Vac Recommendations

[ocscott3085]

Hi Everyone,
I was wondering if I could get some help from you all in deciding on a secondary vacuum for my home? My 4 month old house is about 4,000 sq. ft without the unfinished basement so there is a LOT of floor to clean! My main level is all hardwood floors and wool area rugs with the exception of my family room which has a frieze carpet. I also have a dog who sheds and loves nothing more than to climb up on every sofa when we're not home and leave evidence behind. It's a good thing she's cute!
My main vacuum is a Dirt Devil 990 Pro Series central vacuum system with the Wessel Werk Edge Power nozzle. It does an AMAZING job deep cleaning the rugs...if you hold the hose up to your ear you can hear all sorts of crap going through it. However, when I just want to clean the sofa, family room rug, and kitchen...it's a bit overkill to get the vac hose from the garage, clean, switch outlets twice(not the best placements done by builder), and wind hose back up to put away.
So, I've been using my Miele Twist upright in between weekly cleanings to keep things spruced up. The Miele has great suction but I don't think it does the best job grooming the rugs despite the kuddos from Consumer Reports and my excellent previous experiences with Miele vacs. It's also fairly heavy and requires expensive bag/filter replacements. With that said, I'm thinking about selling it if I can find a suitable replacement that would
-deep clean rugs well and have a brushroll shut off to do a quick clean of bare floors
- have an on-board hose to clean dog hair off the furniture
- inexpensive bag replacement or bagless with filters I can clean myself
- if possible - no disgusting dog odors when cleaning
- prefer to keep it under $300

I know, this has been quite the list of requirements but I figured this is one of the best places to get sound advice. Thanks in advance!

 

[blackheart]

How about

A eureka smartvac? they are a little bulky but the wide floor suction tube gives it great airflow at the nozzle

http://www.amazon.com/Eureka-Smart-...id=1356272883&sr=8-1&keywords=eureka+smartvac

 

[ocscott3085]

Thanks so much for the recommendation! I have read good things about that model with the exception of belts slipping. I think I may want something a little less bulky as that's one of the more annoying quirks of the Miele Twist...that IS a bulky machine!

 

[kirbyloverdan]

Oreck Axis

Todays special value on QVC It`s just like the Pilot and its $199.99 free shipping .

I have two Pilots and Frieze carpet they do a great job .

Aerus Guardian Upright works well also I use that .

My all time Favorite is the Kirby Sentria II or Diamond edition but they are bulky .

 

[ocscott3085]

That's too funny...actually saw that Oreck on tv this morning. However, it doesn't have a hose and dog hair quickly gathers on the sofa. My parents had an Electroux Epic 3500 when I was in college and I remember it worked well but again, no hose. See why I had to come to you guys...who knew this would be so tough haha

 

[kirbyloverdan]

You could

always buy a small canister . The Aerus does have attachments available. I have a Aerus Lux 4000 that has tools onboard that im selling for $250.00 plus shipping .

 

[gsheen]

I always say this, go to a good vacuum shop and have a look for yourself, try them out yourself, asking some one what vacuum to buy is like asking some one what car to buy, you need to try them out for yourself. Some people Love a Kirby and think its the best vacuum ever some find it to heavy and think a rainbow is better, the best way to choose a good vacuum is to go and try them out for yourself, If you look after it even a $35.00 Bissell will last you a few years

 

[durango159]

Panasonic Canister

The Panasonic MCCG902 is a basic trusted design canister. Lots of suction, strong agitation. 4 on board tools. Standard universal hose end will also accept most other manufacuters attachments to include most likely all of your Dirt Devil Central vacuum attachments. The Kenmore/ Panasonic electric hose will also accept the PowerMate Jr. You can get them new through Panasonic or also find some on eBay and most likely your local vacuum store as well. Hose grip has 3 way on/off switch to control all motors and turn off power head as well. You can keep the power head attached to its own wand system and most likely use bare floor wand set from your central vac. There is a quick disconnect system on the wands with the powernozzle but I recommend using a separate set of wands and not using that connection all of the time as I would recommend with any manufacturer with a quick disconnect. It's a nice convenient feature but something to potentially go wrong in the future as well.

The Panasonic will utilize a variety of bags from several manufacturers available in Micron paper or HEPA cloth. It will fit Kenmore and Panasonic canister bags.

Another option, its on eBay now, but often the Royal Lexon SR30020 canister vacuum appears on eBay at $300 I highly recommend that vacuum but its regular retail price is about $500.

http://www.vcdiscounter.com/mccg902.html

 

[fantomlightning]

+1...

For the Panasonic 902. Works well and will run for years without issue if taken care of.

 

[djtaylor]

I would like to add my support for the Panasonic 902. But I'd like to suggest some USED high-end machines like a Filter Queen, Tri Star, Air Storm or Air Way.
Justin

 

[kirbyultimateg]

I second Rob Shore's recommendation for the Panasonic PN canister.

 

[kirbyultimateg]

Here is the Kenmore version of the Panasonic MCCG902 PN canister.


http://www.sears.com/kenmore-canist...2029319000P?prdNo=15&blockNo=15&blockType=G15

 

[floor-a-matic]

Eureka "The Boss" 1934B upright

 

[eurekaprince]

If you don't mind the expense, and you really want a multi-surface vac that is not bulky like the SmartVac, you should try the Sebo Felix. It's an upright that can be turned into an over the shoulder canister and you can get a variety of attachments to suit your specific needs. Not sure if it will deep clean like the Panasonic 902, but it's worth a try!

 

[eurekaprince]

Consumer Reports has listed the Sebo Felix Premium as a "Recommended" buy. Though it costs about $600, it really is a great sleek easy to use vacuum. Here's a summary of what they discovered during testing:

CARPET CLEANING: The Sebo Felix Premium does a very good job of removing the embedded mixture of sand and powder from our soiled test carpets. This is a measure of how well a vacuum removes the dirt hidden deep in the carpet and not visible to the user's eye.

BARE FLOOR: The Sebo does an excellent job of removing sand from our vinyl floor, leaving very little behind and not scattering sand across the floor.

PET HAIR: This model does an excellent job at picking up pet hair from carpets using its power head. The visual inspection of the test carpet following the pet hair test reveals no traces of pet hair left behind and very little pet hair caught in the brush roll.

USABILITY: This unique and light design with a swiveling head makes it easy to maneuver and clean under furniture. Its method for changing the bag is also a plus as it is easily installed from the top of the vacuum. The on/off switch also controls suction with a convenient slider on the handle. The manual carpet-height adjustment that allows for a better match to the carpet is a dial on the power head that requires the user to bend.

 

[eurekaprince]

Here's a nice Youtube clip showing some of the features of the Sebo Felix Premium. You can buy an optional extension hose and mini turbo nozzle to do your furniture with ease. Love the expandability of this versatile vac!

 

[durango159]

Orange Kenmore and Red Panasonic are a little different!!

Red Panasonic MCCG902:
--Larger bag capacity
--4 piece original Kenmore attachment set--upholstery nozzle is full width and has firm bristles that are great on pet hair
--CT18DX power nozzle
-- Much better grade plastic
--Numerous Panasonic Authorized Warranty Dealers
--Full front access carry handle on canister.
--Full wrap around absorbent furniture guard on suction unit

Orange Kenmore 29319:
-- Air driven mini turbo brush included
--3 piece attachment set, to include cheap version combo upholstery & dusting brush. bristles on this dusting brush feel like agitator bristles they are not for delicate dusting by any means. Upholstery nozzle is quite small with no bristles, rubber fingers or even grooved plastic to better grab dirt.
-- CenTec CT20DXQD power head-- many complaints of rear wheels breaking off rear axle
--Suction unit carry handle is awkward-- grab from bottom only
--Primarily Sears only for warranty repairs

Both machines use the same bag, but the compartment on the orange Kenmore is smaller and will only allow the paper bag to fill about 2/3 of the way, the rest of the bag has to be folded in to fit. The red Panasonic however, the bag compartment is actually larger than the paper bag, Kenmore HEPA bags are huge and work well in this unit.

Here is a link on eBay to the Panasonic MCCG902 predecessor. It is model MCCG973. Brand new in box in this listing. Same vac except for color and power nozzle. The power nozzle on this MCCG973 is the CenTec CT14DXQD. This power nozzle is liked by many in the industry. It was around in the 1980's, they have made some tweaks to it with motor changes, cogged belt to serpentine belt, ridges in front for better airflow and new wooden chevron designed agitator.

Another option, pictured below is: If you want more features you may also look to the Panasonic MCCG917. This can be still under $300. It is rated to be a quieter unit from the 902 with a new design from Panasonic where the bag sits in a removable basket inside the bag chamber to allow more continuous airflow. Also includes air turbine hand tool, variable speed motor, and aluminum telescoping wands. Combo upholstery & dusting brush instead of 2 separate.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Panasonic-1...970&pid=100015&prg=1006&rk=1&sd=140893319575&

 

[kirbyultimateg]

Why did Panasonic make the Kenmore version so chintzy for Sears? Thanks.

 

[lunchboxsean]

Two Words...

Hoover Elite. Cheap, simple, good suction, great carpet grooming, onboard tools, lightweight, ultra reliable, cheap parts, easy to work on... Can't believe no one's said it yet. Two more words. Nuf Sed. Heres a link to a commercial one well within your price range.

http://www.amazon.com/Hoover-C1414-...8&qid=1356341227&sr=8-5&keywords=hoover+elite

 

[eurekaprince]

But Sean, I don't think you can shut off the brush roll on an Elite. This could scratch bare floors and cause lots of jams when accidentally sucking up plastic bags or socks hidden under furniture. Better to try out one of the newer Hoover uprights that allow you to shut off the brush roll when cleaning bare floors...

 

[sanitairered]

I would recommend...

The Shark Navigator Pro. I own one, and it is a VERY effective machine. Also, it seems to match all of the needs you described. Give it a shot, I got mine for under $200 at Wal-Mart

http://www.sharkclean.com/cgi-bin/l...t=NV356E&frames=no&target=main&sponsor=000006

 

[ocscott3085]

Thanks so much guys! I forgot to mention that I have a Miele canister sitting in my basement from my last house so I guess I was leaning towards an upright with brushroll shut-off. I'm starting to consider a Shark Navigator because I have a 20% off coupon at Bed Bath & Beyond along with a $75 gift card. Now I just need to see if I can unload the Miele Twist or Canister for a decent amount of money. I'm thinking I need to hold on to one bagged machine due to the DISGUSTING process of emptying the Central Vac every few months. You all are awesome!

 

[kirbyultimateg]

Here is the Kenmore PN canister in lime green. This one does not have the quick release wands.


http://www.sears.com/kenmore-canist...2029229000P?prdNo=16&blockNo=16&blockType=G16

 

[kirbyultimateg]

Here is the Shark Rotator Lift Away.


http://www.sharkclean.com/rotator/professional-lift-away-nv500/

 

[kirbyultimateg]

Here is the Shark Rotator XL Reach.


http://www.sharkclean.com/rotator/shark-rotator-professional-nv400/

 

[beerad]

There is a Miele at future shop

For $299. A canister

 

[mieles7]

Beerad, are you talking about this one? This seems more like a hard floors vacuum, and he already has a miele canister.

http://www.futureshop.ca/en-CA/prod...spx?path=c067ae4e05d107a1eb81839b1ed87fbfen02

 

[durango159]

Hoover Windtunnel T series with brush roll shut off, cord re

I love Hoover Elites but I don't see a match for that model to his description. Elite does not have brush roll shut off for doing bare floors. Hose is short so even attaching wands with a bare floor brush isn't a good idea with that machine assuming it even takes tools. Many of the Commercial Elites do not come with an onboard tool set and the door that was on household models for tool attachment is a belt storage area on many of the commercial Elites. I also don't see the Elite powering an air turbine hand tool very well.

For an upright and possibly bagless I would look at the Windtunnel T Rewind bagless or bagged. Friends of mine had one at their house. The dirt cup was overfilled and the cyclone was covered dust-- so I was expecting it not to work. I WAS SO WRONG!!! That vacuum was AWESOME>> I was blown away by the suction power. Most of the T Series machines have brush roll shut off and come with air turbine tool. Here is a link to a similar model on eBay, I will contact them for the exact model number that they have. I'm not a bagless fan otherwise I probably would have gotten that vac off of them!!.

Please remember that I am biased towards canisters!! I think it should mean a lot that I'm posting an upright. I am a power nozzle canister nut and uprights are ok but not really my thing. So I would be ULTRA KNIT PICKY in selecting one. So even though I'm TOTALLY for you getting a power nozzle canister such as the Royal or Panasonic above, in the end it is your vacuum and you know your needs!!

http://hoover.com/products/details/uh70205/t-series-windtunnel-rewind-plus-bagless-upright/

 

[eurekaprince]

Hey Rob!

Good advice here....but Scott should be aware that there are some differences between the Hoover Bagless Rewind T-Series Uprights in the 70100 model series and the 70200 series. The 70100 series does not have brush roll on/off pedal for bare floor cleaning, whereas the 70200 series does. BUT: Consumer Reports found that the ones without the brush roll on/off pedal (70100 series) actually perform better - better carpet cleaning, easier to use (lighter in weight by one pound), and better airflow thru the hose for tool use. They are also on average less expensive than the ones with the brush roll on/off pedal.

Though the Shark Professional Lift Away and Rotator is a great choice, Consumer Reports found that it was only "fair" in pet hair removal from carpets - and our friend has a dog.

I still say Scott's best bet is a Sebo Felix Premium - though is costs a hefty $600. But is would seem to answer all his needs and is a very lightweight easy-to-use vac with a 35 foot cord.