Are Oreck Vacuums any good?
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tylerawells
Well-known member
A lot of people will tell you that the Oreck XL21 is perhaps one of their best uprights. They are lightweight and incredibly strong suction, and fairly deep cleaners on the low pile carpet. The motors are screamers and it is a direct air machine. They are pretty durable - my grandmother has had one for 20 years, I've had one for 1 year and both have been very good machines. They are now part of TTI, which is the same company that owns Royal Appliance Manufacturing, Dirt-Devil, and Hoover in floorcare, along with brands like Homelite etc... in outdoor yard maintenance equipment.
sebo_fan
Well-known member
Im not a fan of the original XL model and they seem to come up a lot on auction sites. I have yet to use an Oreck that is quiet. The later models with the slide in bag dock are easier to rely on though as the bag isn't liable to fall off through use and thus pepper the internal bag with dust. In terms of cleaning, I have always admired the brush rolls as they are bushy and soft in general. However a few models have plastic fans that are liable to break over the more commercial version which has a metal fan for better longevity.
More modern Orecks (sadly in the UK we only have a few older models) with open rear wheels makes it a heck of a lot easier to wheel away after usage. However, the better one I have so far found is a TTi product, the Hoover Signature, only its called the Vax VCU02 here. It has a similar push on bag to the older Oreck but a much bigger dust channel to prevent the bag from coming off. It is noisy but not as noisy as our old Oreck. The compromise you make with this model is that the permanent rear handle gets in the way for true flat to the floor cleaning and doesn't benefit from the Oreck helping handle.
Also, although both these models and generic Orecks have a similar design outright, at the base spine due to the thrust of suction the machines can clog, requiring dismantling. The Vax I have doesn't suffer from this much though I do check it perodically - and I've been generally impressed with this vacuum since my Gtech sweeper is awaiting a new handle to arrive due it being used as a quick daily driver and though the dust bags aren't as big as Oreck, they're still pretty big at nearly 8 litres. However I have noticed that as soon as the bags start to get really heavy with dirt, the vacuum isn't as lightweight to push anymore, especially on medium carpet - that's when I rely more on my Sebo X uprights or the Felix.
More modern Orecks (sadly in the UK we only have a few older models) with open rear wheels makes it a heck of a lot easier to wheel away after usage. However, the better one I have so far found is a TTi product, the Hoover Signature, only its called the Vax VCU02 here. It has a similar push on bag to the older Oreck but a much bigger dust channel to prevent the bag from coming off. It is noisy but not as noisy as our old Oreck. The compromise you make with this model is that the permanent rear handle gets in the way for true flat to the floor cleaning and doesn't benefit from the Oreck helping handle.
Also, although both these models and generic Orecks have a similar design outright, at the base spine due to the thrust of suction the machines can clog, requiring dismantling. The Vax I have doesn't suffer from this much though I do check it perodically - and I've been generally impressed with this vacuum since my Gtech sweeper is awaiting a new handle to arrive due it being used as a quick daily driver and though the dust bags aren't as big as Oreck, they're still pretty big at nearly 8 litres. However I have noticed that as soon as the bags start to get really heavy with dirt, the vacuum isn't as lightweight to push anymore, especially on medium carpet - that's when I rely more on my Sebo X uprights or the Felix.
vacman117
Well-known member
Try checking your local Big Lots frequently. I found my Pilot there for $129. Oreck does a fantastic job on their factory refurbs, just like new.
You can't even compare the original Orecks to the Pilot or XL21. They are far quieter, have better brushrolls, and clean a heck of a lot better. I have a very deep pile carpeting and my Pilot is one of my only vacuums that will actually pull itself on it. I'd definitely recommend one in a heartbeat.
Chase
You can't even compare the original Orecks to the Pilot or XL21. They are far quieter, have better brushrolls, and clean a heck of a lot better. I have a very deep pile carpeting and my Pilot is one of my only vacuums that will actually pull itself on it. I'd definitely recommend one in a heartbeat.
Chase
super-sweeper
Well-known member
I love my XL9100,
It isn't a screamer like the XL2's, Plus the motor is bigger, beffy-er and more metal-er!
It does a nice job on carpets, And is handy to have and whip out in an instance when there's dust to be tackled!
I highly recommend older Orecks, After lending them my Kirby and a Commercial Fantom, I rebuilt my neighbor and friend an XL-Commercial unit, which they still love and use all these years later! Just recently (July) I gave their Mother (And Friend) a XL9100 I refurbished for her. She loves it! All they used before was a little Dirt-Devil carpet sweeper, they never did drag out their Rainbow or Dirt Devil!
-Alex.
It isn't a screamer like the XL2's, Plus the motor is bigger, beffy-er and more metal-er!
It does a nice job on carpets, And is handy to have and whip out in an instance when there's dust to be tackled!
I highly recommend older Orecks, After lending them my Kirby and a Commercial Fantom, I rebuilt my neighbor and friend an XL-Commercial unit, which they still love and use all these years later! Just recently (July) I gave their Mother (And Friend) a XL9100 I refurbished for her. She loves it! All they used before was a little Dirt-Devil carpet sweeper, they never did drag out their Rainbow or Dirt Devil!
-Alex.
spiraclean
Well-known member
Probably in the minority here, but I quite like them and think they have their place. They were originally designed for use on very low pile, flat carpeting as one would find in commercial applications, and this is where they shine. My home has short pile berber throughout, and I had no complaints whatsoever about its performance. Pet hair and scattered cat litter were not a problem, and pickup on bare floors is surprisingly good for an upright. On deeper pile it will surface clean and groom very nicely, although for deep cleaning I think there are better choices out there.
The noise is something that gets mentioned quite a lot. To be honest I don't find the Oreck to be unusually loud, but it is quite a high pitched sound (I definitely preferred it over the irritating howl of the Dyson DC07, which really grated on my nerves). Noise is subjective however, so mayhaps it would be wise to try one before buying if possible to see if it's something you can live with.
I very much liked the companion canister unit that comes with it as well, probably because I really don't like uprights with onboard tools. Works well for what it's intended, i.e. stairs and above floor cleaning, and is great for use in the car.
The noise is something that gets mentioned quite a lot. To be honest I don't find the Oreck to be unusually loud, but it is quite a high pitched sound (I definitely preferred it over the irritating howl of the Dyson DC07, which really grated on my nerves). Noise is subjective however, so mayhaps it would be wise to try one before buying if possible to see if it's something you can live with.
I very much liked the companion canister unit that comes with it as well, probably because I really don't like uprights with onboard tools. Works well for what it's intended, i.e. stairs and above floor cleaning, and is great for use in the car.
durango159
Well-known member
Warranty Issues
A big problem you will run into is warranty. With the recent bankruptcy and sale of Oreck to TTI, you may trouble getting service. My local dealer, a former Oreck Authorized Service dealer will only be warranting Orecks bought at their store. Anywhere else, will no longer have a warranty repair.
As far as performance I can not recommend an Oreck. Cleaning is fair. Their filtration drives me crazy. I've had severe allergy issues and have had to find a different machine to use due to awful exhaust from Orecks!!! The bags say that they're Hypo Allergenic and special Micro filtration. I believe it is primarily cause it's an unsealed system with poor airflow and dirt blowing out back of power head. I've allergy problems with 6 different Oreck upright models to include the Dual Stack commercial upright, XL21, U2000R commercial, and various 1 and 2 speed home use XL uprights.
In contrast I've never had allergy problems with Hoover Decade uprights, Hoover canisters, Hoover Elite/ PowerDrive uprights, Riccar vacuums, Aerus vacuums, Sebos, and most other vacs.
A big problem you will run into is warranty. With the recent bankruptcy and sale of Oreck to TTI, you may trouble getting service. My local dealer, a former Oreck Authorized Service dealer will only be warranting Orecks bought at their store. Anywhere else, will no longer have a warranty repair.
As far as performance I can not recommend an Oreck. Cleaning is fair. Their filtration drives me crazy. I've had severe allergy issues and have had to find a different machine to use due to awful exhaust from Orecks!!! The bags say that they're Hypo Allergenic and special Micro filtration. I believe it is primarily cause it's an unsealed system with poor airflow and dirt blowing out back of power head. I've allergy problems with 6 different Oreck upright models to include the Dual Stack commercial upright, XL21, U2000R commercial, and various 1 and 2 speed home use XL uprights.
In contrast I've never had allergy problems with Hoover Decade uprights, Hoover canisters, Hoover Elite/ PowerDrive uprights, Riccar vacuums, Aerus vacuums, Sebos, and most other vacs.
vac-o-matic
Well-known member
Business as usual here.....
I have worked part-time in an Oreck store for over 8yrs, one of 7 in the St. Louis metro area. We are honoring warranties, as long as valid for the machine as we always have. TTI has said there is no change with warranty procedures at this time. If the machine is under warranty, and it was bought at any other vendor, we will honor it. As far as dust leakage, there are two couplers, one at each end of the wand from the bag connector, down into the fan housing. Many times these have come loose and just need to be tightened. We sell a very good white fabric hepa bag for the uprights with odor fighting charcoal, and have very satisfied customers including myself since I have a shedding dog. If all the fittings are tight and the bag is installed properly, there shouldn't be any issues.
I have worked part-time in an Oreck store for over 8yrs, one of 7 in the St. Louis metro area. We are honoring warranties, as long as valid for the machine as we always have. TTI has said there is no change with warranty procedures at this time. If the machine is under warranty, and it was bought at any other vendor, we will honor it. As far as dust leakage, there are two couplers, one at each end of the wand from the bag connector, down into the fan housing. Many times these have come loose and just need to be tightened. We sell a very good white fabric hepa bag for the uprights with odor fighting charcoal, and have very satisfied customers including myself since I have a shedding dog. If all the fittings are tight and the bag is installed properly, there shouldn't be any issues.
kirbyloverdan
Well-known member
Rick
you are 100% correct Oreck will be run just as it always has .
I am highly allergic to dust and when I run all of my Oreck's nothing ever bothers me .
I can`t use my Filter Queens or any other bag less vacuums because they are way to messy to mess with and I suffer cleaning them out bagged vacuums only for me or my Rainbow or many other water vacuums I own .
Dan
you are 100% correct Oreck will be run just as it always has .
I am highly allergic to dust and when I run all of my Oreck's nothing ever bothers me .
I can`t use my Filter Queens or any other bag less vacuums because they are way to messy to mess with and I suffer cleaning them out bagged vacuums only for me or my Rainbow or many other water vacuums I own .
Dan
bigbenzdriven
Member
Actually on the 9100 of the motor is original it’s smaller 3.5 or even 3.2 amps. The fan may be metal, but the blades are more likely to break of completely when hit by hard object. The metaxalloy “plastic” fans wear better and are much more forgiving to impacts. They also allow the motor to run faster generating more air movement.
cars-guy
Member
I’m not the biggest fan of orecks. The only ones worth getting are the old XL style and even still they aren’t great.
I’ve worked on 30 or so of those xl style orecks since our shop acquired the local oreck dealer and when I say over half of them needed upper housings I’m not exaggerating. They crack right at the slot for the brushroll on the belt side causing it to eat belts. They also break right at the belt door. Granted an upper housing is only 35 bucks retail and I can swap them in less than 10 minutes. They also tend to come in with burnt motors which are a bit more expensive. They just seem built very cheaply and only clean ok.
I will give them this though, they are very simple to work on if you have to and parts are cheap enough and plentiful. They are pretty light so for people with disabilities they aren’t a bad option. Plus the bristles being so long, with a fresh brushroll they are almost self propelled. At least when going forward.
If you get one used that runs good for under $50 bucks it’s not a terrible machine but there are much better options out there
I’ve worked on 30 or so of those xl style orecks since our shop acquired the local oreck dealer and when I say over half of them needed upper housings I’m not exaggerating. They crack right at the slot for the brushroll on the belt side causing it to eat belts. They also break right at the belt door. Granted an upper housing is only 35 bucks retail and I can swap them in less than 10 minutes. They also tend to come in with burnt motors which are a bit more expensive. They just seem built very cheaply and only clean ok.
I will give them this though, they are very simple to work on if you have to and parts are cheap enough and plentiful. They are pretty light so for people with disabilities they aren’t a bad option. Plus the bristles being so long, with a fresh brushroll they are almost self propelled. At least when going forward.
If you get one used that runs good for under $50 bucks it’s not a terrible machine but there are much better options out there
cheesewonton
Well-known member
David Oreck was pitching them to older people and house cleaners or hotel staff who needed a light vacuum.
panasonicvac
Well-known member
Out of curiosity, may I ask why resurrecting an old thread from over 10 years ago and replying to someone who hasn't been active since 2016? I doubt that user is ever gonna read your comment.
Anyways that being said, I sorta had a love/hate relationship with Oreck. I liked them at first, then I disliked them, and now I like them all over again. I think they're good for what they are, not the greatest but I've had a huge amount of respect for them over the years. For being light weight, very simple to work on, assembled here in the states, and overall not bad at cleaning depending on what types of floors they're being used on. If I had to buy the best lowest priced vacuum on the market today, Oreck would be my top pick. Despite it's flaws, if taken care of and serviced properly, it can last a long time for me.
