioned for the new uprights would be for the higher end models.  I have no idea what the low end would be priced around, but it would not be priced for "Wallymart heartlanders".  The present uprights are priced alittle high for them now.  

Tho Wal*Mart has added the DC18 now in lieu of the

DC07 exclusive, I doubt if Miele would make it there even

at the same price as the DC18.

Miele is a dealer vacuum and caters to upscale vacuum

buyers concerned with quality and dependability.  The

heartland of America consumers are "USA made" minded.

Interesting to see if the components are Miele made in

Deutschland and shipped to the USA for assembly and sale

in the USA markets.  With the dollar down against the Euro

this would be a viable alternative for Miele in the US vacuum market

to keep the prices affordable.

Carmine D.

Mike_W wrote:
Kentucky it is! Pana Factory/ Miele Specs.

Lucky1 wrote:

Made in the USA.  Miele translates its Deutsch marks into US dollars and realizes a profit just from the conversion.  Very smart.  And Miele gets the nod from the heartland of America consumers who want to buy American.  Win, win.

Carmine D. 

CarmineD wrote:
Not sure if we are confused here...two threads going on at the same time. The PRESENT Miele is USA made, the NEW version is supposed to be German Made.

Lucky1 wrote:

The operative word is highlighted.

Carmine D.

I understand your skepticism but I'm not sure where or why? Doesn't make sense to invest so much in a new vacuum development to get what you already have. Even if they had the forsight to see the collapse of the dollar they still would have gone to China if saving $'s were their main goal. This is still a private family run biz and they have the luxury to answer only to themselves and not stockholders. I commend them for trying to always do better not sell out. So I maintain, in MY opinion, the new upright will be made in Germany. (I have no problem in apologizing if I'm wrong).

And so it may be.  

I recall years ago, many saying that Miele would never enter the upright market, especially in the USA!

Look at the competition.  Who is it?.  Miele has an established name and reputation in the

USA vacuum industry with a network of dealers in place.  It is in a prime position

to shake up the upscale upright market in the USA.  With the dollar down at an all time low

against all the currencies in the world, including the Euro and Deutsch mark, Miele is in a catbird

seat to rule the upright vacuum world starting with the USA: The largest market for uprights. 

Miele is launching uprights and plans 6-7 models.  Wow.  How many years does it take other

vacuum makers to launch that many upright models? 

No, Miele is not just trying to satisfy its cann customers who like uprights.  Miele is on a mission to

dominate the upscale upright market especially in the USA.  I can't think of a better time to do it.  All the right mix of business factors are in place.

Carmine D.

Has anyone got any literature regarding this machine?  I cannot find on the internet or the Miele website.

bucks03 wrote:

Bucks,

I can't find a thing either or the mag article.  Nonetheless, I came across a picture taken either by a Lego or Miele lover.

Venson

bucks03 wrote:
The new line is not available yet.

This is where the info was found-

http://www.ertweekly.com/Default.aspx.LocID-05nnew183.RefLocID-05n021001.htm?sksearchtext=Miele%20S7%20upright

It just seems to me that miele,like the other german manufactures offer too many different configurations of the same thing.I can see offering 2 or 3 different models,but 6 or 7 come on.IT looks like they are trying to protect the brick and mortor shops from the internet.They better not burn their dealers again... their credability has already been hurt...........

MOLE

A recent KPMG report, worldwide finance and consulting firm, states that the USA is the most affordable country for multi-nationals to operate businesses.  Beating out other countries like Britain, France, Germany, etc.  China not included.  Reasons for the USA's win: Falling dollar and euro highs.  This is first time in years the USA is the most affordable.

Carmine D.

Why don't I feel comforted by that?

Lucky1 wrote:
Maybe because you wont make a reasonable profit on them,did you know that miele will sell direct to the consumer,they will tell you different,call customer service and ask about all the wand and hose breakage,i know they will tell you that their stuff doesnt break and are unaware of any problems,Im getting real tired of this outsourced junk.Ditto for BOSCH. made in germany with parts sourced from other countrys just like the rest of them,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Although there is great money in the parts and filters and bags,These guys like dyson have a nice long story behind them. Their new canister line looks a lot like BOSCHES does it not?

  THE MOLE

Hello Mole:

What's a reasonable profit on a Miele?

Do you do your own business books and records and/or have someone do it? If you prefer to message privately, do.

Carmine D.

mole wrote:

Quite true.  Miele has a "Buy Online" page at its website.  The S5980 (the Capricorn) sells along with the SEB236 power nozzle for $1,195.  Mieles are vacuums I like a lot.  It just the price that makes me skittish.

The best points in reference to the brand are usually wonderfully low noise levels, very good suction and optional tools, though often expensive, that help you fine tune your manner of vacuuming.  However, I must say that I didn't feel I was missing anything when using a top-of-the-line Kenmore canister I had. 

Nonetheless, there's a guy at the following link who swears by Miele. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5NLlCWNF6U&feature=related

Venson

Hi Venson,it's at the point of downright price gouging,must be taking lessons from the oil companies,and the government,I busted you and now i will have a book written about me telling the world what a wonderful person i am.I know many different dealers in the floorcare and automotive industrys that cant even buy at these prices[wholesale].Heres a typical management quotation when dealers complain about profit margins,if there lucky to get anyone even interested in what they are selling,JUST HIT THEM WITH THE OLD BAIT AND SWITCH ROUTINE.It seems the industry is going to pot.........

MOLE

Im real glad im in the parts and service end of the industry..............

The test markets for the upright should be determined in the next week or two. It will (supposed to be) available to dealers in October.

Miele uprights look interesting.  Will be fun to check them out mid to late summer.
Only reason I like Miele is that they run quietly. 
In a room with hard surfaces vacuums can generate an awful lot of noise because no sound is absorbed.
Even the central Vacuflow unit with powerbrush can be an ear bender in those situations.
Not so Miele.
Still, Mieles remain very pricey compared to most vacs.  The appreciated Euro isn't helping them any.

vacomatic wrote:
Not so actually...sales are stronger than ever. Might be that many customers are tired of all the 6 MO-2 YR vacuums they have previously bought.

I hear it very often from my customers.

Ask anyone who spent what was considered PAYING TOO MUCH for a quality vacuum like an Electrolux 20 years ago if they regret it.

I just bought a new Miele S7280 from my local Vac Shop on Saturday.  They got in 6 to sell under a testing phase.  I paid $599.99 for it. 
Pros:
It looks cool.  I have the black/red model.  My husband said it looks like a vacuum cleaner Spider Man or Iron Man would own.  I am hoping that it looks "cool" enough to make him want to use it.
It has a 40 foot cord.  I have a small house and I can vacuum my entire first floor without having to relocate the plug.
It swivels and it's self propelled.  That makes it super easy to maneuver around the house.
It leans all of the way down to the floor.  I haven't actually had to use that feature yet so I have no real opinion of it.  But it's nice to have in case I need to do that.
It has the suction control and switches from floor to carpet.  That has come in handy quite a bit for me as I vacuum carpet, linoleum, curtains, cat trees, and different pet toys.
The vacuum cleaner does an excellent job cleaning up my home.   I have 10 cats and 4 dogs so there is a constant battle with pet hair around here.  The Miele has made vacuuming it up easy and my carpets look better than they have in years.  I was previously using a Dirt Devil Reactor so there is a huge difference in the quality of vacuum I was using.  I expected to fill up the bag by now, but I the indicator is only half way over.  That's a plus for me.
It comes with 3 tools: a crevice tool, a dusting brush, and a upholstery tool.  The wand is telescopic and allows me to reach the corner of my ceilings where cob webs collect.  The vacuum hose disconnects from the wand allowing you to use the tools much easier.
The head lamp is all LEDs.
Also, I can reach the top of my steps with the hose, so no more pulling the vacuum up the steps as I clean them.


Cons:
I hate the dusting brush.  It's too small and gets all clogged up with pet hair since the bristles are too close together to allow for proper air flow into the hose.
The foot pedal to recline the vacuum is difficult to use.  I step on it and I have to move the vacuum around a bit to get it to lean back.  Usually is slams to the floor as I lean it back.
At the Vac Shop I asked them to test the air emissions of this model.  We first used the tester on the Miele Capricorn canister.  It went down to 0 in just about a minute. 
With this vacuum it stayed between 2 - 3000.  However when we tested the Sebo X4 (which is what I was going to buy), it was over a million.
It doesn't edge as well as the Sebo X4 when I compared them using clean cat litter from home at the Vac Shop.  My local Vac Shop let me bring down cat litter and my own pet hair to do some real tests to make sure I was getting the right vacuum cleaner for me.

I hope this review helps.  I really love this vacuum so far and my home looks and feels much  cleaner.  It has made vacuuming much easier for me.  With my old vacuum I usually had to go over things several times to get the pet hair off.  Now I only go over everything once and it's clean.  Even my cat tree looked brand new after a good vacuuming with the Miele.  I shaved my 2 long haired dogs down on Monday and the living room was covered in hair.  We picked up the big chunks and let the Miele do the rest.  We only ran it over the carpet 1 time and all of the hair disappeared.  It also does an excellent job vacuuming my cat litter (World's Best).  I would highly suggest this over the Sebo X4.

Thank you for the review. 

I hope you will post this on the review page here on the site under the Reviews Tab at the top of the page.  I'm sure readers will find your comments and analyses very useful.

Carmine D.

catlady,

Excellent review.  It is almost written too professionally.

With all due respect, what is you relationship with Miele?

Hi catlady,

Thanks for the news.  I've been waiting with bated breath to hear and I'm glad to learn the new upright is of some worth.

I'm only concerned about one thing you mentioned -- the bag gauge.  It is usually better not to put too much trust in it.  The more it shows means the airflow has been impeded.  The same airflow you clean with also is used to cool the motor.  It is best  to manually check dust bags and to dispose of them when they're around three-fourths full.  Anyway . . .

Enjoy the new machine and use it long and well.

Best,

Venson

I will go ahead and post my review in the Review section. 
An update,
The bag indicator has only been halfway over for the last few days.  However, I vacuum daily and was sure the bag should be full by now.  I checked it tonight and it still has some room in it.  The bag holds a lot more than I would ever give it credit for.

HARDSELL wrote:
LOL,
I have no relationship with Miele.  I have been researching vacuums for about 2 years now.  I was having a very difficult time justifying buying such an expensive vacuum cleaner.  Unfortunately, with as much as I vacuum, I was killing my vacuums and needed a new one every year or so anyway.  I began to research vacuums a couple of years ago and decided that with my economic stimulus check, I would finally take the plunge.  I was actually going to buy a Sebo X4 and I have been driving my local Vac Shop crazy over the last few weeks showing up with different things to vacuum up.  I think I tested every vacuum they have in the store.  When I went down that day to buy my Sebo, the guy showed me the new Miele he just got in and we tested it against the Sebo on everything.  I went home and got cat litter and brushed my dogs out and brought back the hair.  I'm sure they thought I was crazy.  But if I was going to pay that much for a vacuum, I wanted to make sure I was going to be happy with my purchase. 
The Miele sold itself to me.  I've been very happy with it ever since I brought it home.

Hello catlady:

You did all the right things before buying your Miele.  And your Miele will last 20 years [based on industry history].  When you amortize the original cost of your vacuum over it's lifetime, you see it is well worth the purchase price.  $30 a year plus bags and routine maintenance.  Very nice.

Thanks for posting the Miele review here on the discussion page and on the review page.  Makes me want to buy one too.  What is the warranty period on this Miele model?  You may want to add that info to your review on the review page too.

Enjoy your new Miele.

Carmine D.

catlady wrote:

catlady,
Thank you for the response.   I do not recall reading such a well written review.  And now you provide very valuable info that others should follow before purchasing a vacuum.To me , at least  daily vacuum simulations are better than any magazine articles.  Would you share with us what  brands you tested other than Sebo (if any).

You are one cool kitty.

CarmineD wrote:
At this time the warranty is "open ended".  I am not sure exactly what that means, but my local Vac Shop told me that since these are not officially released the warranty is open for any repairs until they actually release these on the market.  Then Miele will decide how long to warranty the vacuum.  However my manual states it is only a 2 year warranty.  My Vac Shop guy tells me that it is not official. 

HARDSELL wrote:
I tested every Miele Canister he sells.  They are all excellent, but I just didn't want a canister (maybe even a little better than my new upright).   I tested the Royals, which are just too heavy.  I tested the Sebo canister and upright (loved them, but the Miele outperformed them in every test except the edging).  I also tested a Filter Queen that he had in, but does not normally carry.  I felt that it was too awkward to use and clean out.  I tested an Oreck, but it was no comparison to the Sebo's or Miele's.  It just didn't clean as well.  I also tested another brand that he carries, but I can't remember what it was called.  I'll check on that the next time I'm in there to pick up bags. 
BTW, I did change out the bag today after vaccuming up the entire house.  It still wasn't full, but I followed the advice of Venson.  The vacuum does have overheating protection, but why take the chance.

catlady wrote:

Hello catlady:

Thanks for posting the warranty info.  Miele sets the warranty guidelines.  The vacuum store selling the product applies it.  If the store wants to warrant the product beyond Miele's period, that is the store's personal and professional business.  An advantage of buying from an independent vacuum store owner/operator vice a big box retailer.

Carmine D.

Hi 'Catlady',

What type of brushroll / agitator is fitted to the New Miele Upright?

Is it a simple brushroll, or does it have beater bars?

Is the brushroll metal or plastic?

(Thanks in advance).

As I understand it, this new machine will use the same or very similar brush to the current SEB 236 brushroll.  It also apperantly uses the Vortex motor, and the 500 series (not the 5000) type HEPA filter.

Vacuuman wrote:

Vacuuman,

I believe you are correct.  I was told that the brush is the same as the SEB236 and the vacuum does use a vortex motor.  The HEPA filter is the same that they use in the canisters, but I apologize for my ignorance, I'm not sure if that is the 500 series.

Well, the Miele rep brought in the new upright for us to try and look at today.  We saw the lower of the 2 models (suction dial instead of electronic) in the yellow color.  It does in fact use the SEB 236 brushroll and the 500 series HEPA filter.  The bottom plate is steel and the 2 front wheels are swivel casters which make the turning very easy.  The wheels have a odd setup for the handle release, and the easy way to release it is to tilt the machine back a little and then press the pedal.  The machine was also designed so that you can step on the handle release pedal while the machine is being used and the nozzle will lift up and go over things like the edges of rugs, or the cord without chewing it.  The bag is HUGE and fills from the top (as I suspected) much like how the bags attach in the universal upright, but at the top rather than the bottom.

Hi Reggie

comparing the miele and riccar top end uprights,which has the edge. both in price and performance,,,,,,,,,,,

thanks

MOLE

Well, that is a difficult one to answer.  The Miele rep was asking the same question, as he knows I have the top end Radiance.  The machines are different enough that they both have strong advantages, and disadvantages compared to each other.  To start with carpet cleaning: Both machines clean very well, but I give the Radiance the edge here.  This is because the Riccar uses the Tandem Air (more power) and the brushroll on the Riccar is more aggressive and agitates more, I have the same opinion of the 2 brushrolls in their respective canister/central vac power nozzles as well.  For tool cleaning the Miele was much better, although I still feel that the Riccar's tool power is enough for the average attachment cleaning and does power a turbo nozzle well.  The Miele also steers very nicely and smoothly, this is helped by the swivel wheels on the front.  And the Miele was also much quieter than the Riccar, but lightly heavier.  As for durability, I have no idea how the Miele will hold up.  I would guess that since Miele engineered it, it will do well, but only time will let us know.  The MSRP, as of now is going to be $799 for the top end Miele, and $599 for the lower model.  The Radiance has a MSRP of $1399 for the Premium, and $1099 ( I think, but can't be sure, so don't quote me) for the red one.  I think personally, i will stick with using my Riadiance at home, but because I do still feel the Tandem Air setup gives better carpet cleaning.  And as for what I feel will sell better and be more liked by the customers, I have no idea yet.

Thanks Reggie

I think from what you said both machines will sell very well. Miele priced the machine with in reason [worthy of the price].Its very encourageing to see that MIELE thought the machine out before releasing it to the public,

Dont need another piece of ART work just something that gets the job done,

wonder if it took 500 engineers to develop it

MOLE

mole wrote:

Hi MOLE:

As we know, although not always said, Miele has a very successful line of large household appliances [washers, dryers, ovens] and small [coffee makers] for many years.  With an excellent brand name and reputation.  Abroad and in the USA.

Carmine D.

Hi,

I've been doing web searches like forever it seems to get some new news about the Miele S7 upright.  Per Miele's UK site, the cleaner will officially be on sale this October.  There is now an S7 "teaser" site set up and though there's very little to see you can sign up to win your very own Miele S7 upright vacuum.  Not about to let a little thing like the Atlantic and a hundred or so extra volt difference stop me, I signed up anyway.  Link follows.

http://www.miele.co.uk/s7/index.html

Venson