Torn on new power nozzle

[vgwpg]

Hello, I am considering buying a new power nozzle for my central vacuum, but I really don't know which one to get. I have a mix of carpet from short berber and commercial style carpeting in my basement to more plush (but not actually considered plush) carpeting in the bedrooms.
I am currently using a Cen-tec CT14DX power nozzle, the one with a beater bar on it. (Pictures are attached.) I LOVE it. It agitates and grooms the carpet very nicely, and I find that it deep cleans really well. Unfortunately, as it's getting old, it's not working quite as well as it used to, and parts are not readily available. I also have an EBK 340, but I don't find that it cleans as well as the CT14DX.
I think that I've narrowed it down to 4 heads: the Wessel-Werk EBK 360, Sebo ET-2, Sebo ET-C/350e, or Lindhaus PB14E, which is pretty much the Stealth powerhead. (I've also considered a Riccar nozzle). I like the EBK 360 because it is very aggressive, it has an easy release and height adjustment, a headlight, and the wand works with standard floor tools. However, the Sebos seem built a bit better, are easier to clean out, and I like their sound. (To be honest, I don't really like the way the Wessel-Werks sound.) The Lindhaus I haven't used, but it's been recommended by people. I'd really like an ET-C because they are a beast of a head, but I'm not sure how it would perform on the higher pile carpet, and I heard that Sebo no longer makes them.

So what I want to know; what is your opinion? I care about the cleaning performance, agitation and grooming most, then longevity and quality. Secondary qualities to me are efficiency, convenience and ease of use, and other features, like a headlight or a swivel.

Thank you in advance!

 

[panasonicvac]

You are correct, the ET-C has since been discontinued and it's been replaced by the ET-2. And honestly, I would recommend the ET-2 over the ET-C.

So based on what you're looking for, you're most likely better off with the EBK360.

 

[vgwpg]

Why do you think that the ET-2 is better than the ET-C?

 

[panasonicvac]

They're about 10 times the improvement over the ET-C. It has a height adjuster, the brushroll has two rows of bristles, you can even equip to use a delicate brushroll if you wanted to, it's easier to remove the brushroll, one of the lights is a button that you can turn the powerhread off manually, the release pedal is more durable, you get a better chance of reaching under furniture, they're more easier to take apart to repair or service, they're quieter, and they're more powerful.

The ET-C is still an excellent powerhead no doubt about it, in fact they're one of my all time favorites. But one of the things that I really like about Sebo is they always continue to design and engineer to make their vacuums better than they were before.

 

[vgwpg]

Thank you! I did not realize that it had that many improvements. Well, that most certainly makes it a no-brainer! I do really love Sebo.
So, why exactly would you recommend the EBK 360 over the ET-2? How does the EBK 360 compare with the EBK 340?

 

[panasonicvac]

The EBK360 is a step up of the 340. Not a whole lot of differences on improvements but I would take the 360 over the 340. It has a height adjuster, better release pedal, and it has bigger amps.

The 360 offers better performance while the ET-2 rely more on durability. Not to mention that you'd appreciate the swivel neck more on the 360 and it has a bright LED headlight. Personally I prefer the ET-2 over the 360 because I put reliability before performance since I like something that would last a very long time and I usually keep a pretty clean house to myself so it's not like I need to have the 360 for my carpets.

 

[vgwpg]

Thank you very much Alex!
Hmm, it’s a hard choice! I suppose that I’ll just have to get both of them one day! After all, one can never have too many powerheads!
Do you find the ET-2 comparable to the CT14DX on your grandpa‘s Vacumaid system?

 

[panasonicvac]

If the CT14DX were to get replaced entirely, I honestly would get the MD Stealth 15" which is made by Lindhaus. My grandfather has some old carpet that I feel like the ET-2 could be too aggressive to use on, however I could get a delicate brushroll for it but one of the things that I like about the Stealth better is hair doesn't get tangled in the brushroll as much.

 

[panasonicvac]

So in terms of cleaning performance, the ET-2 compare to the CT14DX with the original brushroll would do a better job. But if the CT14DX uses the upgraded brushroll, they both would almost be identical with bonus points going for the ET-2 on sweeping the dirt on it's path better. Now if the ET-2 uses a delicate brushroll and the CT14DX uses the original brushroll, I'd say both would almost be identical as well. Again with bonus points going for the ET-2 on sweeping the dirt on it's path better. And finally if the CT14DX uses the upgraded brushroll and the ET-2 uses a delicate brushroll, the CT14DX would do a better job. So that's just based on my personal experience, you may have different results but that's what I've seen overall.

 

[beagledad]

The EBK360 is a very good power nozzle. I've had no issues with it and is very durable. The Sebo is nice but watching repair videos it looks like the plastic gets scratched and etched very easily. I'm sure it still performs well but some look like they've been through hell.

 

[vgwpg]

Thank you.

Thank you for your recommendations. I think that I'm going to go with the ET-2, as I do love the CT14DX.
And I do apologize if I sounded against Wessel-Werk. I'm not, in fact, the EBK 360 seemed perfect for me. I'm just a bit leery because I have a freind who has one for her central vac, but it only lasted 5 years before the motor burned out. And she did not abuse it, and maintained it properly. However, she does vacuum her house every day. So I feel more comfortable buying something that I know will last.

 

[gregvacs28]

yes

"...vacuum her house every day" If she literally does, that is a bit excessive for ANY vacuum.

I'm only guessing but I would think vacs used in hotels probably don't have more than a couple of years before they are replaced or need service.

I doubt Wessel-werks intends their power nozzles to be used more than once a week for a half hour. In that case, the 360 lasted for quite a while longer than one might expect with that kind of commercial-like operation.

Most residential vacuums have warranties that specifically state that the vacuum warranty is void if the vacuum is used in on a daily basis in a business.

I also swear by the EBK 360 and the EBK 340. I have (2) of the first and (1) of the 340.

I hope the new nozzle you chose works great for you.

 

[n0oxy]

good choice

Honestly any of those three nozzles are good choices, I have all of them, but I think the Sebo nozzle is one of the best. It's so easy to remove the brush to clean or replace it. And I would say it performs as well as any other power nozzle. The Lindhaus PB14 pro is also a great nozzle as is the EBK360. The EBK360 does have kind of a high pitch sound that is a bit annoying though. I think you will really like your new Sebo nozzle.
Mike

 

[vgwpg]

Yes, she does literally vacuum her house every day. She has several kids and pets, it gets messy quick. But only the upstairs is carpeted (Around 800 square feet, I'd say.), plus a couple of rugs on the main floor. And she alternates between the central vac and her Dyson stick vac.

Wessel-Werks are only designed for a half hour per week? Wow, that is quite surprising actually. On average, we vacuum for two hours per week, and I thought most people would at least clean for one hour per week.

I still think that I'm going to go with the ET-2, as it has been highly suggested. I am now also considering changing my CT14DX to the newer poly-V belt system, as that was suggested to me also.

Thank you so much for all of your help!

 

[gregvacs28]

SEBO

Is supposed to be another Top of the line pn.

Good Choice and I'm sure it will work well for you. Some of their models have easy to remove, no tools required brush rolls. Makes for easy belt maintenance.

As for the EBK testing, it's only my approximation on how many hours they figure a typical person would use it. I doubt any residential vacumm is intended for several hours use daily. That's more of a commercial application.

 

[kirbylux77]

Vincent, there is one other powerhead you didn't mention but should look at and consider: the Sweep & Groom, and the knockoff of the Sweep & Groom, the Dustcare PB11 poowerhead.

Look, I am not saying the powerheads you narrowed your choices to are "bad"....they are all high quality powerheads....but compared to your Centec Ct14dx, the Centec grooms and agitates the carpet SIGNIFIGANTLY BETTER than all of them. Especially the Lindhaus powerheads, as they have only 1 row of bristles. The problem.with the Sebo and Wessel Werk powerheads are they are designed for European style carpeting, and the European manufacturers make 1 design for 1 region of the world, without realizing that other regions in the world have different carpeting styles and require more aggressive brushrolls.

However, the Sweep & Groom powerheads have VERY aggressive brushrolls, and actually groom and agitate carpets slightly better than your Centec. Some other nice features is the brushroll is METAL, with metal endcaps, and you can replace just the brishstrips, you don't have to replace the entire brushroll when the bristles are worn down. And the bristles are very inexpensive too. Some brushrolls are VERY PRICEY to buy....a brushroll for a Wessel Werk EBK360 runs about $100 dollars for instance. And metal brushrolls do NOT get damaged like wood brushrolls with olastic endcaps or plastic brushrolls from himan and pet hair. And with wooden and plastic brushrolls, in most cases you have to replace the ENTIRE brushroll, not just the endcaps. Also, one nice feature is the on/off switch built in, very useful if you use it with another vacuum down the road with no powerhead switch on the hose handle.

The only disadvantages the Sweep & Groom have is it uses a flat belt, and it has no headlight. However, you only need to change a belt once a year, and you only need to remove 2 screws to pull off the too and change the belt. I would suggest using the Kirby 301291 or Royal Style 8 knurled belt instead of the Eureka AR & PT belts though, they are only slightly more expensive and last a bit longer between belt changes.

If you absooutely need a geared belt and headlight, then get the Dustcare PB11. To get the ssme agitation as the Sweep & Groom though, you will have to buy a Sweep & Groom brushroll, and change the metal core and the brushes, and reassemble using the endcaps and metal rod from the PB11 brushroll. Also note the Dustcare brushes can replace Sweep & Groom brushes if you find the Sweep & Groom are too aggressive.

Yes, they are only average quality powerheads, but one should laat at least 10 years. And they are about 1/2 the cost.

 

[gregvacs28]

One should avoid anything with a flat belt.

You'll be changing belts every 6 months. They also tend to shred rubber dust and make a mess inside the pn.

 

[vgwpg]

Rob,

I actually have a few Sweep N' Groom nozzles, no PB11's though.

That's what people keep telling me, that nothing will beat the CT14DX. If only the modern Centec models were better quality, that would have also been one of my choices. They know how to clean carpets.

They do. I find them about equal with the Centec. I do like the metal brushroll and replaceable brushstrips. The Sweep N' Grooms are very good for a budget-conscious person. They are cheap and easy to maintain, while having decent quality. However, the flat belt and no height adjustment is why I don't like it. The brush stops on the thicker carpets, I've burned through quite a few belts. I also find that it "skips" a lot on some carpets.

I don't understand how you could use the PB11 with a geared belt. The Sweep N' Groom brushroll wouldn't work with a geared belt.

 

[panasonicvac]

I like the Sweep n Groom powerheads. I agree with how powerful they are and I also do appreciate the metal brushroll with it's replaceable vibra groomer brushstrips in them. We have one of those, it's been nice overall. And my aunt had one from her previous house of almost 21 years that she just sold yesterday. She is going to have the EBK360 kit for her new Allegro central vacuum at the new place. I did thought about recommending her another Sweep n Groom powerhead but unfortunately she has mostly higher pile carpet at the new place which I honestly wouldn't want to use the powerhead on, I also do agree with how difficult it can be to use it on because it doesn't have a height adjuster. And honestly, I think rubber belts are just a thing in the past nowadays.

And my uncle had one of those PB11 powerheads from his previous house. It works and it does a nice job on carpets. But it felt very cheap which I didn't like. The Ace CT20DXQD powerhead in his current home I think does a much better job.