Miele S8 Alize vs. Sebo D1 Airbelt

[eurekaprince]

I gave away our 10 year old Kenmore Progressive/Elegance canister to a friend in need. With the shifting around of our family's vacs, I may soon be in the market for a new suction only canister vac. We have two new Hoover uprights that are great deep carpet cleaners, so we only need a suction only canister to clean everything else (I prefer two separate vacs for the two very different tasks)

Looking at the new lines of Sebos and Mieles, my interest has focused on the Sebo D1 Airbelt and the Miele Alize. Though I know the Sebo has a longer cord (an amazing 40 feet!) I think the Alize has a more secure way of storing tools onboard. The Miele is also less bulky.

There are three basic questions that maybe some of you can answer: From your personal experience, which of the two new vacs has better airflow through the hose for cleaning with attachments? Secondly, does the Airbelt sufficiently diffuse the exhaust air so that dust on bare floors does not get blown everywhere? In other words, does the Airbelt diffuser really work? Finally, ignoring the specs provided by the companies, and ignoring the length of the hose handle, which one truthfully has a longer hose?

Buying the Miele will require me to drive to Plattsburg, NY because the Alize is not yet available in Canada. Buying the Sebo D1 will require me to drive to Ottawa because the suction only version is not yet available in Montreal. Both are a 2-hour drive away. The Alize will cost me USD650. The Sebo D1 (in a cool cappucino colour) will cost me CAD600.

Thanks in advance for your advice friends!

 

[pr-21]

From my experience

I have a Sebo D4 and a Miele S8 Marin. In my opinion, the Miele would have more suction and airflow than the D1, while the long cord on the D4 is really great. The hoses would be about the same length. I like the sebo tools better and two of them are stored in the back of the machine, at least on the D4. The dust brush is stored on the wand. I personally like the S8 Marin better than the D4, but that is just my opinion.


PR-21

Bud

 

[piano_god]

A straight air version of the S8 will be launched in Canada shortly. It will retail similar to the Alize.

Something to keep in mind is that with both Sebo and Miele, warranty is only valid within the country it was purchased.

 

[sebo_fan]

I have a Miele S5211 with 1800 watts and a Miele S8340 Ecoline with 1200 watts. My SEBO D2 (UK model) has 2100 watts.

I haven't noticed any difference where pick up is concerned on all three of these models - all of them are as good as each other, although the Ecoline model is slightly noisier than the standard 1800 watt model by Miele

The D1 Airbelt / non-power nozzle model has three cleaning tools stored on the back. I find pick up is better using the tools, particularly the triangular dust brush over Miele's similar round design. The brushes don't clog up as much compared to Miele. There should be 3 tools on the back of the SEBO straight suction model. The Canadian market model also has a turbo brush which is far lighter to move around than the Miele's air driven counterpart.

Where airflow is concerned, I find there isn't much of a thrust from the Airbelt even when the suction is increased to the max. It won't blow dust around the floor when you find it will be quick to clean up and the SEBO doesn't really require full power all of the time.

I find it far better than the top exhaust layout on PREVIOUS Miele vacuums - I am impressed that Miele have managed to diffuse the air slightly away on top of the S8 as the controls can be changed via foot pressing rather than constantly bending down and using my finger.

In the UK, Miele's top ranges like the S8 have a 1.8 metre hose - the SEBO D2s (as we don't have the D1 in the UK) all have 2.1 metre hoses, so you get added stretch there.

At the end of the day, whilst I adore the basic design of the Miele S8, the D series by SEBO is a bit better thought out. It also offers far better value for money too - you get 8 dust bags for the same price of Miele's 4 bags in a box - but of course this may be different in Canada.

Hope it all helps you.

 

[eurekaprince]

Thank you Bud! That's very valuable advice. To me airflow is most important. I can always use an extension cord with the Miele, and once I replenish the bank account, I may buy one of Miele's Home Care Kits with the better attachments and extension hose.

The Sebo Upholstery Nozzle does not look as effective as Miele's. What do you think when comparing the 2?

 

[sebo_fan]

I prefer the SEBO design - it is similar to the ones supplied on the X uprights - Miele's upholstery tool with lint pickers are okay but they need constant cleaning. With SEBO's stiff bristles, they are located on a comb that can be taken out, giving two uses compared to the generic Miele design. But it really depends on what you are cleaning at the time.

If you are referring to Miele's 1.5 metre extension hose that fits onto the existing vacuum's hose, it snaps back too much and has wire coils fitted. I have one of those. I hardly use it. It is not as convenient as the design would have you believe.

 

[eurekaprince]

Thank you Scott and Nar. Good to keep in mind that I need to buy Miele in Canada in order for the warranty to be valid.

I hope the suction-only Canadian S8 will come in a nice colour. I love the colour of the Alize! Can't stand all the reds and blacks Miele sells in Canada. Can I hope for a nice basic white S8?

Indeed, the crevice tool and dusting brush stored on board the D1 are nicer than Miele's. But I heard on a YouTube clip that the upholstery nozzle has a tendency to fall off it's nook on the back of the Sebo.

 

[eurekaprince]

Nar...thanks for that info about Miele's extender hose. Do you know if you can attach Sebo's extender stair hose to the end of the D1's hose handle? If yes, is it only friction-fit? Will it stay securely connected?

 

[sebo_fan]

It is friction fit only and it will stay connected provided you tighten it. It is a flexible rubber end so it does stay put, making it easy to unscrew off when you're finished using it.

I also forgot to say, the SEBO crevice tool is slightly longer than the one Miele supply and isn't as noisy when in use.

Out of interest how much are the dust bags for the S8 /style GN compared to SEBO's dust bags for the D series? Id be interested to know how much they are in Canada.

 

[sebo_fan]

The first series of the D's did have tools that didn't fit in properly - these were sent to Europe first before US and Canada got the ranges in - so the tools shouldn't fall out.

 

[piano_god]

Bags are $19.99 for the four pack, including the standard filters. A "Value Pack" for $35.00 is available that contains two of the above packages (eight bags plus filters total), as well as a Miele shopping bag. The above applies to both GN and FJM in Canada. Sebo bags for the D series are $30.00 for eight, but do not include filters. Those must be purchased separately.

 

[sebo_fan]

According to Amazon.com in Canada, a pack of D series bags (8) costs $28-99

However, unlike Miele's dust bags which are lot stiffer, I find SEBO's new synthetic dust bags can be reused, provided you shake out the dust from the first use and toss into a low wash program.

 

[eurekaprince]

Thank you for all this input. I think I will now wait to see the new suction only S8 coming to Canadian stores from Miele. I may also wait to see what Consumer Reports has to say once they get around to testing all the new canisters that have been born in the last year (Miele S8, Sebo D4/D1, Aerus Platinum, etc)....

Love that little handle spotlight on the Alize.....what a great idea!

 

[oliveoiltinfoil]

So you are in Canada my friend ? Well I don't know about over their but I imagine its the same; miele bags are quite a bit more expensive than sebo bags. Sebo bags over here work out at just over £1 sterling, although the quality of miele bags are slightly better. They are tougher and don't leak as much (they don't leak at all, some sebo ones can, but not badly.)

I would go for the sebo. Replacements parts are easier to obtain and less expensive, they are easier to work on and in my experiences, sebo are quite a bit more robustly built. I had an S7 and was quite disappointed with the build quality. The switch "collapsed" as its called where it wouldn't stay on the "on" position and the plastic used on the lower parts of the machine felt quite thin and fragile. Put it this way, many vacuum shops in North America and Britain refuse to work on mieles because they are so awkward.

The sebo may possibly be slightly cheaper, but I think they have the edge over miele. Regarding strait suction cylinders, I would imagine both are pretty much the same. I would go for the sebo my friend, although the miele is a very good cleaner. Not much to choose between them.

 

[madabouthoovers]

A box of Miele bags is about the same price as a box of SEBO bags depending on where you buy them, but you only get 4 bags from Miele as opposed to 8 from SEBO. Miele bags do come with the 2 basic filters you  need - a pr-motor filter and an Air-Clean exhaust (NON-HEPA) filter, but with the SEBO D series, you have to buy the separate service box from SEBO to get the filters, (£20 in the UK). If you want a HEPA filter in your Miele (Which the Alize has), this is where the costs of running the machine will rocket - budget for £20 per year extra to the cost of bags, as Miele recommend that the HEPA filter is replaced once a year, or every 50 hours of use. That means that a Miele S8 Alize over its motor life of 1000 hours could get through 20 HEPA filters at a cost of £400! If you buy a HEPA equipped model like the Alize, it will not come with the filter grille for the standard air clean filters that come in the boxes of bags, and you will have to buy this as an extra if you decide you don't want to purchase replacement HEPA filters every year. SEBO filters are just as good as the standard Miele Filters, but they are expensive for the D series. However, SEBO recommend changing the filters every 16 bags, as opposed to annually for the Miele, so filter replacement should be a less often purchase.


I love the Miele S8 however, and find it one of the most stylish models Miele have ever made - its well made and has the electronic foot controls for the power selection with a lit up display icon to show the power level. Tools on the Miele S8 are good quality and store under a pop up lid. Base model D series have a rotary knob, and no power level indicator. The D Series also has good tools, but they are stored clipped in the rear of the cleaner as opposed to under a flip up lid on top of the cleaner.


The D series has a 6 litre dustbag, compared to a 4.5litre on the Miele S8.


If its sheer functionality you want, and value for the bags, then its the SEBO D series. If you want a reliable, stylish vacuum with more "toys" and superior quality bags and filtration (at a cost) then its the Miele.


I rate both brands very highly myself, and feel that German built machines like these are about the best you can buy.


Here is one of my S8 models - showing the display panel, tools, and the HEPA filter.

[this post was last edited: 6/9/2014-05:11]

 

[sebo_fan]

Well, I think it comes down to ACTUAL ownership of both the Miele models in question and the SEBO.

For example, you'd never know you'd be able to reuse the SEBO dust bags, or indeed the filters on board... and in CANADA the prices for the bags aren't exactly the SAME for both models.

I adore the Miele S8, it is a luxury experience. However, it is a luxury experience at a cost. Id be interested to know what CR say about the SEBO D1 if they do test it.

In the UK, the equivalent base model, the SEBO D2 Storm has already won a Best Buy award from Which UK.

 

[kirbylux77]

Brian, if I was you, I would pick the Sebo D1. I have 2 Miele's & a Sebo Air Belt C3.1 canister. Yes, the Miele does have a bit more suction & airflow- but not by much. Also, my 2004 Miele Red Velvet has been a nightmare to own! Since purchasing it second hand a few years back, the quick-release neck on the SEB236 has needed replacement TWICE! And the cordreel failed late last year & needed replacement as well. As well, I have heard the circuit boards in the canister fail long before the motor does, & are expensive to replace. These issues, plus the ridiculous cost of repair parts, makes me vote for the Sebo....which in contrast has given me NO problems at all.

Rob

 

[eurekaprince]

Thanks again for all these contributions to the discussion.

This is extremely helpful. You know, I am actually not that concerned about the comparative cost of bags and filtres. I do not (yet) own a cat or dog, and I live in a small rental flat. With both Miele and Sebo, I am prepared to invest in the right bags/filtres to keep the vacs running at top performance. But remember, my carpets are being cleaned by an excellent Hoover Platinum Bagged upright with an enormous bag. So my second vac may only need a bag change twice per year as it will only be used once per week for bare floors and furniture and books.

Speaking of my wonderful lightweight Hoover Platinum: this would make a great vac for homes in the UK. It's basically a copy of an Oreck but quieter and better at deep cleaning carpets. Hopefully, TTI will offer our friends overseas a nice Vax version of this carpet cleaner. The Stair Handle will make it a breeze to vacuum carpeted stairs and it has a nice long 40 foot cord!

 

[eurekaprince]

Hi there Neighbour Rob! Thanks for you post. My biggest concern with the Sebo is the location of the exhaust. Though Nar has already confirmed that Sebo's Airbelt sufficiently diffuses the blowing wind from the unit, I'd be curious to get a second opinion. To me, the placement of the exhaust on top of a canister vacuum is one of the wisest innovations to come from European vac-makers. How we in North America have tolerated the dust storms created on bare floors by our canisters' "face-down" or "face-back" exhausts is amazing to me. It is the major reason I sold my beautiful Stainless Steel floating Hoover Constellation. And it was the only problem I found with Eureka's great little Mighty Mites.

So when I see the location of the exhaust on the Sebo AirBelts, I am a little concerned. What do you think?