Royal vs Kirby

[portapower]

I know I'm probably going to open a can of worms but, I know that there has been some discussion regarding which vacuum is better--- Kirby or Royal.
Can anyone explain the difference or why one is better than the other. The both seem heavy duty and powerful and will get the job done. Is it just personal preference or what ?

 

[nycwriter]

As a fan of both ...

... I'm waiting to see some responses.

My initial thoughts are that TODAY'S Royals are built in China and aren't built as well as they used to be, while Kirbys are still built in the USA.

 

[durango159]

I would go with Royal for some of their older style machines. I think Royals have a much better appearance and color scheme going on. I've seen some VERY impressive youtube videos of Royals. Sadly I just have little experience with them in real life.

Kirbys just aren't my cup of tea. For the price paid, the heft of machine, cleaning results, carpet appearance, sound of machine=--- especially in attachment mode. They clean good but I don't think its as good as some others. They're just not my thing. I've tried each of the G series, Heritage, Heritage II and a couple others. I know I'm probably one of a very small number on this site that doesn't love and go ballistic over seeing a Kirby!!

 

[nycwriter]

Kirby ...

I'm LOVING my restored Dual Sanitronic 80.

BUT it's been retrofitted to take a disposable bag. I'm not so sure I'd be thrilled with the emptor.

 

[sptyks]

I own...

a Royal 2075 and 3 Kirbys. A Sentria, G3, and a D50.

My Kirby Sentria will definitely out clean my Royal. I also own a Kirby Dual Sanitronic 50 which cleans about as well as the Royal. However in my opinion you just can't beat the looks of the D50.

 

[pr-21]

I have both....

I have both and my Sentria II is a better deep cleaner. I had an 880 Royal in the 80's, Brand New....I say 80's but whenever the 880 was the current model as I am not quite sure. Anyway, the 880 did not groom my carpet back then as well as my Electrolux Marquis, Eureka Ultra. Today I have the current Royal 9 amp Red color model and it is way to loud, however it does do a much better job than the 880. With that said, the Kirby still is a better deep cleaner in my opinion.


PR-21

 

[ornery]

I'll Keep It Simple

Without mentioning names, one is ridiculously heavy, ridiculously complicated, and ridiculously expensive. If you really want to know which is "best", find out which one is used more extensively commercially. Actually, given that criteria, Sanitaire would come out on top!

http://https//www.youtube.com/watch?v=VeYvihcCfN8

 

[vinvac]

Actually, I love using either machines.

I have a several Royals and Kirby's in my collection and enjoy using them all.

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

I currently have two Royal metal uprights (and am to get a third from Evan Baier aka kirbykid the day after my 33rd birthday). Those are models 880 (built 2/1985) and the Stark's exclusive 5000NA (built 12/1987). The one I hope to get is the model 786, which on the front of the bag says "Prince" (a model name associated with their line of hand vacs), and this machine was built 9/1987.

I also of course have two Kirbys... my grandma's Classic III and the Dual Sanitronic 80, the latter also a gift from kirbykid.

~Ben

 

[suckolux]

everyone always does the videos barefoot, I keep waiting, I know one day someone will do it in high heels!

 

[cb123]

Strangely, I've noticed that same phenomenon, and your probably not too far off. With the only exception, they will be in six inch stiletto heels and sky-clad to boot.

 

[marks_here]

Then that would be called

A drag race IF the kirby has tech-drive & gets stuck going forward!! LOL

 

[nycwriter]

Well ...

"everyone always does the videos barefoot, I keep waiting, I know one day someone will do it in high heels!"

Maybe these videos are fetish porn for some ...

 

[suckolux]

Oh Matt!

 

[cb123]

I don't think it's just because Kirby is more functional and has more appeal, but it's also more photogenic. It has a certain something which Royal sorely lacks... A charisma. It is an attractive machine, which inspires an undying devotion in those who love it.

 

[firebirdman55]

Kirby

 

[tolivac]

I own and use both-hard to decide which is really better.Royal could be called a poor mans Kirby-its less expensive than the Kirby.I really do like both machines--toss up for me.For Kirby easier to use with a hose.However-for either machine a canister vacuum is still better for the hose and hand tool jobs.

 

[hygiene903]

I Love Both!

The Royal is just as durable and powerful as a Kirby, but is also more maneuverable and lighter weight than the Kirby. As for attachments, hose suction is about equal and I think it's a matter of opinion whether it's easier to pull the nozzle or pop off a cap and the belt to connect the hose. And the Royal always was, and still is less expensive than the Kirby.
Jeff

 

[sptyks]

The 500 series Kirby's are very similar to the Royal's in both looks and cleaning ability. Royal has the advantage of costing less.