Vacuum Cleaners Discussions

Hello,

I've been reading here for awhile, but this is my first post.  As the subject states, I'm looking for a new vaccum and I would appreciate any sugestions. 

Lets start with the specifics.

Pets - 1 Dog (Great Dane that does shed), and 3 cats.

Floors - House is mostly lamanate flooring with a few large will area rugs and runners.  Carpeting in a couple bedrooms but I'm planning on pulling that and putting in lamanate with rugs.

Right now I have an upright hoover wind tunnel that I despise.  I'm afraid of the wheels scratching the floor and it's absolutely dreadful to clean out.  The filter gets plugged and I need to take it outside to dump because it's too messy and dust goes everywhere.  Needless to say I will not be going bagless ever again.

What I've been looking at:  I'm mainly looking in the $250-$500 range.  If I spend $500 it better be an awesome vacuum.

I've been looking at the panasonic MC-CG885 ($250ish).  There are some reviews on amazon but no professional reviews that I've been able to find.  The price is right.  The lack of a bare floor attachment might be an issue (can I find an aftermarket that will work?)

 I've also seen the MC-CG985 for around $500, but again no reviews.  What am I getting for an extra $250?  The Panasonic site is aweful for trying to discern the differences between models.

I've also kicked around getting a $500 Miele S4212 Neptune Galaxy.  The lack of a powerhead makes me think twice about getting one of these.  I'm not sure if the turbobrush that comes with this unit is upo to the animal task.

Any thoughts?

JeffA wrote:
Hi JeffA,

As regards either Panasonic you've mentioned you'll basically find the same thing plus variations thereof at your local Sears. Kenmore models -- both canister units and power nozzles -- are similar plus better Kenmore canisters always come with a bare floor tool. There is ongoing debate about quality of build but these cleaners should survie a while with sensible use and care. They have scored well in rug cleaning.

In my books, large expanses of bare floor require a vacuum, whether upright or canister, with a tool specifically designed for that purpose. Electric power nozzles are meant to clean rugs not floors. There's no harm in using one to take a swipe at a renegade dust bunny or a bit of litter but for thorough hard floor cleaning you need a tool with brush strips that can dislodge adherent dust and grit. Suction alone won't do it.

As well, forget about turbo-brushes. They're nice noisemakers and are best for making it feel as though you're doing something when you're not. They're not great at suction delivry. If anybody tries to tell you otherwise -- send them to me.

Thinking economically, I'd say forget Miele. I own two and because of their cleaning and filtration ability think they are marvelous machines BUT the Miele models with attachments to best serve your purposes -- even at a good discount -- range at least $250 or more beyond the $500 max you intend to spend. Also, I'm on the rampage because prices for optional Miele tools are ridiculous. The company has recently introduced a new 16" "twister" bare floor tool (SBB 400-3) that would be very useful in a home with large bare floor area BUT is being offered at $89.00 -- that's completely stupid. Please note that Miele hose ends and wands are a slightly larger than standard one-and-one-fourth inch size that is standard here. However adapters can be bought at local vac shops to allow you to use far less expensive generic tools you might require for certain tasks.

I like canisters due to their flexibility and low-height floor cleaning tools. As you have already expressed an interest, in your case, I'd say do look for a canister vac with a good electric power nozzle with height adjustment plus easy suction adjustment. That should allow you to easily move from lightweight to heavy carpet without a lot of to-do. It's also very easy to disconnect from the PN and get right to above the floor tasks and back again. Because you've got lots of furry friends look for as generous a bag size as possible -- at least four quarts. (Also check out the cost of disposable bags and filters before buying any bagged machine.)

Check out Sears as you can often catch its top Kenmore vacuum models on sale. Following Brother Carmine's lead, also scout around at your local vac shops. Pricing on better brands like Simplicity and Riccar is often negotiable.

Hope that helps,

Venson

Venson wrote:

Hello JeffA:

Venson hit all the right points.  I would add that in the current economy all vacuum purchases are negotiable.  Haggling is allowed and often productive for lowering the prices on store brand vacuums.

Carmine D.

 Thank you very much for your replies.

One thing I should mention is that my wife has allergies. 

Last night I came across the Miele S4212 Neptune Galaxy that can be had for $500.  This unit comes with the air driven STB 205-3 Turbo brush for rugs and the SBB 300-3 Parquet Floor tool.  Would you still recommend a Kenmore with a proper power brush over this unit?

JeffA wrote:
Hi JeffA,

Sorry, all that shines ain't gold. Just because a particular vacuum model is named Miele does not mean it is the perfect machine for every household or situation. Nor does it mean that Miele has the corner on air filtration.

As for the turbo-brush, it depends upon the cleaner's airflow to make its turbine run and as high speed is necessary to make its revolving brush efficient a lot of air bleed is necessary or the brushroll will either stall or slow down. It also depends up a narrow airway to concentrate airflow to make the turbine blades turn inb better fashion. Nice in theory but easy to clog when actually at work.

A power nozzle uses an electric motor to run its brushroll. This provide continuous and consistent power delivery to the brushroll independent of airflow. This type nozzle promotes better deep cleaning than turbo-brushes can. If allergies are a real issue in your home you, along with the usual dirt and grit, want to rout as much pet and people dandruff from carpeting as you can. Good uprights or canisters with well-made power nozzles are teh netter thing here.

Unless, you can throw the larger part of your carpeting into a washing machine once a week -- and that doesn't sound likely -- get a vacuum with a good electric power nozzle. Kenmore, Riccar and Simplicity offer that. As for allergies, the vacuums spoken of have good emissions ratings and can be used with high-filtration bags and filters. Plus for your $500 you'll get better features. Trust me, the Miele you're hoping for costs $900 to $1,200. The Galaxy series Neptune you're looking at is no match.

Per my advice, check out not only Sears but some of your local vac shops to learn if you might swing a deal on a better vacuum at a commfortable price.

Best,

Venson

JeffA wrote:

Hello JeffA:

The MIELE S4 Galaxy series has been awarded certification by the DMT Air Quality Testing Institute, an independent institute that monitors air hygiene.  The S4 joins all other MIELE canister vacuums, which were the world's first to receive this certifcate WITH a top rating of 'excellent air quality."  This certification refers to MIELE's HEPA filter and the vacuum cleaner working together as a sealed system to provide maximum protection for indoor air quality.

The S4212 is a smaller MIELE cann at 10 pounds and the air driven turbo head rug nozzle lacks the umph of the electric power brushes.  $499 is the MSRP list.   Worth haggling on price in the current economy.  The Kenmore Blue canister lists retail at about $250.  The MIELE will last 20 years easily and then some.  The Kenmore Blue canister............maybe 7-10 years with some TLC???

Carmine D.

"Floors - House is mostly lamanate flooring with a few large will area rugs and runners.  Carpeting in a couple bedrooms but I'm planning on pulling that and putting in lamanate with rugs."

Dear Jeff - If you plan on pulling up the carpeting and have only laminate flooring, I believe a Turbobrush on the Neptune will be more that sufficient, unless your carpeting is very thick and dense or your house is over 3000 SqFt.
I sell Neptunes all the time with home environments like these, and my customers are extremely pleased.

Hope this helps and let me know if you need some help.
Thanks!

Install a used central vacuum system ,there all over the place on line, in dealers .DONT BE AFRAID ......DO IT AND GET IT OVER WITH ....

mole wrote:

Hello MOLE:

What's the cost for a decent "used" CVS with installation to meet the cleaning needs of JeffA?  What kind of warranty would come with it?

Carmine D.

Well I made a purchase and ended up with something completely different

I took Carmine's advice and went down to my local vacuum shop to see what he had.  The shop owner was perfectly willing to order me the top-of-line panasonic mc-cg985 and match online prices ($500).  I figured if panasonic made the vacuums for Kenmore I would be pretty safe and this particular model came with all the attachments as well.  We were chatting about the Miele and he wanted to show me a direct competitor that he in stock.  He brought out a Simplicity Verve and went through a quick demonstration.  It was a very very nice machine.  My wife was with and just blurted out, "we'll take it".  The guy was very nice, and chopped $100 off the top and sold it to us for $699 and threw in two boxes (12) bags.  He also gave us a 5 yr warranty on everything and a 7 yr warranty on the motor.  I have no idea if this was a good deal or not.  I can't seem to find any online pricing for this unit.  My only point of reference was the Miele S5 series with the powerhead that starts at $850.  In any even I'm happy with my purchase.  I supported a local business and feel like I got a great product (even though I blew my budget by $200).

Thanks for the comments everyone.  If I get a chance I'll write a review.

JeffA wrote:

Hello JeffA:

Congratulations on your purchase.  Sounds like your dear Wife knew exactly what she wanted despite all your research.  Many potential MIELE customers buy a Simplicity/RICCAR canister instead and are very pleased with their purchases.  Verve is an excellent choice and will serve your needs well.  If the dealer didn't tell you, all the new Simplicity/RICCAR canisters are manufactured in the USA in a plant in St. James, Missouri, the heartland of the US.  One of the many reasons that independent vacuum store owners and operators in the USA sell them.  Please write a review and post on the Reviews section of this page.  See the top banner with the tabs.  Enjoy your new purchase.

Carmine D.