Vacuum Cleaners Discussions

http://www.vaxmachair.co.uk/

Here's an interesting possible "winner".  Sanitaire seems to have some fairly innovative features on this powerful household machine - they talked to housekeepers about features that would be useful. 

Specifications

• Power - 11.5 Amps
• Filtration -  Hepa
• Dirt Capacity - 4 Qts.
• Cleaning Path - 13"
• Motor CFM - 119
• Decibel Level - 73

Features & Benefits

• Powerful 11.5 Amp Motor
• Disposable Dust Bag System
• Drop-In Easy Change Bag System
• Sealed Hepa Filtration
• Extra Long 35 Ft. Cord
• Quick-Change Maintenance
• Soft-Grip Looped Handle
• Telescopic Extension Wand
• Retractable Dusting Brush
• 9 Ft. Hose
• 5 Year Parts & Labor Warranty
• 10 Year Motor Warranty

Here's a link with a picture.  I have no association with this company - nor do I make any recommenations about buying from them.   

http://www.sanitairevacuumsales.com/sanitare/sc9120.htm

Severus wrote:

Hi,

I've been looking at several spins on this same machine for a while.  I like it but had my doubts about it catching on in the American market.  This vacuum is also sold under the Electrolux brand.  It's very similar to the model vacuumanuk made mention of being tested on TV.

Venson

Severus wrote:

Hello SEVERUS:

I second your opinion.  When bagless vacuums came into vogue earlier in the decade, thanks to dyson, several retailers like HOME Depot and LOWE's added "no-name" bagless uprights, canns, and sticks for $10-$40.  These usually were displayed close by the entrances and cashiers to spark customer interest.  They were awful.  Not even worth the prices.  Toys at the same price and more were more likely to last longer.  They all went by the wayside very quickly.  DIRT DEVIL/big box retailers who sell this/similar low price models may be capitalizing on first time vacuum buyers' market.  The intent IMHO is ultimately to get repeat business either for the DIRT DEVIL brand/retailer with customers upgrading the models.  The hope is that customers will buy and be minimally satisfied with performance for the price and splurge, if you can call it that, for another vacuum [same brand] at a higher price with the intent of getting more usage and better performance with a reasonable incremental price increase.  I think for the most part the vacuum customers who buy these low cost brands/models are more likely to upgrade incrementally down the road than take a plunge for a high cost brand/model with longterm staying power and performance.

Carmine D.

Severus wrote:

Hello SEVERUS:

Pitch on par with product: Winner! 

Interestingly, it looks very similar to the SEARS Permalite which was plagued with a  2 piece handle that failed at the weak spot where they joined.  This model, to its credit, is all one piece.  Uses several industry old school standards that are tried and true: Features like the metal agitator, metal brush roll ends with replaceable brush strips.  All reminiscent of the old fashioned glory days of EUREKA and its brush rolls.  Also, the metal telescopic wands is a nice durable feature.  New innovative features too like the shorter but larger dirt path opening to allow for paper clips and Christmas needles w/o clogs.  Priced competitive with the higher priced big box store brands and offers more.  Likely sales venue would be the vacuum store independents.  I noted too the advertised/displayed Carpet and Rug Institute seal of approval along with the use of Arm and Hammer bags.  Nice touches for the pitch to compliment the HEPA sealed system.  Low profile is terrific too for home and commercial use.  Nice wheels for all surfaces.  Winner, IMHO. 

Carmine D.

  Anyone know the expected 5 year cost of one of these?  Lasting 5 Years...??? That's VERY funny right there!

Lucky1 wrote:

Hello Lucky1:

Assuming that a buyer of one of these DD Quick Vacs views its usage as a necessary evil to be done only in absolute extreme emergencies and circumstances, like when Mother visits once or twice a year, I suspect they may last longer than most.  Yes, I know several single adult men who but for visits from Mom who comes from out of state once, twice, three times a year, would never, ever, ever use a vacuum.  Believe it or not, as Ripley use to say.

Carmine D.

Severus 5 year ownership cost of my Hoover Alyx upright only resulted in a spare pack of drive belts. Nothing much went wrong with it since the Dirt Devil filters are washable and nothing has had to be replaced on it other than broken belts. The tools are cheap but they are better designed than a lot of tools on the market such as the upholstery brush which is of decent size, has good space and decent bristles to whisk up dirt. The only irony is about the Alyx/Quick/Vibe upright is that it is very noisy so its surprising if anyone can put up with it over 5 years!

By the way the Sanitaire model shown is the Electrolux Professional I talked about ages ago and featured in the UK video of the Gadget Show. That's the model that didn't pick up everything on carpet and copies Sebo commercial uprights on its design. The Electrolux Professional has just had its first price slash from £299 to £99 in the new January sales here.

vacmanuk wrote:

Wondering if the larger dirt path opening in concert with same/similar amps of most full size uprights [11.5] diffuses the suction power in comparison to the standard opening width?

Carmine D.

vacmanuk wrote:

Hi vacuumanuk,

I don't like the look of the brushroll and, if there is a cleaning deficiency, would attribute the problem to it. The American version has a bigger drum -- http://www.sanitairevac.com/professional/products/upright/s9120.jsp

BUT -- considering the competition, do you think the testing session on the video could have been a snow job?  Much like the Hoover Dial-A-Matic, the Electrolux has a dial on the back for directing air flow and adjusting suction levels for floor and above the floor work.  An improperly adjusted dial could have influenced the test.

Venson