Favourite Vintage Brand and Why ?

[jmurray01]

Mine has to be Hoover, because they are simply the best, better than all the rest!

To put it in more detail; they invented the brush roll, made many models with the "Hedlite" (some people see as superfluous but I disagree!), had fantastic suction coupled with the brilliant brush roll design to beat the carpet deep down and what's more, were made to LAST.

I can't see how you could beat that...

 

[gottahaveahoove]

Jamie!

You can't! In my house, it's HOOVER all the way!
John.

 

[jmurray01]

I'd never have thought!

 

[turbo500]

Well...

interesting question.


Of course, the rule back in the days of old was Hoover for uprights and Electrolux for cylinders. Which a customer opted for would depended on their home, their personal preferences and the type of flooring. It was not uncommon for someone to own one of each.


 


I certainly love my old Hoover cleaners. I really don't think anything has come close to the carpet cleaning performance of the Turbomaster. However, I always found Electrolux to be better built and far more practical cleaners - especially where uprights were conerned.


 


With that in mind, I am going to make a controversial statement. Up to 1980, Hoover were the biz. But from then onwards, especially after the introduction of the Turbopower and despite those being a huge seller and excellent on carpet, they weren't of the best build quality and had a mass of strong competion. I think Hitachi are probably my favourite cleaners from 1980 onwards. The CV50 and CV60 were fantastic cleaners. Well built, high performing and practical.

 

[vinvac]

For me it would be Kirby or Royal. They were the first upright to have descent tool suction and were a complete home cleaning system. Plus the Kirby had the lifetime rebuild warranty, both Royal and Kirby were ahead of the game with cords.

Then Eureka. Their brush roll was super! Their first design with all brush would out clean any upright of the time. Then as they progressed and started with the VG1 and VGII it just got better. They also had a longer cord. Tool usage was nothing to brag about but they figured out a better adapter system earlier than Hoover.

Even with their later top mount conversion tools, they provide a seal plate to improve on the suction.

Don't get me wrong, I like Hoover! But Hoover was not popular in WI where I grew up..Eureka, Kirby, Royal and Lux were the main stay. You rarely saw a Hoover in a home.

Morgan

 

[richardlxixxx]

John and Jamie

AND THE WINNER IS - THE AMERICAN ELECTROLUX VACUUM!!!!!!


 


Electrolux is my favorite vintage vacuum cleaner.  I have never been a fan of upright vacuums and prefer canister vacuums for their versatility.  When you are cleaning an entire house, it just makes more sense to use one vacuum that has superior suction and airflow, hence the American Electrolux tank.  If you have a noisy, messy, dusty Hoover upright - how do you clean above the floor?  With the ineffective upright attachements?!  To do a proper cleaning, you would have to have a tank vacuum for the rest of the house, especially wood floors and area rugs.  When Electrolux developed the power nozzle for their tank vacuums, Electrolux really became the Cleaning Standard of the World.


Of course, Hoovers were less expensive than the Electrolux and therefore a household could afford to have two machines.


I grew up in and Electrolux house and my Mother was a very detailed and neurotic cleaner.  Everyday was like spring cleaning.  No vacuum satisfied her like the Electrolux and she tried them all.


This is my opinion and experience.  Please no death threats!!!!


Stay well,


Richard

 

[turbo500]

I agree with Richard that a canister/cylinder with a powerhead would be the practical option and probably the most effective to use as a daily cleaner as you have the deep cleaning agitation of an upright combined with the high suction and versatility of a cylinder.


 


Sadly, cylinders with powernozzel's have never been very popular in the UK. Usually, only the very top end cleaners had them. Hoover and Rowenta both had cylinders with PN's in the 1980's, but I don't think Lux ever did over here. I also don't think there is currently a cylinder with a PN on sale here - the airdriven turbo brushes seem to be more popular.

 

[jmurray01]

Are you thinking what I'm thinking John ?

Human cannibalism is still legal in some areas you know...

 

[gottahaveahoove]

......and, there still are the good old-fashioned

illegal things, too.
Morgan, yours was NOT a HOOVER town. How sad for you.Well, I simply count my blessings everyday.
Or, Jamie, to quote Joan Crawford, "TINAAAAAAAA, bring me the ax"!

 

[sebo_fan]

For vintage, it has to be Hoover - no other brand IME has ever produced so many different styles, colours and models. Thus, they are worth collecting, looking out for, finding brochure merchandise and other things. I adore the Art Deco inspired models too.

 

[jmurray01]

I'll take his legs and arms, you take his torso. We'll bury him inside his Electrolux at sun down.

 

[edgar]

philips

Fot me, it is Philips

 

[eurekastar]

My favorite vintage upright is the pre-516 Kirby.  They have a lot of character.  Plus, when the 4 amp motor was introduced on the 513 during mid production, they became a much more efficient and effective cleaner.  Kirby now has a 4 row brush roll that can be installed that really makes them a cleaning champ!  As for canisters, it is a toss up between the Compact/Tristar and Rainbow. 

 

[eurekastar]

My Kirby 4C

Not many of these were produced because soon after they went into production, the United States entered World War II.  This is also unique among Kirby models because it has a felt lined bag.  I guess Kirby was trying to improve filtration. 

 

[vinvac]

LOL


You have to find me first....and I am not worried...neither of you would be caught touching an Electrolux...

 

[jmurray01]

Well that ain't strictly true, I do own three...

 

[durango159]

HOOVER. It Beats, As it Sweeps, As it Cleans!!

For me it's Hoover. Growing up it's all I knew. My maternal grandmom had a Convertible, my aunt had a convertible, my paternal grandparents had a Convertible and we got them a Dimension 1000. My parents had a convertible and Celebrity Elite. Then we inherited my paternal grandparents convertible and Dimension 1000 plus got a Decade. Now we did have problems with the Celebrity powerhead breaking, but the adult users, not me in that time period, were also vacuuming with lights turned off in the room and not seeing my sisters barbie toys left on the rug. So when Barbie's toy plastic kettle got stick in the vent of the power head, I understood why the room stunk like a skunk.

The school district used Sanitaire and most hotels I went to had Sanitaire, but when I saw them shaking the bags out, I couldn't take that.

Hoover, Nobody Does it like you!

 

[kenkart]

Apex!

Not the most popular, but the most powerful vintage vac by a mile!!

 

[richardlxixxx]

Call Off the Cannibals

<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif; color: #0000ff; font-size: medium;">Okay Guys, no cannibals and no chopping up of my body parts.  What are you guys from Brooklyn?  You sound like some of my  relatives that bury people in building foundations.</span>


<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif; color: #0000ff; font-size: medium;">At least a few agree that a tank type vacuum is the most efficient way to clean, especially if equipped with a power nozzle.  No John, not that type of power nozzle!</span>


<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif; color: #0000ff; font-size: medium;">I will give you this, Hoover did make some very pretty and stylish vacuums.  However, they did not have the power of an Electrolux.  Besides, the XXX and the LX electrolux vacuums were magnificently styled vacuums.  They could be used as boat anchors, but they were absolutely beautiful and very powerful.  The Electrolux vacuums that followed, up until the Diamond Jubilee, were the best and most efficient vacuums produced.  And also great looking vacuums.  Kind of like classic cars - beautiful paint combinations and lots of shiny metal parts.</span>


<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif; color: #0000ff; font-size: medium;">The last great Electrolux was the Olympia One.  After that the company declined.</span>


<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif; color: #0000ff; font-size: medium;">Now John and Jamie, everyone is entitled to an opinion.  This is mine.  </span>


<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif; color: #0000ff; font-size: medium;">By the way John, if you really want the "Palace" cleaned properly, I will show up with my Miele.</span>


<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif; color: #0000ff; font-size: medium;">A great day to all.  Stay well,</span>


<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif; color: #0000ff; font-size: medium;">Richard</span>

 

[kirbysthebest]

Well Kirby

Of course,
BTW--Bill that is the most beautiful collection of Kirbys I have ever seen.

Please remember me fondly in your will, or at Christmas, or Easter, or birthdays, or . . .

 

[kirbybag]

has to be kirby

kirby i think its number one great vacuum.

 

[beerad]

Filter queen and Electrolux.

Filter queen, because of the power, longevity, durability, and diversity what it can be used for.

Electrolux, because of the beautiful hummmmm of their motors, iconness, beauty, memories, quality, and conversation pieces.

 

[papasvacs]

Well, , I hesitate to say this, but...

<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">I grew up in an Electrolux home/family. That was 60 years ago. </span>


<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"> </span>


<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">My Mom's uncle was an Electrolux salesman.  She had an XXX, Grandma had an XXX.  Aunts had LX usually.  That was the newest models for my family.  After the XXX, Mom went to Sears with a PN.  That did not last long, though.  A Hoover Convertible followed with a Lux tank for dusting and floors.</span>


<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"> </span>


<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">Paternal Grandma had a "gorgeous" Kenmore Commander.  I have one like it today!</span>


<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"> </span>


<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">After the LX's, relatives went to compact.  A couple had Eureks.  Not very brand loyal, were they?  Oh well.... "variety is the spice of life..."</span>


<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"> </span>


<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">When I was older, I had a variety of Hoovers.  We always had a Lux tank in there too.</span>


<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"> </span>


<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">Now I have a collection of brands.</span>


<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"> </span>


<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">Greg F.</span>

 

[gottahaveahoove]

hmmmmmmmmmmm

a family that just couldn't 'commit'. I've heard about that sort of thing. That's too bad.
My late father's side ,(lived in the South), had Electrolux, Mummy's side all had HOOVER. Some of them have 'strayed'...in numerous aspects. But, not I.. in ANY aspect.

 

[richardlxixxx]

John

<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif; color: #0000ff;">I am quite sure you have strayed!!!  Strayed far!!!! Far from the straight and narrow.  LOL.  Like I haven't!! huge LOL</span>


<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif; color: #0000ff;">Richard</span>

 

[gottahaveahoove]

Richard!

hmmm, define 'straight and narrow'.... I can guarantee, from CERTAIN things, I've never strayed.

 

[briankirbyclass]

Richard in Florida,i agree and see your point, but i have to agree to disagree that the last best Lux was the Olympia.
I have a 1984 Silverado that has been going strong ever since it was brand new, and to this day (July of 2012) is going as strong as ever, and It has had VERY heavy use over the years.
There is no bearing noise in the motor,, no whinning in the wind down, the Automatic Control works perfectly, the Cord Winder is still tight, and there has NEVER been a problem with it. Its never seen a repair bench. The suction power is as strong as when the machine was brand new.
I did buy a new saran hose for it in around 2000.
Those short braided hoses were definatly a problem.
Other than that, absolutely no problems with that Silverado whatsoever.
I would have to say that after almost 30 yrs of heavy use,and still going strong,especially with it never having had to be serviced in any way, you cant get much better than that. (in my opinion anyway)

The PN 5 is still going strong too,,never been serviced, same belt and brush roll as was installed at the factory.
Looks like i may have to replace the brush roll in the near future, but there aqain, after almost 30 yrs of heavy use,,i say AMEN!

 

[richardlxixxx]

Silverado

Bridan,


 


You are correct.  I did make a mistake.  The Silverado was the last great Electrolux.  It was basically a newer version of the Olympia.  After the Silverado, Electrolux started to use a smaller motor with fans that spun at a higher rpm.  The old motors were much better and less problematic.  I am very partial to my Olympia.  Bought it brand new, still have it, and it is pristine.  I retired the Olympia several years ago and replaced it with a modern Miele S5 Champagne.  I wanted Hepa filtration, superior suction, and a quiet vacuum.  The Miele delivers on all that.  If Electrolux had just improved on the Olympia/Silverado, I would still be using an Electrolux.  The new Aerus vacuums are expensive, ultra noisy, ineffiencent vacuums that are simply not worth the money. 


 


Stay well,


 


Richard

 

[vintagerepairer]

I think there are a good deal of brands where I could say I had a favourite. One thing which I feel I can safely say is that we've always had such a huge choice in the UK and regardless of what one's home is like and what needs to be cleaned, there would be a vacuum cleaner to match it, more or less. My mother had two Hoover cleaners across a 35 year period, the first being a 370 which she sold in the early 1950's to buy the 262. Both were 2nd hand and neither were chosen by her as there was no choice really; they were offered to her as private sales and she could only say yes or no. But she did like them both. When she used an Electrolux upright in the later part of the 1960's she was converted forever.

It needs to be remembered that although the Hoover Turbopower was of a build quality which was inferior to the likes of the Junior and Senior, it was still reasonably robust and Hoover had already blotted their copy books in respect of reliability and build quality when they made the Starlight, Junior Deluxe, and later High Power Compact. All of those tended to fall to pieces one way or another. I always thought the Turbopower was designed to only be strong 'enough'. It had Aurelius built in deliberately. Time and again I would have a Turbopower bought in for repair for one thing, usually a fault which brought the cleaner to a halt, be it loss of power or loss of suction, and I'd end up finding half a dozen other problems with it. The trick was to second-guess what the customer was willing to pay, try to fix as much of it as I could, and try to avoid having the cleaner sent back to me in 3 months time by someone who thought I was somehow to blame for the latest problem.

In that respect, Juniors and Seniors, plus many of the Electrolux cleaners were easy to repair as stocks of 2nd hand parts were in great supply. The likes of Philips and Hitachi were very good machines, but difficult to repair in many cases as there were few donor cleaners around and / or new parts were very expensive. So for ease of repair, I'd have to list Hoover and Electrolux as my top two.