Is the hose like the Kenmore ones i.e. there is no swivel at either end? That is one thing I dislike about the Rainbow hose.
Gary
Gary
Panasonic arrived today
- Thread starter williamr1248
- Start date
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eurekaprince
Well-known member
Hi Gary! How are you? 
The hose swivels 360 degrees at the canister end...which is a nice convenience.
The hose swivels 360 degrees at the canister end...which is a nice convenience.
eurekaprince
Well-known member
Consumer Reports rated this model as a "Best Buy"...very good value for the price.
Here is their summary:
Consider this bagged canister if you want capable cleaning and airflow for tools at a moderate price--and don't have a dog or cat. Strengths include impressive carpet and bare-floor cleaning, along with strong suction for tools. Handling is relatively easy despite this machine's 23 pounds. You also get manual carpet pile-height adjustment (better for matching the brush to the surface); suction control (helps protect drapes when using tools); a brush on/off switch (safeguards bare floors and prevents scattered debris); and the retractable cord found on many canisters. But pet-hair pickup was only so-so.
Highs
• Excels at removing embedded dirt from carpets
• Performs well when cleaning bare floors; ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and hardwood floors
• Excels in capturing all the dust it picks up, which is good if you have allergies or respiratory illnesses
• Strong tool airflow, which is a factor if you will be using the vacuums accessories for cleaning
• Has a manual carpet-height adjustment, which is better than automatic systems at matching the brush to the surface
• Has suction control, which helps protects drapes when using tools
• Has a brush on/off switch, which safeguards bare floors and prevents scattered dust and debris
• Has a retractable cord, which allows you to rewind via a slight tug or a push button
Lows
• Lacks telescopic wand
• Lacks swiveling power head
Here is their summary:
Consider this bagged canister if you want capable cleaning and airflow for tools at a moderate price--and don't have a dog or cat. Strengths include impressive carpet and bare-floor cleaning, along with strong suction for tools. Handling is relatively easy despite this machine's 23 pounds. You also get manual carpet pile-height adjustment (better for matching the brush to the surface); suction control (helps protect drapes when using tools); a brush on/off switch (safeguards bare floors and prevents scattered debris); and the retractable cord found on many canisters. But pet-hair pickup was only so-so.
Highs
• Excels at removing embedded dirt from carpets
• Performs well when cleaning bare floors; ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and hardwood floors
• Excels in capturing all the dust it picks up, which is good if you have allergies or respiratory illnesses
• Strong tool airflow, which is a factor if you will be using the vacuums accessories for cleaning
• Has a manual carpet-height adjustment, which is better than automatic systems at matching the brush to the surface
• Has suction control, which helps protects drapes when using tools
• Has a brush on/off switch, which safeguards bare floors and prevents scattered dust and debris
• Has a retractable cord, which allows you to rewind via a slight tug or a push button
Lows
• Lacks telescopic wand
• Lacks swiveling power head
Brian,
I am well thanks. I know that the connector swivels on the vacuum body but does the hose swivel going into the connector at either end?
Gary
I am well thanks. I know that the connector swivels on the vacuum body but does the hose swivel going into the connector at either end?
Gary
eurekaprince
Well-known member
Nope....unfortunately not...but it's an easy-to-use hose and I often swivel it on Mom's Kenmore to untangle it....keep warm!
williamr1248
Well-known member
Panasonic has arrived
vacuumfreak95,
I tired mine out this morning. I do LOVE it.
I like the tools and I used both the floor brush and dusting brush. I may buy the horse hair dusting brush at a later date.
The power nozzle has a very good combination between grooming and not being too harsh on the carpets.
It is a VERY easy machine to use. I really like the BIG wheels and it glides very easy over the rugs and door sills. Also like the sound of both motors. I appreciate the long cord and flexible hose with the top that goes all the way around to prevent the hose from kinking..
SO far no dust or odor. If that happens it will end up in the basement fast.
The fit and finish is MUCH better than I expected for the price range.
It is almost like going back in time!
vacuumfreak95,
I tired mine out this morning. I do LOVE it.
I like the tools and I used both the floor brush and dusting brush. I may buy the horse hair dusting brush at a later date.
The power nozzle has a very good combination between grooming and not being too harsh on the carpets.
It is a VERY easy machine to use. I really like the BIG wheels and it glides very easy over the rugs and door sills. Also like the sound of both motors. I appreciate the long cord and flexible hose with the top that goes all the way around to prevent the hose from kinking..
SO far no dust or odor. If that happens it will end up in the basement fast.
The fit and finish is MUCH better than I expected for the price range.
It is almost like going back in time!
suckolux
Well-known member
These machines are pretty easy to live with.
williamr1248
Well-known member
Panasonic arrived today
I gave it a run today. Very easy to push. So far almost nothing in the bag but I had already used the Rainbow earlier in the week.
Does anyone know if you can operate the machine in the upright position like when cleaning the stair. Some air does exit the rear.
I gave it a run today. Very easy to push. So far almost nothing in the bag but I had already used the Rainbow earlier in the week.
Does anyone know if you can operate the machine in the upright position like when cleaning the stair. Some air does exit the rear.
suckolux
Well-known member
I certainly have used it sitting on its butt.
williamr1248
Well-known member
Panasonic has arrived
David,
Thanks as I could not find any information about using it on end in the instruction book.
Jamie,
That is what is so great about Robert having this web site. We can each share and see what is available.
I enjoy both the old and the new and almost all the different brands.
This machine is like using a vacuum from 20 years ago. Nice and quiet and simple to use. I have bought several high end canisters in the last few years that have been real junk or very difficult to use.
David,
Thanks as I could not find any information about using it on end in the instruction book.
Jamie,
That is what is so great about Robert having this web site. We can each share and see what is available.
I enjoy both the old and the new and almost all the different brands.
This machine is like using a vacuum from 20 years ago. Nice and quiet and simple to use. I have bought several high end canisters in the last few years that have been real junk or very difficult to use.
mark40511
Well-known member
I just remembered something else
I think in 2004, it was 229 dollars? Can't remember exactly....Used almost everyday for 2 years....which I guess is possibly the equivalent of ten years for a "Normal" person? Not sure....For 189 dollars.....used once per week which I would think MOST people would do, it could possibly last a long time if used correctly...but someone like me would only get a couple of years out of it....Maybe 3 max......There are videos on YOUTUBE of people ordering the part and changing the connections.....so it must be a pretty common problem. I actually did this to one of my Kenmores but it wasn't easy (for me) because those little plastic pieces are so fragile when taking them apart and trying to put them back together. You have to be so careful and I ended up breaking something. This is a video of a guy repairing the HANDLE part, not the lower part.
Out of the three Kenmore's I had.......I remember on ONE of them, I had a problem in ADDITION to the connections.......The cord that runs from inside the PN up to the neck of the nozzle started to FRAY....It's never really touched so I guess it's from the motion of using the PN over time. You could actually see the wire inside the cord itself. I put tape around it...
If the bag starts to smell before it needs changing, just put some Rainbow D&A on a cotton ball and suck it into the bag..When I do this with my Lux, there is no smell. That Green D&A must inhibit bacterial growth inside the bag.
I think in 2004, it was 229 dollars? Can't remember exactly....Used almost everyday for 2 years....which I guess is possibly the equivalent of ten years for a "Normal" person? Not sure....For 189 dollars.....used once per week which I would think MOST people would do, it could possibly last a long time if used correctly...but someone like me would only get a couple of years out of it....Maybe 3 max......There are videos on YOUTUBE of people ordering the part and changing the connections.....so it must be a pretty common problem. I actually did this to one of my Kenmores but it wasn't easy (for me) because those little plastic pieces are so fragile when taking them apart and trying to put them back together. You have to be so careful and I ended up breaking something. This is a video of a guy repairing the HANDLE part, not the lower part.
Out of the three Kenmore's I had.......I remember on ONE of them, I had a problem in ADDITION to the connections.......The cord that runs from inside the PN up to the neck of the nozzle started to FRAY....It's never really touched so I guess it's from the motion of using the PN over time. You could actually see the wire inside the cord itself. I put tape around it...
If the bag starts to smell before it needs changing, just put some Rainbow D&A on a cotton ball and suck it into the bag..When I do this with my Lux, there is no smell. That Green D&A must inhibit bacterial growth inside the bag.
durango159
Well-known member
Vacuum Scents
Most vacuums get a smell over time. You are removing dirt from a rug along with germs, bacteria and other things. Then that dirt festers in a dark, humid, warm closet inside that machine with more dirt being added on a regular basis. Darkness, moisture and warmth create the perfect elements for the growing of germs, dust mites and other things. The smell of vacuums come from the festering of dirt and germs. Unless you were changing the water like in a Rainbow, or had an Activated Charcoal cone filter like on a FilterQueen then any vacuum can smell. Replacing a bag generally eliminates this along with maintaining a clean pre-motor filter, which us collectors know very much about but many consumers ignore!! Kenmore HEPA bags will help reduce this odor along with scented tablets that you can get from Sears, Home Depot or manufacturers like Oreck, Electrolux, FilterQueen or other manufacturers scents.
I highly recommend the Micro Clean tablets that you can get from Home Depot, they are cheaper than Sears and smell very close if not exactly like the Hoover Tablets of years ago. I wish Hoover still produced packages of their tablets. I also miss the Vacuum Puffs scented beads that I could find years ago. That company available from many dollar stores came in Fresh Outdoor, Lemon, Georgia Peach, Vanilla, Apple Cinnamon, Pine and a few others. They were the best!!!!! Really wish they were still available.
Most vacuums get a smell over time. You are removing dirt from a rug along with germs, bacteria and other things. Then that dirt festers in a dark, humid, warm closet inside that machine with more dirt being added on a regular basis. Darkness, moisture and warmth create the perfect elements for the growing of germs, dust mites and other things. The smell of vacuums come from the festering of dirt and germs. Unless you were changing the water like in a Rainbow, or had an Activated Charcoal cone filter like on a FilterQueen then any vacuum can smell. Replacing a bag generally eliminates this along with maintaining a clean pre-motor filter, which us collectors know very much about but many consumers ignore!! Kenmore HEPA bags will help reduce this odor along with scented tablets that you can get from Sears, Home Depot or manufacturers like Oreck, Electrolux, FilterQueen or other manufacturers scents.
I highly recommend the Micro Clean tablets that you can get from Home Depot, they are cheaper than Sears and smell very close if not exactly like the Hoover Tablets of years ago. I wish Hoover still produced packages of their tablets. I also miss the Vacuum Puffs scented beads that I could find years ago. That company available from many dollar stores came in Fresh Outdoor, Lemon, Georgia Peach, Vanilla, Apple Cinnamon, Pine and a few others. They were the best!!!!! Really wish they were still available.
durango159
Well-known member
Forgot
The Hoover Spirit, Dimension 1000, Futura, PowerMax, and 1st generation Windtunnel canisters all had a terrific bare floor brush. The Kenmore does have bristles down the middle similar to those. However the Hoover was much better because bristles were much softer for better dusting, and also had bristles along either side. The bristles on the sides help keep the tool well balanced and straight at a set height off the floor. The Kenmore tool primarily has very short stiff bristles along the middle. By lacking the edge bristles the tool has a large tendency to lean forward on the forward stroke thereby scraping the front plastic edge along the floor. Additionally the bristles are very stiff in my opinion and while being good with hair and crumbs they don't remove fine dust or sand well from a floor. That's why I suggest a generic horsehair brush. Just my personal suggestion, I've clean houses for years and have used many vacuums. The Kenmore bare floor brush leaves more dirt for the mop to find and makes the job harder in my experience when compared to many others.
The Hoover Spirit, Dimension 1000, Futura, PowerMax, and 1st generation Windtunnel canisters all had a terrific bare floor brush. The Kenmore does have bristles down the middle similar to those. However the Hoover was much better because bristles were much softer for better dusting, and also had bristles along either side. The bristles on the sides help keep the tool well balanced and straight at a set height off the floor. The Kenmore tool primarily has very short stiff bristles along the middle. By lacking the edge bristles the tool has a large tendency to lean forward on the forward stroke thereby scraping the front plastic edge along the floor. Additionally the bristles are very stiff in my opinion and while being good with hair and crumbs they don't remove fine dust or sand well from a floor. That's why I suggest a generic horsehair brush. Just my personal suggestion, I've clean houses for years and have used many vacuums. The Kenmore bare floor brush leaves more dirt for the mop to find and makes the job harder in my experience when compared to many others.
suckolux
Well-known member
I loved those Hoover tablets, will have to try the micro clean I guess.
ultimatevacman
Well-known member
I agree with Jamie, it's a very nice looking vacuum! It's about time we get some good cylinder vacuums with PNs over here. They never seem to be very popular though.
turbo500
Well-known member
They never seem to be very popular though
That's largely due to shag carpeting never being particularly popular in the UK and in recent years, the increase in popularity in laminate and wood floors. The UK market tends to flit between uprights OR straight suction cylinders mostly.
I agree with others, this is certainly an attractive looking cleaner. That wooden brushroll looks great too. Hope you're happy with it.
That's largely due to shag carpeting never being particularly popular in the UK and in recent years, the increase in popularity in laminate and wood floors. The UK market tends to flit between uprights OR straight suction cylinders mostly.
I agree with others, this is certainly an attractive looking cleaner. That wooden brushroll looks great too. Hope you're happy with it.
madabouthoovers
Well-known member
- Joined
- Aug 14, 2012
- Messages
- 2,351
Power nozzles
I think the air driven turbine heads are more reliable and cheaper to buy than the electric nozzles. Why buy a canister with an electric nozzle anyway, when we can now buy small and light uprights that weigh only 5kg that do just as good a job. I can never understand why people would buy a canister vac for use on longer pile carpets - surely that's what uprights were invented for. Canisters as a general rule are better for short pile carpets or hard floors, and turbine heads have now largely replaced power nozzles in the UK. The last model that Miele produced for the UK with an electric nozzle was the Revolution, but these are now discontinued. AEG produce the Ultra One with a power nozzle but reports I have read about it were not good regards it reliability.
I think the air driven turbine heads are more reliable and cheaper to buy than the electric nozzles. Why buy a canister with an electric nozzle anyway, when we can now buy small and light uprights that weigh only 5kg that do just as good a job. I can never understand why people would buy a canister vac for use on longer pile carpets - surely that's what uprights were invented for. Canisters as a general rule are better for short pile carpets or hard floors, and turbine heads have now largely replaced power nozzles in the UK. The last model that Miele produced for the UK with an electric nozzle was the Revolution, but these are now discontinued. AEG produce the Ultra One with a power nozzle but reports I have read about it were not good regards it reliability.
turbo500
Well-known member
A cylinder with a powernozzle seems to be the preference for a lot of our US friends, and I can see why with so many homes in the US having such a variety of floor types. I mean, one floor of a house could have so many different floor types. It's not like here in the UK where everyone has either low-medium pile carpet (except in the kitchen and bathroom) or laminate flooring. A friend of mine in Tenesse has:
Living room - deep pile carpet
Dining room - solid wood
Hallway - Parquet
Kitchen and utility - tile
Study - low pile carpet
Stairs - solid wood with a carpet runner up the middle
Bare in mind, that's just 1 floor if his house. A cylinder with a powerhead ensures that all the surfaces are cleaned to the best possible standard without having to switch machines.
Air driven turbobrushes are fine, but they tend to slow down on thicker carepts and don't groom the pile or get between the carpet fibres to effectively remove embedded grit like a powernozzle does.
Cylinder vacuums with a PN are better compared to uprights with brush controls, but even then you can't switch to a floorhead better suited to a particular floortype if needed, unless you own a Sebo Felix.
And it's not just the US. It's also important to note that in mainland Europe, very few people have upright vacuums. I imagine this is largely due to the popularity of bare floors in hotter climates where an upright would be useless, but even in countries like France and The Netherlands where the climate is more similar to the UK, uprights are not popular. Infact, all of my friends and relatives on the continent have cylinder vacuums.
Cylinders with a PN are still widely sold across Europe, again aimed at homes with a variety of floor types. I was in a department store in Amsterdam last month and there wasn't 1 upright on sale, but all the high end models had powernozzles.
Living room - deep pile carpet
Dining room - solid wood
Hallway - Parquet
Kitchen and utility - tile
Study - low pile carpet
Stairs - solid wood with a carpet runner up the middle
Bare in mind, that's just 1 floor if his house. A cylinder with a powerhead ensures that all the surfaces are cleaned to the best possible standard without having to switch machines.
Air driven turbobrushes are fine, but they tend to slow down on thicker carepts and don't groom the pile or get between the carpet fibres to effectively remove embedded grit like a powernozzle does.
Cylinder vacuums with a PN are better compared to uprights with brush controls, but even then you can't switch to a floorhead better suited to a particular floortype if needed, unless you own a Sebo Felix.
And it's not just the US. It's also important to note that in mainland Europe, very few people have upright vacuums. I imagine this is largely due to the popularity of bare floors in hotter climates where an upright would be useless, but even in countries like France and The Netherlands where the climate is more similar to the UK, uprights are not popular. Infact, all of my friends and relatives on the continent have cylinder vacuums.
Cylinders with a PN are still widely sold across Europe, again aimed at homes with a variety of floor types. I was in a department store in Amsterdam last month and there wasn't 1 upright on sale, but all the high end models had powernozzles.
turbo500
Well-known member
And it's not just the US...
It's also important to note that in mainland Europe, very few people have upright vacuums. I imagine this is largely due to the popularity of bare floors in hotter climates where an upright would be useless, but even in countries like France and The Netherlands where the climate is more similar to the UK, uprights are not popular. Infact, all of my friends and relatives on the continent have cylinder vacuums.
Cylinders with a PN are still widely sold across Europe, again aimed at homes with a variety of floor types. I was in a department store in Amsterdam last month and there wasn't 1 upright on sale, but all the high end models had powernozzles.
It's also important to note that in mainland Europe, very few people have upright vacuums. I imagine this is largely due to the popularity of bare floors in hotter climates where an upright would be useless, but even in countries like France and The Netherlands where the climate is more similar to the UK, uprights are not popular. Infact, all of my friends and relatives on the continent have cylinder vacuums.
Cylinders with a PN are still widely sold across Europe, again aimed at homes with a variety of floor types. I was in a department store in Amsterdam last month and there wasn't 1 upright on sale, but all the high end models had powernozzles.
