Shopping between Kirby Avalir and Simplicity Gusto

[jrbaker]

Ok, I know these might be apples and oranges, but I'm looking for thoughts on which is better for the following situation:

- 3 story house, 60% frize carpet (some on each floor, including stairs), the rest is tile/laminate hardwood

We already have an Electrolux, but I'm trying to by American made and get something that will clean the frize deeply. I've seen posts online that say Kribys are the best for that. My parents had a Kirby Heritage back in the day and it was a tank, I just can't say I remember it being the best vacuum they owned (they switched to Electrolux and eventually Filter Queen after that).

I'm pretty sure I can get the prices of each of these to be comparable when I buy, so cost isn't the factor. We're very used to the convenience of attachment-switching the canister vacs, so the Kirby seems like it's more effort but might be better for the carpet. Looking forward to comments.

Thanks!

 

[human]

Yeah, Kirbys are built like tanks and that's a good thing. But don't base your decision about the Avalir on your experience with a Heritage back in the day. I have a Heritage 1 (okay, so it's probably a big stretch to say I have a Heritage anymore since it's still at my ex-girlfriend's house) and three G-series machines and believe me, Tech Drive makes all the difference. Pushing and pulling the machine back and forth is almost effortless and definitely a different experience from manhandling the Heritage. I can only imagine things have gotten even better with later models since my newest Kirby--a 2001 vintage Gsix--came off the line decade and a half ago.

 

[kirbyvacuum]

New Kirby AVALIR

We have the new Kirby Avalir I am a collector and had to get the 100 year model the power teck is wonderful just about moves it self very strong suction with the cleaning tools also. I love the fact that Kirby is made in AMERICA plus over 100 years old they are doing something right. If you need to bring it up and down stairs it is not that light i have a vacuum on every floor so i dont care. Love it so will you Good luck Doug

 

[sptyks]

If you have 60% Frieze carpeting, then you don't want a canister vacuum like the Simplicity Gusto with a power head! It just won't be able to handle Frieze carpet very well!


 


What you DO want is the Kirby Avalir! It has the Weight and Power to handle Frieze carpet and it has Tech Drive which is the built in transmission that makes the Kirby almost effortless to push and pull on thick plush Frieze carpet. You can't compare the Avalir to the Kirby Heritage because the Heritage had no power assist transmission so it was more difficult to maneuver.  Frieze carpet requires a huge amount of Airflow (120 CFM) which the Avalir has. Canister vacs have good suction but sorely lack airflow. The Avalir has the new Floor Care System which makes it ideal for shampooing your carpet and washing and waxing all types of hard flooring.


 


Check out the video.

[this post was last edited: 9/14/2015-19:43]

http://https//www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnlL1igbTS8

 

[super-sweeper]

I recommend Kirby at every opportunity, but at 3 stories that's a lot of carrying, Unless you're looking for a good workout! If you don't go with the Kirby, perhaps consider an older, rebuilt Electrolux canister? Light weight, good filtration, flexible cleaning, and solid steel! 

 

[dys0nb0y]

I suggest you have a look at the maytag m1200 which has got everything you want and more.

http://maytagvacuums.com/vacuums/m1200

 

[miskini]

Good suggestion ,dysonboy

 

[dys0nb0y]

Thanks

 

[kirby519]

I would go with the Kirby as well. It is much easier to push on any flooring than models prior to the Tech Drive. I still clean with a Heritage II and love It. I don't mind putting some muscle into it to push the machine. I do have plush carpet as well.

I did use the G 5 I have when I had a disk out in my lower neck. That was one time I really appreciated the Tech drive. You can control it with one finger. No joke. And control the speed at any comfort level you desire, And much easier to control than a true self propelled vacuum.

The tech drive is sensitive enough to respond to the slightest touch with out being so sensitive that it can get away like a self propelled vacuum can. Of course practice makes perfect and you learn how to manipulate either one to your liking. Give the Kirby a second look. If you know some one that has a Kirby with the Tech drive see if you can borrow it for a day or two. I would opt to try one made in the last 10 years as it will be the closest to what you will get in the new Avilir.

 

[kirby519]

That Maytag looks Interesting. I may have to see If I can locate one and give it a going over.

 

[jade_angel]

I'm gonna be the weird contrarian here and recommend the Simplicity. As for why, it's because the manual-adjust power nozzle will do just about as well as the Kirby will, and it'll be considerably superior for bare floors and above-floor tasks. My main gripe with the Kirby's hose is that it's just slightly too short - something which the Avalir doesn't seem to have rectified. Yes, the conversion is a little clunky, but that's less of a problem.

I think the canister will be a lot less cumbersome on the stairs, too. IIRC, there's an electric stairs tool for Simplicity/Riccar vacs. If you're used to a canister, I think that all in all, you'll be happier going with the Simplicity.

(This is not to disparage the Kirby - it's a great vac - but I think a canister is a better fit here.)

 

[dysonman1]

The Simplicity would be the much better choice for several reasons. One is cost. I know how much we sell them for at the Factory Outlet Store, the Kirby costs twice (or more) than the Simplicity. The Kirby has a vulnerable belt. It's rubber, has to be replaced, and is in the middle of the path of dirt. The Simplicity has a lifetime belt that cannot break, and the nozzle shuts off as soon as something obstructs and stalls the brush. The brush roller is wood in the Kirby, metal in the Simplicity. The Simplicity brush roller has REPLACABLE brush strips, instead of buying the entire brush roller as on the Kirby. Kirby doesn't have a cord rewinder, nor does it have variable speeds for throw rugs, curtains, etc. The hose is always connected to the Simplicity - it's a true pain the rear end to connect the hose and disconnect the hose on the Kirby. The dirt passes through the suction fan on the Kirby, pick up a quarter and it's "crunch crunch crunch". The Kirby doesn't filter it's motor brush dust - the Hepa filter on the Simplicity returns air cleaner than you are breathing - back into your rooms. The Simplicity has an AWESOME bare floor tool - called the WoW tool. The Kirby's bare floor tool is awful.

You can also get the power nozzle of the Simplicity under low things - the Kirby is a MONSTER (you would be forced to use the hose and play mechanic to get it connected to the Kirby - just to clean under the coffee table).

These are the true differences, from a design perspective, between the Simplicity and the Kirby.

Ultimately it's up to you. I have a one year and two month old Kirby Sentria 2 that I can't unload on anyone. When I realized how much sand and grit it was leaving in my new carpets, I decided it had to go. Can't find anyone who wants to buy it.

 

[kirbymodel2c]

Hi,

<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">JrBaker, I'm sure you will be you will given lots of opinions on this site. Some more biased than others.

</span>


<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">The Kirby Avalir is a great machine. Rated (1st place) for reliability by consumer magazines whereas some of the others mentioned fall quite a bit lower down the list.

Not to mention the gold rating for filteration,cleaning,carpet wear and energy efficiency by the CRI. Plus if you ever get a delicate carpet you can change the brush roll in the Kirby to a delicate one that's made of a superior hard wood with soft bristles. Also if you ever damage the cord on a Kirby it's easy to change, unlike on vacuums with a rewind. But the best thing to do it test one in person in your own home before you buy. So you can see if it suits you or not. Ask if any of your friends have one you can try.</span>


 


<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">Tom, you said "I can't unload on anyone" but didn't CharlesKirby66 on here express a interest in your Sentria II the other week...
</span>


 


<span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">James

</span>

[this post was last edited: 9/15/2015-18:02]

 

[dysonman1]

I would LOVE to sell that damned Kirbeast. If he wants it, he can send me a message on this site.

 

[charleskirby66]

Kirby all day!

@jrbaker-  Kirby Avalir, all the way.  The farther your motor from the nozzle and carpet, the less suction-power and air-flow present on the carpet, and thereby less deep-cleaning being done.  Using the Kirby Avalir as a straight-suction upright would be a good option if your carpet gets pulled too far into the nozzle.  Also, I use my Ultimate G Diamond under my coffee table, piano, in tight closets, even all the way under the bed with no hassle other than tipping the handle down.


 


@kirbymodel2c- THANK YOU for keeping it real and for remembering me!  

 


@dysonman1-  I surmised from your lack of response last week that you were not interested in getting rid of your Sentria II.  But you are?!  YAY!!!

 

[sptyks]

Hello again

JrBaker, I just want to stress again the need for a high quality upright vacuum like the Kirby Avalir for those Frieze carpets. I own a Kirby Sentria which is very similar to the Avalir and I wouldn't trade it foe anything else except maybe a new Avalir.


 


In my humble opinion, the canister powerhead just wont have the horsepower you will need for a deep down clean. There is no advantage in having a metal brushroll over a high quality wooden one except that it is easier to replace the whole brushroll once every 5-7 years than it is to replace brush strips every 2-3 years. The Kirby has an adjustable brushroll to compensate for brush wear. The Gusto does not.


 


I think that the best thing for you to do at this point is to schedule an In-Home demonstration of the Kirby Avalir in your home so you can try it out yourself and make an informed decision about what to buy. Good Luck with whichever machine you decide to buy.


 


Stan

 

[3rdgenvacguy]

frieze carpet

The new Smartstrand silk carpets by Mohawk are very thick and most vacuums snowplow into them. They recommend that the beater bar just gently hits the top of the carpet. Heavy agitation can unwind the twist of the carpet fiber and make the individual carpet strands to become frizzy. From the Mohawk website:

When it comes to premium soft carpet offerings, the increased number of soft fibers can make some vacuums difficult to push. A recent trend by vacuum manufacturers is creating models with extremely high suction power. While high suction vacuums perform well on low pile carpets and hard surface flooring, this is not a good match for thicker, high pile carpets like SmartStrand Silk. When vacuuming premium soft carpets or high pile, wool or wool-blend look for these features:


Adjustable Height: Use the highest setting where appropriate


Efficient Airflow: Avoid vacuums with very concentrated or sealed suction


Large Wheels: Vacuum should glide easily across the carpet



Adjustable height is a crucial feature because this enables the machine to be used on a wide variety of carpet constructions. For the proper height setting, the beater bar or brush should just lightly touch your carpet surface.


If your vacuum is set too high above the carpet surface, the vacuum can’t attract the gritty soil below. Make sure it doesn’t dig into or gouge the carpet pile. If the setting is too low, the vacuum’s beater bar or brushes can “fuzz” the carpet’s surface, causing it to look worn and frayed. If you see any fraying or damage to the vacuumed area, change the setting or use a different vacuum on your carpet from the Mohawk website.

 

[jade_angel]

To the extent that anecdotes are relevant here: I recently had an in-home demo of the Avalir, and in the "salt test", where they pour salt on the carpet, have you vacuum and then go behind to see how much the Kirby gets, it didn't perform terribly well versus a Simplicity Verve.

It wasn't bad, by any means, and did get a lot of cat fuzz out of the stairs, but it didn't exactly knock my socks off.

 

[kirby519]

It is some times hard to make clear choices on major purchases. If at all possible borrow a machine your interested in and try it out cleaning as you would daily, weekly and that spring time cleaning. We have so many options out there and all of us like the machine we use as our daily driver for any number of valid reasons. Ease of use/upkeep, convenience, performance, quality of build or just because we grew up with that and know how to get the best out of it.

I do like to stay with the higher end machines as they are usually the best performers, well designed and have tools that are actually useful.

Think about how you use the machine for your cleaning tasks and how you approach cleaning. What your path of travel is around rooms and furnishings. Do you vacuum walking into the room or do you vacuum from the far corner backing out of a room. That alone can help determine is an upright or canister vacuum easier to work with. How often do you need use the hose and above floor attachments and flooring types. Do all your hose work at one time? Or one room at a time? Or same task in all the rooms then go back and vacuum the open areas? IE Clean one room complete then go to the next room or do you Task clean?

Seems we focus more on what some one has to say that is negative about a product that focus on what is positive about it and think about how that is an advantage in my situation. Every thing has it's short comings. It is it something that is a minor inconvenience or a detractor that just makes the job that much harder?