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.
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