Royal Powercast-yes they look "cool" but a total failure as Dirtmaster37 says.I own two of these beasts-the direct air Royal metals OUTPERFORM these hulks with LESS power.The "dirt devil" paper bags these machines used were pitiful.They would clog quickly so you had to replace the paper bags in these often.the machine drew too much power often tripping 15A breakers when no other appliances on the circuit.And you needed a truck or tractor to push those things.They didn't last with a local cleaning service here.They quickly went back to their Sanitaires.If a Powercast fell off their truck the machine was hopeless.
What is the worst vacuum from the past 20-ish years?
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dirtmaster37
Well-known member
Killing, and good looks..Oh My!!
I wont disagree at all that they are cool looking. In fact that helped sell them. To me, it kinda resembles what would happen if you crossed your eyes and other things, you mated Air-Way DirtMasteR from the 30's; with it's sister an Air-Way Twin motor of the same vintage ( hey this happens in ArrrKansas).... Then that offspring later on mated with a Royal Dirt Devil, and had a lovechild which ended up being he Powercast.
There were three models that I clearly remember. The Blue trim was the base model, IIRC didn't come with tools (but had a cheap set like the next one as an option); the Rose/Reddish color was the middle of the road, had a few more features, and IIRC came with a cheap plastic tool-set. And finally the Grey one, that had all the bells, and whistles, and a deluxe tool-set that had metal wands etc... It's been a LONG time since I thought about them, but that seems to be what was offered. Good/Better/Best...
So, to many at that point in time, the weight was actually an asset. To many a heavy machine feels solid, and therefore a good buy. Ask anyone who buys a Kirby, a Miele U1 upright range, or a dual motor anything from Tacony. It shocked me, being that this was nearly 30 lbs; as to how many felt that way (that it was solid and therefore worthy of purchase). These same persons were also still buying competitor vacuums that weighed about or near the same. Or had an equally heavy machine prior too...
And how quickly the enthusiasm failed, the production lines fell silent, replacements with regular models mounted, or a rebate of sorts. Kinda how Ford Motor felt in 1959 when the discontinued the Edsel. Hence why many that I knew from our area, called it Royal's Edsel. It probably had alot to do with why Royal became less itself, and more a corporate conglomerate. I'ms sure that they lost money on the whole fiasco. Certainly someone was taken to the factory courtyard, and strapped prostrate, and spanked before the crowd. Or just got fired. Or maybe im a pervert. Hmmn.
Ahh memories. Another that was similar in my mind was the Hoover Z for (Zilch sales). As heavy, looked like someone gutted Johnny5 and put in vacuum motors and called it the evolution of Hoover. Nope that was another nail in the coffin of the big H itself..
And more anon...
Chad
I wont disagree at all that they are cool looking. In fact that helped sell them. To me, it kinda resembles what would happen if you crossed your eyes and other things, you mated Air-Way DirtMasteR from the 30's; with it's sister an Air-Way Twin motor of the same vintage ( hey this happens in ArrrKansas).... Then that offspring later on mated with a Royal Dirt Devil, and had a lovechild which ended up being he Powercast.
There were three models that I clearly remember. The Blue trim was the base model, IIRC didn't come with tools (but had a cheap set like the next one as an option); the Rose/Reddish color was the middle of the road, had a few more features, and IIRC came with a cheap plastic tool-set. And finally the Grey one, that had all the bells, and whistles, and a deluxe tool-set that had metal wands etc... It's been a LONG time since I thought about them, but that seems to be what was offered. Good/Better/Best...
So, to many at that point in time, the weight was actually an asset. To many a heavy machine feels solid, and therefore a good buy. Ask anyone who buys a Kirby, a Miele U1 upright range, or a dual motor anything from Tacony. It shocked me, being that this was nearly 30 lbs; as to how many felt that way (that it was solid and therefore worthy of purchase). These same persons were also still buying competitor vacuums that weighed about or near the same. Or had an equally heavy machine prior too...
And how quickly the enthusiasm failed, the production lines fell silent, replacements with regular models mounted, or a rebate of sorts. Kinda how Ford Motor felt in 1959 when the discontinued the Edsel. Hence why many that I knew from our area, called it Royal's Edsel. It probably had alot to do with why Royal became less itself, and more a corporate conglomerate. I'ms sure that they lost money on the whole fiasco. Certainly someone was taken to the factory courtyard, and strapped prostrate, and spanked before the crowd. Or just got fired. Or maybe im a pervert. Hmmn.
Ahh memories. Another that was similar in my mind was the Hoover Z for (Zilch sales). As heavy, looked like someone gutted Johnny5 and put in vacuum motors and called it the evolution of Hoover. Nope that was another nail in the coffin of the big H itself..
And more anon...
Chad
The HEAVY Powercast had NO assisted or self propel as the Kirby and some other vacuums out there.The cleaning service out here who tried the Powercast HATED it because it was just too heavy and clumsy to use-esp women operators.And they HATED trying to carry them on or off the service van.Can see why a few of them got dropped.The Hoover Z was simply like pushing a clumsy wheelbarrow full of bricks.And it was just an AWKWARD machine.The cleaning services didn't care about tools-they had separate canisters.Too many folks out there a HEAVY machine is a turnoff-just too heavy to lift and use-clumsy as well.At least you can get the hang of using the Kirby with its assisted propel.and it was LIGHRTER than either the Powercast or Z.And the Z didn't have a self propel and was equipped with that STUPID rotating filter that didn't work.Kinda like the Keeler device that is so hated here.
durango159
Well-known member
Awwww Chad!!!
I actually really love the Royal PowerCast!! It's one of my favorite vacs to use whenever I visit a collector who has one. I agree with you Josh, as a collector it looks SUPER COOL!!!
That being said my pick for the worst vacuum over the past 20 years would be the god awful Eureka Maxima/ Powerline lineup. These uprights came in both bagged and bagless form and both absolutely atrocious!!
If you want a dust spewer for all of your attempted cleaning and the dirt to remain on the floor while attempting to clean then these god awful things are for you!! The sounded absolutely awful and were clogged in seconds whether you got the punishment of using the bagged or bagless one!!
YUCK!!
I actually really love the Royal PowerCast!! It's one of my favorite vacs to use whenever I visit a collector who has one. I agree with you Josh, as a collector it looks SUPER COOL!!!
That being said my pick for the worst vacuum over the past 20 years would be the god awful Eureka Maxima/ Powerline lineup. These uprights came in both bagged and bagless form and both absolutely atrocious!!
If you want a dust spewer for all of your attempted cleaning and the dirt to remain on the floor while attempting to clean then these god awful things are for you!! The sounded absolutely awful and were clogged in seconds whether you got the punishment of using the bagged or bagless one!!
YUCK!!
gregvacs28
Well-known member
Anything bagless.
It doesn't matter if's upright, canister, central Vacuum, a shop vac, or even a cheap 12 volt car vacuum that plugs into your dash.
It doesn't matter if's upright, canister, central Vacuum, a shop vac, or even a cheap 12 volt car vacuum that plugs into your dash.
Regina Housskeeper
Me too Chad. I'm being sarcastic and serious at the same time lol!
Me too Chad. I'm being sarcastic and serious at the same time lol!
vacuumdevil
Well-known member
@kloveland the Regina housekeeper was pretty bad. At the same time there was the Phantom which was worse. And who could forget some of the Bissell products of the time?
mark40511
Well-known member
I wish I could remember
what upright vacuum I bought brand new on some website. It was a commercial "sealed" Eureka I think, but I could be wrong. I'm thinking it was between 225 and 300 dollars. It was bagged. Maybe it was a hoover or sanitaire. I honestly can't remember. I remember it was a hard-bodied vac. The thing I hated about it was the suction was horrible. I literally couldn't believe how horrible it was.....I ended up giving it to someone. I wish I could remember the model but I can't. This was probably around 2007 (ish).
what upright vacuum I bought brand new on some website. It was a commercial "sealed" Eureka I think, but I could be wrong. I'm thinking it was between 225 and 300 dollars. It was bagged. Maybe it was a hoover or sanitaire. I honestly can't remember. I remember it was a hard-bodied vac. The thing I hated about it was the suction was horrible. I literally couldn't believe how horrible it was.....I ended up giving it to someone. I wish I could remember the model but I can't. This was probably around 2007 (ish).
gregvacs28
Well-known member
Bissell zing bagged
Bought one of these last summer. When camping for the summer in a camping trailer.
It does NOT stand on end, as shown in the picture. There are no supports for that and the cord end sticks out of the cord winder.
It makes a annoying high-pitched noise.
The thing gave off a burning smell which I thought was just the result of being new; but over time, it didn't get better.
I paid like $60.
Frankly, it helped me get interested in researching central vacuums as I realized if the vacuum were outside and I simply got a long hose, which I did, the noise, the smell, and any dust would stay outside. I ordered a 15' shop vac hose and adapted to this and put the vac right outside the door when vacuuming. Worked great that way.
It was a bad vac, but with a very positive outcome.
Bought one of these last summer. When camping for the summer in a camping trailer.
It does NOT stand on end, as shown in the picture. There are no supports for that and the cord end sticks out of the cord winder.
It makes a annoying high-pitched noise.
The thing gave off a burning smell which I thought was just the result of being new; but over time, it didn't get better.
I paid like $60.
Frankly, it helped me get interested in researching central vacuums as I realized if the vacuum were outside and I simply got a long hose, which I did, the noise, the smell, and any dust would stay outside. I ordered a 15' shop vac hose and adapted to this and put the vac right outside the door when vacuuming. Worked great that way.
It was a bad vac, but with a very positive outcome.
Dirt Devil Breeze bagless
The exhaust was in the front so it blew stuff everywhere and the curtains would go flying and occasionally the dust cup would fall off spill. Plus it was a PAIN to clean the filter.
BTW the that Power Cast... how is the hose connected? I've seen one in person.
The exhaust was in the front so it blew stuff everywhere and the curtains would go flying and occasionally the dust cup would fall off spill. Plus it was a PAIN to clean the filter.
BTW the that Power Cast... how is the hose connected? I've seen one in person.
s_brisowitz
Member
Kirby Sentria
@s_brisowitz That's the most disappointing vacuum for sure!
Man I wish Kirby would make a totally new vacuum design!
Man I wish Kirby would make a totally new vacuum design!
s_brisowitz
Member
Royalfan
I sold them new and it was no match for one customer's Bissell Featherweight. It was such a fantastic little vacuum. I challenge anyone to tell me to the contrary!
-Aunt Sylvia
I sold them new and it was no match for one customer's Bissell Featherweight. It was such a fantastic little vacuum. I challenge anyone to tell me to the contrary!
-Aunt Sylvia
mark40511
Well-known member
Hmmm, the last 20 years
Keep in mind that I haven't used or owned a HUGE amount of vacuums, but a decent amount over the years.....and the worst (for me) by far was the Fantom bagless that came out in the late 90s. The specific model I had was the FURY and I hated that vacuum with a red-hot passion. The reason? It leaked dust like crazy - vacuuming was useless......as I would vacuum the outside of the vacuum itself would literally collect dust. I had to take it outside to empty it and clean the vacuum itself off when done cleaning and I never really felt like the house was clean because it leaked dust so bad. It had a HEPA, but I don't think it did anything. I know there are a couple of Fantom fans and that's fine, but me personally, I hated it.
There may be even worse vacuums than that - but in my case, that's MY worst vacuum cleaner experience.
Keep in mind that I haven't used or owned a HUGE amount of vacuums, but a decent amount over the years.....and the worst (for me) by far was the Fantom bagless that came out in the late 90s. The specific model I had was the FURY and I hated that vacuum with a red-hot passion. The reason? It leaked dust like crazy - vacuuming was useless......as I would vacuum the outside of the vacuum itself would literally collect dust. I had to take it outside to empty it and clean the vacuum itself off when done cleaning and I never really felt like the house was clean because it leaked dust so bad. It had a HEPA, but I don't think it did anything. I know there are a couple of Fantom fans and that's fine, but me personally, I hated it.
There may be even worse vacuums than that - but in my case, that's MY worst vacuum cleaner experience.
Easy,,,but there are 2
Eureka Bravo and Hoover Elite....nothing comes close for ease of breakability and noise.But these may be somewhat earlier than the dates listed, I cant remember, I haven't paid much attention to anything since the early 80s, most everything since then is junk to me.[this post was last edited: 12/3/2018-20:33]
Eureka Bravo and Hoover Elite....nothing comes close for ease of breakability and noise.But these may be somewhat earlier than the dates listed, I cant remember, I haven't paid much attention to anything since the early 80s, most everything since then is junk to me.[this post was last edited: 12/3/2018-20:33]
ridgidwd0670
Well-known member
XXX iforce canister--power nozzle loud & high-pitched despite its a electric nozzle; also breaks at wand connector
ultralux88
Well-known member
Euro Pro/Shark. They don’t even offer parts for repairs!
gregvacs28
Well-known member
Anything Kirby. Can't believe they still make that metal beast as of this date.
kirbysthebest
Well-known member
Haters will be haters
Just asking if Kirby is sooooooo bad. Why do they consistently get Gold ratings?
Anyone, Anyone, Oh-you're going to say it's because they pay the institute off. Cop-out anyone.
Just asking if Kirby is sooooooo bad. Why do they consistently get Gold ratings?
Anyone, Anyone, Oh-you're going to say it's because they pay the institute off. Cop-out anyone.
abcvacplacentia
Well-known member
Tom's right, the Hoover Z is truly bad!
I agree with Tom, that Hoover Z has to be the biggest POS I've ever seen. Definitely the Pontiac Aztek of vacuum cleaners. Like trying not to watch a really bad movie, but you just can't look away (Con Air, Showgirls, etc.). I think the beauty of this machine is its Rube Goldberg complexity. I'd love to see the Vacuumdevil rip one to pieces and rebuild it. Can you even get parts for this thing?
I wonder if anyone has a mint condition Hoover Z? People collect Pintos, Gremlins, Vegas and Chevettes, so why not the Hoover Z? I'll give a medal to any Vacuumland member who actually has a mint condition one of these.
I agree with Tom, that Hoover Z has to be the biggest POS I've ever seen. Definitely the Pontiac Aztek of vacuum cleaners. Like trying not to watch a really bad movie, but you just can't look away (Con Air, Showgirls, etc.). I think the beauty of this machine is its Rube Goldberg complexity. I'd love to see the Vacuumdevil rip one to pieces and rebuild it. Can you even get parts for this thing?
I wonder if anyone has a mint condition Hoover Z? People collect Pintos, Gremlins, Vegas and Chevettes, so why not the Hoover Z? I'll give a medal to any Vacuumland member who actually has a mint condition one of these.
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