1956 Sunbeam Dual Deluxe

dysonman1 · Apr 11, 2015

In 1956, Sunbeam launched the Dual Deluxe, the most powerful canister you could buy. Put HOOVER and everyone else (except Apex's Strato Cleaner) to SHAME. This machine's suction fan was as big as a dinner plate. 95 inches of water lift. The 11 amp motor blew thousands of 10 amp fuses that most homes were wired with at the time.

In addition, my Dual Deluxe has the optional Turbine Brush. The turbine spins around in a circle, driving the brush. The suction is so strong, you can't hardly stop the brush. As good as any electric power nozzle.

dysonman1 · Apr 11, 2015

The turbine brush is a BEAST. Full size brush roller. Quiet running.

dysonman1 · Apr 11, 2015

The Dual Deluxe on right. The economy model "Touch and Lock" on the left.

dysonman1 · Apr 11, 2015

Just love the 1956 color scheme. And how they wrote the words Dual Deluxe. Such a GREAT vacuum. Model 630. Extremely rare today, the motor turned so fast and had so much suction, they tended to have a shorter life than other machines. Most Dual Deluxe cleaners only ran for about 20 years before they 'gave up the ghost'. This one still runs Perfectly.

Can't wait to show my fellow vacuum cleaner collectors when they visit the world's only Vacuum Cleaner Museum in Saint James, Missouri, the second weekend of June. No cost to come to the convention, no uppity 'banquet night', no cliques. Just fun with friends and vacuums.

dandagreer · Apr 11, 2015

Beautiful

That is a beautiful machine! Who knew they had turbine power nozzles way back then!

dysonman1 · Apr 11, 2015

Sunbeam's Turbine Brush predated the PRECO turbo brush. The Turbo Cat (a current turbine brush for the Central Vacs from Vac U Flo) is based on the Sunbeam Turbine Brush.

dysonman1 · Apr 11, 2015

The Turbine Brush also had a carpet height adjustment (two position) as well as a geared belt and stainless steel soleplate.

sleepdoc · Apr 11, 2015

That's really something! I didn't know Sunbeam had set any real landmark accomplishments in vacuum history. This was fun to learn about.

suckolux · Apr 11, 2015

Sunbeam was good stuff then, something to be proud of and sure it was good.

williamr1248 · Apr 11, 2015

1956 Sunbeam Dual Deluxe

Tom,
I agree with Patrick.
So much more interesting than all the plastic made in china uprights today.
A friend had one of those Sunbeam's and I DO remember it had very strong suction!
Not sure what model but it was that color combination. No turbine brush.
Love the unique style of the tools. Nothing generic looking in your pictures.
Thanks for sharing.

kirbyduh · Apr 11, 2015

Very nice machine!

What a great, pristine machine. It's so interesting that the most powerful vacuums weren't necessarily the best selling. I bet it sure is neat to use a vintage vacuum with that much sheer power!

dysonman1 · Apr 11, 2015

Consumer reports rated it the number one vacuum cleaner. They said the suction was so strong it cleaned almost as well as the upright vacuums with rotating brush. Certainly every bit as good as a Hoover.

kirbyloverdan · Apr 11, 2015

Wow that's

Gorgeous saw you posted it on FB also .

Dan

hygiene903 · Apr 14, 2015

Tom, the Dual Deluxe and Touch and Lock are both absolutely beautiful! I remember seeing them in the stores and catalogs when I was a kid, but never had a chance to run one. Definitely was a unique and original design back then, and I remember later models in blue and chrome or just blue, and I think maybe a green one? But as popular as they were, I don't think I remember anyone I know having one back then.
Jeff

dysonman1 · Apr 14, 2015

The blue and chrome Touch 'N Lock was the late 60's version. It sure is cool looking. Like you Jeff, I never knew anyone who actually owned one. Only Dual Deluxe I've ever seen has been in Mike Pletcher's and Hans Craig's collections.

hooverboy81 · Apr 14, 2015

Saw this turbo brush on eBay not too long ago. [this post was last edited: 4/14/2015-17:18]

rugsucker · Apr 14, 2015

Sunbeam

That looks just like a turbine nozzle I used to have!!
Tom is right.The Dual Deluxe started as a quality,powerful vac with good atts and a color matched bag to store them in.Even though later SB canisters had cordwinders the motor changed and even attachments were cheapened.
I still have many SB bags from years past to no 'real' customers ever asked for.

vintagerepairer · Apr 14, 2015

I think they look very modern for 1956. Way ahead of anything we had in the UK for years.

hoovercelebrity · Apr 14, 2015

The Dual Deluxe is a super cool vacuum. I found one in okay shape at a sale a few years ago; it's been sitting in my "awaiting restoration" pile since. But knowing how much of a rarity it is, I do want to give it an overhaul at some point. Mine came with the little tool baggie and most of the tools. My grandparents had one of these in the 60s, there were still some Sunbeam attachments hanging around theer house when I was a kid. I remember my grandmother telling me that she hated it, because of its round shape, it would get caught on furniture legs, and she would have to give it a good kick or tug to get it to follow her. I'll have to ask my mom if she remembers when they got that Sunbeam. I'll have to dig mine out and give it a day at the spa one of these days.

I'm struggling to find anything that dates the Dual Deluxe earlier than late 1959/1960. I did some googling and found some cool ads, though - as well as a shot of product placement in a 1960 episode of 'What's My Line' (follow link for full episode). 1956 seems too early to me, but others may know better. I know Morgan also has one that's absolutely pristine. I know he's shared photos of it in years past.

First ad came from a May 1960 LIFE, second was a late 1959 Newspaper, third was another late 1959 Newspaper. Screenshots are from What's My Line - May 8, 1960 (Vacuum appears within the first 30 seconds).

http://https//www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_35mJDZnLI