Lux Replacement
Hi,
I am not sure I like any of the machines avail as well as I liked the last all metal machine Lux made in 1992 and I sold a lot of the plastic canisters on the streets of Boston part-time over the years. I always thought the Silverado Deluxe/PN-5 was the best overall vacuum they ever made in terms of ease of use and overall durability.
My pick would be from the following: Miele Marin/SEB236, Sebo D4/ET1, Leftover Riccar Impeccable/Simplicity Moxie or Lux Platinum. Have three of the mentioned and had an earlier Miele. Favorite nozzle is Sebo, Like the Riccar for hose length and good performance. Love the Lux Platinum. Quieter, most powerful of the bunch, convenient, dual HEPA, best attachments. All will have something you don't like. For me it's the Lux wands but I hate the electronic membrane switches on the Riccar and tiny accessories and short cords on Miele. Sebo is clunky and the hose is stiff. All of the power nozzles clean well if you use them so it is a matter of machine preference. All mentioned are plastic except the Lux which is Stainless over plastic. Miele nozzle is a PITA to service.
Try a Downy Dryer sheet in a clean bag and change more often to control the odor. I use two bags/month having a German Shorthair in the house and the twin HEPA in the Lux works well for this issue. Another option is a Rainbow E2B which is an excellent machine and has great scent capability, performance and overall quality. It too is worth serious consideration.
Brian