The concept of a Kirby...
may be outmoded. The idea of a single unit adaptable to nearly every conceivable home cleaning function is very appealing during the demonstration, especially with an emphasis on pulling dirt, but consider, is it the most effective and efficient way to go?
An open fan upright is the most ergonomic, energy efficient, simple, easy to service and maintain design for removing imbedded dirt from rugs and carpets, It does not produce strong suction unless the motor draws way more current than required for its primary function. OF all the open fan uprights, two stand out as adequate performers in the hose cleaning department, Kirby and Royal, but they require fiddling with the conversion process.
Canister/Tank Type vacuums require an additional motor and electrified hose to provide brushing action at the nozzle. The hoses wear on the inside from the sand being picked up, as well as from the outside from pulling the unit around. The open fan upright for carpet and the straight suction canister for bare and above the floor cleaning are an unbeatable combination. Or a combination consisting of something like a Sebo Felix, or a GO Clean backpack paired with a Kirby or a Royal would be excellent. In large measure this discussion and ones like it have been fueled by the intention to have one vacuum perform all tasks with equal facility.
A chef has knives for paring, boning, chopping, slicing, mincing and peeling, for breads and cheeses, meats, fruits and vegetables. How often have you used a knife for something other than its optimum purpose when the correct one was at hand in the drawer, just because it was quicker/easier?
A woodworker has a table saw, a radial arm saw, a scroll saw, and a band saw, they all cut wood, what is the purpose of all of the different saws> They each do things the others cannot, or at least to them better.
Perhaps Kirby should be looking at a two or three unit system to reduce weight and increase ease of use. How about we take this thought and run with it for awhile? What units would you like to see teamed with an upright Kirby? In addition to the two I mentioned, I'd consider a Miele universal upright.
