Any Feedback, please??

[s2_82]

So I'm looking around to possibly buy a new vac.
I've been shopping around lately. I stopped by the vacuum store a few times to try out a few models that caught my eye; I've narrowed it down to 3-4 vacuums.


TESTED:
1.) Riccar Radiance Premium-
2.) Miele S7 Salsa
3.) Sebo X5,
4) Windsor Sensor S15
5.) Hoover Platinum Lightweight (I did not test this one but heard it was a good vac..Not too crazy about Hoovers... I've had several of them before and they just don't make a quality product anymore IMO)

The Riccar's, contrary to what many of us believe, according to the sales rep are not 100% made in USA.. He said that some parts are still made in China, but they are assembled here.

I like the way this one sounded, and seemed to be pretty aggressive with the carpet. The tool suction was disappointing though, especially since this is a $900.00 vac! He also mentioned that he had so many problems and repairs with the red, bottom of the line Radiance which he doesn't even carry anymore. Hmm interesting.. I'm thinking chances are, this one will have the same issues..

Not only that, but the Good Housekeeping reviews for the Radiance were not that good either.. giving the vacuum a rating of a "B-" and did not score well in the embedded dirt test.

The Miele Salsa was a solid machine.. good on many levels, and supposedly great on filtration (sealed system) but when I switched from low to High pile (thick) carpeting, it was a nightmare to push across the carpet.. even with adjusting suction controls: Very heavy!! Not much you can do since this is auto carpet height adjustment.. The rep kept on trying to get me to buy a Miele saying it was his best seller. and that he has a hard time keeping them in stock.. but I wasn't completely sold..

Then I tried the Sebo X5.. Wow!.. very easy to push, decent tool suction.. lightweight, very well built and seemed like it did a very good job .. It also had a nice chevron style roller brush.. I really liked this one.. I just wished it had a headlight; but even that isn't a big issue.. However the store rep said that the filtration on these is not that good and claimed that some bagless vacuums filter better than the Sebos which I found very hard to believe...

I then went over to the Windsor S15 model, (this one had a Manual carpet height adjustment) unlike the Sebo x5.. This one had a blue 3 prong cord.. Typical for a commercial setting I'm thinking..

I really liked that this one had better contact with the carpet.. versus the automatic (Sebo) which keeps adjusting up and down, which can be annoying. Power wise I don't know if this was any better at cleaning than the Sebo, which supposedly should be the same machine.

I did notice though however that the sign said that this had a powerful 1.6 hp motor, but on the back of the machine it said it had a 10 amp motor which I found confusing..

The X5 Sebo had a 12 amp motor, but the rep said that they are still the same..
I wanted to also look at a model that Sebo makes that is called the Essential G1, G2.. but they did not carry these.. (these have the manual height adjustment)
Anyways.. all in all.. it seemed like the rep was pushing me towards Miele.
What do you all think, is this vacuum that good? What do you all recommend?
Thanks guys!

 

[madaboutsebo]

I've got a Miele S7 which I've now had for 16 months which before I got it was a choice between the S7 or SEBO X4. I did get the S7 at a good price at the time think that swung it slightly. It is big and heavy which I knew that beforehand.

PLUS Points:
Pickup is excellent
Grooms carpets very well
Great suction/airflow
Filtration great
You can upgrade or down grade the post filter from standard, charcoal or HEPA
Bag fills to top with no noticeable drop in performance
Inboard tools and telescope hose and wand are great

MINUS Points:
Bags can be expensive (4 in a box plus 1 pre and 1 post filter)
Part are expensive to replace (not that Ive had to yet but looking into parts their not cheap!)
The brush roll can not be removed from the machine so removing threads or a blockage around that area is not very accessible.
If you had a blockage not very easy to remove parts other than the hose which also has a remove able plate using a screw driver
The foot pedal I've seen on others is prone to issues!

Overall it's a great vacuum cleaner and does the job but I do wish I had got the SEBO X4 instead. I'm looking at selling my S7 for an X4. Although I knew it was big and heavy as time goes on I'm finding it more unwieldy to use the SEBO X4 to me looks more intuitive to use and user maintenance is simpler and replaceable parts are cheaper and has great build quality IMO.

I took at an extra guarantee to extent the manufacturers warranty up to 10 years but now I'm looking at selling have managed to cancel it and get the full money back as not claimed on it!

Miele did a report on filtration testing against a select number of uprights against their S7 and the SEBO X4 was part of it and they said the X4 was one of the worst for filtration out of them all!! I was surprised about that I thought SEBO had great filtration as well probably not as high as Miele but still very high!

 

[beerad]

If that was me...

I would go fur the Sebo X5 hands down.,

It is a very durable , easy to maintain , powerful , good cleaning vacuum.
It does have a bit of weight to it , but once you get used to it , the Sebo becomes a pleasure to use.
I also really like the brush roller on the Sebo . You can vey easily remove any threads and clean it off .
I have used and serviced these vacuums .
My feedback is based on my experience with the Sebo X5.
I hope this helps you.
)

 

[beerad]

Btw

Who ever this sales rep is : he or she is misinformed :
There is not a Bagless vacuum that filters better than the Sebo X5 ,
Not in my experience so far in the vacuum business .
)

 

[gottahaveahoove]

Ihave the HOOVER

Clearly not HOOVER's finest hour, but.. it is nice. I hate the handle realease on the "wrong side"... Always been on the left. Many people break them, thinking it's still on the left. You plug it in and the light goes on. I KNOW there's power. I plugged it in. But, it IS a nice vacuum.
Large hepa bag! bright light!

 

[s2_82]

@ beerad..

I agree.. The rep I guess really favors the Miele S7, he said he personally has one..
As far as the filtration, I agree; I find it very hard to believe that bagless vacs will filter better.. They are disgusting to own/maintain..
Sebo from what I hear has what is called a European S-Class Filter which is similar to the US HEPA filter. They claim that it will trap up to 99.9% of particles down to 0.3 microns (that is what their website says).

It should filter decent enough since they use these in hospitals, etc from what I hear.

@gottahave, yeah they definitely did a major upgrade with this model unlike the Windtunnels that were just getting a little stale, I'd for sure say this one would knock Oreck right out of the park

@madabout.. I agree.. the S7 is a beast.. and I'm sure parts for it would be horribly expensive.. Another reason why the Sebo looks easier to service should it ever need it..

Does anybody own a Radiance? (Riccar)
Just curious on what your opinions are on this machine.

Great info guys thanks!

 

[tolivac]

I have the Riccar Radiance Premium,the "Red "Riccar-both of these machines are excellent---they are improved over their first generation models.Airpath has a few accesable covers you can remove to take out clogs.The primary-direct air motor control board is improved.Less sensistive to overloads-but will still stop the motor if something is wrapped in the rollerbrush or fan.I also have the Simplicity "Syncrony" cleaner-another good machine.Similar to the Riccar Brilliance-I have the "Blue" Brilliance.For me at this point both have been trouble free except on two occasions-the motor OL problem on the Red Radiance-Brought this to the dealers attention-A new machine was provided.For the Syncrony-the primary motor handle light wasn't working right-again a new machine provided-working great.I use the on board hoses as "corner cobweb" grabbers or dusting baseboards.Thats all I use the hoses for.Same with on the Kirby-for other hose jobs have many canisters to choose from.I have a Meile S7-don't like it as much as my Kirbys,Riccar-Simplicity tandem air-or Royal metal.The Meile machine just seems clunky to me-and its on board hose awkward to use.Like Meile canisters better-esp their S8 canister.Other liked canisters are the Sebo D2 Black Premium,Nilfisk GS80(Got from the Kirby guys trade in pile in his van)And of course my NSSM1 Commercial "canister" vacuum.Overall have been using my Riccar-Simplicity tandem air machines more now-along with my Kirby-Like both-and of course Royals.All are my favorite uprights.Just wish the Tandem air machines and a bell type floor nozzle like the Kirby or Royal-then perfect!!!Bell nozzles are just more manuverable to me.Gets into places aand around furniture better-and edge cleaning from either nozzle side.For the tandem airs-have to use their nozzle suction side against the baseboards.

 

[madaboutsebo]

Your welcome s2_82. I think the SEBO is definitely easier to service and parts are easy to replace by the user. Parts, bags, filters are cheaper to replace too. I agree with beerad go for the SEBO X5!

I can't see a bagless vacuum filtering any better than a SEBO.

I believe the S-Class filter is the same or similar to US HEPA Filter. You can in the US upgrade to a HEPA filter on the SEBO X Series if you want from the standard S-Class or Charcoal Filters. Not sure if you can get it separate but on the SEBO US website it comes as part of the service box. The HEPA Filter is only available I believe for SEBO X Series in the US.

I used to own bagless vacuums and agree with you s2_82 they are messy to own and maintain some more than others. I don't miss the filter washing, and emptying a messy dusty bin. Some users don't mind though!

 

[sebo_fan]

Hi s2_82

Contrary to the name I'm a fan of SEBOS and Miele vacuums - but not all.

I found the S7 to be a great modern design but the pedal to carpet from hard floors annoyed me no end, the design was bulky in my UK home and I initially had problems with the telescopic suction tube that used to seize up. The S7 is super quiet, super modern - the SEBO is commercial, old school even if it is a domestic model under the SEBO X5 name.

As for filtration - it doesn't surprise me that Miele produces a report to show other brands in a poor light. At the moment my Miele S8340 has an Active Air Clean filter designed for "smokers and pet owners." Well, there's a slight smell of pet hair coming through it, so it isn't exactly delivering its promise.

 

[hooverkid]

I Think..

that the riccar would be a great vacuum i have one and it has been 9 years since we got it and it is issue free. It is an excellent vacuum for carpeting and filters air very well. Over all a very good choice. The sebo and windsor are very solid machine that clean well and will maintain power, an equally good choice.

 

[dysonman1]

The Maytag M1200 is a better choice (to me) than the Riccar Radiance. It's less expensive by hundreds of dollars, has the very long hose and full length wand, inexpensive to maintain as the repair parts are very reasonable in price, and excellent performance for carpet and above floor cleaning. It's a tandem-air machine, which means it has 2 suction motors (unlike any other upright on the market) for intense carpet cleaning. The Maytag is made in St. James, MO in the same factory as the Radiance. It's a brand new design, whereas the Radiance is a 10 year old design. Be sure to check out the Maytag M1200.

 

[ralph123]

Riccar also has clean air uprights (i.e non-tandem)

If you don't like the idea of a tandem vacuum design, Riccar/Simplicity offers very nice bypass design vacuums. I can't recall the link, but Tom Gasko posted about a new design for the bypass vacuums with a lifetime belt. These are similar in design to the Miele & Simplicity, in that dirt does not pass through a fan. I suspect they will have more suction than the tandem machines for cleaning with tools.








http://shop.riccar.com/c/vacuum-cleaners_uprights_clean-air

 

[ralph123]

I should mention that I own a Simplity 7 series (bypass machine) that is a pleasure to use. It's relatively easy to push. The "cloth" HEPA bags do a great job of maintaining air flow and suction. I bought the optional tool set that Tom Gasko recommends. Per Tom (can't find the link since I'm not a premium member), the 7 Series has been discontinued but the new model has some major improvements with a lifetime belt and easier tool use. The replacement bags, belts, and filters are very reasonably priced.

 

[ctvacman]

I agree

With tom as well, after having a conversation with him the maytag us the way to go if your thinking tacony products. Remember this fact about any product, if the machine is expensive to begin with more than likely it's parts will be too, not so much with tacony though. I can't stand to hear about people buying a kirby or Miele then complain about the cost of bags and accessories. Hello it's a premium brand what else do you expect, but you could afford the initial high cost? Sorry just had to vent haha.

I own the s7 swing and transparent x4 and premium simplicity synergy (basically radiance). I would stick with the x4 over the x5 because the little brush protrusion get basically no air flow to it since the belt is in the way. However the sebo essential g2 has one long brush roll so it' doesn't have that useless side brush that doesn't get sufficient airflow. I can vouch for this as well, I made my dealer sprinkle sand on the carpet and just as I thought the small brush side didn't pick up much sand at all. I only like my x4 fir novelty that's it's 100% transparent and I can see everything that's going on, it's very durable though. But I would stick with the manual height adjusted windsor or sebo essential series if that's what you decide.

As far as the Miele and synergy/ radiance I love mine for the paint job, but the three row brush doesn't remove as much dirt as the two row, but that can be swapped out. If looks are not a concern go for the maytag over the radiance.

The Miele is good too, but like everyone complains about it's a little bulky, but I don't mind the workout. Sorry for book length response

 

[s2_82]

@ Tolivac

What I instantly liked about the Radiances during the testing at the shop was that they were a little reminiscent to me of the older style vacuums from when back when I was growing up; the ones with metal brushrolls that would aggressively agitate the dirt out of carpeting.

This is exactly what the Radiance did when the rep threw some granular like stuff on the test carpet. He first turned on the vacuum motor, then.. the second carpet switch.. I was SHOCKED & AMAZED!! The dirt was literally jumping off of the carpet in front of the machine. Non of my Windtunnels will do that. I'm not sure about my Kirby though. Also.. the amber shining dirt sensor lights.. One sweet machine! But about the Red Radiance, the rep did tell me that he no longer carries that model since he had so many problems with it (motor failiure) because I asked him why he doesn't carry that one.
I only tried out the white, premium model.. Do you by chance know if this is a sealed (filtration) system?

As far as the Simplcity, I've checked every store and nobody carries that brand.. I don't know why but from what I hear, these are similar.
The Kirby for me is just too cumbersome. I bought my G3 Kirby a few years ago reconditioned from a professional vac shop, and am now probably looking to sell it. It is a good machine though.

@madaboutsebo, yeah you don't want to go anywhere near a bagless machine, they are so unhygienic, you will find yourself cleaning out filters more than you'll be vacuuming for sure, gross!! My brother should have taken my advise when I told him how much trouble they are.. Now he wants to buy his first bagged vac.

I did hear that you could upgrade filters on the Sebo very much the same as with the Miele, which is nice.. Although I am considering the Essential G2 model (the one with auto carpet height adjustment) since I don't like the automatic carpet adjust on the X4-X5 series The G2 also doesn't have the sealing strip for hard floors which I'm not sure what purpose that really has.

@sebofan, the claims are sometimes too good to be true for sure.. I guess its a good marketing ploy for vac companies.

@hooverkid, are you referring to the Radiance? You've had this same model for 9 yrs?
Have you ever gotten a broken belt? Is the lifetime belt claim legit?
I'm always used to the old school slip belts, and have changed so many of them. I guess I'm not used to the lifetime belt and what it means to me maintenance wise.

@dysonman, I was impressed with these Maytags too, they looked like pretty good machines. I did not try them out, and i regret for not doing so. I will make it a top priority next time i stop by the vacuum store.

I asked the rep about it and all he said was that "It's a Riccar". I suppose that they also use the tandem air technology. Does their TOL model use less metal than the Radiance?

@ralph123 I suppose your referring to the Vibrance series?
I assume these are decent machines, I'm really liking the Tandem Air design for sure.
@ ctvacman, I agree, if you are getting ready to drop some serious cash on a vacuum, then get ready to drop some serious cash when it comes time to buy parts,maintenance do repairs.. etc. I think of it the same way as with buying a car. I have no experience with Maytag vacuums, it all seemed sudden to me to see them for the first time, not a bad looking machine! I will consider it. I do hear that their TOL model costs less than the Radiance which is some good news, but I wonder if it is less of a quality than the Riccars.

As far as the Sebos I am considering the Essential G2 model which doesn't have a two part brushroll as with the X5. The g2 also has the extended nose part of the vacuum on the right side, as with the x5, its on the left. I bet that transparent machine is fun though for sure!

 

[ctvacman]

@s2. 82

Maytag a are built by tacony, so same factory as riccar and simplicity

 

[kirbyloverdan]

Any Tandem

Air Tacony will out clean Sebo . I own one of the first red Radience and have owned it for at least ten years and have had ZERO problems the machine works like brand new . Sealed filtration and direct air
And bypass = tandem air the machines can't be beat . I prefer my Riccar over my Miele S7 and sold my Sebo essential G . Go with the Maytag great vacuums at great prices .

Dan

 

[s2_82]

Good point there Dan, thanks.. awesome looking machine there!

 

[tolivac]

S282:I have both Riccar vacuums-the white Premium model and the red one.Both are essentually the same except the Premium has the amber dirt lights and a combo "butterfly"dusting,upholstery,crevice tool.The big soft dust brush is great for dusting off my projection TV screen.I did have a problem with my red Radiance bought it when they first came out-the roller brush direct motor kept tripping off on my deep carpet.Riccar sent the dealer another machine-this time OK.No problems whatsoever with the Premium.And no problems with my Blue Billiance and new Simplicity Syncrony.The air systems on these are sealed-if it wasn't the tamdem air mode wouldn't work.the bag housing is under negative pressure from the second clean air motor.You can take the front bag cover off-and the machine actually works from the first direct air motor-and you see the bag sort of inflate as air from the first motor is pushed into the bag.The dealer showed me this as part of his demo.I have seen stuff on the floor vibrate when I use my Riccar-Simplictys,Kirbys and metal Royals.also my Sanitaire.I have dispelled that Kirby salesmans statement of side suction vacuums only clean a path a few inches wide-Tested with my Riccars,and Simplicity.Put stuff on the floor and on either side of the floor nozzle picked it up fine-you got instant feedback hearing it go thru the first motors fan.These Tacony type dual air machines I like them-up there with my Kirbys and Royals-use them in turn.The hose on the dual air machines is good for grabbing cobwebs in corners and dusting baseboards-for other jobs a regular canister machine is easier.