Should I buy the UniQ or a different Miele canister?
Hi Erik,
As a major distributor for Miele products for our area of southeastern Michigan, I can say with relative confidence, that most of what you've heard so far is correct. I would personally find a dealer that sells the HomeCare S8390. This model is available (currently) only thru the in-store, dealer network, and is similar to the Marin (sounds MARINE)that is avail online and in some dealer showrooms. The Marin is sold with the SEB217 as standard, with any other Power Brush optional. Most dealers tho, carry the HomeCare line, which offers more feature filled, and desirable models , for the consumer's choosing, plus as of now, it'sinternet protected.
We sell this model (S8390 HomeCare complete), with the SEB 236 Electro Premium head, which is the same one that is standard on the UniQ. It also has as extra's, the long flexible crevice tool to supplement the smaller nested one, a large adjustable dusting brush to supplement the smaller nested one AND, the AllteQ multi-floortool. Some dealers sell the SEB 217, and SEB 228 heads as options, but we do not. We retail the S8 Kona that has the 228 head as standard, and the HomeCare S6 that has the 217. No need for the multi-head approach, unless a customer ASKS for the different heads. Then we of course will supply one, with the appropriate price reductions!!
As to the reasons why "I" stress the S8 HomeCare to my customer base??? Well as you may have read, the UniQ ONLY has, over the rest: the electronic, fingertip-touch controls (the HomeCare has easy to use touch buttons on the canister portion that select power thru six different power ranges), lighted parking slots for the tools (absurd honestly as none of the rest have this), and the LONGER 10-5 warranty (read up on that)oh and a electronic filter minder for the HEPA. Many dealers including myself sell the UniQ only on the first, and last two features alone. Most prospects LAUGH at the lights on the thing. At least in our area..
Electronic controls however, do age and get finicky, and Miele isn't immune to that issue. Some have issues, where most never do. Whereas, the HomeCare has a 2 year P&L on the unit, and an additonal 5 on the motors. And has none of the sparkly "gimmickry" of the upper slot UniQ. So the lesser warranty isn't as much of an issue,as there is less to go wrong later on.
Above all, your pocketbook , and your conscious should be your guide. Do not let a few who did not have a great experience with the products ruin YOUR experience. Believe, it's more the norm to have a great experience with Miele, than to not. The UniQ is $1499 all told, is lighter and more durable than the Capricorn (which it replaced); and finally, the Home Care is $400- LESS than the UniQ, priced with the premium Power Brush nozzle,so you are not sacrificing ANY power or performance. you may even find a dealer who will give you a better deal too!!
And finally, I do "LIKE" the UniQ, contrary to what it may seem thru what i've written thus far. To that end, we sell as many as the customer base will buy. It has it's convenience features, and top-flite luxury that melts the hearts of some. There is just a really great alternative for less, with more. And in the end, that always wins out for us....
Hope this helps.
Chad