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Danswifey

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Joined
May 25, 2015
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8
I'm looking for a canister vacuum that will thoroughly clean. Here is my criteria:

-We have severe dust allergies so I don't want a vacuum blowing more dust into the air. Is a "sealed" system what we need?

-bags that don't leak more dust into the air when I change them

-the ability to vacuum under the beds with a wand that can run nearly flat

-an electric powered mini roller to vacuum under high dressers and stairs


I would love any advice and recommendations!
 
What percentage of your home is carpeted? Some homes that have mostly bare floors and low pile throw rugs do not need a canister with a power nozzle.

If you do need a power nozzle, go for the Miele Marin - an excellent all around canister with excellent filtration for those with allergies. If you don't need a power nozzle, go for the Miele Alize or Olympus. Both have enough air flow through the hose to effectively power the optional Mini Turbo nozzle you are looking for. The Alize and the Marin have a longer cord, longer hose and interior tool storage compartment.
 
I'm sorry I can't figure out how to reply directly to each poster. I'd like to be under $1500 but I can spend more if it's necessary.

The majority of the house is carpeted except the kitchen, entry room and bathrooms.
 
No worries regarding responding to each of us; usually just typing the name will be enough to respond.

Miele vacuums are extremely good and I have owned a few. Both SEBO and Miele do not offer electric power nozzle "mini" brushes as far as I am aware - they can be quite heavy according to some of the U.S members I have spoken to on here.

Eurekaprince makes a good point though - the air driven ones are easier to manage, lighter in the hand and use vacuum air to power along.

However, the better canister vac in my opinion is the SEBO D4, as suggested previously. It is fitted with a durable, robust power nozzle with a brush roll on/off button and 4 height adjustments. It is also very easy to push and has an entirely removable brush roll for cleaning off.

Its filter system has also been recognised as being one of the highest.

The dust bags for SEBO are usually available in boxes of 7 or 10 dependent on seller. Twice as more as you would get with Miele.

The link to Amazon.com shows a model that comes with a mini stair & pet turbo brush.

Anything else, just ask! Im sure there will be more members on here with other suggestions.

http://www.amazon.com/SEBO-Canister...e=UTF8&qid=1432591618&sr=8-6&keywords=Sebo+D4
 
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Dyson DC54 Cinetic Animal or Dyson DC39 Animal is good. Has all of the things you need and it has a tangle free turbine tool which doesn't slow down as it hits the surface, the brush accelerates :) The brush never gats tangled so you can use it on as much hair as u want. Also the machine has a telescopic wand with the floortool that goes flat.
 
I forgot to mention, Danswifey that ALL of SEBO's canisters do not have the motor exhaust on top unlike Miele. SEBO's air is diffused to the sides through the handy protection cloth Lycra Airbelt bumper that also absorbs bumps in general use. Thus, when you take out the cleaning tools from the rear, you don't breathe in the motor air.

Also SEBO's D dust bags have caps on the bags that you simply hook over and fit over the dust channel. Miele's dust seals in my opinion don't always fully close and the bags can be difficult to lift out quickly if they are packed up with dirt. The SEBO bags just lift up and can be taken out.

I am not a fan of bagless vacs in general unless they are cordless hand held dust busters or cordless type sweepers. The mains power vacuums all have bottom trapdoor releases but the dust and powder dirt can often get stuck up at the top of the shroud. Bagless are not suitable for those with allegies to dust in my opinion.
 
You should also consider the Power Team version of the new Riccar Prima or Simplicity Wonder models.  They are the same model except for color.  You can select the power nozzle you want to go with the canister and there is a smaller electric power nozzle available too.  It has a bag that can be sealed for removal and HEPA filtration.  They are available online or through vacuum dealers.  They also make a few larger models.  The link should take you to pictures and a review of the Prima by another member.  Good luck with your search!



http://www.vacuumland.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?28832_22
 
For allergies and exceptional performance...

A Rainbow could be a very wise choice for you. They are sold door-:-Odoor traditionally, but most authorized distributors will sell you a machine in store with a quick demo if necessary. I've got two presently, and they are great machines. One is an older D4-Se Performance Edition, and the other is an e-Series e2 2-speed Gold. The new black model is a great performer. No matte what others opinions, I find there is absolutely zero dust expelled both in use and when emptying. All the dirt and dust picked up is trapped in water. As long as you empty out before it gets too filthy, you're good to go. I find a great satisfaction in seeing all the dirt that is picked up being trapped and them poured out and gone for good. They are also very robust and will last a lifetime. I traded in my aunt's 1968 D2 for my 2008 model and it still ran and performed like day one...with repsirs or breakdowns in it's 40 years of use in my family. The Rainbow would meet all your requirements if you don't mind to empty it after use. I own several machines, with my Kirby seeing the most use. Its a great all around machine, the best there is for my needs anyway. I have Electrolux/Aerus canisters, a Filter Queen, Kenmores, and a couple others. I've used Miele, and I do like them and the features they have. But, in my opinion, they don't have anywhere near the durability or performance that their premium price suggests. They just don't have "it" , especially at their respective price points. I've never used a Riccar, Simplicity, or Sebo, but I have heard good things about them all. But also bad, as with pretty much any product. I will day that I don't care for my Filter Queen at all, our really any of the others besides their occasional use. But, as another member stated, I would definitely not go with a bagless machine...dry dust cup canister type...no matter what model. I've got several and none are suited for those with allergies, Filter Queen especially, but dyson as well. Aalso, the fact that you have a realistic budget for a really good, high end vacuum is great. A machine at that price point, if you choose wisely, should pay dividends in many ways over the years. This is just my suggestion, and hopefully it will give you another option to consider when making your decision. And I wish you well and happy vacuuming lol.
 
Henry Xtra or any Henry/Hetty with an Airobrush is VERY good. The airobrush is very good if you have pets as the rotating brush picks it up with ease. It has a combination tool which is suitable for both carpets and hard floor. It has a chrome metal baseplate on it tool. The tubes and the handle are also stainless steel. The low profile of this is quite low being a canister vacuum and everyone loves these machines for reliability hence why they are so popular in the UK.

Numatic machines have the following in common;

Hepa flo bags- they provide almost constant suction until the bag gets jam packed full.

Low noise level- They are so quiet that you can have a conversation over them. This is one of the many advantages of using a Henry in somewhere like an office.

Durability- Builders use Numatics because they can take a good pounding. They hardly/rarely have any broken plastics on them

UK made

Great suction- Some people find the Henry too hard to push on high power due to the suction, but the airobrush makes it easier to push because of it's design. Also, there is a button which gives you the option to reduce the suction on the vacuum so that you find it easier to push. Some people use it on low mode anyways because it's so powerful.
 
It has a chrome metal baseplate on it tool

Tayyab, bear in mind that Numatic vacuums can be quite difficult and expensive to get hold of in the US. Also, the floortool on Numatic's is entirely plastic and does not have a metal underside. Only the John and Lewis had this and they're no longer on sale and weren't available in the US.

I'm with Nar and EurekaPrince - Miele and Sebo are the way to go if you want high filteration, high performing, reliable and efficient machines. Both have high quality, sealing filter bags with minimal leaking. Any fine particles that do get through the bag are captured by the S Class or HEPA filters.

The water filteration vacuums like Rainbow can be incredibly heavy to lift and move around when full of water in day to day use, so whilst they're great vacuums, they may not be the best option if you're wanting something light and easy to use.

I've also heard good things about Simplicity and Aerus vacuums, but we don't have those in the UK so I can speak for first hand experience. One of our US friends will be able to advise on those though if you want more info.
 
Simplicity or Riccar are my recommendations, here, especially the new Wonder/Prima. Miele and Sebo both rank up there with them, but I think the Simplicity/Riccar vacs have a better power nozzle, better hose and an interesting range of options.
 
Check out Riccar & Simplicity

Early last year I was diagnosed with asthma and found myself in a similar situation. I tested a variety of canisters. I already owned a Kenmore Intuition (built by Panasonic) which had many nice features--and though it was highly rated by Consumer Reports, it simply was deficient in what I needed it to do, especially regarding HEPA. However, among the things it had that I learned I really wanted was a headlight on the power nozzle. It surprised me when I went looking that so few European models offer that, but for me it was a deal breaker. I mention this particularly because where it is most useful to me is under the beds--and you mention that task. Otherwise, I really liked the Sebos--way more than the Mieles. My sister has a Miele, and I'm always annoyed when I use it at her lake house--very short cord, very small bag, no headlight (I think you can get one, though). The Miele does a very nice job, but these are things that would drive me nuts on a regular basis, but that's just me.

At the time I was diagnosed with asthma, I needed to buy a vacuum right away. So, although I tested a Riccar Prima prototype and knew how much I liked it, I couldn't wait for it to be introduced. I also tried two of their full-size models--the Impeccable and the Pristine. Both were impressive, but too big for me to carry up and down stairs easily. Riccar was introducing a new dustbag that sealed into the line--like the Miele bag--so I purchased an upright Brilliance with that bag system (the housekeeper prefers an upright) and decided to buy the Prima when it was available. I got that in April, so I now have both the R30P Brilliance and the Prima. In the meantime, I also bought an Electrolux bagless Ultracaptic for our vacation home (I don't want to stock bags there)--which is a very nice, very quiet and powerful sweeper and does a good job--but it is not for people with allergies. I mention it only because it gave me even more basis for comparison. The Prima power nozzle I chose has the headlight I think necessary, does a great job grooming carpets, it's quiet, I love the attachments, except the crevice tool is too short-- but they always are. It has an extremely long hose (as does my Brilliance upright), I have yet to complain about the cord length so it must not be too short, and it's compact enough for me to carry (I'm a small person). I do need to get the Fur Get It tool (we have dogs) and when it's available, the tool for the stairs would be a good idea, too. Some people aren't crazy about the way the tools store, clipped to the hose--I became accustomed to this with the Ultracaptic, and because the Kenmore Intuition often felt like it's going to break while opening the storage compartment and was a struggle, I discovered having them right there is really quite handy.

I'd encourage you to visit a local vacuum shop (or two) and test out some different machines. Some of the simplest things may surprise you, like where the power switches are located.

hth,
Mary
 
Thank you for all the replies. :)


This is a weird question but I was searching on this forum on Sunday and I can't find the page in my history.. but someone had just purchased a new vacuum (either sebo, riccar, miele or Lux) and said the bag filled up with one vacuuming and the poster was surprised how much dirt that particular vacuum got out because he/she thought their carpets were already clean. Anyone know which thread that is?
 
Comparing the Sebo D4 to the Miele S8 Marin: I found that the Sebo D4 has a larger and bulkier canister to deal with compared to the Miele. I also find the tool storage on the Miele better because you can access the attachments more easily when the cleaner is standing on its end. It is difficult to access the attachments when the Sebo D4 is standing on its backside which is the position you would use for cleaning stairs or the tops of curtains.

I don't find that the Miele's exhaust blows in your face when accessing the top-side tool storage - the button to open the hood is located right near the hose port and when the door opens, the exhaust is behind it.

Though you can always attach an extension cord to Miele's 24 foot cord, the Sebo D4 gives you a much longer cord.

But I am a bit worried about the durability of the way the suction is directed to the top of the Sebo's bag compartment: the path is opened every time you open the bag compartment and so I wonder if this connection could develop leaks over the years of opening and closing the compartment's hood.

Just some other factors to ponder. I have the suction-only version of the Miele S8 (now C3 Complete) series and I am extremely pleased with all aspects of the cleaner. It even came with a spotlight on the hose handle! :-)
 
Panofan- YES!!! That is the thread! Thank you so much.

At this point I'm heavily leaning toward a D4 or a Miele home care plus. I talked to an Aerus dealer and was told it'd be $2200 for the platinum so I think I can get the same quality cheaper through Miele, sebo or riccar.
 
SEBO D versus Miele S8

Well as the owner of both these vacuums, the SEBO hasn't lost any air on its top since the purchase of my machine in 2010. The rubberised, removable material filter at the top under the lid stops any air from leaking anyway whilst the natural flow of suction from the bag also has a natural vacuum seal.

Also the bags on the SEBO are a heck of a lot easier to drop in and pull out. The S8 has a tight bag chamber, particularly if the dust bags are full to the brim with dust and I've yet to find ANY of the HyClean/AirClean dust seals actually close over PROPERLY.

SEBO's argument in putting tools at the back is simply because most of their owners get the tool first before they put the machine on a stair. Whilst I agree to a point that the tools on the SEBO may be poorly located at the rear, at least the idea is simpler. The tool lid on the Miele S8 is vulnerable and thin in my opinion. Access can be tight.

Also the Spotlight on the handle is a good idea in theory - but the light cannot be switched off manually.

For a large home the SEBO D4 and suction only models are ideal. Miele's S8 may be the flagship of the Miele canister line, but in my opinion the cost of consumables such as bags and filters are more expensive in the long term versus SEBO who offer twice as many bags.

Photo screen shot Taken from Amazon.com - 4 bags from Miele in a single box compared to 8 bags in a single box with SEBO. You'd still make a saving if you buy the single box from SEBO versus 2 of Miele's boxes.

The 2 "free filters" you get from Miele are a cut to fit motor filter that sits behind the dust bag in the Miele dust bag chamber and a free Super air clean filter. But that's the basic "microfilter" that Miele include for free, which isn't as asorbing as the Active Air Clean filters or more expensive HEPA filters.

As for filters, well the HEPA filter on Amazon.com for Miele costs $48-00 for a year.
For SEBO, a box of filters costs on average $40 to $42-99

sebo_fan-2015052721345805940_1.png
 
You may want to consider a water filtration vacuum like the Rainbow or the Sirena. Many allergy sufferers get relief from these vacuums. Other than the water used, there are no bags or filters to buy. You can add scents to the water to make your house smell nice.
 
Does having a roller brush that's plastic cause static electricity in the carpet?

I'm loving the cord length on the Sebo. Is there a way to convert attachments so miele attachments work on the Sebo? The flexible crevice tool is the main one I want. The more I read, the more I think I want a Sebo.

Also, are there any computerized parts on the Sebo? Because it looks like the higher end Miele and Riccars both have computerized parts. The Lux Platinum definitely did and I want a vacuum I can repair myself (or cheaply).
 
The great thing about the Sebo is that the started as a commercial floorcare company. Their cleaners were all designed to be repaired locally by the user rather than having to send the machine away for repair to minimise the down time. All parts are available to buy from Sebo online and easy to replace. For example, the brushroll in the uprights and powernozzles doesn't require any unscrewing to remove and replace. It has a cap that pops off and the brushroll slides right out for replacement/cleaning.


 


The upright Sebo X series have computer controlled height adjustment. The Felix uprights and powernozzle canisters have a manual guided height adjustment. It alerts the users to the brushroll being at the incorrect height and automatically shuts down if the brushroll becomes jammed or blocked. Not as advanced as the computer control height adjustment, but still very effective. Many people prefer it as it gives the user complete height control.


 


I wouldn't worry about the computer control failing. It's a rare occurance. The first Sebo I ever got to use in 1998 is still going strong with no repairs and in daily use with a family friend. I still see Sebo's in use in commercial environments from 20 odd years ago. Of all the disputing that's possible with a Sebo, reliability certainly isn't one of them. They're built like tanks!
 
Most revolving brushes on vacuums today are made of plastic. Riccar and Simplicity use metal agitators and Panasonic/Kenmore power nozzles use wood.

Miele canister cleaners have a metal strip in their hose handles to deal with any static electricity build up.

The spotlight on my Miele's handle shuts off automatically after a minute, so there is no need to turn it off manually.

I still say tools hanging on the back of the D4 is rather unfortunate. I find that I often have to go back to get a tool I forgot I needed. You may start with the upholstery nozzle, but realize later you need the dusting brush for the sides of the stairs. No big deal really - I imagine D4 users get into the habit of pulling out all the tools before using the vac. You can definitel get a tool adapter to allow you to use a Miele tool on other cleaners. But chances are your local vac shop can find a generic version of the Flexi crevice tool that will fit directly on the Sebo.

I was more concerned about the potential for leaks in the air flow channel that is separated and opened up every time you open the bag compartment on the D4. Unless the cleaner uses a sealed hose between the main unit and the compartment cover, it seams that there may be - and I emphasize may be - a danger that the connection will develop a leak over the years.
 
The great thing is, SEBO STILL ARE a commercial vacuum cleaner company. Miele are not. SEBO still sell and produce both commercial and domestic vacuums.

SEBO brush rolls are designed to be static free and they groom carpets well without ripping carpet pile out. What I love about them the most is that the actual bristles can be washed! I also find that they last a long time and I have three SEBO uprights, two of which have the standard brush roll and my Felix has a soft delicate brush roll for my wool carpets. Hence the Felix is usually the daily driver of choice.

The parts and build are generally stronger. Miele and SEBO tools are not interchangeable, they have different sizes. A flexible crevice tool is not available as yet. SEBO looked at the design that Miele sell and apparently aren't happy with the design.

I have the flexible crevice tool. Its a good idea in theory - however the top of the crevice has a removable mouth. Mine has often come off when slid under my fridge freezer, simply because it gets stuck and when the whole of the flex tool is pulled out, the smaller removable mouth stays stuck under the freezer! Its annoying when sometimes the smaller slide off bit doesn't return even with the Miele's suction motor powered to the highest! Hence why SEBO don't normally offer a tool like that where something comes off during operation.

As with what Chris says, not all SEBO vacuums have computerised parts but the machines in general are easy to repair. Parts diagrams can be downloaded for free from SEBO in Germany (Provided you click the English language option!)

The D4 uses the ET-1 floor head power nozzle which is commercially based and designed. It is already sold with the Sebo Felix upright as well as a number of other SEBO vacuums and private labels such as commercial cleaning company Windsor who use the ET-1 on their Flexamatic (previous name) and current Axcess uprights. The power head has also been retro fitted to a number of central vac systems in the U.S - so it has had a lot of service.
 
The other thing is in time, you may not always need to use the power nozzle floor head. Other suction only or air driven floor tools are available with the SEBO that you could use for an even lighter experience. Mostly all of the floor tools are similar to Miele because they come from Wessel Werk, a company who produce premium floor heads to the industry. Sebo's DELUXE KOMBI floor tool is an exception - this is a SEBO designed suction only floor tool that mimics the action of the ET1 floor head in that you can clean flat to the floor without turning your hand left or right unlike conventional canister vacuums that don't feature a double joint swivel neck.

Potential nonsense regarding air leaks around the hose and lid is not actual. Sorry. But it isn't. My SEBO D doesn't leak air out the top and the hose mount is thickly made to ensure it stays locked in. Unlike Miele, its not just two lugs that hold the hose to the body, but rather two thick pins that ensure the hose is locked in, IN TANDEM. The suction and airflow is concentrated direct to the bag.
 

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