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

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I have 60 percent of my hose hard wood or tile and the rest carpet so canister is much better. Plus uprights just are practical for above the floor cleaning especially fo dusting furniture moldings etc.
 
Actually, neither upright nor canister for me! Both!

Recent discussions at Vacuumland continue to prove to me that the wisest thing you can do is have an upright for carpets and a canister for everything else. The combination vacs are too complicated, heavy, and overengineered and the ones that come close to cleaning all surfaces well are overpriced. The wiring required to send power to a carpet nozzle makes these vacs have overly cumbersome hose handles and wands which are prone to electrical problems. And I do not like those cumbersome power nozzle hose handles that make it so tedious to clean cramped car interiors, bookshelves and other above the floor surfaces.

I don't buy the excuse that 2 vacs take up too much room. I live in a small bachelor/studio/one-room apartment in a highrise in central Toronto and I have plenty of room for my Hoover Tempo upright and my little Electrolux UltraSilencer Green. They take up no more than 3 feet by 1.5 feet in my closet. Both are high performing vacs, extremely lightweight and cost me under $500 together.

From my reading of Consumer Reports testing and brand reliability, the best vacuum team you can get now would be a Hoover Lightweight Platinum upright (the cheaper package without the portable canister) for carpets, and a Miele S2120 Olympus (red Contour in Canada) for everything else. If you want to splurge, you can upgrade the Miele with a "Home Care" accessory package for $150 which gets you a slim briefcase holding a big dusting brush, big upholstery nozzle and 1.5 meter hose extension.

So for $250 (Hoover upright) + $300 (Miele canister) + $150 (deluxe Miele attachments), you get a cleaning team that is far easier to use and far more high performing than any single combination vac on the market. And the team will not take up more than 1 x 1.5 meters of closet space!

Just my personal opinion friends....take it for what it's worth. :-)
 
I prefer to

Spend as much money as possible to get great vacuums . Nothing but top of the line for me . I would never use big box store vacuums in my homes . Being a collector of quality vacuums for 40 years owning over 400 vacuums today's vacuums you can only get the best by purchasing TOL only . Yesterday's convertible hoovers and Eurekas were the last store bought vacuums that were made of the quality of today's D2D and TOL vacuum shop vacuums . If possible every home needs a TOL canister and TOL upright if you only could have two vacuums .
 
Tristar CS cleaner and their specs page says 86 inch H2O

They have the crappy, less powerful VM3 single-stage motor; but U can upgrade to the better 2-stage motor & the correct motor mount.

Here's a pic of the regular 2-stage motor by Ametek. #116311-01 which is one of the better motors.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Ametek-...t=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5639acd58a[this post was last edited: 1/27/2013-00:22]

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High-performance motor

Even more powerful motor; which I put in my EXL & will also put in the DXL.

This is the motor that provides a whopping 100+ suction. #115923 also a 2-stage motor like the one above. If U want a TriStar, I have one on eBay with the high-performance motor. It's also another better quality motor than the single-stage VM3 motor the MG1, MG2, MG3 & CS canisters use.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Ametek-...id=100015&prg=1006&rk=2&sd=370334815626&[this post was last edited: 1/27/2013-01:13]

floor-a-matic++1-27-2013-00-27-30.jpg
 
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Here is the TriStar EXL with the #115923 HP motor I have on eBay. An UNBEATABLE vacuum! You'll NEVER use any other vacuum once U own a TriStar with the #115923 motor. It even includes a MiniStar for vacing upholstery, stairs & automobile interiors.

Every Compact/TriStar (single speed models only) I get from eBay, curbside, garage sales, etc. & those that come in for repair get their motors replaced with the #115923 motor.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/190787962263?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649
floor-a-matic++1-27-2013-00-43-19.jpg
 
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@durango159

Does your TriStar PN have this style brush roller?

Every TriStar A101, EXL, MG1, MG2, MG3 & CS power nozzles & Aerus/Electrolux "L" shaped PN that comes in for repair, I put on this new & improved brush roller.

This brush roller has the extra turn of bristles, which help getting deeply imbedded dirt from carpets & really "self propels" forward. It even picks up pet hair with just one pass.

Can someone show me what the green brush roller looks like?

floor-a-matic++1-27-2013-00-58-30.jpg
 
Didn't realize the cost of a new Tri Star

until yesterday. I also didn't know that they are owned by Lux and made at the same plant. I have learned a ton on this board in the last month or so. Interesting facts and part of the American way of door to door sales.
 
I'm getting close to a decision...

I'm heavily leaning toward the Riccar Immaculate Premier.

While the vacuum dealer I went to didn't have any Immaculate's for display, he had a 1500P that could play with.

He also showed me the Sebo D4, which he personally likes. But once I saw that tiny dust brush, I was like, forget it.

He said he would order for me the Immaculate Premier if that is what I wanted.
He also said he would sell to to me at 30% off MSRP and throw in a box of free bags.
(is that a good deal?)

I'm also thinking of getting the "Handheld Electric Brush"(HEB-R), a mini powered brush for using on stairs and furniture (even though the Immaculate Premier comes with the "Deluxe Handheld Turbo Brush").
The only thing is that if you want to plug the Handheld Electric Brush into the hose handle, you need to get the "Canister Mini Wand". Otherwise it only plugs into the power nozzle wand. MSRP is $129.95 for the electric brush and $24.95 for the mini wand.

Should I bother with extra HEPA filters and a extra belt (just in case)?

Price break down:
(MSRP)
Immaculate Canister - $1529.95
Handheld Electric Brush - $129.95
Mini Wand for Canisters - $24.95
HEPA Post Filter/Charcoal Filter $41.95
Power Nozzle Belt $9.95
Canister HEPA Bags (6) - (FREE)

Total $1736.75
- 30% discount (521.03) = $1215.72

Am I forgetting anything?
 
If you really like the vacuum and it fits your needs than go for it! Maybe you should try without the electric hand turbo and see how that works out before spending $150 on the electric one. The air driven might suffice. Riccar is like Aerus when it comes to pricing, it seems there is a fair amount of wiggle room, as they have a MSRP.
 
Its a lot money. But I would go for it. A brand new Riccar Immaculate is a great vac.


The belt I would hold off on! The Riccars are warranted with lifefime belt warranty. There's very little maintenance needed with the Riccars.

The filters are a good idea. The premotor filter has a carbon interior and is great at removing smells. They are stated as do not wash, but I washed mine and have had no problem with it. I wouldn't soak it over night but handwashing in some Woolite for about 30 minutes and a thorough rinse and it came out great. The post motor filter has a 25 hour timer. After 25 hours of use a light will flash on your hose handle instruction you to "Service Filter". My filter looked fine at end of first 25 hour cycle. My flashing light just went off yesterday and I will be replacing the post motor HEPA filter this time.

The electric mini power head is your call. I personally would give the air turbine nozzle a try. At that point if not satisfied I'd even look into a separate corded hand vac with powered brush roll such as Hoover Sidewinder, or older style Dirt Devil hand vac. They're lightweight, easy to use and much more portable than taking out full size canister if you just want to clean a few things or flight of stairs. I'm very happy with my Hoover Sidewinders performance on carpeted steps. ***I use a smaller size belt than what came with unit and it runs stronger!

http://www.riccar.com/products/canisters/index.asp?prod=IMMAC&doc=:8<
 
New Vacuum

George,

If you are set on the Riccar, drop down to the Simplicity Moxie/Riccar Impeccable. First that price is high and all you are getting is 3 brush strips on the P/N and a dirt sensor. You can add the roller later for the price of a bag of dog food. Shoot ctsooner an email. Pete got some prices that were half what you are going to spend for the same vacuum and he is right in CT. This doesn't make sense.

Second my understanding is those vacuums are rumored to be replaced later this year. Think 30% smaller with some very similar details that make Lux popular and a known mind-blowing power plant and I think you wish you waited. I have had those machines and they are very good just big like the Miele Blue Moon. The new one will be aimed squarely at, and compete better quality wise with Miele than these currently do. This design is old and was a carryover from their relationship with South Korea-based Daewoo. The new one will be sourced and manufactured in North America. This is the only machine comparable to a Lux Platinum in water lift. My last S36/Moxie pulled 115" and the Lux is 116."

With a price in the $1300's on the Riccar it makes sense to go with the Aerus Guardian Platinum and add an additional set of wands. It has a longer warranty and the electric Sidekick III. You won't miss the suction controls on the hose handle especially when the handle board dies. Most of the time you will run on high or the AUTO feature anyway and auto is sweet for rugs in front of the toilet/sink. As for the attachments on the P/N wands, four months later and I prefer them over the canister storage beneath the cover. Perhaps I am just getting lazy. Bag costs are the lowest of all TOL brands and filter well. No vacuum maker puts out a floor tool or above floor accessories that is better than Lux. Period. No vacuum is easier to use or has the 3 european certifications for HEPA the Intelligence/Platinum has.

The Miele Capricorn is a nice unit, good quality, excellent performance and has some design issues I think could be corrected (you hit most of the hot spots) that would make it more enjoyable to use than merely look at. Having had almost every TOL unit for several years, EVERY machine has design issues that need to be corrected and Miele is one of the best, but not the only example of this.

Brian
 
wow,this is interesting

George, shoot me an email. The Lux is the way to go if you are going over 1k, but make sure you like their tools. If you want Riccar/Simplicity, then email me as they had three new Moxies for 599 and he'd throw in a bunch of tools and bags as he wants to get rid of them. I really liked the vacuum, but the Sebo won out. I only paid a bit more for the D4.

I will put my Sebo update here:

I have had NO problems with the carpets. I'm not sure how often you guys change height on your PN, but I keep mine on 2 and have only lowered it once and it's worked perfectly. My carpets already look better and I think it even smells better around here, lol. The sand in between the boards of my wood floor (winter shrinkage) is almost all gone. I love how this cleans all floors. Glad I do have the suction control on the handle. That's the only control I really need with this machine. I use the parking deal all the time. I still like the lights on the top telling me how much suction I'm using. The machine filters as well as a hepa. I have a woodshop as I make furniture for fun and I use hepa filters down there. This thing is quiet enough and it has cleaned under everything I own. I love the L head. I like it much much more than a regular head and won't go back I don't think. I have had to take the brush out a bunch to clean it as my dogs, wife's long blonde hair and string dropped everywhere has me cleaning the brush after each use. it was so easy to take out and clean it. I loved that part. It's been really easy to move around and I appreciate the longer hose and cord. I can get much of the way up my stair case and then I get the top few stairs when I get the vac upstairs. It just feels stable to me and the wheels work well on all surfaces. The wand is a breeze to use also. It all just snaps easily into place and securely, I take it apart to store and I love how the main unit stands on end as it makes it so easy to keep in the closet..

Yes, I'd buy this again and am very happy with it. I never loses suction like the others all did in the stores when their bags were filled up. My cleaning woman LOVES it too and said she may try to buy one if she can get teh money for it. She's using the Kenmore Industrial top of the line and likes it better than all except my Sebo and the Lux Platnium that my neighbor bought after I told him about it, lol. He had to have the most expensive toy. That said, my cleaning woman said that the Sebo cleans just as well and has said that it's just as easy to use too. It must be the power nozzle as the motor on the Sebo isn't quite as powerful, but it's powerful enough. She has also used the Riccar TOL and doesn't like it as much as the Sebo or Lux. She noticed the same thing with the plastic collar on the hose for stress relief......they crack and break very easily. I've seen that in a couple of the stores I went to also and that's why I didn't go with the Moxie (before I came to this board I nearly bought a Moxie).

Some don't care about the hose length or cord length of the Miele, but many seem to. Lux seems to have a winner in most areas. One last thing abotu teh size of the tools....so far it hasn't mattered. I've had no problems as they are still full size. I love the shape of the brush as does the cleaning woman. It gets into corners and places the round ones can't. I'll take the shape over the size of the other ones all day long. It's also easier to clean the car with it. I usually just use one of my shop vacs for the car and still will, however I am going to do a dry shampoo and then use the Sebo to see how well it does, although I have a strong idea that it will work great on my nice auto carpets.
 
Simplicity/ Riccar had a hose material problem. My old one broke, I got a replacement under warranty and the new, improved material is terrific!! It's very flexible and seems much more durable. The buttons on the hose also have a much better protection to them. I love the attachments on the Riccar.

I've used Lux's in the past and don't like their upholstery nozzle. The folding fins are all plastic with no bristles, rubber fingers or anything else and the edges are sharp. I have not found it good for delicate upholstery, pet hair, etc.
 
George ct

For what you are looking for I would recommend a new lux guardian canister 2008 model, some dealers still have a few new in box ones! They have what your looking for! Longer cord remote handle sidekick 2 which I love , tools on board and you can get the bigger dusting brush and adapter for the 6500 to fit! I like the one for the guardian it's just about the right size for dusting! You can see my video at YouTube/utahprideboy/AerusGuardian Canister! It doesn't have as much water lift as the platinum but I think it dose an amazing job at cleaning! And the R bags hold more dirt! Same P/N motor and brush as the platinum! I do have to say I do love my platinum and I think if you got one you would too i just miss having the remote controlled handle, as I have said before speeds on the machine are fine I just with they had the on/off switch for the whole machine on the handle!

Just my input
Daniel
 
Miele Points

I am sorry to say that I have to agree with your points about Miele, it work well in my small home in the UK but I do wish whey would make a longer softer hose + the model with a PN is no longer sold over here.

Not sure if you have them in the US but one of the best vacuums in the UK is a Nilfisk and they made a PN over here for the GM80 the only bad point is the is no lower speed for vacuuming had made rugs or I would have one now
 
Vacuum Convention Week of 2/10 - 2/16

I told the vacuum guy I saw for the Riccar Immaculate, that word on the internet (vacuum forum) is that there should be new models coming later this year for the Riccar and I'm gong to hold off at this time.

He told me he actually will be attending a vacuum convention next week (the week of Feb 10'th) and would pass on any information on to me.

Does any think images or info. would leak onto the internet so we can get a sneak peak at what's coming?
 
Sometimes you might find a sneak peak or some images online, but most vacuum companies do a poor job of updating their websites and have difficulty understanding the concept of marketing and promotion through the internet and social media. Vacuums as an appliance, not like other products such as TVs computers and cell phones put up the latest information in advance of product release on the website.

For example with Aerus, the platinum did not appear on the website until a few days prior to sales. Also, they still do not have an adequate shop online or buy now tab as well as the ability to purchase additional accessories online. Rather one must call the distributor or 800 number. Very 1980s IMHO
 

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