Hoover vs. Kirby

[methodistbill]

Ok. I've been sucked in! I'm amazed by the passion for vacuums of those who post to this forum. So you all have inspired me to do a little test. Before I found you all, I would never have done this! But I wanted to see how a Hoover Self Propelled Bagged Upright WindTunnel would stack up against my Kirby Diamond G. I found a WindTunnel at a hardware store that's going out of business. The nice silver model. It was a good price, so I bought it. I must say that I'm amazed at how well it cleans. It's loud (even louder than my Kirby!), but one powerful machine for sure! I honestly think it cleans and grooms the carpet better than my Kirby. However, one area where I think Kirby is superior is its Tech Drive. It works so well that I barely even notice that it's there. The transmission on the Hoover shifts rather abruptly and I feel like it's getting away from me. I'm wondering if it will become smoother as the transmission belt stretches. Only time will tell regarding durability. The Hoover certainly has the advantage in attachment convenience. The hose is too short, but I think the Pet Tool attachment works almost as well as the Kirby Zip Brush. My big complaint with the Hoover attachments is the dusting brush. It's rather small and doesn't have many bristles. Also, the bag on the Hoover is very easy to change. The cover to the bag chamber fits very well and snaps right into place. I know every vacuum design has its quirks, but so far, the Hoover is ok! One reason I wanted to buy the Hoover and test it is to see for myself how reliable Consumer Reports and user reviews/ratings really are. I've sometimes found Consumer Reports to not be very reliable in its ratings. And I sometimes wonder about user reviews/ratings and their reliability too. For instance, some people really trash Kirby vacuums, but I've found the Diamond G to be a very good vacuum, especially for deep cleaning. Yes, it is heavy. But what can you expect for a vacuum that will last you 30 plus years! I doubt the Hoover will last that long, but I like it anyway (so far).

 

[kirbykid63]

I enjoy all my kirby's

Well I have to say i really enjoy my kirby's,they have great air flow and they get the dirt.I also like the fact that they are durable I get 30 year old machines in all the time that just need some simple maintenance and they are good for another 30 years of service.

Richard
new2youvacuums

 

[kirbyvertibles]

I love all my Kirby's but I also love all Hoover uprights from 1940 till the Maytag era.

 

[tolivac]

I think I will stay with my Kirbys versus the newer Hoovers.the older Convertibles could compete with the Kirbys though.the newer Hoover designs are just not real good.I also think the paper bagged Kirbys esp with Filtrete bags give better filtration than the hoovers old or new.Oh yes the Tech Drive transmissions on the kirbys are more durtablew and smoother running then the Hoovers.I have a few self-propelled Hoover concepts and the Kirby transmissions are much better the Hoover ones are jerky.

 

[swingette]

my issue with the Kirby drive is that if the machine didnt have the drive in the first place, it would be lightweight enough to not need it. Considering the g series has been out now for almost twenty years, they must be doing many things right. Consumer Reports has, for years, given the G an Excellent score on carpet cleaning ability. i also like the Kirbys tool setup and think that reports that its too fussy to convert are exaggerated.

i used to dislike the Windtunnel but have grown to respect it, mostly for its excellent carpet cleaning ability. clinging litter and crushed nap dont stand a chance against a Windtunnel. lets not talk about the design and build quality. thats one thing the plastic Convertible, the Elite, and the Windtunnel have in common: excellent carpet cleaning and dubious build quality. say NO to the Windtunnel power drive and those weird cleaning indicator lights. IMO the plain-jane 13-inch agitator models are the best.

and shame on Hoover for not muffling the sound of the motors and agitators on Windtunnels. and dont get me started on the 12 amp bs!

 

[gottahaveahoove]

WELCOME.

you'll find in short time that I'm ALL HOOVER, but respect those who "cross the street". Dusting brushes from years back are great, far better thsan now. Pre-Maytag era"? LOVE that phrase. So practical and true. Who knew?

 

[methodistbill]

Suction vs. Air Flow

Richard,

You're absolutely right about Kirby's air flow. I know a vacuum must have good suction and good air flow in order to work properly. And I know that some vacuums can have strong suction and poor air flow. I don't know enough about vacuums to understand how that can happen. One thing I noticed about the Hoover is the incredibly powerful suction. In fact, it is so strong that it is hard to fully stretch the accessory hose. The suction causes the accessory hose to collapse onto itself! That is strong!

Bill

 

[briankirbyclass]

Another thing to add about Kirby, is that its still an American built product, with an excellent lifetime rebuilding guarantee to any original owner, from the very factory that manufactured it.
My grandma bought a Kirby model 560 in 1960, that she has sent in many times over the years for rebuilding. It comes back from the factory like it was brand new, every single time.
Of course, the red trim and cord are now tan,but heck, for 16 dollars a shot,,,what could be better?
To this very day, its the only vacuum cleaner she has ever owned,(they had hard wood floors in their house until 1960 when they got carpet, still has the same carpet to this day too)and the only vacuum cleaner that has ever been used on her carpet is the Kirby.
Of course there are some slight worn spots in her carpet infront of doorways, ect after 48 years, but in general, her carpet still looks as new and fresh as the day it was installed in 1960.
She has vacuumed once a week with the Kirby all these years.
I tend to think her carpet is in the shape its in not only because of the excellent care, but also because of the Kirby.

Wouldnt it be cool to send a 1940s - 1960s Hoover, back to the factory and have it come back to you totally rebuilt(from the very factory that made it), with new hose and attachments!?,,,,in 2008!,,and all it would cost you is 16 dollars, plus shipping to and from the factory!