Best Decade for Vacuums

[bagintheback]

What do you think was the best decade for vacuum cleaners so far? I've always thought the 80s had the best machines. Hoover and Eureka had powerful enough motors to clean all types of carpet with top-fill bags. They were not annoyingly heavy but still very durable. I know many people think 80s Kirbys, such as the Heritage series, were one of their best cleaners. What do you think?

 

[thevacuumman]

I can agree with the 80s being the best decade for vacuums

 

[thevacuumguy96]

I agree. The 80's had some great vacuums! The 90's had some okay vacuums too!

 

[suckolux]

I think it depends on what one looks for in a machine. Power, looks, durability? 80s and 90s did bring some whoop ass machines.Some of us older folks may still be hooked on the dream ones of our youth or parents models.

 

[vac_whisperer]

I would say the 50's, maybe 60's. Looks, durability, and power! I just love the tacky late-'60's look and the '50s space-age look.

VW

 

[vacman117]

I'd definitely say the 1980's. Especially for Hoover. Some of their best machines came out back then, at least that's my opinion..
Chase

 

[oreck_xl]

Well, that depends. Do you mean in terms of performance, or design aesthetics? If so, I would have to argue the 1930's were the best decade. Some of the most beautiful machines of all time came out of that era - like the Kenmore Imperial, Eureka Model M, Hoover 150, AirWay DirtMasteR, and the Lux XXX to name a few.

- Hershel

 

[suckolux]

And there you are! Or the neat colors of the 50s and 60s, so much to take into account

 

[beerad]

I would say

sities and 70's

 

[beerad]

umm

sixties

 

[kirbykid63]

70's and 80's

I like the construction of the machines built in the 70's and 80's.Most of those machines are fixable and the parts are still available.I believe a movement is forming in this country that people are trying to hang on to their older more reliable vacuums.I get many comments from customers all the time that they are sick of spending money on vacuums that are constantly breaking and if I could get and rebuild an older kirby or electrolux for them.

 

[pinkge]

the best...

were from the 40's thru the 70's.The color schemes and the design's were all well designed.Some good and some not so good.

 

[kenkart]

50s

Or 60s, Still metal and still unique!

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

Here's how I look at this:

Rainbow - 1974 to 1st quarter 1981
Kirby - 1934 to 1990
Hoover and Eureka - F. D. Roosevelt presidency (1933-45) to Reagan presidency (1981-89)
Royal - 1946 to 1st or 2nd quarter 1995

So, in summary, I'd start as far back as the Franklin D. Roosevelt presidency of 1933-45 and end at the Reagan presidency of 1981-89. That's how I describe good vacuum cleaners.

~Ben

 

[Real1]

Jetsons

I always defect back to the G in turquoise..... I'm a sucker for other models with LOTS of chrome....but something about Jetson turquoise and things made during the 'race for space'. I'm stunned by the 1205 too, mainly because of its transition status but still metal. Seems like all other LUX's stayed with that basic canister design for many yrs...except they went to plastic. Except for color, the differences were minor.

Kevin

 

[luxg]

My  vote goes for the 50-60's as well, such style, durability and color!!

 

[Sablekid]

Kirbys from the 40's to the late 60's.

Light
No-nonsense
Durable
Powerful

 

[Automatic-Shift]

The '60's

I for the most part only collect Hoover, and I feel that Hoover has achieved an advancement in every decade. For me, the 1960's is my favorite decade of Hoover, but my favorites span the '50's-'90's. Model 69 is my favorite Convertible. But, I love most of them. Innovation was/is the Hoover namesake. However, I am not a fan of anything not made in North Canton. So, I stop with 2008. Ron

 

[gottahaveahoove]

Ron!

We're on the same page.  I have 3 69s.  The 70's were prob the best for HOOVER.  If I had to "group", I'd say 60s to 80s.Clearly HOOVER's finest hour.