Simplicity Gusto vs. Kenmore Intuition, Blue or Kenmore Progressive, Red

[tjhooverman]

I thought of doing this see if Consumer Reports' test are accurate or not. I wanted to see if the Kenmore Intuition or Kenmore Progressive cleaned the carpet thoroughly with it's dirt sensor reading green or if the Kenmore Intuition or Kenmore Progressive missed some dirt and sand it left behind for the Simplicity Gusto to pick up reading red. Also base on which did the better job, the Kenmore Intuition or Kenmore Progressive with it's wooden agitator or the Simplicity Gusto with it's aluminum agitator with 3 replaceable brush strips. I also had past experiences with one of my Kenmore Canisters that I heard sand running through the hose put up to my ear that I couldn't get all out of carpeting in my house I live in when I was 16 or 17. This makes wonder if the Kenmore Canister I was using at the time wasn't picking up sand still left in the carpet. I also thought about test either one of the two Kenmore Canisters against the Simplicity Gusto on low carpeting. Speaking about the Kenmore Intuition Canister. I heard about bad reviews on the canister, which makes me revert back to the Simplicity Gusto. I had doubts if the Kenmore Intuition Canister would do a good job in my house, because of the bad reviews and if it's the Consumer Reports Best Buy that it is worth the money or should I buy the Simplicity Gusto instead. I need help on this matter.

 

[electromatik]

I would disregard those "dirt sensors" if it were me. I can remember when Consumer Reports themselves called them gimmicks that did little to help clean carpets. Most testers report that they only tell whether the vacuum is picking up dirt, not when the carpet is clean. Dirt can remain in the carpet even if it turns green. No vacuum can remove all dirt. There will always be a small amount in the carpet. On the second part, why worry about what Consumer Reports likes? Judge the machines for yourself. They use sand and talcum powder to "test" vacuums, but vacuums aren't intended to pick up those substances. The only thing that matters to me is does it keep my carpet looking the best that's humanly possible. Vacuums are made to pick up household dirt-dust, dead skin cells, hairs, pet dander, fuzz, lint, etc. If it cannot do that, you will know it. The carpet loses it's color faster, wears down faster, and becomes dingy as the embedded dirt cuts the fibers. A vacuum that removes these substances will keep it looking it's best for far longer. Me, I would go with the Simplicity just for the sake of reliability. I like the new Kenmore's looks wise, but like you I have also heard bad reliability, but who knows how much of that is due to poor care of the machine? One good way is to read reviews on Amazon. Consumer Reports or any other "testing" outfit can't tell you how good it will be in your own home. It's too bad we can't tell how well they will work until we buy them. I can tell you also that the Simplicity is certified by the CRI (Carpet and Rug Institute) for effective cleaning ability, which shows it can remove dirt adequately in a laboratory setting. Again, this doesn't reflect real world performance, as they state at the beginning of the tests. Best wishes on your choice.

 

[tjhooverman]

You're right! I used canisters heavily when I was younger. I was my main method of vacuuming and still is. I am like you, I would go with the Simplicity for reliability.

 

[durango159]

A dirt sensor tells you when that particular machine is no longer finding dirt. It does not necessarily mean carpet is clean.

I personally am not a fan of the Kenmore Intuition. The suction unit has a lot of power and hose handle are intuitive for easy operation. However there are major durability issues with the power nozzle and wand system. Tiny wheels on bare floor brush breaking off, scratching floors, broken connection back into power head. Additionally power head lifts off floor when handle is about 12" from the floor. Maneuverability and overall cleaning power with that power nozzle is very unimpressive to me in comparison to the bottom line Kenmores or Progressives. The Lime green, Tangerine, Blueberry and White are all the same power nozzle and suction power is virtually the same across the entire Kenmore canister line. The only thing you are comparing is features.

The Simplicity Gusto is a great machine. Very quiet, powerful, great cleaner. However I've heard rumors that Tacony is redesigning its canisters and they may be debuting a new model later this year. Therefore depending on your urgency with getting a machine, it may behoove you to wait and see what Tacony comes out with later this year. As we are now in the second half of 2013, the wait isn't too much longer.

 

[tjhooverman]

I prefer the Simplicity Gusto anyway myself. I would use it for Heavy-Duty vacuuming all-around my house.

 

[georgect]

Yea! I can't wait...

Well I am waiting to see what Riccar/Simplicity come up with.

I'm so hoping it will blow the Miele Capricorn out of the water (currently own).

Does anyone have anymore inside info?