jaker15
Well-known member
Hey there, Luxy1205! Here's some information regarding Kirby's vacuum cleaners, as well as which one makes a good daily driver. Every Kirby enthusiast has a different opinion on which model is best for frequent use, but it's entirely up to you to decide which model(s) to add to your collection!
As well as collecting vacuums, I also have a couple of old air-cooled engines from the 40's. Both of them run fairly well, but I never use them to power anything. They just sit in my yard and run. LOL
I have only used a few of the numerous models Kirby produced over the years, including:
-Classic III
-Heritage II
-G3
-514
-G5
-Sentria II
Out of the ones I have used, the 514 and Classic III are tied for my favorite. The 514 is very lightweight compared to newer models, handles well, and is just a fun cleaner overall. Keep in mind that the "500" series was produced from 1945 until 1963. The last "500" model was the 562, then came the Sanitronic 7. After the S7, Kirby introduced the Dual Sanitronic 50 in 1965. The "Dual" refers to the 2-speed motor that changed from a low, carpet-cleaning speed to a higher speed when the accessory hose was installed. This was the basis for the newest models, all of which have 2-speed motors. Introduced in 1967 was the Dual Sanitronic 80, which was similar to the DS50, but had many improvements & features that the previous model lacked. In 1970, the Classic was introduced, and thus signified the end of the First Generation of cleaners, and started the Second Generation. After the Classic came the very famous Classic III, first released in 1976. This is arguably the best model Kirby ever made. It's a monster. It had a huge nozzle, streamlined chassis, and a very pretty red color scheme. And man, does it roar! I think that the design was heavily influenced by the cars of the 70's. In 1981, Kirby released the Tradition. It was a lot like the Classic III, very similar in design, but the most noticeable difference is the color. Instead of ruby red, it's sapphire blue. The biggest difference in design is that it was the first model to use disposable bags. All of the previous models used a shake-out system, referred to as the Sani-Emptor. From the Tradition on, Kirby's machines used disposable paper bags.
After the Tradition, the Heritage was introduced. Shortly after came the Heritage II/Legend, then the Legend II in 1989. In 1993, the Second Generation ended and the Generation 3 was released. Then came the G4, then the G5, then G6. The G6 lasted until the turn of the century, after which the Ultimate G was released in 2002. In 2003, Kirby released the Ultimate G Diamond Edition. The most unique feature of the Diamond Edition was the Normal/Delicate speed selector switch. In 2006, Kirby unveiled the Sentria. It lasted until 2012, then the current model, the Sentria II, was released.
I apologize if this is a bit too long, but I hope that it helped at least a little bit! Note to other Kirby enthusiasts: if you see that I made a slight error anywhere in the information, please correct me!
I'd also like to hear your opinions on what you think is the best daily driver out of all the models.
As well as collecting vacuums, I also have a couple of old air-cooled engines from the 40's. Both of them run fairly well, but I never use them to power anything. They just sit in my yard and run. LOL
I have only used a few of the numerous models Kirby produced over the years, including:
-Classic III
-Heritage II
-G3
-514
-G5
-Sentria II
Out of the ones I have used, the 514 and Classic III are tied for my favorite. The 514 is very lightweight compared to newer models, handles well, and is just a fun cleaner overall. Keep in mind that the "500" series was produced from 1945 until 1963. The last "500" model was the 562, then came the Sanitronic 7. After the S7, Kirby introduced the Dual Sanitronic 50 in 1965. The "Dual" refers to the 2-speed motor that changed from a low, carpet-cleaning speed to a higher speed when the accessory hose was installed. This was the basis for the newest models, all of which have 2-speed motors. Introduced in 1967 was the Dual Sanitronic 80, which was similar to the DS50, but had many improvements & features that the previous model lacked. In 1970, the Classic was introduced, and thus signified the end of the First Generation of cleaners, and started the Second Generation. After the Classic came the very famous Classic III, first released in 1976. This is arguably the best model Kirby ever made. It's a monster. It had a huge nozzle, streamlined chassis, and a very pretty red color scheme. And man, does it roar! I think that the design was heavily influenced by the cars of the 70's. In 1981, Kirby released the Tradition. It was a lot like the Classic III, very similar in design, but the most noticeable difference is the color. Instead of ruby red, it's sapphire blue. The biggest difference in design is that it was the first model to use disposable bags. All of the previous models used a shake-out system, referred to as the Sani-Emptor. From the Tradition on, Kirby's machines used disposable paper bags.
After the Tradition, the Heritage was introduced. Shortly after came the Heritage II/Legend, then the Legend II in 1989. In 1993, the Second Generation ended and the Generation 3 was released. Then came the G4, then the G5, then G6. The G6 lasted until the turn of the century, after which the Ultimate G was released in 2002. In 2003, Kirby released the Ultimate G Diamond Edition. The most unique feature of the Diamond Edition was the Normal/Delicate speed selector switch. In 2006, Kirby unveiled the Sentria. It lasted until 2012, then the current model, the Sentria II, was released.
I apologize if this is a bit too long, but I hope that it helped at least a little bit! Note to other Kirby enthusiasts: if you see that I made a slight error anywhere in the information, please correct me!
