myles_v
Well-known member
I'd have to agree with the others, a Felix or Dart would be a good choice, pair it with a power nozzle for the carpets and a hard floor tool for the floors. I generally think the Miele canisters with one of their two higher end power nozzles clean better than Sebo products but there isn't too significant a difference. It seems like Sebo bags are generally less expensive compared to Miele bags, this may allow you to change the bag more frequently which can help with odors.
I haven't been too impressed by Tacony products (Riccar, Simplicity, etc.). Used for a good price they're good machines but brand new they are overpriced for what you get. $10 is good for the Symmetry but I wouldn't want to use it for hard floors. That being said, I am a fan of the cordless Riccar SupraLite/Simplicity Freedom but they seem overpriced, you'd get more for your money with a Sebo.
I also would avoid TTI generally; Oreck products seem OK still but I have not had good luck with any newer Hoover machines sadly. The bagged T Series might be OK but I wouldn't expect much in terms of longevity compared to the other machines you are considering.
If you are considering a vintage machine then I would keep an eye out for an old Electrolux/Aerus. They always had good filtration for their time and replacement bags are very cheap and readily available. The Discovery style upright is good for carpets, it's alright on hard floors but I'd prefer to use a canister for them. The canisters were all great as well but I'd probably avoid the Renaissance model, the hose handle is known for failing because they had a somewhat complex control pad (keeping in mind those machines are 25 years old by now so failure is not surprising). I believe HEPA bags are available for them but I have never had an issue with good quality 4 ply paper bags, they are one of the few machines that I don't mind using paper bags in. I almost never find used Electrolux machines with dust inside the bag compartment.
If you decide on a canister then the Filter Queen is worth a look as mentioned before, I have a soft spot for them but I know a lot of people dislike them. They filter the air well and I have never had an issue with odors but they can be messy to empty. It honestly isn't bad, I remove the motor unit leaving the filter cone in the container and I wrap a trash bag over the top before flipping the whole bin upside down. The bin is so large that this doesn't need to be done very often at all.
I haven't been too impressed by Tacony products (Riccar, Simplicity, etc.). Used for a good price they're good machines but brand new they are overpriced for what you get. $10 is good for the Symmetry but I wouldn't want to use it for hard floors. That being said, I am a fan of the cordless Riccar SupraLite/Simplicity Freedom but they seem overpriced, you'd get more for your money with a Sebo.
I also would avoid TTI generally; Oreck products seem OK still but I have not had good luck with any newer Hoover machines sadly. The bagged T Series might be OK but I wouldn't expect much in terms of longevity compared to the other machines you are considering.
If you are considering a vintage machine then I would keep an eye out for an old Electrolux/Aerus. They always had good filtration for their time and replacement bags are very cheap and readily available. The Discovery style upright is good for carpets, it's alright on hard floors but I'd prefer to use a canister for them. The canisters were all great as well but I'd probably avoid the Renaissance model, the hose handle is known for failing because they had a somewhat complex control pad (keeping in mind those machines are 25 years old by now so failure is not surprising). I believe HEPA bags are available for them but I have never had an issue with good quality 4 ply paper bags, they are one of the few machines that I don't mind using paper bags in. I almost never find used Electrolux machines with dust inside the bag compartment.
If you decide on a canister then the Filter Queen is worth a look as mentioned before, I have a soft spot for them but I know a lot of people dislike them. They filter the air well and I have never had an issue with odors but they can be messy to empty. It honestly isn't bad, I remove the motor unit leaving the filter cone in the container and I wrap a trash bag over the top before flipping the whole bin upside down. The bin is so large that this doesn't need to be done very often at all.