Out of the cleaners I got this year:
Most Beautiful: A certain rare General Electric upright I bought over 3 months ago, which is STILL making it's way over here from Australia. More on that when it arrives...IF it arrives!
Honorable Mention: Dyson DC02 Recyclone - I believe they only made 400 examples!
Best Design: A tie between the Hoover Model 150 (many thanks to Tom Anderson!), and the Airway Fleetwood Special - both such contrasts to the other machines of the era.
Surprise: Maytag Windtunnel - I'd heard mixed reviews of these from the metal-construction purists. Sure, it won't last as long as a vintage Hoover model, but I'm very impressed with the performance. Also, the Hoover Slalom - performance and built-quality lightyears ahead of anything Hoover's made for the last 10 years.
Fun To Use: OK, these aren't in my collection, but very little will ever compare to using either Kyle's Model O, or Tom's Model 961, on 08.08.08!
Most Useless: Oreck XL, Hometek 'Tradional Upright' (Oreck rip-off!). Sorry, no offence, I know they have their fans, but I'm not among them!
Best Value: Rare, fragile Hoover 'glass' Turbopower Autoflex U2336 in hardly-used, near-immaculate condition - cost me £4.50 from the market in town.
Poorest Quality: Dyson DC03 Clear (beautiful transparent, but fragile, plastic), Hoover Turbopower Autoflex U2336 (again, notoriously brittle plastic). Also, the Miele Revolution 500. I know so many people, myself included - who suffered from the problems with the powerhose, and had to spend £99.50 having the machines reconditioned. What a great disappointment from what should be a flawless machine.
Best Quality: Any of the pre-war Hoovers, Kirby Diamond Edition (sold to help pay for my trip to NorCa!).
Overall Winner: Very, very hard to pick just one, but if you insist...Hoover Minor 200B. Rarer even than the original Minor/Duster 200. Never thought I'd own one!