Vintage Kenmore canister vs Electrolux canister

[bullwhisperer]

Late 70's Kenmore vs Electrolux approx same era canister vacuum. Could I get your opinion on which is better. I have wood floors, live on a ranch, pets. Floors get used and abused. Sweeping and upright not cutting it. Or, would you go with a filter queen?

 

[electromatik]

Any of the 3 are well built machines. The Lux would be my choice. From that era, it is probably the gold colored Super J, right? The Super J followed the Golden J until the coming of the Olympia 1. The Kenmores from that era were still well built too. Filter Queens are always considered high quality but they are harder to empty. They don't use bags and you must turn the unit upside down to empty. The Electrolux machines are legendary for ease of use and long life.

 

[dysonman1]

The Electrolux is what I'd go for. Easier to empty, easy to find the self sealing bags, better filtration and quality than a Kenmore (the hoses were always problems for Sears vacs), plus the Lux has a geared belt. The Lux attachments are legendary for ease of use and quality as well.

 

[stricklybojack]

Running a vintage machine...

in your demanding setting seems to behoove you to make sure you get a machine in top condition. We're talking about something 40 years old after all. An Electrolux will fill up with pet hair fairly fast i would imagine. I love the Kenmore's and own two, but with pets on a ranch i would look elsewhere. There are quality commercial canister vacuums with large capacity bags that can be bought new for under $300.[this post was last edited: 2/27/2014-15:57]

 

[stricklybojack]

One few would think of...

is the Silver King Vacuum. This thing is all metal, and has an extremely powerful motor. It is like the filter queen but even simpler as far as maintenance goes. The weak point, just like the older Filter Queens, is the power head, but it seems you only need straight suction anyways. It also is less convenient than a bag system. But both this, and the FQ, will be easier on your budget in the longer term because usually people with pets fill bags fast.
The one in the pic is "buy it now" on Ebay for a very good price. It is the Blue Max version, but all the Silver Kings are pretty much the same machine (see pic and link).[this post was last edited: 2/27/2014-18:49]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Original-Si...447?pt=US_Vacuum&hash=item58abe2c0af#shpCntId

 

[rugsucker]

Electrolux!

Sears has always been a good choice.Filter Queen is QUALITY but as above messy to empty.Others above can be great but expensive and not as easy for service and parts.As the old slogan went-'Electrolux is better.Better buy Electrolx.'!!All Elux have the 4 ply self sealing bag.Pet hair would only be a concern until you see how much will go in the bag before losing suction.Then open door,take out bag,drop in new bag,continue cleaning.Takes longer to type this than to change bag!As above Elux atts are better and bristles replacable after hard use.The deluxe(Super J,Olympia,etc)give you chrome trim,automatic door and cordwinder.If you want a simpler,lighter vac the Model L is a great choice especially if floors are all hard surface.Elux can be easily found(flea mkt,thrift store vac store,EBay,etc)at good price and oftem the worst problem is an easily replacable worn hose.

 

[suckolux]

I have been informed they are not 4 ply anymore from local dealer. Lux is easier to live with sure, but Kenmore would prob work ok too.

 

[bullwhisperer]

Thank you!

I'm going to go with the lux. I don't mind changing bags a lot, but emptying the filter queen just seems like too much. I especially like that the bags are easy to change with the lux. I'll just make sure to have a big stash on hand. I saw an old Royal canister and it looked pretty good, too, but the attachements didn't look as high quality.

 

[suckolux]

you really can change them with your eyes closed.

 

[super-sweeper]

Of course,

If filtration is not much of a concern, you could always use a cloth bag set-up in your Electrolux!