Vacuum Cleaners Discussions

Background:  I have a Simplicity canister S18 that I use for my hardwoods, other bare floors, and my accessory cleaning (stairs, edges, cobwebs, etc).  I also have a Kenmoor (panasonic) upright that recently broke down.  It was OK but I'm thinking I can do better.

So, I need a vacuum for carpets (i have 2 full floors of carpet and some on the middle floor). 
Definitely want a bag system
Definitely can't go over 500.00

I went to one of my local vac shops today and he showed me Riccar.  Seems like a pretty nice machine but I can't get one for my price range AND this particular store had some creepy sales stuff going on.  I just didn't feel 'good' there, ya know what I mean?  So, I went over to my other local vac shop (where I have made my prior purchases) and they showed me the Sanitaire line, and I liked the S677 the best.  it's 499.  The only thing is at the first store they did a demo for me and showed me that with the Sanitaire.....you suck up some rice, turn the vac off, and shake the vac and the rice falls out.  What is that supposed to mean?  Should I be concerened about this?

Oh, the second store (the one I like) carries Simplicity, so I could probably get a Riccar equivalent for my price range.  The sales guy did say the Sanitaire was better (at cleaning).

What do you guys think?

PS, I tried the Miele uprights and I thought the ergonomics was horrible.

thanks a bunch,
Jen

Hi Jen,

If you really like the Sanitaire I think it's a good choice. It's a plain and simple "direct air" upright (air for cleaning and what it carries goes to the fan first)with high dust collection capacity. Since you already have a good canister, this upright should be great for you. It's style is that of very dependable Eureka vacuums that have proven themselves for years. On one website I browsed, the S677 may come with a ten-year warranty on the motor. I'm highly doubtful regarding spillage as this cleaner's bag loads from the top. As well, I have used the same style vacuum at least a hundred times and saw no such thing ever occur during my use.

Following is a link to where you mmay look at the S677's owners manual.

http://www.sanitairevac.com/professional/products/upright/s677.jsp

This next link is to three user reviews at epinions.com.

http://www.epinions.com/reviews/pr-Eureka_Sanitaire_S677_Vacuum

As for price per www.pricegrabber.com the S677 runs from $449 to $499. I checked out eBay and a new S677 can be had $289 plus $40 for shipping. I am not a salesman or rep for the eBay vendor in mention but -- if you feel secure with shopping on eBay -- it's not a bad deal. You may PM me if you need more info regarding this.

Best of luck,

Venson

Hi Jen:

I agree with Venson.  EUREKA/Electrolux Sanitaire line of uprights is very good.  Here's a thought since you have some misgivings about your local vacuum store's selling tactics.  Sam's Club Store sells a commercial grade Sanitaire upright vacuum which is perfect for home use for $139.  Here's the Web Site to check it out.  Call first to ensure availabilty.  These vacuums are a staple of Sam's and sold for many many years.  They are a best seller among the Sam's customers.  I'm thinking of this for a purchase myself.  Can't beat the price.  Basic features but built well for the task.

http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=5&item=134525

BTW, Sanitaire uprights [in particular the S677-D you mention] earns the Carpet and Rug Institute seal of approval and also partners with Arm & Hammer in using baking soda for its paper bags to neutralize odors and germs.  Excellent choice for a basic upright w/o tools on board.

Carmine D.

Jen:

WRT the rice demo.  Let the Sanitaire run for awhile after picking up the rice and before shutting off.  It gives the vacuum time to pull all the rice up through the vacuum and into the bag.

Carmine D.