Vacuum Cleaners Discussions

My wife and I have owned about 10 vacuums in 20 years.  The first 5 were yardsale, then a Dirt Devil, then a Hoover, then an older Electrolux which worked awesome untill it caught on fire, then a Kenmore, then another Kenmore, then I got fed up and installed central vac.  NOW WE'RE TALKIN!

Well, she made me move and central vac would ba a real pita to install and it aint gonna happen. A friend of ours gave us a Kriby G5 (yeah, she hated it so much she gave it away) but its too much of a pain because we're 50/50 hardwood+tile and rug.  We currently own another $200 Kenmore, which I don't understand why they stink so bad now because my mom had the same one for about 20 years.  Now my mom has owned a Miele for about 10 and its still good as new.  I just can get past the $1200.

Is there a huge difference between the $1200 Miele Capricorn and the $700 Miele Pisces?  What about electrolux? Our house is 3 floors and about 4000+sqft.  I want a fast vacuum.

Oh yeah, Sebo makes GREAT stuff, too. You get one of their K series for relatively cheap and it should last you a good 20 years: http://www.amazon.com/Sebo-Air-belt-Canister-Vacuum/dp/B0002U387U Also, check THIS OUT: http://www.allergybuyersclubshopping.com/electrolux-ultra-silencer-green-canister-vacuum-cleaners-el6984.html?itemId=2549 Gets you a high quality machine and you get to help the environment! All at the same time :D

nhmatt wrote:

Hi,

No one here can pick a vacuum for you.  We can only suggest.  You know best what your needs are and none of us match up as to how we individually employ our vacuums.  As you've gone through 10 vacuums in 20 years I kind of guess you work yours a bit hard.  Also, be advised there is no such thing as a fast vacuum.  Even the best of vacuums have to be allowed x-time to work if you want a thorough job accomplished on carpeting.  That may mean, depending on how dirty the rug is, about two to three seconds per a one-foot pass.

The next thing I'd say, if you are seriously considering a large outlay of cash for a vacuum, is that the Miele Capricorn with the top of the line power nozzle (the lighted 236) is a great combination and not a bad investment.  And then the next thing I'd say is don't spend $1,200 on it.  Go to a local vacuum shop that sells Miele and tell them you like the Capricorn but that you're not prepared to pay more than $850 for it.  They'll probably want to wrestle a little but if you get a firm offer of $900 you will have done well. 

I do not recommend the Miele Pisces as a turbine driven rug tool is not worth the investment expected.  There are those who will say to the contrary and to whom I'll reply -- there's one born everyday.

The down side to buying Miele despite the long warranty and good quality potential is that consumables like bags and filters can be a drain on the budget.  It costs about 19 bucks for a pack of five high filtration bags.  Replacement HEPA filters can run as high as $50.

Whatever you buy, be sure to empty or change bags when you reach the three-fourths full point.  Check your floors for stuff the vacuum can well live without -- small toys, pins, pebbles and socks -- before you start cleaning.

Best,

Venson

So $900.00 from a local Miele rep wouldn't be a insult?  I'm tempted to by one of the Chinese versions.  I see no difference between paying a German citizen to assemble my vacuum that a Chinese one.  I want the S5 canister and the big lighted power brush.

nhmatt wrote:

Hi,

One of the things I've learned over the the last few years is that the consumer does not always have to go along with being just a pawn on the board.  Research the thing you want to buy.  Research what it's best price is and be assertive by stating specifically what you want and what you're prepared to pay.

Personally, I'm not out to sell anyone anything.  Nonetheless, I do know that bargaining is often very possible at independent vacuum stores.  The big deal with Miele is warranty time. 

Also check out good performing Riccar and Simplicity whose canisters are made here and also come with decent warranties.

Venson

Venson wrote:

Riccar and Simplicity canisters are *NOT* Made in U.S.A! They are actually made in Korea by the same manufacturer (and ALL of both companies vacuums are made by one company - Tacony), but they're moving the assembly of their canisters over to the U.S.A soon. (from what I've heard of respectable vacuum store owners) They also DO NOT even level with a Miele in terms of build quality. Better than the Sweden Eurekalux Oxygen 3, for sure, but NOT a Miele or the ORIGINAL AMERICAN Aerus Electrolux. I would say the Aerus machines take the cake in terms of best build quality, then Miele, then Sebo, then Riccar/Simplicity. ALSO ALSO ALSO, check out the Perfect PowerTeam canister: - It's basically a REAL, GENUINE, AMERICAN Aerus Electrolux Marquis/Silverado/Ultralux canister with one of *THE* most powerful motors a personal vacuum has ever seen - including beating some central vacuums - and is VERY well built; I personally used and inspected one myself yesterday and DAMN is it a solid machine! VERY well made with EXCEPTIONAL suction and VERY good airflow - though I've heard and read that the airflow is actually better than nearly any central vacuum out there: http://www.vacuumland.org/TD/THREADS/MODERN/7726.htm?20 - Read "Elux89"'s post, and he tells that it's basically THE most powerful and best performing vacuum you can buy, as WELL as it being VERY well made AND quiet, to boot! You can call Nationwide Manufacturing - the makers of this re-incarnation of one of the best Electrolux's (and some say the best vacuum period) ever made, with even BETTER features - and ask them about their 10/5 year warranty: http://www.shopnss.com/ They told me 5 years on the motor, and 10 years on the whole body itself. Call this guy:http://www.1800vacs.com/product.sc?productId=257 - to get a deal of under $600 and you've arguably got THE best deal out there for a new vacuum.

Venson wrote:

Hello Venson:

When Channel 4 news first broke the story about Tacony vacuums made in the USA in April 2009, it was claimed that the cann production would be moved from Korea/China to St. James MO plant in 6 months.  I suspect it will be a transitional conversion with cann models transferred to the state's production on a piece meal basis.  If that's true [about the 6 months], you're right.  It's been 10 months since the announcement and some of the canns should be coming off the USA production lines.  Haven't talked with the local RICCAR/SIMPLICITY dealers here yet but will and ask about the time table for USA made canns.  Thanks for bringing this up here.  I'll make a note to ask this week when I stop by my friend's store.

Carmine D. 

CarmineD wrote:

Thanks Carmine,

The Riccar website says, and has been saying, "Made in America" http://www.riccar.com/ .  If this is not so then I guess it means someone has been lying to us and should be taken to task.

In any event, these days it does not matter much where a vacuum comes from as long as it works well.  Even if a vacuum is assembled in the U.S. that does not say that many its components -- tools, boards, hoses -- are not imports.

The johnny-come-latelies really need to get over baloney about saving the day by buying American -- the deal's done and was cinched about ten million Toyotas and Sony TVs ago. It's pure hypocrosy.  If you acquired a new computer, television, iPod or even a microwave in the last year or so -- where'd they come from?  Detroit?

For those of us who want to keep money in the country in some little way, there's plenty of good used and refurbed vacuums out there for those that want them.  What could be more good old American and resourceful than recycling though it won't put much of a dent in the market.

Nonetheless, other issues are also important influences in regard to buying outside this country.  Americans have always put great stock in foreign made goods albeit mostly specialty items.  For years we have looked to the Swiss for time pieces and have spent all kinds of money on German and Italian cars.  I even flew Lufthansa because a German I knew was such an anal retentive that, thinking the rest of his countrymen might be as much the same sticklers for detail,  I felt assured that nary a nut or bolt would go unchecked before take-off.

I'm particularly sensitive re the issue of revenue gained from us by other countries through the sacrifices of low paid labor.  It was quite interesting for me to learn, as an instance, of China's decision to rein in lending and that it had quite an effect on our stock market last week.  Remember back in the day when we used to lend China money? 

Whether you buy product whole or in part from Germany, China, Korea or Timbuktu, what does buying American mean now?  Nothing. The clock cannot be turned back.  Better to look for product that you feel works for you, buy it and be done with it.

Venson

By the way, when you  get past the Riccar's "Made In the USA" page, the company sees things this way . . .

http://www.riccar.com/about-us/

Venson

Sebo's K isn't ideal for everything and its a compact vacuum cleaner with a pretty small dust bag. Ideal for small flats and homes maybe but based on the capacity of your vacuum seek out an old Windsor-Sebo upright if you can find one in the U.S or any large 5 litre dust bag Miele cylinder. Miele do make the new S7 and you could get a good deal in the U.S depending on the model. Crucially go for the basic Miele S7 - I think it's called Tango in the U.S? There isn't a vast difference between the models as you can upgrade the filters as you go and the higher priced models have a headlight and a difference of variable suction controls.

Venson wrote:

China is the largest buyer of US debt; aka US Treasuries.  Thomas Jefferson, founding father, said:  "...you are a slave to the person who lends you money."  True then and, based on the US stock market reaction last week, true now.

Carmine D.