Consumer Reports

[n0oxy]

location of central vacuum

No need to store the unit in the closet, just set it near an outlet. I have all of my units sitting against walls that are close to outlets. The cords on central vacuum units are usually only a few feet long since the unit is designed to remain in the same place. I have a tote that I store all of my vacuum attachments in, and my central vacuum hose is stored behind my couch. It's an awesome set up because you get all of the benefits of a central vacuum without having to install pipes, and since you're not going through pipes, you get all of the power that the unit has to offer, and it's far more powerful than any portable vacuum. Don't get me wrong, I still love my backpacks and canisters but lately I have found myself always cleaning with one of my central vacuum units, I currently have 9 of them and there are 5 more that I am looking at getting.
Mike

 

[rivstg1]

n0oxy,

arent the central vacs excessively loud? where does the exhaust go? I wasn't aware that they had exceptional filtration ( compared to many HEPA equipped machines ( b/c they are usually in the garage?) I do recall reading tests of them and they use a LOT more electricity too ( by comparison). just wondering

 

[rivstg1]

ralph123

another part to read/take into consideration with CR ratings....is to read the owners' comments...can be quite revealing since they own them much longer and use more than CR tests. For example, the Miele U1 has legitimate complaints ( that I"ve experienced myself )

 

[n0oxy]

central vacuum filtration, noise and power usage

Some central vacuum units are louder than others. My Beam unit was the worst and I think part of the reason was because it was all metal. Even with a muffler attached it was louder than others and without a muffler it was unbarable, you couldn't even be in the same room. I actually gave that unit to one of my coworkers and I have not missed it whatsoever. Most of my units are quiet enough that you could still have a normal conversation while in the same room. I will include a link to my current favorite unit that I have, it's very quiet and very powerful.
As far as filtration, the only type of central vacuum that is required to be vented outside is a true cyclonic unit. I would never have one of these since they are bagless, and I despise emptying bagless vacs. All of my units use bags so the filtration is similar to any other bagged vac. Fortunately you can get cloth HEPA bags for them which are better than bags made of paper.
As far as power usage, they plug in to regular outlets and I have never tripped a breaker. I'm actually looking at getting a 240 volt outlet installed so I can get a few of the super duper central vacuum beasts.
Here is a link to my current favorite central vacuum unit. I have several units in my collection, but this one is by far the best one, the Drainvac viper. I have it sitting against the walll in my kitchen.
Mike

https://www.thinkvacuums.com/drainvac-viper-9-gallon-system.html

 

[ralph123]

rivstg1,

You mentioned legitimate complaints about the Miele U1. Would you please elaborate? I'd be curious to know more about the weaknesses of this model, because it cleans carpeting nearly as well as the Kirby in CR's tests. Thanks.

 

[fantomfan]

I used to be a subscriber to them as well.....

I quit that long ago. I have articles from 1996-2007, and from 2010-2014. NUMEROUS times, their testing has been inconsistent. Several models, such as the Hoover Windtunnel canister, Windtunnel Ultra, and Tempo's had ratings that changed, even though there were no major mechanical changes to the design of the machines to warrant a different score. Their testing just isn't very accurate. Anybody knows that a Miele or Sebo canister filters much better than a Kenmore canister, yet according to consumer reports a kenmore without a sealed motor compartment and no gasket on the bag still gets an excellent score for emissions. How about Shark? According to Consumer Reports, they are the most reliable upright brand. Look at the actual consumer reviews CR posts on Sharks, and you see the real story on how they break all the time. I will never look to them for anything anymore. They are shameful.

 

[rivstg1]

ralph123

Vaclabs testing shows disappointing testing results. In my use,
- find that way too much of the weight is on the users' arm/hand when vacuuming... more tiring than others.
- the filter costs are pricey
- its heavy(within 1.5-2 lbs of a Kirby/Rainbow/Miele canister) and very challenging to effectively use to vacuum the carpeted stairs
- several reviews from owners who have animals in their homes, report the tubing(air pathway) clogs much too easily ( the airway from the power nozzle has many bends and is long.
- besides me, many have recognized ( testing of Blackheart and Vaclab among them) Miele's upright is not in the same class/effectiveness as their canister models. Too much $$ for its lack of cleaning ability.

I don't have any animals presently so mine hasn't been 'stressed'. I DO like that its not too loud, is easy to turn over brush roll for hard floor cleaning, swivels for fairly easy manuvering and built in hose/tube, as well as long cord. I wouldn't want it as my only vacuum, but to be an additon to my Kirby/Rainbow/Royal collection and to have near the kitchen for quick spill pick ups, yes!