Perfect PowerTeam Model C101

[keither]

This is one of my Perfect Power Team Canister Vacuum Cleaners. I was very excited to get this unit being that it's more or less a doppelgänger to the Electrolux Diamond Jubilee. The suction is very strong , and I believe that this is as close as I could get to having a new original style Electrolux. I prefer to use the original Electrolux attachments ( Wands, rug/ floor tool, etc ) with it. I will even use a braided hose with it sometimes!

 

[vacuumlad1650]

I think those perfect machines are really nice for not being the original Electrolux. I do agree that the tools are not as good, but I also prefer the real Aerus Electrolux hoses.

 

[keither]

I agree!

 

[n0oxy]

Perfect canisters

I have the metal C101 and the plastic C103, very nice vacuums. Basically they are clones of the classic Electrolux, they use type C bags, and they actually make cloth hepa bags which are better than the bags Aerus provides. You can use Electrolux power nozzles, or actually any power nozzle with a pigtail cord. The metal C101 uses a two stage Ametek motor and the plastic C103 uses a one stage motor, both vacuums are very powerful. Interestingly, the C103, even though it's plastic still uses the hose for the metal Electrolux models.
Mike

 

[keither]

I agree with you ! I like my machine. I feel that this is as close as we will ever come to getting the real thing , brand new with a metal body !

 

[s31463221]

Perfect C101

I have one as well, and I love how stupidly powerful that thing is! I have been told that over time, the hose that came with the vacuum will fall apart and not last as long as an Aerus/Electrolux vinyl hose, so I put an E-lux hose on mine. My perfect power nozzle seems to dig down a little too deep in my area rugs for my liking, so I actually paired it up with my PN5 from my Marquis and they really make a great setup. It also works great with the first gen mini power nozzle for furniture, stairs, etc. So far, I've not experienced it myself, but I have also heard that the cheaper quality C style bags will break inside the C101 because they are so powerful.....again, not experienced that myself, but several members that own them have mentioned that. I'm sure due to cost, and maybe patent legalities, Perfect was unable to set up the auto bag full shut-off feature, which would have been a nice addition, but I check my bag every single time I start to use the vac, so it's never been an issue for me. Overall, they are definitely great metal vacuums that are about as close to the older metal-body Electrolux vacuums you can buy today! The $799 (or $899, I can't remember which) price tag is enough to scare off some folks, and I'm not sure I would have paid that for my unit, but I got mine at a good price and have no regrets!

 

[n0oxy]

one issue with the hose

The only issue with the Perfect hoses that I have seen is that the suction relief slider would not stay closed, it kept sliding open reducing the suction. Since I never use it, I just taped it closed, but I would say that's a design flaw. Yes, you can use an Electrolux metal body hose with these vacuums, the only thing you will lose is the switch for the power nozzle. You can use an Electrolux power nozzle with the Perfect vacuum, or use the Perfect nozzle with an Electrolux. My mom has an Electrolux special edition, when her power nozzle broke, I gave her one of my Perfect power nozzles and it works perfectly with her Electrolux. I use the Perfect cloth hepa C bags in my Perfect and Electrolux-Aerus vacuums, much better filtration than paper bags.
Mike

 

[kirbylux77]

Keith, that's a nice vacuum you have there. I personally liked the previous version they had, with the gray body & white top & white bumpers, but the white body & white top & blue bumpers looks nice too.

My only issue with the Perfect C101 is the quality. As Mike pointed out, the suction relief slide is a issue with these. In addition, the pn receptacle on the handle can burn out prematurely, & the plastic screw holes in the handle can also strip very easily. Those issues with the hose handle are not acceptable for a vacuum that's in the same price range as a new Miele C3 with the SEB228 powerhead. In addition, they had quality control issues early on with the powerhead base mounts wearing out prematurely that I believe has since been rectified.

I personally believe it's just better to buy a used metal Electrolux off Ebay, order a new motor & whatever else is needed, & go that route. There is a Electro Motor available online that comes pretty close to matching the Ametek motor in the Perfect C101, that's rated for 117" waterlift, plus it's rebuildable, unlike the Ametek motor. And you get the Automatic Control that is absolutely a must to have with a Electrolux.

Rob

 

[keither]

Hi guys and thanks so much for your replies. I have also enocuntered the issue with the suction control on the handle sliding open during cleaning. Overall I think its a very impressive remake of the Electrolux metal canisters ! I too was fortunate in getting the machine at a good price Thanks again

 

[human]

I love the concept of the Perfect metal canisters; it's great that somebody's keeping the faith, so to speak. I don't actually own one because I've already got four of the genuine article in excellent working condition. and I have considerably less money tied up in all of them together, including parts and accessories, than a single Perfect C101 would cost me. The most recently acquired one came to me with an aftermarket hose that looks to be identical to the ones that ship with the Perfect C101 and I can agree that the suction relief slider is a pain. Fortunately, I have several genuine Electrolux vinyl hoses that I can use with it.

While writing the above, I had a weird thought. The Perfect C101 and the later metal Electrolux canisters are so similar in construction, I wonder if it would be possible to swap the bag door from an Electrolux onto a Perfect to gain the automatic bag eject function. Yeah, I realize it wouldn't necessarily be a practical thing to do. I'm just wondering if it would be possible.

 

[keither]

Reply to human : Yes I believe that this is as close as we will get to having the real thing again. I've also been curious about switching out the receptacle door on a Perfect. Not sure if it will work or not.

 

[vacuumlad1650]

It's not possible. It would work to put a Perfect door on a Lux. The Lux door won't work on the perfect because there is air pressure tubes that run into the canister to work with the control valve. Those lines are absent on the Perfect.

 

[keither]

reply to vacuumlad1650 : Thanks for the feedback !I vaguely remember those pressure tubes that gauge air flow reduction. So yes you are absolutley right.

 

[kirbylux77]

Andy, good point there. But, what you could do is take the Perfect C101 Ametek motor & put it into a Diamond Jubilee, & get a Electrolux with Automatic Control & the same power the Perfect has

Below are the links to the Electro Motor that has 117" waterlift, LH6500SR, & the Perfect Ametek motor. I have the Ametek motor installed in my Kenmore EVPC right now, & that thing is a beast on the carpets now!

Rob

http://www.centralvacuummotor.com/vacuums/electrolux.htm

http://www.centralvacuummotor.com/vacuums/perfect.htm

 

[keither]

Thanks Rob

 

[tolivac]

Hose suction vents--HATE the dammed things---just superglue them shut.Problem solved.They are especially STUPID on vacuums that have variable speed suction motors.

 

[kirbylux77]

Rex, why would you say that? I personally think a suction relief valve/slide happens to work better than variable speed control on some applications. Such as cleaning curtains with a upholstery tool for example....turn down the speed all you want, the tool will stick to the fabric unless you let out some air at the hose. Such a shame to glue it shut & not use it.

I think both can work together quite nicely, IF the suction valve/slider is designed properly. The Riccar Prima/Simplicity Wonder, Shark Professional EP754 & Riccar 1500/Simplicity S24 being prime examples here that get it right.

Rob

 

[tolivac]

Again,I HATE those relief vents.To clean the curtains--its easier and better just to wash them in the washer!So---On my hoses-the reliefs are superglued shut.Its just to easy to accidently move the valve while using the vacuum when you DON'T want it.Now if the reliefs were made so they can't be accidently moved-then it would be OK.For upholstered furniture I want MAX suction power to clean it.Uusually use a motorized hand tool anyway.The one that came with my 'Lux Platinum Guardian works well.

 

[pr-21]

I had a Perfect c101 power team. I missed the automatic controls, but the biggest problem was it had too much suction. Even with the control valve open, it would stall out my sidekick or suck the drapes into the upholstery tool. Very annoying, unless you just used it for vacuuming hard surface floors and carpet.

I did like the perfect hepa bags, but the collar is too thick to use in a genuine electrolux. Therefore I still buy Surething or Germgrabber bags to use in my machines.

Also there is a seller on Ebay that sells reconditioned genuine Electrolux 1521's. It came with new wheels, cord, crevous tool, combo tool etc. I still sanitized mine, but honestly it looked new......I almost skipped the detailing of it.

fivestarvacs is the ebay seller.

PR-21
Bud