Please help me choose

[mattshaver]

Dear All, I'm brand new here and I just wanted to ask a couple questions...

I have a 9 year old Kenmore vacuum canister that is starting to fall apart on me. I've taken apart the power-head several times to clean it and plastic pieces are beginning to chip, crack and it's begun to crack the hose. I don't know how much it would be to replace the power-head and hose. However, I have a beagle whom I love very much and that's another issue with the Kenmore. It clogs very easily at the power-head and requires dismantling to get it unclogged.

I was thinking Dyson as my X has one with three cats and like it. However, we used it before we went our separate ways and I didn't like the way it worked. Tricky to empty unless you have three or four arms, fills up quickly (to fast for my taste) and I could never get the extensions to work quite right and she'd have to help me get it out and push it back in...that's a Kodak moment.

But then I thought about Kirby. My grandma still has her Kirby from the 1960s and going strong. And it still works. She's promised it to me but I don't want it for an every day machine. However, I was thinking about getting a used Kirby such as a G6 or Diamond series. It's my belief you could get a use one very reasonable.

I like to have a machine that will not clog from my Beagle's short hair but deeply clean my carpet. I'd like to have a machine that can clean stairs pretty well as I have a split level home with carpeted stairs. I'd also like to be able to clean the corners of spider webs and lastly, I'd like a machine that will clean bare floors as I'm beginning to think of putting hard wood in my kitchen and dining room.

My mom has a Hylea (not sure that's the right spelling) and my grandma also has Rainbow along with her Kirby. But I'd like to get an upright. Please help me choose a machine that will last more than 5 years and save me from my Kenmore than likes to cough up fur balls all over my carpet.

Matt
Spfld, IL.

 

[hoover1060]

Matt,

I'd recommend the Kirby too, I have a Diamond edition that I really like.
I'd also suggest a metal Royal Everlast upright if the Kirby is too much $$$.
for a 3rd choice, a Sanitaire Blue Line, also a good sturdy machine.
Hope this helps!

 

[mattshaver]

Hoover 1060,

Thanks so much for your input. I am going to look at a Kirby this afternoon, hopefully. I'm more likely to purchase a used one than a new one as they are a little pricey. I don't think I need an in-home demo as I've heard and read horror stories from people who has experienced that. So I'll see what the local Kirby dealer has used, that will give me a good starting point.

I'd like to but local and then have the support. Although I'm not against eBay at this point either.

 

[kirbyvacuum]

Kirby G Series

Hi Matt I think for the most part you would do better with the Kirby with care they will last for years. Also it is still made in the good old U.S.A.I have been in the cleaning line for 31 years. ( A local school I was the Head custodian) .We have used just about every vacuum out their and nothing lasts like a Kirby.The G series is very easy to use you can get some good deals from e-bay however try your local Kirby dealer first. All you really need is the Kirby it self and the basic attatchments. Also the zip brush is very good for removing pet hair. I hope this has helped Doug You may E-mail me if you have any questions please put Kirby in subject.

 

[hoover1060]

you're welcome...

Let us know how it all turns out!

 

[vinvac]

Matt,

I am in total agreement with Jeff. The Royal or the Sanitaire would both be great alternatives to the Kirby. I know there was an ebay seller that was offering the Royal Everlast series at $325.00 with free shipping. If you watch ebay and end up going with the Royal, you may find a good attatchment set as well. The Royal in my opinion offers good tool suction, as well as quality tools if you find the metal version.

Dyson was not rated very good for pet hair removal and tended to clog as well. So, I think your heading down the right path.

Morgan

 

[beerad]

MATT!!

Based on what you shared with us,, I would go for an older Filter Queen. THat vac would satisfy all your needs. esepecially the dog hair... and get a chocolate brown and chrome one with a chrome power head and all attatchments , including the floor brush..like this one on the right..

 

[beerad]

whoops..

I meant the one on the left..

 

[beerad]

Hey Matt!

Go for a Filterqueen... based what you shared with us i think a F/Q would satisfy all your needs. Go for an older , chocolate brown one like this w/ power nozzel and attatchments..

 

[swingette]

Kirby

IMO the G models are just a wee bit too bulky and cumbersome, but they do an excellent job on dirty carpet.

A refurbished Legend or Heritage style is an older machine, but there is very little that can go wrong with them. they age very well and arent as bulky and heavy as a G model.

if you are the savvy type, ebay can save you a lot of money on this kind of purchase.

If you are accustomed to cleaning under low furniture with your Kenmore you will be in for a rude awakening with a Kirby.

Have you considered a Sebo? They are expensive but they also fit under very low furniture and have excellent build quality. Very versatile and low maintenance too.

 

[kirbyboy1]

IF I were yall. I would get a Filter Queen. The Majestic triple crpwn is ok. But the older ones are much better. They are very easy to work on and pick up like nothing else. If you use yours with a enviro pur filter it is odor eliminating. Some that have a two speed motor makes cleaning alot easier. YOU can clean the curtains. One last thing is there so quite you could vacuum the dog with it. the older machines are like silent. Well hope this helps.

 

[mattshaver]

Hey All, I want to thank you so much for your input. Believe me, it's greatly appreciated. I did go over to the local Kirby dealer and found they were closed for the weekend. However, I am not against looking at other brands either. As much as I like a canister, I'd like an upright this time around. I think right now, I'd like to go and visit our local Kirby dealer to see if he has a recent G5/6 or Diamond that has been traded or rebuilt.

Also I'm looking on eBay at a couple local auctions, I hit my local Pennysaver paper and CraigsList.

My Grandma promised hers to me, but she lives on the east coast. My grandfather says it's tuned up and knowing him...it will suck the paint off the walls. LOL.

Is there anything I need to know before I approach a Kirby dealer on their turf? LOL. Please let me know.

Thanks so much,
Matt
Spfld, IL.

 

[petek]

While I love Kirbys I also live in a split level and personally they're especially awkward dealing with all those stairs. Course I have multi vacuums on each level so it isn't a problem for me LOL

 

[tolivac]

Go with a Kirby--but would suggest if you want a used one-DO NOT go to the Kirby dealer-Chances are they will try to sell you a new one.And buying a used one from them will cost you more.But the machine may carry a warrantee of some sort-Ask if you do buy from the Kirby dealer.Normally they don't like selling old or used machines.They like to try to sell new ones.However the new ones are expensive-but you get a fresh new machine.-and it carries a warrantee.It might be worth it.I have a new Sentria.love it!I don't know-like a new car something about the look and SMELL of a new Kirby out of its box!I have bought a few new Kirby machines.But the downside you have to put up with the demo.Some demos go very well.And you may be able to bargain with the salesperson for a lower price.

 

[swiveltop]

Hi Matt, I had a Kenmore Canister,probably an early 90,s model, a wispertone,the body of the canister just started falling apart,the plastic got brittle, I have a Kenmore Progressive now that I really like,but I'm really gentle with it because the plastic is really flimsy,It has a Powermate Junior that is great for furniture and the car,the power nozzle has a wood brush roller that will unravel my area rugs but dosen't groom carpets well,I had a Kirby G4 that was a great machine,I got it from e-bay for about 70.00,It didn't groom the carpets like my Kirby Heritage Two so I sold It on Craigs list, theres some good deals out there,so stay away from the dealer,just start collecting and you will just have to decide what vacuum to use,I didn't like Oreck's till I got a later two speed model,on low speed you can vacuum area rugs and bath rugs and on high it will groom the carpets well and pick up pet hair. also Filter Queens are great.

 

[mattshaver]

I've sorta narrowed my search down to two machines:

1. Kirby G6 or
2. Kirby Ultimate G.

I guess the machines is sold with a lot of extras or hardly none at all. Do you really need the shampooer? I can see having some of those items, but all of them would be a little overwhelming.

Also, would you all purchase a machine on eBay? If so, have you all any experiences or vendors you might recommend.

Before work, I intend to visit our local Kirby shop to see what they have to offer in the used G6 or Ultimate G line.

I'll let you all know what I find out,
Matt
Spfld, Il.

 

[hoover1060]

Hey Matt...

I have a G6-2000 that I will gladly sell you if you are interested. I need the space!!!
The cleaner is complete with all tools, manuals and video, as well as the shampooer and even sander.
Email me if you are interested.

 

[kirbyvacuum]

Kirby Hunt

Hi Matt Well what is your decision? .If you want to really save the G5 is a very good vacuum . I have anoung many other Kirbys a G 3, 4,5. They do a wonderful job on cleaning carpet. Let me know what you got. Good Luck Doug

 

[mattshaver]

Dear All, I'm so sorry I've been a little dilatory in writing back. But Hoover1060 is helping me out with a G6. Truly, I'm very excited about this opportunity. Hopefully, weather permitting, I'll pick it up this weekend. I'll take plenty of picts (if that's cool) and let you know how clean my house is.

Also, thank you so very much for the input. I really was nervous talking to all you vacuum geniuses but I feel much better knowing I was in great hands. I'll keep you all posted as to how this all works out.

Matt
Spfd,IL.