How to choose?

[jfel]

I'm looking for a canister vacuum which is lightweight and straight forward to use (simple & light enough to teach a child to do chores.)

-1400 sf home, two stories (one set of stairs), all hard surfaces (vinyl plank & tile.)
-We have a non-shedding dog, so not too concerned about pet hair.

In taking strides to become a little better at keeping house, I've realized that I totally hate my upright Dyson. Its huge and bulky and it doesn't do a great job on our vinyl plank floors. It is also incredibly loud.

Earlier this year I found automaticwasher.org while searching for a new washing machine; I learned all about the Whirlpool DD... I'm hoping theres a "Whirlpool DD" of Vacuumland-a beloved brand or model that is a workhorse machine, has stood the test of time and can easily be found at a used appliance shop for under $100. Bonus if the bags/filters are inexpensive and easy to find and if the machine itself is not too loud.

From my enlightenment on the modern washing machine market, I gather modern vacuums have a similar situation...The newer ones are all cheap "disposables" which don't preform as well as the ones from time past-is this correct? I do not want another pig with lipstick. I'm looking for something well-built.

I know nothing about vacuums but in a blog I love, the author spoke highly of a used older electrolux canister which was quiet and lightweight which she found on eBay. Anyway, thats how I ended up here... because I don't even know what to look for on craigslist. Help!

 

[justjunque]

"Daily driver" vacuum

Greetings!

I can only rate what I have real-world experience with, but I feel like some form of Electrolux/Aerus canister would meet a good chunk of your requirements.

The type that I have, the Epic 6500SR, isn't super quiet, although I've personally never felt that it was obnoxiously loud.
It's a plastic body, so it's fairly lightweight to carry up and down stairs.
At the same time, I don't know how rugged it would be, if you plan on letting a young 'un use it.
Some kids are responsible enough to treat things with care though.
Unless you weren't being literal, and you just meant that you want something simple enough to use that a child "could" use it.

I have other vacuums, but my Electrolux is my go-to when I'm just looking to go right through the house and get the job done.
Plus, at least around here, you seem to be able to find decent used ones for not a ton of money.

Good luck, and please keep us posted on what you decide to go with, and how you like it!

Barry

 

[eurekaprince]

I would recommend a simple, basic Miele C1 straight suction canister. They are lightweight, quiet and simple to use. They also have excellent filtration and really easy-to-change bags. Though usually not included in the C1 package, I’d add Miele’s Parquet Twister floor brush - maybe even the extra wide version - to help make vacuuming all those floors a breeze. Keep an eye out for Miele special packages that already include the Parquet Twister in the box - these are very good value promotional packages that would be good for an “all bare floor” homeowner like you.

 

[luxkid1980]

What's your budget? I'd recommend to go to a local vacuum shop to test out several different models. There are some excellent used canister machines out there that can be had for not much money. No sense in overpaying for a new machine unless you just want to buy something new.

Some great canister models that come to mind are the Electrolux Epic 6500SR (or similar model) that Barry mentioned above. I have this model at home and it is fairly lightweight and easy to maneuver around the house. Works just as well as the older metal tank canisters, but lighter in weight. I think there is an Aerus Electrolux store in San Diego so go check and see what they may have available.

 

[rugsucker]

How to choose?

Good advice above.As for Electrolux/Aerus I greatly prefer the most basic model with older style wands usually called Classic or LE.The paper bags are easier than bagless and Elux is one of the best and easiest.
As you have learned your Dyson(or any)upright is not the best tool for hard floors and stairs.
To "teach a child"you might want a 'child size' vac.I would look at Oreck Buster B(might be to small)and Eureka Might Mite(might be good size & weight).As above no matter what brand you might want to add a better hard floor attachment.
Another idea might be to have 2 vacs in your 2 story house.Maybe a standard size and a medium size depending on house layout,storage spaces and who will clean what areas.
Another thing to remember is that a quality used canister could be found at a bargain price(yard sale,thrift store,EBay,vac store,etc)and be better and longer lasting that a high dollar new dept store vac.

 

[captainslow]

Miele parquet twister

Second that on the parquet twister. It is a must buy for any Miele owner with hard floors. Turns the typical vacuum head into a go-anywhere-swing-it-sideways-if-you-wish-sucking-broom. Though I would advise against getting the XL version. It is wider to the point that edge suction is relatively poor and the additional weight (albeit slight) made me sell the XL.

 

[jfel]

Hoover Futura

Hi! I found an ad in the Facebook marketplace for a Hoover Futura canister vacuum for $25. What do you think?

 

[n0oxy]

my suggestion

I would suggest checking out the Riccar Prima or Simplicity Wonder, both are the same machine, just different color, made by Tacony Corperation. There is a straight suction model and a few different power nozzle models, depending on whether you need to clean carpet or not. These also include a really good hard floor tool that uses a brush and mop pad.
Mike

 

[rugsucker]

Hoover Futura

Looks to be in good condition,possibly low mileage & well cared for.If so well worth $25.
Positives--Type K bags and filter behind(easier than bagless),good tool storage,not very heavy,easy to carry and store,convenient cord wrap,no power nozzle or cordwinder to add extra maintenance or possible problems.
Negatives--Not good to deep clean carpets(but you don't have),not the quality or lifetime of some brands(but not the weight or higher price).
If you get--Use micro filter bags(make sure bag holder is not thrown out with bag),clean or replace filter at rear of bag compartment,do not store with hose hanging from wand.This may be a model with good hard floor attachment in addition to the rug/floor tool on chrome wands.If not look for the better Hoover tool or fit all with adapter.
This could be a good 'starter' canister with the possibility of adding either a smaller canister or more deluxe brand later depending on your needs.
Good luck and Happy Hoovering.