Vorwerk Kobold VK150.....what are they like!

[madaboutsebo]

Just wondered if anyone has a Vorwerk Kobold VK150 and what their thoughts on it are? Also anyone else who has used one? Or the VK140 as I believe they are the same all but in colour!!

I quite like them for there versatility with the different attachments and being light weight although never used one before! Thought about getting one to add to my SEBO Felix and Miele S7. I know there not cheap nor are the bags and pre motor filter. Wondered if they actually do clean as well as they say they do. Quite like the hard floor attachment that vacuums and washes your hard floors in one go!

Thanks in advance for any thoughts and opinions.

 

[sebo_fan]

I asked about Vorwerk some time ago here on Vacuumland.

See http://www.vacuumland.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?21475

http://www.vacuumland.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?21475

 

[spiraclean]

As a bog standard upright cleaner, there isn't much to choose between the Vorwerk and Sebo Felix. Both are compact and lightweight with a telescopic handle and swivel neck, and are very similar in their handling. The biggest difference is one has separate tools, the other onboard, which is a matter of personal taste. I prefer separate tools, and consider the design of the Vorwerk kit to be amongst the best available, but that's just me. YMMV.

Which one to go for? For most people I'd say the Sebo. It does what the majority would expect of a vacuum cleaner and is far more affordable. You can still interchange between the power nozzle and floor head, and there is an optional polisher unit available for those with enough hard flooring to warrant it.

The Vorwerk is more suited to those who will use its additional functions. The dry cleaning kit is included, rather than requiring one to buy a separate machine, and works very well. You also have the option of the electric upholstery brush, and a glass cleaning kit. The polisher has been discontinued in line with modern housekeeping habits, and replaced by the new oscillating hard floor mopping head.

Models from the VK140 onwards use a brushless motor, which is smaller and lighter and gives the cleaner a higher suction to weight ratio. These models also use a new multiple layered fleece dust bag which dispenses with the need for a separate HEPA filter. The motor filter is purely there to protect the machine if the bag was to be damaged or incorrectly installed, and does not need regular replacement. Instead, it can be vacuumed off or cleaned under running water. Only if damaged, or grossly soiled as a result of the bag puncturing (unlikely) would a new one be fitted.

If you're seriously thinking about it, maybe look at acquiring a lightly used Vorwerk rather than a brand new one. On eBay Germany in particular they are ten a penny, and even with shipping you will save a considerable sum. Brand new ones have rocketed in price ever since Vorwerk UK handed the operation over to an appointed distributor; last time I bought one they were £530 for the full kit, now you're looking at 2-3 times as much depending on which options you go for.

 

[madaboutsebo]

Thanks Ryan for the links will have read through them.

Thanks Spiraclean for your comments and info too. When I enquired they where doing a few deals one for £999 plus you can pay in instalments again 3 packages on that at 0% interest. Liked you say the SEBO Felix is a good choice and cheaper too.

 

[sebo_fan]

The thing that puts me off the Vorwerk is the fact that you have to use separate attachments unlike the Felix. I was about to buy a Vorwerk until I read the posts on here. Yes they look good but then again I think I'll just stick to my Felix. Each to their own though personally Id save £1000!

 

[madaboutsebo]

Very true that's what I keep thinking if you want to use the tools you'd have to get them out the cupboard to use making cleaning a longer task! But I like the versatility of them! It is a lot of money and the consumables are not cheap either 6 bags for £25 I think!

 

[sebo_fan]

For the £1000 you may as well as go for the high spec Miele S8 UniQ or the Hybrid - or even a Kirby upright - at least you'd have money left over!

 

[madabouthoovers]

For a £1000 you could get a new S8 Uniq, AND a new S4 Hybrid AND a second hand refurbished Kirby upright! And still have money left over if you play your cards right.


 

 

[madaboutsebo]

Now you both put it like that £1000 can get you a lot of vacuum cleaners instead of just one! I have thought about getting a cylinder vacuum be handy for above floor cleaning and cleaning the inside of the car. Although I'm not a fan of them I do like the SEBO K and D series and the Miele S8. Could get the entry S8 to match my S7! Even the Miele bags are cheaper than the Vorwerk VK150! Then again my trusty Felix and S7 are great performers and cheaper to run. Plus the Felix has interchangeable cleaning heads, dry powder to clean carpets etc....so why would I need a Vorwerk!

 

[madabouthoovers]

The Felix is a very versatile vac, and I have still yet to get one. I hardly use the S7 I have, as its very heavy and cumbersome, which is a pity as its a great looking vac with all the bells and whistles. I've seen a few S7's now on Ebay with the red light of death, where the overheat light comes on and wont reset itself - due to a circuit failure so I believe. I'm a bit scared to use mine in case it breaks down as there is no warranty on it now.


I think the Felix is the ideal mix between upright and cylinder, as it can be converted to a handheld easily. It can be used on hard floors where the X4 is not so good. Its one drawback is that it has no extension tubes as standard and the hose is short, unless you buy the hose extension that comes standard on the X4 Extra. Getting hold of the correct design of exhaust filter for the Felix is not easy as I see that Sebo don't always stock the whole range of designs, especially for the Rosso and the Union Jack models.  Sebo bags are very reasonably priced at half the price of Miele bags, but they don't filter quite as well. I just got a K series Sebo and am very impressed with it.


Not keen on Vorwerk myself, not very common in the UK and like you say, expensive for consumables, much like the Kirby.


 


Looking at the Vorwerk - its pretty much a replica of the Felix, and no way would I pay a grand for one!

 

[madaboutsebo]

I love my S7 as well as my Felix. I know what you mean about the S7 that why I took out the 10 year cover that Miele had on offer at the time only because I got my S7 at a very good price! The petal release looks complex and I have visions of issues with that later on! I probably use my Felix a bit more than the S7 but after a year the S7 doesn't look to bad!! That's my view on the Felix no wand or extension tubes but that would add weight I suppose. Suppose the hose could be slightly longer! I've got the extension hose but don't use it that much. I take the Felix up the stairs with me unless I use the S7!

I must admit I've yet to change the exhaust filter or pre motor filter on my Felix yet it's due for both very soon. Although it's 6 years old 7 this year in the first 2 to 3 years I didn't use it too much well not as much as I do now. After 6 years it's still as good as when it was new. I wouldn't replace my Felix just wanted to add to it and the S7. Like you say and others too the Vorwerk is overpriced for what it is! The SEBO's are cheap to run and the filtration is ok.

I saw your SEBO K series thread looks very nice do like the K series.

 

[madabouthoovers]

Yes I'm very impressed with the K3, just used it and its a pleasure to use with the standard head instead of the Turbobrush that I usually use when I use the Miele's.


 


Its a good thing you have a warranty on the S7 - they are fragile, especially around the back wheels and associated trim. As I said before, its the overheat circuit that worries me, as it seems if it does trip, it wont work again afterwards. Mine is the upper model with the LED display panel - I don't know if the problem happens with these but I do know it happens with the lower models with the rotary power dial.


 


You have an early model Felix then - which one?

[this post was last edited: 2/15/2014-09:51]

 

[madaboutsebo]

Glad you are impressed with your K3 , looks a great cylinder vacuum.

I'm so glad I have now just in case as mine is the base model with the rotary dial! I see why you don't like to use yours anymore! I thought the undercarriage where the wheels are looks fragile!! Also don't like the idea you can not take the brush bar out to fully clean!!

I certainly do it's the 'classic' one cream and burgundy. I think that is what it was called! It came with the deluxe parquet floor tool. Going to upgrade the pre motor filter to charcoal one when I change it as I have a dog!

 

[madabouthoovers]

What we have to remember is that the S7 was Miele's first attempt at a full size upright, so there were gonna be problems. Lets hope that when they release its replacement (Its been out now since 2008) they make it lighter and more robust.


The current setup on the S7 is just not up to bumping over rough hard floors, and other obstructions, which is why so many come up with damaged trim behind the back wheels - the trim comes too close to the ground when reclined and is prone to being knocked and dislodged. The S7 is OK in a rich person's plush mansion where it will be pampered (lol), but a rough household would be better with a Sebo X4, which are pretty much indestructible, and very rugged.

 

[madaboutsebo]

Lol that sounds about right! I probably wouldn't get used much in a rich persons mansion!

It's not bad for there first attempt at an upright. It does need to be lighter I read reviews that mention the weight factor. I agree the undercarriage and wheels are not designed for rough use over door fresh holds etc...where as the X4 is due to its design to with stands these things.

 

[sebo_fan]

Well, if you just rely on the website alone on SEBO UK, Steve you won't realise that SEBO stock all the exhaust filters. They have both the Rosso filter and Union Jack filter if you phone them. I already enquired about the Union Jack one at the start of the year.

Jon - I too have an early Felix and I wouldn't change it for the world. Eventually if it does go, then I will consider a new Felix in the future.

I would hold off for the moment until the EU law vacs come into play. Then prices should fall on the high power motor vacs. We're not that far off from June 2014 when the brands will start releasing models on the market. [this post was last edited: 2/15/2014-12:00]

 

[madaboutsebo]

I did wonder Ryan if your Felix was an earlier one, I know what you mean same here. I wouldn't swap my Felix for anything else absolutely love it and love using it. I too would have another one and an X4 to go with it. The Vorwerk VK150 wouldn't have replaced the Felix it would have just been an additional vacuum. I thought I'd ask what peoples thoughts on them where as I do like the idea of them. Have been tempted but I think they are overpriced for what they are and I think I would be wasting my money. I think you and others have convinced me even more not to get one as well as myself. It wouldn't compare to my Felix anyway!

My Felix is the best vacuum I think I've ever owned and I'm glad I took that chance and brought one all though 6 years ago. I don't regret it one bit. I prefer it over the S7 as it lighter and easy to move about. If I hadn't taken the additional cover on my S7 I might have got rid of that in exchange for a SEBO X4 or K or D series.

Thats very true, can't wait to see what comes into the market. Look forward to these Eco vacuums of SEBO too.

By the way Ryan my first synthetic bag in my Felix has been in the vacuum 5 months still a bit of room left just, so that is nearly double the paper ones! Love these new style bags. Why would I want a Vorwerk!!