Advice, looking for the BEST canister (Unhappy w/Miele)

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georgect

georgect

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 21, 2013
Messages
120
Location
Fairfield, Connecticut
This is my story...I HATE my Miele Capricorn (sorry guys but I do) and here's why.

Miele is so not worth the cost they demand.

Case in point Miele Capricorn Vacuum (top of the line)
I payed around $1400.00 (added turbo brush, bigger power nozzle, extra bags & filter).

I'm SO disappointed in Miele (I don't think they know what Americans want or need on their appliances).

Cord too short.
Hose too short.
On board attachments are too tiny.
The upholstery tool doesn't use horse hair (a felt material is used) which came unglued and almost got sucked into the vacuum, had to super glue it back on.
Dusting brush is ridiculously too small,
and the bristles collapse in on themselves and get sucked into the hole.
You can't park the SEB-236 (power nozzle) on the vacuum.
Wheels on the SEB-236 (power nozzle) are too small and sink into my thick carpeting.
No matter what setting you use for carpet height, the SEB-236 is hard to push on thick carpet.
The wheels on the vacuum itself are too little to prop it off thick carpeting.
The beater bar doesn't even pull the power head along, you really have to apply force.
The plastic material used for the hose is too springy and bumps into things when you vacuum like walls, TV etc.
One of the c-clips that hold the wheels on the SEB-236 came off on first use.
Mini turbo brush is air powered, not powered by it's own motor, not very effective and stops very easily.

Sorry but my still working Kenmore Progressive canister has way more features and longer cord/hose and larger attachments.

I'll never buy a Miele anything again.

So...what I've read lurking here is even the Aerus Lux Guardian Platinum Canister has some short comings that are a deal breaker (no handle switch, no on board tools, no telescopic wand...etc).

I'm thinking maybe the Riccar Immaculate Premier might make me happy.
I want a big canister, with big on board tools big dust bag, a long cord AND hose. Great suction for floors and carpeting, uses real horse hair on attachments.
The only thing is that the power nozzle on the Immaculate Premier is not the Chevron type roller brush.

Something like my Kenmore Progressive but BETTER (the new Progressive's are NOT better).

Please people, I need the truth.
Video's on line persuaded me to get the Miele because they didn't show me all the short comings of the Capricorn.

I don't mind spending good money up front for an excellent machine but I don't want to give up TOL features or spend a ton of money on bags and filters.

I'd love to get feed back on what everyone thinks is the ultimate full sized full featured canister vacuum and I thank you in advance.
 
Best vacuum

Try a Dyson or a Henry! they are both sold in the USA at Go vacuum or Nacecare.
The Henry is durable with strong suction very quiet long hose and cable, lerge bag lasts ages,good filtration with HEPA bags and used everywhere in the UK, he looks nice with his cheeky face and the metal poles are amazing quality. You can also get a rotating brush head for it to.
 
Wow George, you gave Miele a blistering indictment! LOL! That's Miele's secret. They sell you a $1,000 machine but then you have to add $500 more in extra components to really get good use out of it. Rather brilliant (for them) if you ask me. While the "best" vacuum is subjective, there are a few good alternatives for you. If you are looking for a machine built well that will stand the test of time there are a few out there but they will all cost you. Are you wanting a canister specifically or does it matter? Do you mind water filtration vacs? Your best bet for quality is door-to-door companies. Most of these offer similar features as Miele and best Miele in a number of cases. Be warned, these are all high cost. My top recommendations for you would be Aerus (bags plus 15 year warranty and known to last decades), Riccar (bags plus good warranty also), Rainbow (requires water and also known to last decades), and Filter Queen (some have reservations about thier power nozzle but known to last decades). All of these have longer hoses, most have longer cords, and most have superior tools without extra purchases. They are all high performing, long lasting machines if cared for with minimal effort. Most also offer uprights just as high quality. If you want cheaper, my advice would be to go for a well known brand like Hoover or some such. They offer decent features and might last for a while if cared for well.
 
Oh sorry you answered most of my questions and Ididn't read your entire post first. You disregarded the Aerus Platinum due to some incorrect reasons. The Platinum has on board tools. The Platinum has the power nozzle switch on the handle in addition to the suction relief valve. The Platinum has automatic suction control-it adjusts itself. It doesn't have a telescopic wand but it does have an electric mini nozzle to be used on hose or wands. Other than that, it has all your other desires fulfilled. You likely won't get everything, there will be something missing. If the Aerus Platinum doesn't satisfy you, I'm not sure what will. All of the other machines have shortcomings. For example, Riccar's mini tool is also air driven, it uses the same type of hose as Miele, and its filtration is poorer. In essence, every machine has shortcomings.
 
George CT...

If you are not happy with the Miele, then like others have said there are a couple of other options, not many though- and nothing is going to be perfect. I know the Miele has short power cords, hoses- I really do not see them being that short...but I would take a look at the Aerus Platinum Canister that is probably your only alternative with all the options you are looking for. Miele is going to be similar to Riccar, just with longer cord and metal base plate on the power head, the hoses, air driven only turbo mini are same concept as in the Miele's. For the price of the Riccar canister you might as well go Aerus I think its a better value and comes with electric mini and all the accessories, no add ons. Rainbow is cool too, but requires water- I have been looking into them, I still feel Aerus is more convenient and filters better than water.

http://aerushome.com
 
GeorgeCT,

I had a Capricorn also and got rid of it for all the reasons that you stated. It maneuvered very well on bare floors but on the carpeting it was horrible.  As you said, the wheels are just too small.  I have a Filter Queen with the bigger wheels and it rolls easily on all surfaces.  The power nozzle is week however.  And it has the bulky hose handle which I detest.  I have a Rainbow now which I like but if you are not up to emptying and cleaning the water basin after every use or if you just want to pull out a vacuum for a quick pick up, you will find it laborious to use.  I've had the Aerus 6500 and 9000 models which I liked except for the bulky handle and wands which they have continued with on the Platinum model.  I would probably get one as I do like the powered mini nozzle, multiple speeds, long cord, flexible hose, easy bag change, etc. 


 


Gary
 
I would recommend the red Panasonic CG902 - it's basically a clone of the original Kenmore Progressive and has a large bag, full-size on-board tools and a nice long 24 foot cord. The hose and wands are standard diameter so you can buy any universal tools and they will fit. It's a recommended vac in recent Consumer Reports testing as it cleans all surfaces very well, is relatively quiet and has good filtration (you can use Kenmore Hepa bags available at any Sears store.)

Some at Vacuumland claim the motor will need to be replaced in a few years. But since it only costs about $250, with the money you saved you can easily replace the motor for $140 every 5 years!

It's a very dependable and practical canister vacuum.
 
George CT,

Maybe the Sebo D4. It has longer hose at 40ft and longer hose at 7 feet. Has 4 casters instead of three (however I don't think they are any larger than the miele casters so machine may sit at the same height on your carpet thereby have same level of difficulty to move around as you are experiencing now).

I was told that the Capricorn hose is about 18inches shorter than the other electric hoses.

Can you provide some info on how much longer you feel you need for the cord, the hoses etc and some info on the environment you are working in? For example, size, floor types (wall to wall carpet, 2 floors) etc.
 
If I were you I wouldn't dismiss the Aerus Platinum out of hand. It is loaded with convenient features that make using it idiot proof. Easiest bag change ever, you CANNOT put it in wrong! It works either way. It even shuts off when it's time to change. It's got one of the most powerful motors in the vac industry. It's filtration is among the best-in Germany it's the only vac certified by the allergy experts to improve air quality. I don't know who gave you the impression that people don't like the Aerus Platinum here, cuz it is creating a huge buzz. Some are nitpicking cuz it doesn't have a telescopic wand, but many of us hate them. I like Aerus' system of electric locking wands and tools. They operate all tools and powered nozzles too. I'm not a representative of Aerus nor am I a salesman for them, but I can tell you that's the one I intend to buy. :)
 
The Aerus will probably glide the easiest on thick carpets, try an upright if you have lots of carpeting.
 
Responds...

@parwaz786...Dyson and Henry have been eliminated.
Dyson's I just don't like, pretty on paper but performance overall not so great.
If Henry only offers a "turbo" power nozzel, then It's not for me.

@electromatik...I do love canisters (work better/eaiser with tools).
I don't like water filtration, Rainbow out.
Filter Queen...it's bagless, I like canisters with a bag and some other shortcomings with them.
Riccar may be a contender though I wish it had a mini "power nozzel".
I will have to look deeper into the Platinum.
I don't mind paying $1000.00 or more for the best.

@GM1982 & countryguy...Good points taken. I wish the Aerus Platinum Canister had power settings on the handle and not on the body of the canister.
I don't like uprights, awkward on stairs.

@eurekaprince...That cord is acutally shorter on the Panasonic, I need something over 25ft.

@cue003...I've looked into Sebo (D4) and it's OK but would like a power nozzel that has a step hight adjustment (not a dial I have to bend over to access).
I liked the hose material and length of the Kenmore Progressive (6ft).
 
Just a thought,and if you have not consider it, if your willing to pay 1000.00$ or more for a vacuum and your house does not have one already why not think about a central vacuum system.
 

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