Best 50s vacuum

[delco1946]

Hi there, new to this forum.

I’ve been wondering what the best/ one of the better vacuums from the 50s might be? I have a circa 1950 Electrolux but it’s not great for carpet, and I’d sorta like something that isn’t a sled/ rolls easier, has great suction etc. Bonus points if it looks fabulous lol. I think I’m mostly interested in canisters but open. I saw a 50s pink GE roll around which looks incredible. I see lots of rainbows and filter queens too. What was top of the line and a tank? Thanks!

 

[eurekaprince]

Definitely think of getting an RCA Whirlpool canister with the first power nozzle. I think there was Sears Kenmore version as well. Not sure how well they performed, but this model represents a giant leap forward in the evolution of canister cleaners….way back in the 1950’s.

 

[thevacomaticiec]

why dont ya g et your self a  compact  electra  from the  60s  strongsuction  air flow is amazing  roll caster on all corners  cheap bags .

 

[kirbyman65]

Rexair

There are some rexair vacuums that use water similar to rainbows they are wonderful machines, there are also Hoover constellations, eureka princesses, and finally royals.

 

[2011hoover700]

Gosh I think any would have their ups and doens. I love my hoover model 63s. I also love more than 1 canister from the 1950s and I also have a couple of runner up uprights including my hoover model 66.

 

[delco1946]

I google that RCA Whirlpool - in other appliances I know I loved their designs and products. That vacuum looks pretty slick! But also rare I bet - nothing for sale is coming up on my initial searches. I’ll keep my eyes peeled tho. It reminds me of the kenmore canister my mom used growing up ( but updated to the late 70s/ early 80s at least).

 

[dysonman1]

You have many choices of wonderful, 1950's canister vacuums. FYI, at the old VCCC conventions Filter Queen and Rexair gold model D rug nozzles proved to be superior for carpet cleaning. Air-Way's rug nozzle does very well, as well as does Royal's rug nozzle. Compact made a good rug nozzle as well. The vacs in the following pictures are my personal machines. All are good choices for 50's canisters with decent rug cleaning ability. They will all be available at the estate sale.

 

[lesinutah]

That

GE in pink looks like quite a formidable machine.
The estate sale huh. I bet they put the whole museum up for sale.

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

Kirby 513 to 519

I think Kirby's model 513 to 519 were the most superior vacuum cleaners built during the 1950s.

~Ben

 

[delco1946]

Is there a Vacuum museum liquidating its assets or something?

 

[lesinutah]

Oh

Pay no attention to him he's stirring the pot. I think he's reading vcccc thread and wanted to make someones hoover jealous of his vacmates.

 

[eurekaprince]

Besides the RCA Whirlpool canister vac, another amazing 1950’s cleaner is the “tuna can” round Sunbeam vacuum with the world’s first air-driven turbo nozzle. Those in the “know” say it had a huge suction fan that created lots of airflow to drive the carpet nozzle.

 

[delco1946]

Love the RCA Whirlpool! That sunbeam dual deluxe is also pretty fun looking! I’ll look for those locally.

Are the GE roll arounds and roll easys not high end/ top contenders then?I love the colors available.

There is a rexair, within a days drive, but those just aren’t capturing my attention in terms of aesthetics and color.

Thanks!

 

[human]

Does it absolutely have to be from the '50s?

Few canisters had power nozzles in the '50s, but there were plenty of really great canisters with power nozzles made in the '60s and '70s. Brands like Eureka and Electrolux come immediately to mind. When I got my grandmother's 1977 vintage Eureka Princess with power nozzle in about 1996, it was a revelation, and even though I don't have that machine anymore (wish I did), it gave me a whole new appreciation for the potential of a canister embody the best of what an upright can offer as well. It's why I have a bunch of Electrolux canisters and power nozzles today.

 

[delco1946]

I suppose not, 60s could be fine, too. It just seems like with other appliances, things got less snazzy looking and often cheaper quality over time. I’ve assumed the same is generally true for vacuums. I also tend to prefer colors from the 50s (aka pastels) versus 70s greens, golds and earth tones. But I hear what you’re saying, and I’m open!

I have seen Electroluxs near me with power nozzles. Even tho they are probably great I was sorta hoping to get something dissimilar to what I already have. I’m seeing filter queens all over ( were they more popular out west?) along with tons of accessories. There is what I think is a higher end/ dual motor GE rolling canister nearby, both all the other GEs are looking rough!

 

[delco1946]

Boy, after cruising thru the entire US for vintage vacuums, my Electrolux must be from the 40s, it’s rather basic compared to the later versions ( assuming from the 60s) with power nozzles, power level switches, etc.