Panasonic UK update for 2014...

[sebo_fan]

Following the new EU law, Panasonic UK have updated their vacuums. The following uprights have been updated:

Panasonic MCUL742 KP47 (800 watts) (the Eco Max swivel series remains unchanged by looks, black or white)
Panasonic MCUL740 (800 watts)
Panasonic MCUG342 (1200 watts) (the older uprights that used to have 1900/2000 watts)
Panasonic MCUG344 (1100 watts)

 

[DesertTortoise]

Wow, nothing even a little like the uprights Panasonic sells in the US.

 

[marks_here]

It kind of reminds me of the Miele uprights a while back

 

[singingrainbow]

That's because they WERE the miele uprights from a while back!

 

[marks_here]

Ohhhhhhhhh

 

[sebo_fan]

Well even the U.S Miele uprights have dirt searcher lights, variable suction control and brush roll on/off

In the UK/European versions for years haven't had brush roll on/off or headlights or even the variable suction control for many years.

These are one of the UK's highest selling models (the older ones) as well as offering a 6 litre dust bag. My only dislike of those vacs is that they use 2 drive belts. These new lower power ones might just have one drive belt.

 

[turbo500]

Ooooh thank you for sharing Nar. As some of you know, I have a real soft spot for Panasonic uprights as I grew up with an MC-E44. This is 700w and the suction is fantastic, can't wait to see what the newer ones are like. Not sure I like that handle, but the floorhead reminds me of the second style 50 series.

 

[DesertTortoise]

In the US I would not even know where to look at and buy a new Panasonic vacuum. They are available on Amazon and ebay, but I wouldn't have any idea where to go to look at one. They aren't in the big box stores that I have seen. It's a shame too because their canister vacs especially are a very good value and Panasonic still sells you real adult sized tools identical to the ones Kenmore stopped offering on their vacs. They are priced lower than Kenmore too, so you get good quality (ok, not great but a heck of a lot better than any other mid or low priced vac), great tools, a great floor brush at a low price. I have never seen a Panasonic upright ever in my life. They are just a rare breed over here.

 

[sebo_fan]

Chris, the handle is similar to the one on the MCGUG522 I had a few months ago. That uses a single drive belt and has been on sale in the U.S under the Panasonic Platinum Optiflow uprights/MCUG323

It's actually pretty comfortable to grab onto and steer on that red MCUG522 and I'd expect it would be the same with the newer ones.

I may end up buying one of these newer Panasonics, but it has to have one drive belt. I can't be done with having to change two just to change one. I also hope Panasonic allow a brush roll on/off function on this model as well.