Vacuum Cleaners Discussions

Hello,

I'll be honest, I know nothing about vacuum cleaners except that I need one. I have 4 criteria for selection:
1) Works well
2) built well/will last me a long long time (serviceable)
3) Made in US, Japan, or Western Europe
4) Hopefully no more than $350

I think Oreck may end up being my choice since it's made in the US and I haven't found any others that aren't manufactured in south east Asia. But that's why I'm here! To tap into your brains :)

US made Simplicity F3600 over the Oreck About $289 (in store much higher by phone and no internet sales)

A bit about your flooring Situation would help.

Canisters
If you need suction only -Miele Carina about $369
If you have bare floors and 4 or less area rugs- Miele Antares (Great bare floor tool and a Turbo for carpet) about $369
If you have bare floors and some carpeted rooms go the extra money and get a Bosch Formula Duo About $499

Uprights
I don't like many uprights in the lower price range
US made Simplicity F3600 over the Oreck About $289 (in store much higher by phone and no internet sales)
All Carpet-Simplicity Symmetry Series 200-400
All Carpet-Not sure if the Panasonic Platinum Series is made in the US-simple design great motor
Any Flooring -SEBO Felix $550- Incredible versatility

If you can't find these locally or at a reasonable price LMK. 201-564-7200

Lucky

I own and use an Oreck XL Deluxe.  It just turned one year old.  I purchased thru a promotion that Oreck had with the US Humane Society.  I paid $150 plus shipping.  One year guaranty.  No extras and giveaways.  I like it so much, I bought several more and gifted them to family members.  My review of this Oreck vacuum is on this web page if you're interested in reading.  If I'm not mistaken, Oreck is offering a Mother's Day special now.  If you're interested let me know and I will email the details to you by private message on this web Site.

Carmine D.

CarmineD wrote:

Carmine uses a different vacuum each day.  He has no idea which if any is doing a good job.  If you have delicate carpet get the Oreck.  They do not have enough suction to pull the knap into the brush.

HARDSELL wrote:

The Oreck XL DeLuxe upright is now my daily user for both floors and carpet cleaning.  It has been for a number of months.  My carpet is medium pile looped wool Mohawk in 2 bedrooms and the study.  The remaining floor covering is ceramic tile and area and throw rugs.  I have an English lab that sheds year round and two grand daughters pre-school age who visit almost daily.  I supplement the Oreck with a compact HOOVER Canister for above the floor cleaning [also reviewed on this site].

The HOOVER WT Supreme [reviewed on this site too], which will be 2 years old in August 2008 and still going strong, is the only other household upright in my home [right now]and is a few days shy of a donation to a local Church parish Office.  

Carmine D.

CarmineD wrote:

Wise choice to gift the Hoover.  Now if you could only find someone who would take the Oreck you could buy a good vac.  Starts with D.

Back to the starter's question, based on my personal and professional experience I agree with Lucky completely.  I personally use a Riccar (same as Simplicity) and Miele to vacuum my house and know that they perform well, live up to their claims, and not fall apart on me.  Look around at the vac shops near you and take a look at these brands, I think you will be impressed.

Vacuuman wrote:

These brands and their models are also reviewed on this Web page under the header tab: Reviews.  And I suggest that the poster/questioner read them also.

Carmine D.

Heres my opinion ,but what do i know.
1 Rebuilt electrolux, metal or lexan body both will last you 40 plus years,with 1 or 2 strong tune ups every 10 to 15 years,[there are some very good recon guys out there and they warranty their machines as good as a new one.

2 bosch formula , very strong contender, miele such as the ones vacuuman,and lucky like,

3 KIRBYS. any genertion series done correctly,i would recommend dealing with people that understand these machines.

4 oreck stay at the classic series,very good customer care

5 panasonic uprights or canisters,very nice value for the money,parts are are getting tough though.

6 pawn shops, sometimes get new stuff for almost nothing,

7 hire a cleaning service...............

regards

 THE-MOLE

HARDSELL wrote:

HS:

I will have no difficulty gifting/reselling my Oreck Classic XL at some future time.  I am confident it will provide the same worthy service with minimal user attention, save belt and bag changes every several months.  Both tasks the user can do in a few minutes.

I'm currently looking for another comparable lightweight to replace it, perhaps an Oreck upgrade and/or a SIMPLICITY/RICCAR.  I thought the dyson DC24/25 were contenders until I saw and used them.  I have ruled them out at this point [and so has my dear Wife].  She loves the Oreck. 

BTW, have you purchased a new dyson or are you using the Dirt Devil/Royal Eminence?  

Carmine D.

CarmineD wrote:

Morning Carmine,

I still use the Royal and Kirby.  The weather is nice in TN.  Too much golf to play vs playing with vacs.  I doubt that I will buy a new Dyson as I really only like the DC7. I admit that I have no experience with any of the $#%* and I may try one later.

HARDSELL wrote:

We have a beautiful 18 hole golf course on the grounds of our housing community.  But I'm too young to play golf.  Maybe when I'm older.

Carmine D.

HARDSELL wrote:

I suppose b a l l is a dirty word

HARDSELL wrote:

It is to me when used in union with golf!  A sport for old people.

Carmine D.

Thanks for the suggestions guys! This is super helpful. Just FYI about the flooring situation: it's mostly fairly plush carpeting, with a few bare floors. Don't really have a preference of canister versus upright.

scathontiphat wrote:

What are you currently using and how well do you like it?

Carmine D.

HARDSELL wrote:

Hello HS:

I know you are not a fan of Wal*Mart BUT..........if you are interested in the DC07, WM is discounting the dyson DC07 Original from its $378 to $319.  And it's an advertised special too thru May 11 [strike another blow against the dyson MAP].  With the purchase, you get a $50 WM Gift Card.  Not too bad: $270 for a new DC07.  The only draw back is a 2 year warranty instead of the 5 year.  Pretty blue color.  WM exclusive dyson.  I hear they have lots, so you may want to wait awhile and see if WM ups the ante.  Say a $100 Gift card.  Did I mention that WM stock is up over 22 percent this year.  At $58 a share.  If it throws in some stock shares, I might even buy another dyson and gift it away to my worse enemy!  I know what you are thinking HS.  No such luck.  It's not you!

Carmine D.

CarmineD wrote:

I never said that I was not a fan of Wal Mart.  I only said that they do not sell high end products.  I buy at Wal Mart unless I want better quality.   Also, Wal Mart is not always the lowest price, especially in their groceries and meats. 

I do not like gift cards.  Just give me the discount on the item that I am purchasing.  I prefer the Yellow to the blue color.

My opinion of Wal Marts success is the convenience of their stores.   Not many Sears or K Marts available except in major metro areas or malls.  No Montgomery Wards of other stores that preceded Wal Mart.  Wal Mart will be like Circuit City in the future.  No company reins forever.

I am in total agreement with Vacuuman and Lucky1.  The Simplicity and Riccar lightweights are good performers that put out a decent amount of airflow (unlike the Oreck), and if we want to take this into consideration, earned good scores the last time they were tested in CR. 

I would also consider the TTI-made lightweight uprights such as the Lux Lite, Royal, and Hoover Clean & Light.  Both these and the Riccar/Simplicity are great examples that a machine can be both lightweight and a REAL vacuum cleaner at the same time instead of a glorified electric broom. 

-MH

Motorhead wrote:

I would advise giving the dyson DC07 at WM a shot for $270.  It can always be returned if it doesn't perform. 

Carmine D.

CarmineD wrote:

Carmine,

Did you skip your medication.  I can't believe that you would talk such trash.

HARDSELL wrote:

No, I've had my coffee today!

Carmine D.

Uh-Uh the TTI's and Dyson are made in the orient and don't fit the requirements (#3) and as far as the Dyson (#3 & #2)...of the Original Post!!!!!

Lucky1 wrote:

Lucky1:

Agree wholeheartedly.  Wasn't sure if the poster knew dysons were made in Malaysia.  Does now.  Most don't realize they are all made in Chinaville now.  They are lead to believe from the TV ads by Mr. Dyson that they are made in the UK.  I think all ads whether TV/news print should clearly indicate the product's place of production.  I doubt it will come to be. 

Carmine D.

CarmineD wrote:

Wheere is Hoover and Bissell made?

Hello HS:

Chinaville just like all the other big box store vacuums.  It's all slave labor without the guilt.  Dyson has jumped on the big box discount band wagon as pointed out on many threads on this site.  Dyson vacuums have to compete with the other Chinaville made vacuums by advertising and selling below MAP and in concert with Giftcards and store cash dollars returned.  Case in point:  The DC18 sells for $300-$369 at regular store prices.  Well below its MSRP of $469 and MAP.  The DC17 for $400, well below its $549 MSRP and MAP.  The DC07 for $319 well below its $378 MSRP and MAP at Wal*Mart which has the exclusive dyson Original model.  No other retailer sells that model.

I recall several years ago, Wal*Mart rolled back the price on the dyson exclusive All Carpet DC07 from $359 to $309 and it caused a bruhaha which resulted in a dyson hiatus at the WM stores for almost 2 years.  Not so now.  Dyson needs WM and other big box retailers to push its vacuum products. 

Carmine D.

CarmineD wrote:

Carmine,

Which tv ad/s is James misleading folks?        DIB 

Hello DIB:

I didn't say misleading.  I said "lead to believe."  Why?  The English accent! 

Since you asked:  I have mentioned that until recently if you asked sales staff at the big box retailers what is the country of production for dysons, most would say England/UK.  Why?  Because of James Dyson anf thre home grown and sold dyson vacuums before exports started in 2002.  Now more and more know Chinaville.

Also, if you note the dyson cartons, the only place that mentions made in malaysia is the tiny little serial number sticker tag on the box.  The lettering for the made in statement is the smallest leaglly allowed by Federal law.  Most people can't read it without a magnifying glass.  Take a look and see for yourself.

Carmine D.

CarmineD wrote:

What is the difference besides the wording?

HARDSELL wrote:

The difference is the intent in the mind of Mr. Dyson: Willful or unintentional.  I was giving him the benefit of the doubt, since I've not yet mastered the art of reading minds.  However, there is no doubt about the size of the print on the carton sticker. 

Carmine D.

I'm joining this discussion because I too would like advice on a new vacuum. I've read all the posts in this thread and some of the others. There's so much knowledge here!
The discussion that drew me to the site was the one about the Shopvac EasyLift. My husband called me from Lowes yesterday wondering if he should buy one, and after reading the responses on that thread I called him back saying "NO!"

The reason the Shopvac momentarily appealed was its light weight. Oreck seems very expensive (and has mixed reviews on this site).

I have lots of joint aches etc and the vacuum has to be carried upstairs etc: it must be as light as possible.
Plus we have allergies so need a good filter.

We currently have a Dirt Devil bagless, not heavy, but it has other problems: it's hard to open it to empty the dirt out. The dirt sticks to the filter in a horrible way. While you're vacuuming, there's a fan that blows all the dirt around in front of the vacuum, and away from it! The vacuum is very noisy. And now the rotating brush thing underneath doesn't rotate.

Experience with emptying this vacuum makes me feel like going back to bags. I see the bagged Hoover Clean and Light has been recommended above.

We used to have more wall-to-wall carpet but now have mostly wood floors and about 6/7 area rugs. I see the miele antares has been recommended for such a situation.

Some of the rugs are oriental; I've seen Oreck recommended for those (does it have less suction?!).

I'm far from fastidious; won't admit here how often (or not!) I vacuum; just want a lightweight easy-to-use vacuum that works on bare floors and area rugs, and (preferably) has a couple of easy-to-use attachments for corners, furniture etc.

I haven't really liked using a canister in the past because you have to carry or drag the canister while also holding the hose...but now most of our floors are wood, perhaps a canister would be better?

As you can see, I am confused by the plethora of information! And I've been disappointed with many vacuums in the past.

Ok, I guess my questions are as follows:

1) Is canister vs/upright simply a question of personal preference in the end?
2) I know there's controversy on this site re Dyson; but what about the new Dyson lightweight? (can't recall model number.)
3) bagless vs bags: i hated the difficulty of emptying my dirt devil and the way you have to bang the central filter against something to get the dirt off. Dyson claims emptying its vacuums is easy, is this true? Are there any other bagless that are easy to empty? Buying bags is a hassle, of course.
4)the Hoover canister 51361 has been recommended here as lightweight (tho has bags), any other feedback on this canister?

Hoping for guidance!
Christine.

Cristine:

Many of the vacuums mentioned will perform well.  Oreck included.  Oreck offers something that no other vacuum brand does:  Free in home trial for 30 days with no obligation.  If you decide you don't like it for any reason, you return it at Oreck's expense.  Now, think for a moment.  If the Oreck vacuum were as bad as some say, would Oreck make and stick to that promise [for over 45 years]?  Right: No. 

It will serve your purposes well.  If you shop wisely you can snag a new one for $300 [XL Classic Deluxe] or less and a used one even cheaper.

Carmine D.

CarmineD wrote:

Christine.

Most big box stores offer 30 money back guarantee (same as Oreck).  Carmine sometimes is misleading in pushing his preferred brand.  Not unusual for a current or past sales person.   Most of the vacs that the big box stores sell are heavier than the Oreck but in my experience they clean much better than Oreck.

I admit to liking Dyson because they vacuum so well.  Dyson is the only upright that I have used that does not blow dust and dirt away from the vacuum on hard floor surfaces.  If you visit an Oreck store for their demo take a bag of fine dust and lint.  You could take a box  of baking soda if dust is not available.  Ask them to vacuum it on a hard floor surface.  The cerial and heavier objects that they use are heavier and do not blow around so much. 

HARDSELL wrote:

HS:

After being used and without the box?  Most big box retailers have made returns/refunds much more difficult over the last year.  Only COSTCO, to my knowledge, still has a liberal return/refund policy, probably due in large part to the annual income of their members: About $60,000.

You may have missed a post recently here where a customer tried to return a new dyson to Sam's Club under warranty that burned out after several weeks of use.  Sam's Club refused to accept it telling the buyer to send it back to dyson under warranty.  This is not uncommon now for big box retailers who have taken huge losses year after year by accepting returns/refunds on high priced vacuums.  Why?  They can't resell these returns for new.  Instead, they have to mark them down until sold, most times with the caveat "as is" and without the manufacturers' full warranty.

I own and use an Oreck XL Classic Deluxe.  I also own and use other vacuums.  Including at one time a dyson DC07 pink.  I would recommend the Oreck upright to all persons interested in a lightweight vacuum that performs on rugs and floors just like a full size vacuum. 

Carmine D.

CarmineD wrote:

You have one or two examples out tof millions that are sold.  Thanks for the comedy.

I owned and used an Oreck XL21 among other vacuums.  It was the worst of the lot and the most expensive by a large margin.  You do not always get the performance that you pay for.

HARDSELL wrote:

HS:

Comedy has nothing to do with business unless one is an entertainer.  In good economic times when high price vacuums sell at big box retailers [as they have in recent past], they can afford to eat the losses on the returns/refunds.  Not so in bad times.  Big box retailers are cutting staff, closing stores, and reporting the worse sales in 35 years.  The majority of the big box stores' shoppers are having financial difficulty due to high food and gas prices and the uncertainty of their employment futures.

I paid $150 for the new Oreck XL Classic Deluxe with a one year guaranty.  I use it daily.  It's over a year old.  I gifted the same Oreck models to 3 other households who are pleased and satisfied.   And I will probably upgrade my Oreck to a more expensive model, and gift several more away.    At least I know not to consider you a donee!

Carmine D. 

CarmineD wrote:

Your exagerations are comical, not the bad business.

No worry about closings.  The executives can get their millions and the workers can go to the soup lines. Isn't that the American way?

christine wrote:
Hi Christine,

I'm the one who initially reported on the Shop-Vac EasyLift, having purchased one in November of '07.  I wasn't all that impressed.  It is light weight, but is cheaply made and very noisy.   Being a direct-air upright like the Oreck with no provision to shut off the brushroll, it would also (like the Oreck) not be a good choice for those with mostly bare floors.  Having owned an Oreck I can say that Oreck's bare floor cleaning claims is 99% hype, as Hardsell noted they tend to blow a lot of debris back at your feet and leave some debris untouched. 

Narrowing it down, it seems you would be more inclined to an upright as you're looking for a machine that is not too bulky and can be carried around without bending over.  Some uprights are more bare-floor friendly than others; since you have mostly bare floors with the exception of a few oriental rugs you would want an upright with an option to shut off the motorized brushroll, or detachable nozzle.  Regardless of what Carmin or anyone else says, an upright like the Oreck with no brushroll shutoff option would not be a good machine in your situation.  If you're looking for a bagged lightweight upright, Miele offers the S168 Universal Upright (link).  It has an amazing amount of power for its size (infinitely variable motor speed) unlike the Oreck, uses the Miele Intensive Clean microfiltration bags that can hold a good amount of debris without the machine losing power, and since you mentioned you have oriental rugs to clean in addition to the bare floors it can accept an optional power nozzle as well (I would recommend either the SEB226 or 236).  The downside is that no, the brushroll cannot be shut off with the power nozzle still attached to the machine, however, the power nozzle quickly disconnects and can be replaced with the combination nozzle or bare floor tool in seconds.

Another good bagged upright choice is the Sebo Felix (PDF link), which is very similar to the Miele Universal Upright, like the Miele it offers a lot of machine for the price.  Different from the Miele, though, the powerhead can be shut off to clean bare floors instead of detaching it, which may be more convenient for you. 

If you want a lightweight bagless upright, Dyson is the only way to go.  The problem with the Dirt Devil you're using is that it is a filtered bagless machine.  Instead of a bin with two or three consecutive stages of cyclones, there is simply a pleated filter in the center of the bin to trap the fine dust.  Like a bagged machine, fine dust and pet hair will attach to that filter causing it to clog and suction to drop off, not to mention making the machine extremely messy to empty.  That is not a proper bagless machine.  The Dyson, on the other hand, is a proper cyclonic bagless, meaning there are no bin filters to clog; instead a series of cyclones handle the dust separation.  The machine does not lose power as you go along, regardless of what is being vacuumed up, and is a lot less messy to empty.   Depending on the size of your home, I would recommend either the DC24 or DC25 Ball models (Baby and Daddy Ball, respectively; links here).  Both are lightweight, powerful machines (unlike the Oreck), and like the bagged lightweight uprights I mentioned above, are easily adaptable for bare floors.  Both the DC24 and 25 have a brushroll on/off switch.  These machines you will want to check out in person to see which suits you best; the DC24, while extremely lightweight and equipped with a telescoping handle is very small and not the best choice for larger homes due to its small bin capacity (more frequent emptying). 

You've come to the right place for a recommendation.  As with anything, you will hear different opinions, and I recommend you explore all of them.  Head to different independent dealers in your area, try each brand or machine out for yourself, and find which one suits you the best before you make your purchase. 

Hope this helps, and good luck on your search,

-MH

Although not in the most recent CR ratings, in the past Consumer Reports has rated Oreck's bare floor cleaning performance as "excellent'.   Consistently.  If you haven't, you should read the March 2008 CR edition.  It's a good starting place.

Based on my personal and professional experience, I would rate Oreck's bare floor cleaning as excellent too [with a properly working belt and bag].  I add the latter caveat because some may have used an Oreck, in need of service, and been disappointed by the performance.  Both bag and belt changes are explained in the User Manual and can be performed by the user in a few minutes.  Recommended bag changes are every 2-3 months [depending on use] and belts should be changed every 6-9 months.  Inexpensive and widely available.

Many of the other vacuum brands and models are equally good and will perform well.  It really depends on your likes and dislikes and cleaning requirements and needs.

Carmine D.

HARDSELL wrote:

Bad business to me is comical but is no laughing matter.  Then, again I try to find the humor in all things.  That's why I like you.

Carmine D.

I also recommend the SEBO Felix.

Your requirements (bare floors, various height carpeting and on-board tools) demands a versatile vacuum preferably a canister with a powerhead that has a brushroll that can be turned on and off. However you would prefer an upright over a canister. The Felix fits every requirement. It is an upright that has the powerhead of a canister which can be raised or lower to the specific carpet height required. The brushroll can be turned off for bare floors or the (included) top quality floor brush can be substituted for optimum cleaning. All heads can be removed and using the attached hose and on-board tools you can use it as a powerful Dustbuster to assist your above floor tasks. It has a slide power adjustment to reduce air flow when delicate objects are being cleaned. It has S class filtration for your allergies.

While not as lightweight as the Oreck or Simplicity Freedom it has tools where the other two need a second vacuum. And has much better filtration. If carried by the side handle it's weight is more distrbuted or you could easily take the powerhead off when carrying.

The Miele, while a great machine is way too costly when a 236 powerhead is added.

The Dyson is closer to the Sebo in weight but does not offer the allergy filtration of the Felix and the tools are complicated for some users.

The only down side might be the price at $550 in store and $599 on-line. BUT you get a quality machine with a great warranty and a network of in store repair. (Ask what you have to go through to get a Dyson repaired).

I would like to recommend the Simplicity or Oreck because they are made in the US and the Sebo is German. BUT if you have to send money out of this country it is better to send it to a developed nation that does not pay semi-slave wages nor takes US jobs. Germany also has a good ecological record that supports wind and solar power vs sending the money to Southeast Asia where it will contribute to higher oil prices.

Lucky1:

Good point about the lack of attachments on the Oreck.  For $150, I only received the XL Classic Deluxe.  No Oreck compact canister, generally a give-away with the purchase of the upright for $299.  I use a HOOVER Cann for $50 I purchased from BEST BUY.  But my daily vacuuming of the floors and rugs, including under the furniture and beds, is with the Oreck upright.  Once a week I take the H- cann out for other cleaning.

Some vacuum users like me prefer not to have the additional weight of the attachments on board for daily cleaning with the upright alone.  Again, all a matter of personal preference, needs and wants.

And I like the ORECK because its made in the USA by Americans and has been for 45 years.  Keep jobs here.  Hoorah!

Carmine D.

CarmineD wrote:

If you double the price you are buying the attachments.  They are not free.  However, one can manipulate the words and screw the consumer.  That is the good old American way isn't it.

And to think that you call JD misleading. 

Carmine, I'm curious how you were able to snag an Oreck for only $150, even without the useless hand vac (good move BTW on not falling for the bowling-ball hype and purchasing that piece of $#%*).  Do tell, please, as I never thought it was even remotely possible for even the BOL Classic as you purchased, unless there was some sort of "buddy deal" involved.  I'm assuming you purchased this at an Oreck store?  Are you friends with the owners/manager there?

-MH

Motorhead wrote:

I inquired at a local Oreck store if I could get credit = to the freebies that come with an Oreck.  I was given an emphatic no.

$300 to $700 for a $25 vacuum.  No way.

I mentioned in the past and even in my review on this page.  I donate to the Humane Society of the US.  Oreck is a supporter of many worthy causes including the Humane Society of the US.  Last April I received an offer from Oreck in concert with the US Humane Society to buy a new Oreck XL Deluxe Classic for $150 plus shipping.  I bought.  I liked it so much I subsequently purchased 3 more at the same price and gifted them away to family members [with very different households].  All are pleased.

I met Dave many years ago when I had my vacuum store.  He had more hair then.  I liked him and still do.  Despite the personal friendship, I did not sell new Orecks when I had my store.  Repaired them, sold parts, and sold them used/rebuilt. 

I have never asked for/received a discount from Oreck for any of my purchases.  Not even a senior citizen discount.  Or industry discount.  Business is business. 

Carmine D.

Carmine,

Let's say (hypothetically speaking) I wanted to buy a new BOL Oreck for $150.  Would I just call the Humane Society and inform them of my donation so I can take part on this deal as well?  In addition to that, how much of a donation would I need to make if I wanted to take part on this deal? 

If said deal does not exist, stating that *you* were able to purchase the machine for $150 is a moot point when no one else can, and only serves to steer prospective customers *away* from the Oreck after learning otherwise.  By the way, it is a well-known fact that Orecks are NOT sold in ordinary vac shops.  They are sold in Oreck stores and Oreck stores alone, only competing with Dave Oreck himself for the customer.  The plain and simple truth is that if Orecks were carried at vac shops alongside other brands for the advertised list prices, not *one* would sell due to the presence of many better (and generally less expensive) alternatives.

-MH

My goodness, I certainly have come to the right place.
Thank you so much, everyone, for taking the time to give all this advice and share your expertise. All of the information is helpful--of course my husband and I have bought vacuums over the years, but never with much forethought or knowledge! We've slowly learned that it's only when you get a vacuum home and use it that you realize all its pros and cons. I appreciate everyone's input.

Thank you MH, I especially appreciated your detailed and informative analysis of the whole shebang. Especially the business re brushroll shutoff, and the comparison of different bagless emptying mechanisms. And recommendations. Very helpful indeed.

Thanks Carmine( you vacuum DAILY??? I am impressed. Or perhaps everyone does, oh dear...) for insights on Oreck and reminder that I can try it free for 30 days.

I'm grateful, HS, for your comments on the Dyson, esp re its performance on bare floors.

Lucky1, thanks for more details on Sebo Felix.

I think that's everyone who has replied so far. Now I have to process all the information, and try out some of the vacuums before deciding.

Thanks again.
C.

The US Humane Society made the offer to donors through an arrangement with Oreck.  In writing. There was no limit on the quantities purchased.  My sense from my taxes in 2006/2007 is that we contribute less than $100 in a series of monthly/quarterly checks. 

Oreck has about 500 stores nationwide.  Most of the parts and repairs are on non-Oreck brand vacuums.  Oreck also has a nationwide network of independent vacuum stores/dealers who are authorized to sell new Orecks.  Makes sense if the 500 Oreck stores can sell parts and repair all vacuum brands [even your fave brand], then independent vacuum stores can sell new Orecks.  My dear Wife, who fell in love with the 8 pound Oreck upright, saw it demo-ed at a vacuum store that had 6-8 name brand vacuums including your fave brand.

If a prospective buyer can't snag [my word] a new Oreck XL Classic for $150, and doesn't want a 3 year guaranty and the extras for $299, then a used Oreck is a definite possibility.  They are available from Oreck stores and independent vacuum stores [with a guaranty].  And also estates sales are an excellent source of used Orecks.  Orecks sell for as little as $25-$50 at estate sales.  And belt and bag changes are quick and simple and readily available.   I know many people who have purchased Oreck in these ways and are thrilled and satisfied.  Orecks sell themselves and last a lifetime

Christine:

I vacuum daily without missing.  I have a yellow English lab that sheds year round and I live in the desert [LV].  When you vacuum daily, 1500 square feet of floors and rugs combined, the 8 pound Oreck is a well appreciated tool.  If I were to do the same with a full size vacuum [and I have] 3 herniated disks in my back would keep me permanently in pain.  BTW, I'm about to add another 4 legged family member [from the humane society].

I also spend an hour every day in my garden, save a few cold winter days which are few and far between in the desert.  Both practices are the secret of my longevity.  Plan to publish a book with all the details.  I'll sell it for $10 per copy [autographed copies a $1 more].  Donate the proceeds to a worthy cause.  Maybe even the dyson engineering school?

Carmine D.

HARDSELL wrote:

This must be a trait or policy of your local store.  When I was shopping for a lightweight back in February, I too enquired about just the vac prices.  He offered to take $100 off the price.

When one is shopping, everything is negotiable or they don't have a sale.

MH, I just want to add that Orecks are indeed sold in my local vac store alongside other brands, including all, I think, of those that have been recommended on this thread.

I will be going in soon to check them out...

Carmine, now I understand why you vacuum daily (and why I don't have pets except a non-shedding cat!). I too have disk problems, and other aching joints, that's why I need a light weight machine.
I hadn't thought of used/reconditioned as an option--an idea to ponder.

Thanks again, everyone.
Christine

Hi Christine,

Another person informed me that older dealers who sold Oreck before the "Oreck store exclusive" policy went into effect can still purchase the traditional-style uprights, so I stand corrected on that.  You could also be seeing rebuilt machines as well, which, in that case I definitely wouldn't rule out but not before I tried the other brands first.  If you're dead-set on an Oreck the best bet is to find a good deal on a rebuilt higher-end machine such as an XL21 at a reputable shop.  It will give you the same performance as a new machine, but being used it will also have depreciated somewhat and you won't suffer the "sticker shock" from a new one.  Orecks *are* ridiculously overpriced for being such simple machines that seem inexpensive to manufacture. 

Again, good luck and let us know what you come up with,
-MH

Before you buy the overpriced Oreck, look at the new Riccar SupraLite and Simplicity Freedom with the metal brushroll and permanent poly V belt.  This machine also has a belt protection system that will shut the machine off if anything jams the brush.  You will find this machine to clean better than the Oreck and youll never have to change a belt.   Just a thought.