Vacuum Suggestions?

VacuumLand – Vintage & Modern Vacuum Enthusiasts

Help Support VacuumLand:

O

ocscott3085

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 28, 2009
Messages
169
Location
DMV
Hi All,
So I feel like I have a pretty good idea of what's available out there on the market right now but thought I'd check and see if I'm missing anything. I'm looking for a vacuum to use when I don't feel like dragging out the central vacuum. Currently, we have a Vacuflo with Hide-A-Hose as well as 8 standard wall outlets that can be used to run the Edge Powerhead kit. The outlet placement sucks so to do the main level of our home we have to switch the hose 3 times unless we use the HAH outlet which will cover the whole main level. The only issue with the HAH outlet is that the Turbocat doesn't seem to leave the wall-to-wall carpet as well as the Edge powerhead (obviously). To work around this, I bought a Riccar Supralite vacuum (TOL) last spring and while it's awesome, it is a bit of a downer not having the tools on board. In fact, my partner has mentioned several times how he can't understand why I would have bought a vacuum without tools considering how often we have to clean our sectional sofa due to dog hair. Does anyone have a reasonably priced vacuum with tools on board (upright or canister) that cleans carpets very well and doesn't cost a fortune? I've tried to like the new Dyson uprights but have returned the DC41 and 65 because they feel so flimsy. Any ideas?
 
hmm

Have you looked the the riccar/simplicity vibrance/symmetry line their entry level models may work for you, otherwise how about a miele S7? they clean carpet well, clean hard floors with the flip of a switch, the handle for the onboard tools is comfortable, and the tools are easy to use, they also have a variable speed control on them, the base model runs about 400

If you're looking for something cheaper a basic hoover windtunnel/tempo is always pretty good but sometimes have short non stretching hoses.
 
I just got a Powered Lift Away True pet a couple weeks ago. I LOVE it. It cleans very well, better than my DC65. It feels pretty durable, too. My only complaint is that it is too powerfull. Even with it on the "high carpet" mode which reduces suction, it has a lot of suction, and still clamps down to some of my throw rugs.
 
There are some very good uprights out there that do not cost a lot. Consumer Reports tests show that the following three uprights will give you decent carpet cleaning without breaking the bank...these 3 also have on-board tools including turbo nozzles to remove pet hair from furniture:

Kenmore Elite 31150 ($290)
Hoover Windtunnel Max UH30600 ($150)
Eureka Smartvac 4870 ($150)

The Eureka tops the trio for carpet cleaning. The top-rated Kenmore has a longer cord (35feet) than the other two and has stronger airflow thru the hose for tool use. But the Hoover is lighter than the other two at only 17lbs (vs 21 lbs).
 
a vacuum suggestion

You didn't say if you wanted bagged or bagless, personally I would suggest a bagged model, how about the Panasonic mc-cg902, it's reasonably priced, it's a canister but does include a power nozzle for the carpets. Another great canister is the Riccar Prima.
 
If you have a ton of smelly dog hair, perhaps you should consider a water filtration vacuum like the Rainbow or Sirena. The Rainbow would be ideal because you could use it for aromatherapy and wouldn't have any stinky dog smell. Or you could buy a small canister for cleaning with tools (e.g. Riccar Sunburst.)

I have no idea how much it would cost to modify your cental vac, but perhaps that is worth looking into... Best of luck.
 
How long is your electric hose? When I installed my VacuFlo 566Q almost 10 years ago the longest electric hose available was 30 feet, now they come in 35 feet. I know it doesn't seem like much but those 5 extra feet do come in handy. I have direct connect inlets with my system and now have the Simplicity power nozzle and hose, and I've never been happier. You can't beat the convience or the performance of the VacuFlo system and if you are able to make some modifications to make the best use out of the system that would certainly be better than buying a portable vacuum. Best of luck!!
 
EurekaPrince Brian, what you say may be true, but according to the Rainbow salesperson, you'll save like $70 a month on bags and filters by purchasing a Rainbow over other vacuums (not sure where the number came from, but surely the salesman would never lie). Surely you would have to agree that it's not just the initial cost to consider. Plus the water vacuums offer aromatherapy and air cleaning options. If you have pet hair on the sofa to clean, you surely will have stinky dog smell with an ordinary vacuum. The Rainbow is a very versatile machine.
 
Thank you for all of the suggestions! I've actually tried the Shark and Miele uprights before too. Guess I'm too picky ;) The Shark was actually the closest to "perfect" upright vacuum that I have used...just didn't love emptying the container after every use. I'm very much a "bag" kind of guy. In fact, I DREAD emptying the central vac as I find it to be a very dirty chore. I'll stick with what I have for now and should something better come along, I'll jump on it. Bimmer - my hose is only 30ft but I do realize that they come in 35ft as that is what my parents have at their house. It's more so the outlet placement that wasn't well planned by the builder. I also find this hose to kink more than the hoses I've grown up using. However, I *LOVE* the Rapid Flex hide a hose...I feel like every house should come with that setup! That outlet is fairly centrally placed on the main level of our house.
 
Wasn't there a thread earlier in the year from a Rainbow owner who still found the smell of pet hair reeking from the vacuum? Its not so much the canister at fault but apparently even the hose had been washed out many times but still smelt bad. Also the tools. So many owners forget that - and with other brands too. The HEPA filter on board can only go so far.

See if you can try out a second hand SEBO upright - i.e Windsor Sensor with manual height adjustment.
 
sebo_fan - do you have a link to it? Would be curious to read. While water filtration vacuums have a lot of disadvantages, I didn't think stinky exhaust was one of them, provided the user follows directions and stores the motor unit away from the water pan.
 
Sorry but no

No I cant Ralph and frankly Im fed up having to offer up archive links to support everything i say on this forum.

If you have the time Google it. In the mean time this previous archived thread refers to MOLD that a Rainbow owner found on his E series canister when he pulled the HEPA door off. See link.



http://www.vacuumland.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?23783
 
Well thanks for your link anyway. It is very important to store a water filtration vacuum properly. Improper storage can certainly lead to a very stinky machine. I did a quick google, and the complaints I found were directly attributable to someone leaving the dirty water in the Rainbow for extended periods. The Rainbow must be stored properly with the water pan separated from the motor unit to avoid problems.
 

Similar threads

justjunque
Panasonic straight suction canister
Replies
11
Views
21
justjunque
justjunque
amtraksebo1997
Looking to buy a vacuum cleaner for my model train club.
Replies
3
Views
14
lesinutah
lesinutah
johnsmith96
Central vacuum recommendations.
2
Replies
24
Views
73
durango159
durango159
amtraksebo1997
I kind of don't like retractable hose systems.
Replies
6
Views
41
amtraksebo1997
amtraksebo1997
mark40511
5 Year Update Cirrus CR-79 Upright
Replies
19
Views
24
mark40511
mark40511

Latest posts

Back
Top