looking for a canister

[jill1990]

Hi everyone. I'm looking for a canister to replace my ge swivel top. It doesn't have to be a ge. That's just the brand I lost. I'm just looking for a functional canister to use in my wood floors and above the floor stuff. It doesn't need to be all original or be in perfect cosmetic condition. I intend to use it. I bought a new canister at Walmart and it was junk that fell apart after 5 months. And I do not abuse my appliances. So I want another older one. I've looked on eBay and found a few that would be great. But I would prefer not to do the ebay thing. For one thing I have no clue what condition the motor would be in. The ones I looked at said as is and no returns. Also they are selling them as collectors items and I would have to outbid someone. Plus it would suck to get one that could be someone's dream vacuum and then just use it. I thought maybe someone here might have a canister that works but isnt worthy of going in your collection or maybe something you have more than one of. All I need is a functional canister with basic attachments. I don't need a power nozzle. The brand is not that important. II've seen Hoover, eureka and kenmore canisters that would be great.
Thanks.

 

[dysonman1]

I was thinking about what might be a great vacuum for your needs, and I believe the Compact (also known as Tri-Star) would be a great choice. Made of metal, the machine is very solid. It's your choice whether or not to use disposable bags. HEPA filter is available as a pre-motor filter if you wish. The cleaner uses all metal attachments that work great and hold up well. The machine is very powerful, and even as a blower feature. Here's a picture of one of my Compact cleaners. I believe many people will chime in and tell you it's a very good choice as well. I have several duplicate Compact cleaners in the collection - I would be willing to part with one.

 

[packardmanken]

I agree~

You cant beat the Tristar/Compact for cleaning ability. Very simple, basic and strong. You cant hurt them and they clean great!! With the standard wands, you can even update the tools for the bare floor to a Wessel-Werk (sic?) tool that is great for both bare floors and carpet.

 

[vacuumlad1650]

Or an Electrolux! i have...too many! I buy them frm Nathan Thomas. he services any vacuum he sells, his number is (806)-400-2999

 

[kirbylux77]

I would agree with Tom that a Compact or TriStar would be a good choice. A nice Electrolux or Kenmore canister would also be good choices, especially machines from the 70's or 80's. A couple of cautions though regarding the Compact/TriStar machines....

1. Instead of using the TriStar paper bags, I would buy Kenmore 5055 HEPA Cloth bags & use those instead. The TriStar paper bags are plain paper & tend to clog quickly, but the Kenmore HEPA Cloth bags will last a long time before losing suction & needing to be changed. All you need to do to make the bag work is tear off the collar & cut the bag open at the seam closest to the bag collar. Then stuff the bag into the permanent cloth bag, wrap the Kenmore bag around the cloth bag's metal ring, then put back into the cleaner & close the lid.

2. I would suggest going for the TriStar CXL or DXL over a Compact. The reason for this is they increased the motor amps from 6 to 7.5 amps starting with the TriStar CXL. It will pull 90" waterlift, which is up to today's standards, while a Compact will pull 80" waterlift, which while acceptable is a little on the weak side today. Also, should the motor ever need to be replaced, it will be easier to do this on the TriStar than the Compact. Both use Ametek motors, but the back of the motor in the Compact has a black plastic casing that directs the air to the blower & when used with the hose for blowing functions you are inserting the hose directly into this casing, while the TriStar doesn't have this & they replaced the casing with a small basket on the blower with a pin that you insert the hose into. The plastic casing around the motor on the Compact will limit the size of replacement motor you can use & will also prevent a more powerful motor being installed if desired later on.

Rob

 

[jill1990]

thank you

I've used a tristar vacuum. My best friend has one. Hers has 2 speeds and a power nozzle for carpet. Hermom gave it to her after she got a Kirby. I remember it had great suction. Her mom paid a LOT for it. Iknow they are realy expensive. I know Electrolux vacuums are really good also. An older lady who lived next door to me had one. It was quite old but still worked great. I used to walk her dog for her and the leash was in her hall closet and she kept the vacuum, hose and attachments in the box it had come in with the powernozzle next to the box. She kept a lot of stuff in the original boxes which I thought was kind of cute. The Electrolux was a model 1205. I've seen a couple on eBay just like it. I'm sure a tristar or Electrolux would last forever . I am not hard or abusive to my appliances. I didn't realize there was a difference between the compact and tristar. The kirbys seem nice too. Kirby's are uprights but it seems like once you put on the hose you can pull it behind you like a canister. I could not afford one anyway. Sowhich vacuum do you guys think is best? Compact, tristar or Electrolux? I know you guys know about vacuums.