In the market for a bagless canister vacuum

[floor-a-matic]

I am looking for a bagless canister to compare it with my Kenmore bagless multi-cyclonic 600 Series

Hoover WindTunnel Air SH40070
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00EJ..._rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=2015187942&pf_rd_i=mobile

Hoover Zen Whisper Cyclonic SH40080
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004XWAJIY/ref=pd_aw_sbs_hg_22?refRID=02H8EMQFPK3ZHHZNZRNQ

Hoover Multi-Cyclonic SH40060
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0043VP5YI/ref=pd_aw_sbs_hg_6?refRID=1PFDHPV9AGT03C15C9GS

Which one do U recommend? I haven't used any of the above; I had a Dyson DC23 TurbineHead but was disappointed with performance & sold it

Pic of Kenmore that I have

 

[rosiembanks]

I asked the same question

I asked this very question a couple of months ago, and was recommended a couple models: Electrolux UltraCaptic and the Hoover Air Canister with Windtunnel technology. There was a fantastic deal from Newegg.com on the Electrolux UltraCaptic, which had been suggested by two posters whose opinions I trust anyway--Tom Gatsko and KirbyLux. So, that's what I bought. It's performed pretty well, though it's in a vacation home so I don't use it all that much and can't claim I know everything about it. It's really quiet! Powerful suction, not crazy about its attachments--I prefer bagged machines in general, but needed bagless for this house--it does a nice job emptying without making a mess. I prefer the way it empties to emptying the Dyson upright (the other vac in that house)--but that might not be a fair comparison (I've never emptied a Dyson canister). It's amazing how much dirt it picked up that the Dyson upright left behind, too.

I looked at reviews for the Hoover Air Canister with Windtunnel Technology, and they were pretty positive--I presume it's the same vac you've got listed? If I hadn't been able to get the Electrolux for the price I did, I'd have bought the Hoover, I think, based on what I read at the time--it's certainly reasonably priced. Can't help you with the others you mention or how they might compare with the Dyson or that Kenmore.

 

[fantomlightning]

I'd say...

Skip the Hoovers unless you can get your hands on the older Elite Cyclonic. I'd suggest either the Lux from the above post, or the Ultra Active. Just be prepared for more filter cleaning than the Ultra Captic.

 

[floor-a-matic]

I am happy with the Kenmore so far; but I wish I still had my Fantom Lightning. The Lightning was a great cleaner! I miss it so much now

How well do the Hoover Elite Cyclonic, Multi-Cyclonic, Zen & WindTunnel Air perform by comparison?

 

[fantomlightning]

If...

I could get an unlimited supply of parts my Lightning would be the only machine I'd use... Amazing how well it cleans for how little air flow it has and how soft the brushroll bristles are. With the mini powerhead and large canister that compacts dirt well it's perfect for my home with pets. There are three machines I'd say come close and remind me of the Lightning. The Elite Cyclonic reminds me of the Lightning in how it compresses dust and hair and keeps it moving in the air stream, not like Dysons and most modern multicyclonic machines that quickly stop spinning balled up pet hair as it gets bigger, also has a powerhead with soft bristles that still manage to clean very well. The picture you put up is as close as you can get to the Elite in the current range, if you go for the Hoover I'd suggest that as I've had a good experience with the Elite. The other machine (also discontinued) that reminds me of the Lightning is the LG Kompressor Canister LCV900B, amazing compressor set up, air comes into the machine, is separated by a dual cyclonic cassette, and then spun out of the air into the Kompressor bin where a wiper arm compresses dirt. Keeps the airflow in the machine constant and unobstructed, powerhead has a brushroll that looks like it was pulled out of an Elite upright, and is one of the best cleaning machines I've ever used. The last is the UltraActive. It's quiet, compact, and refined. Has amazing tools that the others lack, it's upholstery brush is better than even the WW made one that comes on Miele cleaners, it's also got a clearly defined air path to dirt as it comes in the canister. Perfect for cleaning until everything is cleaned up. Out of all of them the UltraActive reminds me the most of the Fantom, it has it's issues, but does everything very well for what it is. Has amazing tools like the Lightning, the availability of a mini powerhead, cleans carpets well, hard floors well, pretty long hose, it's just a nice machine to work with. Just be prepared for cleaning the filter relatively often, and emptying the bin as well if you have pets. Also be careful with fine dust, I used my UltraActive to clean up Capture powder, went all the way through the cyclone, through the pre motor filter, through the motor, and ended up clogged in the HEPA filter. The UltraActive is the perfect all rounder for a daily driver in a bagless canister, I have yet to see something that can truly rival it.
TL;DR
If you want to stick with Hoover (I know you're a big fan) Get the red machine you posted. Barring finding a NIB Kompressor, go with the UltraCaptic if the price isn't a problem. If the price is a problem go with the UltraActive from WalMart I'll link below, it's the same as all the other UltraActives that are listed for twice as much and even has the benefit of including the mini powerhead (normally not included and sold for about $70). Best value you can find on one, also something I forgot to add earlier, on the UltraActive the "Ergoshock hose wrap" may seem like a gimmick, but it's actually really handy for long term storage or transit. For under $250 I don't think you can get a better total package than the UltraActive, I truly can't say enough good things about that machine. I'll stop rambling, personally if I was choosing, even having an UltraActive, I'd spend the $209 and get a second one with the mini powerhead. I look forward to hearing what you decide.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Electrolux-UltraActive-DeepClean-Bagless-Canister-Vacuum-EL4305AZ/36798910

 

[eurekaprince]

Another good bagless canister is the Hoover Platinum S3865
Approx. retail price: $400. Consumer Reports gave it a "very good" for carpet cleaning and an "excellent" for bare floor cleaning and pet hair removal. Airflow through the hose for tool use was rated as "good."

 

[fantomfan]

I have an Elite Cyclonic.

I bought it 4 1/2 years ago. It's performance is close to the Fantom Lightning, albeit the Fantom may clean carpet slightly better due to the height adjustment dial. Suction isn't spectacular but it does the job. The tools (except for the floor tool) are a joke. Hoover Windtunnel (The older model) had tan attachments that will work on this. Cyclonic separation is excellent, and it filters very well. If you can find a new Elite Cyclonic for under $150, it's a decent choice. I think that the power head is best left for low-medium pile. Overall, you can get a good couple of years out of it AS LONG as it's maintained (Belt changed every year, filter washed once a month) I've found that the HEPA filter should last for about 2 years of regular use.

 

[floor-a-matic]

Are the bristles on the Elite Cyclonic fluffy enough like the PN on the Multi-Cyclonic & Zen?

Can I see the underside of the Elite Cyclonic PN? Does it have "brushed edge cleaning" on both sides?

Do the hose swivel at least on handle end like the WindTunnel Air?

 

[fantomfan]

I cannot compare it to the other models.

I have only used the Elite Cyclonic. The brushroll is more on the stiff side, but not overly stiff. In my experience, it does not edge clean very well (but of course most don't). There isn't that much of a gap between the brushes, which is encouraging. Besides not having the swivel hose, it basically is a modern Fantom Lightning with better motor protection and a better cyclonic separation system. Both ends of the hose turn (but the one that connects to the hose doesn't swivel, like a lightning).

 

[floor-a-matic]

I decided to go for the Elite Cyclonic; only $59.99 on eBay, so I bought 2.

Later I might buy the Multi-Cyclonic SH40060 or WindTunnel Air SH40070 or Air Pro canister SH40075

Hoover Air Pro SH40075
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00OFQX6CY/ref=pd_aw_sbs_hg_11?refRID=0CVXDBM864M9S38Z3X22

 

[floor-a-matic]

[No message]

 

[floor-a-matic]

UPDATE

I got a Kenmore 600 Series Bagless Multi-Cyclonic; Hoover Multi-Cyclonic SH40050 & XXX iForce canisters & here are the results:

Kenmore 600:
Has headlamp on PN
ELECTRIC Mini PN
Brushed Edge cleaning on both sides

Hoover SH40050:
Has headlamp on PN but brighter than Kenmore
Easier to empty

XXX iForce:
PN swivels like Dyson
Variable speed

 

[eurekaprince]

According to Consumer Reports current test results and ratings, the best bagless canister vacuum cleaner is Kenmore Model 22614 or the equivalent Panasonic MC-CL935. They both have very good power nozzles for carpet cleaning and decent air-flow through the hose for above-the-floor cleaning. They are both tagged as a Best Buy as they cost under $400 and are "Recommended" models.

I wonder if great Panasonic/Kenmore canisters like this will still be offered after Panasonic completes the sale of their vacuum division this year. :-(