Future of Vacuums/Vacuuming?

[kenkart]

If I was a billionare...LOL

I would build a new Air Way...EXACTLY like a 88,the only changes I would make would be to redesign the swivel top with a direct connect feature,I would build the old metal tools and design a metal power head, and most of all, I would have a new paper making machine built to make the original AirWay bags.Oh yes, it would have a vinyl direct connect hose for the power nozzle, but a braided 10 foot hose for non electric attachments...That would mean building a plant just for hose making, and the reproduction of vintage hoses..All this would cost TONS of money...but wouldn't it be fun to really build something quality EXACTLY like it was built years ago.

 

[mixman]

What I wish for......

I think future innovation needs to come from the premium market in order for them to not only do well but for many like us to have future machines to look forward to and look back fondly at our older vacuums. I would like improved tech, so we do not have to worry about the electronics in a vacuum breaking down, better airflow. Longer hoses, with increased airflow in canisters that have even better filtration. Uprights that are lighter weight with maneuverability and have better above floor ease of use. Also, in general, more quiet vacuums, that still have the ability to clean well.

Am I asking for too much with the above? Maybe.

 

[suckolux]

Kevin, not sure what she did with the Lux, was NOT my favorite of theirs as it had a bit of trouble, plastic bodied, Diplomat maybe? 3 motors! Probably it burned out again and went in the trash? I would have liked to have the powerhead

 

[real1shep]

Electronics.......

have been in cars/trucks now for decades. They KNOW how to make electronics bulletproof in hostile environs if they want to. However, that's the last place in a vac you'd want to appease the bean counters by keeping things cheap. It might be great for the service tech to just throw in another PCB for $$$, but that doesn't help the average lay person using the vac and what happens when they decide to quit making the PCB's for that model? 


 


Kevin

 

[mixman]

Kevin

There will always be basic vacuums out there for those who want them. Electronics will be the way to add convenience to vacuuming for those that want and are willing to pay extra for it. Many of these features already exist, but can be improved on like dirt sensors and filter sensors that tell when it's time to change the filter. Even better rechargeable power nozzles like the Volt so there will not as much of a need for the flimsy wired hoses on canisters.

Mike

 

[real1shep]

Mike...

I'm not condemning electronics in vacs at all. I think certain features are novel and worthwhile.....although vacuuming shouldn't have to become a complicated enterprise...lol. I'm just saying that the electronics should be BULLETPROOF and that can be done. But you can't let the bean counters scrimp there and let the techs figure out how to deal with it in the field. This is what I see more often than not....repair techs shaking their heads at poorly executed electronic designs. 


 


I think using the Volt on these old canisters is kick a**!


 


Kevin

 

[human]

I've said it many times before and I'll say it again. Electronic circuit boards in most appliances are little more than de facto self-destruct mechanisms that cause otherwise durable appliances to fail predictably and expensively enough to cause customers to accept them as disposable so manufacturers can push us into a continuous replacement and 'upgrade' cycle. I buy good, metal, 'old school' appliances whenever I can. I have no use whatsoever for plasticrap.

 

[sptyks]

If you want an excellent reliable durable vacuum that will last for decades get a Kirby or a Royal. These machines are powerful but simple and will run a long, long time if simple maintenance is done periodically.


 


 

 

[human]

Yes, I've got three G-series Kirby vacuums and I love them. I've also got four metal Electrolux canisters and a Filter Queen. There's not a circuit board to be found in any of them so I'm sure they'll all outlive me.

 

[suckolux]

I can't disagree with your thinking there buddy!

 

[mixman]

Human

As I mentioned before, there will always be basic vacuums for you. But the plain and simple fact is that electronics are here to stay. They are most likely in your car and in your home, heck you reaching us from an electronic device. They can be made to work in all appliances reliably. We have to hold manufactures to a higher standard....... especially if you are paying nearly $1,000 for that vacuum.

 

[cocobird5]

Niche Vacuums

I had an expensive Miele for 20 years before it died. I moved to a place with no carpet, and tried using a battery operated stick vac, but it quickly died. I replaced that with a Von Haus stick vac that needed to be plugged in. It was okay, but it was bagless, and I couldn't empty it without having asthma problems.

I decided I needed a real vac, so I bought a Panasonic canister. ???? 902. It is a very good vacuum and I like the job it does. But it weighs 27 pounds, and the wheels make it hard to move. When I use it, it's so heavy that it can throw my balance off if I'm not very careful.

I found a Miele C1 on sale, and it's coming Wednesday. It is 13 pounds. It's a straight suction cleaner, but since I don't have carpets it should be fine. I'm sure that it will last for a long time. I'm sorry I wasted my time and money buying all of these other things. Should have bought another Miele right away.

 

[electromatik]

While Kirby vacuums are certainly usually very reliable, they aren't without problems. My G5 was given to me because my poor Mom could no longer handle it due to it's weight. The entire TechDrive switch broke off at the METAL part, not the plastic part and now will no longer roll when turned off. Fortunately the switch broke when it was in "drive." The cord attachment that held the cord off the floor near the bottom of the bag snapped too so now the cord drops and drags the floor unless you hold it up. I plan to get it repaired if I can.

There is a huge trade-off for that reliability, however. It's big, bulky, inconvenient, very heavy, and very loud. Mom bought it in 1999 and I've used it for 18 years now. I can tell you that's about 17.5 years too long.

I also severely dislike Kirby sales practices. No stores nearby and fly-by-night salesmen. The salesman that sold Mom hers vanished without a trace within 6 months. We called the number he gave us to order bags and got a number out of service recording. Now that the local vac store closed we have to order bags and pay shipping.

I'd rather own and use something else, no matter how good Kirby's clean. I like many of the modern convenience options even though I am worried about technological problems.