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.