Please help me choose a vacuum!

[mistyp11]

I am new here, and thrilled that this forum exists! I hope I can get some help here.

We just moved from a home that had all hardwood floors into a 6,000 square foot home with almost all carpet. Our Miele canister is not going to work in our new house. I have a Riccar Vibrance on loan for the weekend, and while I love the way it work as far as cleaning/suction, it seems very heavy to me. I considered Dyson, as that is what everyone in my real life uses and recommends, but it just feels so plasticy and not well constructed, and I can't bring myself to buy it. I have had the SEBO Felix in am Amazon cart for a while, but I am not sure about buying it without trying it.

What else am I missing? I need something very powerful- we have two toddlers, two cats, and a dog. I would like something lightweight, but I don't want to sacrifice power for weight. I also understand that with some of the lightweight machines you have to be more careful not to suck up a coin/marble/etc. because you can ruin these machine more easily due to how they work. I also want something comfortable to use. I have some back problems- nothing really serious, but they can be an issue at times. I don't care about tools so much because we have the Miele canister for that if needed. We were actually considering a Shark Navigator Professional- not due to the price, but due to weight and positive reviews. Money isn't really an issue- I guess I would like to stay in the $500-$700 range.

Any help I can get will be so incredibly appreciated! I have a very hard time making decisions and tend to obsess over these kinds of things.

 

[mr_mom]

i would say check out the hoover WindTunnel MAX Pet Plus Multi-Cyclonic i have dogs that sheds and it picks up great but the only thing sometimes i dont like about is when the brush roll is on it is a little loud and if you have little ones who are napping it might wake them up. but you might wanna also check out the Hoover WindTunnel Pet Rewind Plus you have a longer reach of the hose and the brush roll on it is quiet

 

[thermokid]

$500 to $700 range

If it was me I would check out a reconditioned Kirby with self-propel. It will last you a long time has great suction for carpets and it is easy to push, You only need two fingers to push it. That is the brand I would buy, but then again I love Kirby's and have had one all my life. I vacuum daily with a 53 year old Kirby. It is not self-propelled but it lighter then the newer Kirby's (but they are self-propelled) That old Kirby has been in our family since it was new...Good luck on your search.. Dan

 

[electromatik]

Since you have such a large home with a lot of carpet I would suggest going for a high quality durable machine like Kirby or Aerus. You said you already have a Miele canister so with a Kirby you wouldn't have to fumble with the hose much. It's TechDrive would make it very easy to push. A Miele upright would probably prove to be a good choice. I would suggest avoiding MOST mass market machines like Hoover and Bissell. Thier filtration all leave a lot to be desired on many of thier machines.

 

[parwaz786]

A Henry with the airo brush

 

[eurekaprince]

The best lightweight upright on the market these days is the Hoover Platinum Lightweight Bagged upright. It deep cleans carpets with excellence, is very easy and light to use, has a really large bag that is easy to change, and is less expensive and quieter than similar lightweight upright by Oreck and Riccar and Simplicity. It indeed is a classic Fan-First configuration - which means the dirt goes thru the fan before being blown into the bag. But the brilliant headlight should help you avoid sucking up coins and anything that could potentially damage the motor. This vac only costs around $300.

If you prefer a bag-first configuration, I highly recommend the white Miele Cat and Dog S7 upright. It is an excellent carpet cleaner and offers you the option of shutting off the brush roll to vacuum bare floors without damaging them. It comes with a nice long 39 foot cord, ergonomic handle, on-board stretch hose and tools, and is very quiet. Though it's heavier than the Hoover, it features a swivel head that makes it very easy to manoeuver. It also has excellent filtration to keep emissions very low.

Here's a nice little video about the Cat and Dog:

 

[kirbyloverdan]

I would

go for the Simplicity Freedom 8lb upright or Riccar Supralite 8lb vacuum both deep clean very well and wont be heavy to push . Get their TOL models as they have steel brush rolls with replaceable brush strips and life time belts .


 


Dan

 

[blackheart]

I would 2nd that Riccar/Simplicity

In my lightweight upright test my Simplicity Freedom F3600 did the best beating out two Orecks (xl-21 and ultra) and a Hoover platinum Lightweight.

If you want something with onboard tools the Lindhaus Activa is supposed to run at about 14 lbs i've found it's performance to be pretty good overall
You could also go with a Sebo, the G1 and G2, which are comparable to the Lindhaus Activa in price, are more durable though not as effective in cleaning (in my opinion)

I would stop into your local vacuum shop/shops or located a dealer for these brands from their website and try them out for yourself at their shop some Sebo dealers even have a test drive program for a month i think.

 

[nycwriter]

Since you have so much carpeting ...

... it's a no-brainer. Kirby.

Hang on to the Miele for when you need "attachments".

 

[cue003]

@mistyp11, Congrats on the move to your new home. 6000 sq is a lot of home to clean.

What Miele canister/configuration do you have? You said your last house was mostly hardwood floors so I am guessing you have a miele canister that does not have the SEB236 power head on it.

Is all the carpet in the 6000 sq foot home the same type/height? Single story or multi story home?

 

[lunchboxsean]

This really is a no brainer. Get yourself a reconditioned Kirby. Vac shops around here usually sell very nice Sentrias with all accessories and shampooer kit for around 400-500. A Kirby with TechDrive (self propel) is the best option. Good suction, great reliability, tough as nails, last your entire lifetime, and the best self propel system I know of, there's really no other choice.

As a side note, Parwaz, I don't know of anywhere in America where Numatic vacuums are sold, at least I've never seen it. Our closest equivalent would likely be a Filter Queen.

 

[kirbyultimateg]

Hi Misty,
Here are some vacuum cleaner brands that I recommend:
http://www.kirby.com/
http://rainbowsystem.com/
http://www.filterqueen.com/
http://www.aerusvacuums.com/
http://www.tristarclean.com/
http://www.thermaxaf.com/
http://www.riccar.com/index.asp
http://www.simplicityvac.com/index.asp
Please note that Kirby/Rainbow/Filter Queen/Aerus Electrolux/TriStar/Thermax are about $1500-$2000. Riccar/Simplicity are about $300-$1500. I hope this helps.

 

[kirbyloverdan]

Me being a

Kirby lover that would be my first vacuum to recommended the Sentria II which I now own 4 of them but because of Misty`s back problems which everyone seems to over look . How does one with back problems carry a Kirby up and down the stairs ?
Another note with 6000 sqft . of mostly carpet a canister is out as Misty has a Miele canister which is only to be used for attachment and some bare floor cleaning .

If you pay in cash you can get the upper end vacuums for way less , just negotiate . I can afford any vacuum but never have I ever paid asking price always usually well under a thousand dollars even if list price is $2000.00 +

Dan

 

[kirbyultimateg]

Here are some more vacuum cleaner brands that I recommend:
http://www.sanitairevac.com/
http://www.eureka.com/
http://hoover.com/
http://www.royalvacuums.com/

 

[durango159]

Kirby's are heavy!

I think many members are overlooking the fact that Misty has mentioned a lightweight vacuum. Now while Kirbys are self propelled making the vacuum function relatively easy, the overall heft of travel room to room or upstairs would be quite heavy and cumbersome. Also in case you have any lightweight throw rugs, I would not recommend a Kirby for those.

For the most lightweight vacuum that still offers terrific performance you want the Riccar Supralight or Simplicity Freedom. I like the Hoover Platinum but would still go with Tacony made Riccar or Simplicity over the Hoover especially since it fits in your price range. The Hoover or Taconys will outclean Orecks.

On the other hand, I am also wondering what Miele you have? Many Miele canisters allow you to add a power nozzle and electric hose to them for deep cleaning on carpets. Of course age and exact price for adding all of that to the machine is a major consideration so perhaps getting another Miele canister that does have a SEB236 or SEB228 power nozzle would be perfect for you. Even with lots of wall to wall carpet a decent canister vacuum with power nozzle will do a terrific job of deep cleaning carpets. The flexibility of easy manueverability, low profile to reach under beds, cocktail tables and many other pieces of furniture or under low hanging clothes in a closet allows for a complete, thorough cleaning of your home. Canisters are significantly easier to use on stairs as many other chores. You would have 1 vacuum with most if not all attachments stored right there on board. My choice overall is a canister with power nozzle. I would highly recommend Miele, Riccar, Simplicity, Perfect, Royal Lexon SR30020 or refurbished Aerus/ Electrolux canister vacuum.

For an upright, I would stay in the bagged range. Bagless tends to clog more, with more frequent filter maintenance and you have to empty the dirt cup with each use or in many cases after a few rooms. The difference between the bagless and bagged vacuums deals with power and capacity. A bagged vacuum like an Aerus canister will stuff and compact the dirt into the bag so that it is about as dense as a brick upon disposal if you let it get to that point. Bagless vacuums don't have that ability. Once the dirt reaches a certain level it just clogs cyclones, airways and/ or filters. It will not compact well in the cup thereby requiring constant emptying which is messy with any vacuum and must be dumped inside a trash bag outside of the house and you'll still have some "dust storm" trying to bang out or in some cases reach in with rag or fingers to grab dirt that has latched itself onto something. Dirt cup emptying on ANY bagless machine is quite messy.

For an upright with more versatility and not fan first like the ADVERTISED few lightweights on the market I would look to Riccar Vibrance, Radiance or Brilliance and similar Simplicity. Miele S7 Tango or similar Miele upright, Royal Everlast, Panasonic Performance Plus Platinum, Hoover Windtunnel T bagged or Hoover Windtunnel Max bagged. Although fan first designs, commercial uprights such as numerous Sanitaires and Hoover Professional or Guardsman series will do a terrific job on cleaning. An example of one is in link below.

Some people like Sebos and some have found machines that clean better which is the boat I'm in. Sebos are good quality design that are quiet and motors are designed to run at slower speed and start up slower so they last longer. One of their canisters the D4 has a 40' cord which is probably the longest power cord on any canister vacuum on the market. Despite these good points, none of the Sebos have a headlight. I have used a few different models upright and canister and have found that none of them clean as good or have the power of the Riccar, Simplicity, Electrolux or even numerous Hoovers, Panasonics, Eurekas, Kenmores, etc. that I've used. At the price range for which this brand comes in, I think you can EASILY find something that cleans SIGNIFICANTLY better and also is of high quality and offers many conveniences with dollars to spare. Riccar, Simplicity, Miele, Kirby, Aerus, old school Electrolux, many Royals, Kirby, Rainbow, Thermax, Sanitaire, numerous Panasonics, are all of great quality, durable machines.

Just for your info, I have done professional household cleaning for 18 years. I have used MANY vacuums both in commercial settings of restaurant, office and hotel settings along with dozens of households that include everything from multi floors with primarily laminate/ hardwood to wall to wall carpet. I am EXTREMELY fussy in the supplies I use as I look to cleaning effectiveness, ease of use, weight and price as my key factors when buying a vacuum for myself or assisting one of my clients with a decision for their own machine.

http://www.abcvacuumwarehouse.com/hoover-ch50000-professional-commercial-upright-vacuum-1.html

 

[kirbyultimateg]

Sanitaire/Eureka:
http://www.sanitairevac.com/commercial/products/shake_out_bag_uprights/sc679.jsp
http://www.sanitairevac.com/commercial/products/specialty/sc3683.jsp
http://www.sanitairevac.com/professional/products/upright/s635.jsp
http://www.eureka.com/en-US/Vacuums/Uprights/Boss/Uprights-TheBoss-1934B.aspx
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/SANITAIRE-Vacuum-Attachment-Kit-5H070
http://www.eureka.com/en-US/Vacuums/Uprights/Boss-SmartVac/Uprights-BossSmartVac-4870MZ.aspx
http://www.eureka.com/en-US/Vacuums/Uprights/AirSpeed/Uprights-AirSpeedBagged-AS1050A.aspx
Hoover/Royal:
http://hoover.com/products/details/c1631/guardsman-12-bagged-upright-steel-lined-fan-chamber/
http://hoover.com/products/details/c1431010/guardsman-12-bagged-upright/
http://hoover.com/products/details/ch30000/portapower-lightweight-vacuum-cleaner/
http://hoover.com/products/details/c1414900/elite-bagged-upright-hard-bag-case-12/
http://hoover.com/products/details/c1404---/elite-bagged-upright-soft-bag-12/
http://hoover.com/products/details/u6485900/anniversary-windtunnel-self-propelled-bagged-upright/
http://hoover.com/products/details/u5491900/anniversary-windtunnel-bagged-upright/
http://hoover.com/products/details/u5140900/tempo-widepath-bagged-upright/
http://www.royalvacuums.com/Commercial/AllMetalUprights/default.aspx
http://www.royalvacuums.com/Household/Uprights/everlast.aspx

 

[kirbyultimateg]

To lift and carry a Kirby, Follow the instructions in the owner's manual/owner's video.

 

[luxman107]

If I had almost 6000 square feet of carpet and did not use my vac for much above the floor cleaning, I would look at a Kirby too. My vac is used 50% of the time for above the floor cleaning so that is why I need a canister

 

[floor-a-matic]

TriStar CS canister vacuum

Eureka The Boss 1934B upright vacuum

Both are great cleaners & reliable that lasts for generations.

The TriStar CS (MG style, a. k. a. A101) also has a MiniStar for vacing pet hair from upholstery; & it doesn't "bog down" & clog as easily & more efficient than a turbo brush, thanks to the MiniStar's electric powered motor. And you'll have full airflow when using the MiniStar; unlike turbo brushes that diminish suction because most of the airflow is spinning the turbine of a turbo brush.[this post was last edited: 2/10/2013-16:48]