I'd second with Mieles5380leo on the blue Miele Compact C2 Electro Plus, that is a fantastic canister. I also really like the red Miele C1 HomeCare PowerLine, the last vacuum shop that I worked at sells those because it's one of the only few canister vacuums that have less problems. Another brand that I really like is Sebo, also made in Germany like Miele. Both the K3 and the E3 models are just awesome vacuums. I personally own a Tristar CXL and I can say that I would definitely use either German canister(s) anyday over the Tristar. But if you prefer to still buy American, I'd also second with dysonman1. You really can't beat the Patriot.