shaunr1989
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Hi all, I'm Shaun. Heard about this site from a dealer. Any honest opinions on Kirby. I've not used one yet, and it's crossing my mind as of late. Thank you, cheers!
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dandagreer
Well-known member
Pros/Cons
Pros:
Excellent suction from proven design, excellent carpet grooming, myriad of attachments for above-floor cleaning, will last for decades if properly maintains, hepa filtration bags, self-propelled so super easy to push
Cons:
Heavy, attachment hose not convenient to put on
I thinks the pros far outweigh the cons. It's a super versatile cleaning machine with arguably the best suction of any vacuum. Plus they just look cool!
Pros:
Excellent suction from proven design, excellent carpet grooming, myriad of attachments for above-floor cleaning, will last for decades if properly maintains, hepa filtration bags, self-propelled so super easy to push
Cons:
Heavy, attachment hose not convenient to put on
I thinks the pros far outweigh the cons. It's a super versatile cleaning machine with arguably the best suction of any vacuum. Plus they just look cool!
oliveoiltinfoil
Well-known member
Welcome chap, nice to see a new face every now and then !
I have used a couple of Kirbys although I don't own any. They certainly are good vacuums, but equally, not for everyone.
As mention above basically; they have excellent performance, brilliant agitation resulting in unmatched deep cleaning abilities. They are dynamic in the sense you can also use it as a shampooer. They are beautifully made and will last forever.
However they are heavy, quite noisy, a pig to use the attachments, incredibly expensive and poor on hard-flooring on its own.
Not only that, but some of the enthusiasts who have them, especially on this site are arrogant, cocky and snobby. Imagine BMW drivers.
I have used a couple of Kirbys although I don't own any. They certainly are good vacuums, but equally, not for everyone.
As mention above basically; they have excellent performance, brilliant agitation resulting in unmatched deep cleaning abilities. They are dynamic in the sense you can also use it as a shampooer. They are beautifully made and will last forever.
However they are heavy, quite noisy, a pig to use the attachments, incredibly expensive and poor on hard-flooring on its own.
Not only that, but some of the enthusiasts who have them, especially on this site are arrogant, cocky and snobby. Imagine BMW drivers.
marcusprit
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I agree with the pros however I think the cons outweigh the pros.
Heavy 24lbs bulky making it difficult to manoeuvre around furniture noisy like a jet engine, a bag that will smell like a skunk and lose suction, having to remove floorhead and attatch hose every time you want to use tools.
The Kirby is out dated and not practical for the 21st century. Do yourself a favour and get a Riccar Tandem Air
Heavy 24lbs bulky making it difficult to manoeuvre around furniture noisy like a jet engine, a bag that will smell like a skunk and lose suction, having to remove floorhead and attatch hose every time you want to use tools.
The Kirby is out dated and not practical for the 21st century. Do yourself a favour and get a Riccar Tandem Air
marcusprit
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BTW welcome to the site of the drama queens haha
thunderhexed
Well-known member
I've never used anything but..
a Kirby. It's really a matter of personal preference. I've tried other systems from Eureka to Royal (and I've even tried my mom's beloved Dyson). Every vacuum has its pros and cons, but for my personal tastes and needs - a Kirby has always been the top choice for me just for its power and wall to wall carpet cleaning ability - plus I like the fact that the large bag capacity means less frequent bag changes. Welcome to the forums and good luck!
a Kirby. It's really a matter of personal preference. I've tried other systems from Eureka to Royal (and I've even tried my mom's beloved Dyson). Every vacuum has its pros and cons, but for my personal tastes and needs - a Kirby has always been the top choice for me just for its power and wall to wall carpet cleaning ability - plus I like the fact that the large bag capacity means less frequent bag changes. Welcome to the forums and good luck!
dysonman1
Well-known member
Welcome to the Forum:
I have one of each model Kirby, right here at the Vacuum Cleaner Museum in St. James, Missouri. I also have some of the gold plated models that were sales prizes.
Throughout history, Kirby has always been "late to the game". Disposable bags were invented in 1920, to eliminate housekeeping's most disagreeable job (emptying the cloth vacuum bag). Kirby wouldn't put one on their machine until 1979.
On-board attachments were invented in the mid 1980's to make using an upright easier and making attachment use more convenient. Kirby still hasn't figured out how to do this yet. "Late to the game".
Kirby inhales the dirt through the suction fan. Fan damage is high on Kirby with hose use. The fan is running at double speed, and a rock or coin inhaled through the hose hits that spinning fan very hard. While having a vulnerable fan helps get the rug cleaner (more airflow right at the carpet), it's no good for attachment use where damage is likely (and expensive to repair).
Kirby still uses a vulnerable belt, twisted into a figure 8, right in the middle of the dirt path. All the dirt inhaled must pass over the belt, meaning the belt has a much shorter life. If the belt were in its own channel, so dirt never touches it, the belt would last longer.
Kirby bags are expensive (2 Hepa bags in a package for $10). Ever throw a $10 bill into a trash can and walk away? Me neither.
The Kirby cleans very well. They form a good seal with the carpet. They have a great height adjustment mechanism. The brush can be adjusted to compensate for bristle wear. They clean large, open areas much better than small crowded rooms.
At one time, most vacuums looked like Kirby does today. The other brands evolved, became modern, became what customers wanted. Kirby doesn't have to evolve. They are sold by door to door salesmen who work on commission. The job of the salesman two fold - one is to get into your door - and one is to make you unhappy with your present cleaner. No one wakes up in the morning thinking "I'm going to buy a Kirby today". A Kirby isn't a vacuum you shop for, comparing it in-store to other machines. Rather, you are led into an unwise purchase that in most cases has to be financed (can you say 23% interest?). The customer never sees the salesman again, and are lucky to have a Kirby sales office remain open in their town for any length of time.
There are always exceptions. Some Kirby salesmen are honest people, who run an honest business - and have for years. They provide service and repairs and their customers are kept happy. Sadly, for the vast majority of Kirby owners, they regret their impulsive decision to buy one.
On the other hand, vacuum collectors tend to love Kirby due to the retro look, the high performance, and the snob appeal of the machine. Even I run a Kirby at least once a week.
I have one of each model Kirby, right here at the Vacuum Cleaner Museum in St. James, Missouri. I also have some of the gold plated models that were sales prizes.
Throughout history, Kirby has always been "late to the game". Disposable bags were invented in 1920, to eliminate housekeeping's most disagreeable job (emptying the cloth vacuum bag). Kirby wouldn't put one on their machine until 1979.
On-board attachments were invented in the mid 1980's to make using an upright easier and making attachment use more convenient. Kirby still hasn't figured out how to do this yet. "Late to the game".
Kirby inhales the dirt through the suction fan. Fan damage is high on Kirby with hose use. The fan is running at double speed, and a rock or coin inhaled through the hose hits that spinning fan very hard. While having a vulnerable fan helps get the rug cleaner (more airflow right at the carpet), it's no good for attachment use where damage is likely (and expensive to repair).
Kirby still uses a vulnerable belt, twisted into a figure 8, right in the middle of the dirt path. All the dirt inhaled must pass over the belt, meaning the belt has a much shorter life. If the belt were in its own channel, so dirt never touches it, the belt would last longer.
Kirby bags are expensive (2 Hepa bags in a package for $10). Ever throw a $10 bill into a trash can and walk away? Me neither.
The Kirby cleans very well. They form a good seal with the carpet. They have a great height adjustment mechanism. The brush can be adjusted to compensate for bristle wear. They clean large, open areas much better than small crowded rooms.
At one time, most vacuums looked like Kirby does today. The other brands evolved, became modern, became what customers wanted. Kirby doesn't have to evolve. They are sold by door to door salesmen who work on commission. The job of the salesman two fold - one is to get into your door - and one is to make you unhappy with your present cleaner. No one wakes up in the morning thinking "I'm going to buy a Kirby today". A Kirby isn't a vacuum you shop for, comparing it in-store to other machines. Rather, you are led into an unwise purchase that in most cases has to be financed (can you say 23% interest?). The customer never sees the salesman again, and are lucky to have a Kirby sales office remain open in their town for any length of time.
There are always exceptions. Some Kirby salesmen are honest people, who run an honest business - and have for years. They provide service and repairs and their customers are kept happy. Sadly, for the vast majority of Kirby owners, they regret their impulsive decision to buy one.
On the other hand, vacuum collectors tend to love Kirby due to the retro look, the high performance, and the snob appeal of the machine. Even I run a Kirby at least once a week.
Hi Shaun and WELCOME!
I'm 100% Hoover here, although I'd never bash any other make. I've had to use a Kirby here and there.In fact, I have 3 I'm planning to sell at some point.
Hopefully, here in the forum, you'll meet fun, kind, interesting people, and will gain incredible knowledge. You might even make very good friendships, as I have.
Just be caerful... and enjoy and indulge your passion for vacuums.
John Long, Membership Coordinator for The VCCC.
I'm 100% Hoover here, although I'd never bash any other make. I've had to use a Kirby here and there.In fact, I have 3 I'm planning to sell at some point.
Hopefully, here in the forum, you'll meet fun, kind, interesting people, and will gain incredible knowledge. You might even make very good friendships, as I have.
Just be caerful... and enjoy and indulge your passion for vacuums.
John Long, Membership Coordinator for The VCCC.
kirbysthebest
Well-known member
Kirby
Is one of the last American Made vacuum cleaners, and is one of the more polarizing brands on this forum. One of the few that are still sold exclusively door to door.
The Pro's and Cons are listed.
In the end, what you like is all that matters.
[this post was last edited: 4/6/2015-10:34]
Is one of the last American Made vacuum cleaners, and is one of the more polarizing brands on this forum. One of the few that are still sold exclusively door to door.
The Pro's and Cons are listed.
In the end, what you like is all that matters.
[this post was last edited: 4/6/2015-10:34]
suckolux
Well-known member
my Royal pulls itself across the carpet every time
marcusprit
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Harley is correct what you like best is all that matters. Try a Kirby and if you have a local dealer try a Riccar Tandem air I'd also try a Royal Everlast too.
oliveoiltinfoil
Well-known member
My felix also pulls itself across the floor, difference is, I am £1600 better off 
marcusprit
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- Nov 22, 2013
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- 1,360
Oh yes you could try a Sebo too.
I have a kirby heritage 2 legend (one of the lasts not too have techdrive)
Its a very deep cleaner with a huge bag and a big 15 inch nozzel that cleans large areas of carpet very well. the down sides however are it can be harder to push than a clean air upright because of the seal it forms with the carpet,it is loud but has a nice hum to it and if you are going to be taking it up and down stairs it will be heavy. Hope this helps!
Its a very deep cleaner with a huge bag and a big 15 inch nozzel that cleans large areas of carpet very well. the down sides however are it can be harder to push than a clean air upright because of the seal it forms with the carpet,it is loud but has a nice hum to it and if you are going to be taking it up and down stairs it will be heavy. Hope this helps!
sptyks
Well-known member
Hi Shaun,
Welcome to the Forum. You will find very friendly people on here who have a wealth of knowledge of just about every vacuum brand. They are also very eager to help new members.
I am a Kirby enthusiast. I own several of them spanning from the 500 series of the 1950's and 60's to the current Generation series. I can truthfully say that Nothing Cleans carpets Better Than A Kirby and Nothing will outlast a Kirby!
As stated above, Kirbys do have the disadvantage of being somewhat heavy at 23 lbs. but they have a self propelled transmission called Tech Drive which allows you to push and pull the machine with just your pinky finger. Also, they are made of Aircraft Grade Aluminum which you can polish to shine like a mirror.
May I ask what has you interested in a Kirby because they are not for everyone?
What Do you have, mostly wall to wall carpet, or do you have mostly hard floors with some area rugs? Do you have fairly large rooms or smaller ones? Do you have a lot of furniture dispersed throughout the room such as coffee table, end tables, etc? Also Kirby's are expensive to purchase if bought brand new, but you can find almost new Kirby's on ebay for less than $300.00.
I am available to answer all of your Kirby questions.
-Stan
Welcome to the Forum. You will find very friendly people on here who have a wealth of knowledge of just about every vacuum brand. They are also very eager to help new members.
I am a Kirby enthusiast. I own several of them spanning from the 500 series of the 1950's and 60's to the current Generation series. I can truthfully say that Nothing Cleans carpets Better Than A Kirby and Nothing will outlast a Kirby!
As stated above, Kirbys do have the disadvantage of being somewhat heavy at 23 lbs. but they have a self propelled transmission called Tech Drive which allows you to push and pull the machine with just your pinky finger. Also, they are made of Aircraft Grade Aluminum which you can polish to shine like a mirror.
May I ask what has you interested in a Kirby because they are not for everyone?
What Do you have, mostly wall to wall carpet, or do you have mostly hard floors with some area rugs? Do you have fairly large rooms or smaller ones? Do you have a lot of furniture dispersed throughout the room such as coffee table, end tables, etc? Also Kirby's are expensive to purchase if bought brand new, but you can find almost new Kirby's on ebay for less than $300.00.
I am available to answer all of your Kirby questions.
-Stan
daknx1994
Well-known member
Hi Shaun and welcome to the site. I agree with Mark that if you are looking at a Kirby you should take a look at the Riccar Tandem air Machines. I am a Simplicity dealer and sell the equivalent which is the Simplicity Synchrony and Synergy. The Tandem Air's are made with metal where it needs to be like the handles, brushrolls, and handle release pedals. They are less heavy and bulky unlike the Kirby and attachment use is much easier on these machines. Kirby is still a good choice though but can be more annoying to use. The Tandem Air's are made in the U.S. too, so you would be supporting an American company either way.
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