What should I buy?

VacuumLand – Vintage & Modern Vacuum Enthusiasts

Help Support VacuumLand:

As for Air leaks - Miele

As for air leaks, well its an interesting one that has happened recently on my Miele S8.

The Active Air Clean filter that is housed in the machine required to be changed after yet another year.

I thought I would return to using the Super Air Clean filter that comes as standard with the Miele S8. But I also remember a black insulation felt pad that sits on the actual grid itself before the Super Air Clean cartridge is fitted.

It turns out that I have lost the felt pad. Miele have been contacted and they are sending out a free one, yet it isn't a part that is listed on their UK site.

The pad isn't just there for sound insulation as I found out when fitting my Super Air Clean filter grid back in but WITHOUT IT, it produces a whistle and air leaks when the machine is switched on.

The pad also has to be taken out when either HEPA or Active Air Clean filter is fitted.

Very annoying!!
 
Great video, very well done, complete summary. Not as stylized? as the Miele, but very industrial strong looking,and built. Nice sound. If I was shopping for a cannister, I would have stopped right there!
 
Oh I was wondering when Roger's videos would get a mention on here eventually, since you seem to constantly post video links to his channel. Do you not have any of your own, Eurekaprince?

However, have a look at my Miele S8. And also my SEBO D vacuum. Both openings to the lids are shown here. What do you see? Dust on the outer AND inner collar to the bag inside the lid of the Miele S8. A lot less on the SEBO D, virtually nothing inside it. either.

sebo_fan-2015052812411209326_1.png
 
I'm definitely buying a Sebo D4. Now, does anyone have any coupon codes or know where the cheapest place to purchase one is? (I'm in the USA)


Thank you all so much for the feedback, answering my question and for all of your help. I've greatly appreciated it.
 
If the Sebo doesn't work out for you, and you live anywhere near St James, Missouri, you can get a heckuva good deal at the Riccar/Simplicity outlet store. You can also visit the vacuum museum and try out a lot of different machines.

I have nothing against Sebo vacuums, and I really like some of the design features. However, I hope you're not making a decision based solely on the thread in which someone cleaned their filthy carpet with a new Sebo and filled the bag. Almost any modern vacuum would do the same thing. It's more a function of the filth in the rug than the vacuum. Since you have no idea how much dirt was in the rug to begin with, it's not all that informative of a test. There might be 5 or 6 more dirt bags full of dirt in that carpeting, but there's no way to know.

Consumer Reports has done some testing of Sebo canisters in the past if you want to see some token head to head tests. However, you'll have to decide if the test results are applicable to your situation.
 
Eeeerrrrr excuse me, Ralph. The "filthy carpet" you referred to is my partners and in the house I now live in. The carpet was regularly vacuumed with a Panasonic upright and twice yearly with a Kirby.

It is FAR from filthy. It was well looked after and regularly cleaned and in a house that, at the time, had 1 person living in it who works full time and no pets.

Only the first bag was filled. The bag I put in after I cut that one open for the purpose of detailing the performance of the cleaner filled up at the normal rate.

I've been a part of this site for 8 years, I've been collecting vacuums since I was 15 and I've been using them from the minute I could walk. I am more than qualified to judge how well someone is cleaning their carpets. Do you honestly think that, being the self confessed clean freak that I am, would go out with, commit myself to a serious relationship and move in with someone who had a filthy house?

Let's get a brand new vacuum on your carpets and see how "filthy" your home is, shall we??
 
Also Ralph if you cared to look at the responses on this thread, Danswifey is not going gunho by a machine being filled up from one use. Besides that was a SEBO X upright, not the D4.

Danswifey, whlist I think you are on the right lines of buying a SEBO D4, I will press again on Riccar and other U.S brands to check out. No vacuum cleaner is perfect. There are downsides to even the SEBO D series. I think you should go to an outlet who deals with SEBO. Go-Vacuum offer special deals but it depends on where you are in the U.S Check out SEBO's main U.S website and search for your nearest dealer.

There are also plenty of videos from sellers online based in the U.S who also sell SEBO. Some even mention that they do discounts such as Go-Vacuum and others.

http://www.sebo.us/retailer-locator/sebo_retailers.aspx
 
Ralph - I don't live near MO unfortunately. When I went to check out the Riccars at two separate stores, both times the salesmen steered me away from Riccar and toward Miele saying it was far superior. I can research them more though. As for the other post with the filled bag, the original poster said that man vacuumed once a week and lived alone so I was under the impression he tried to keep it clean but his vacuum couldn't reach what the Sebo was able to extract from the carpet. That's the part that really impacted me.

Sebo Fan - Thanks!
 
Just a note about Roger's video: keep in mind that he is demonstrating a UK version of the D4 which has a very strong motor that can go up to about 2000 watts of power. North American versions can only go up to 1440 watts of power (12amps x 120 volts). His video should only be used to understand the pros and cons of the design, not the cleaning power.

Nar...I only included Rogers video to contribute to the educational value of this discussion, not to tout or criticize the D4. It may very well be the perfect vac for Danswifey. I do not have a decent video camera and I really think Roger has a wonderfully patient and calm style of describing things - his videos are very informative - even for North Americans. And I don't think I have the funds or the space to offer such a wide array of cleaner demonstrations.

I really considered the suction-only version of the D4 for myself, but I really was afraid of the airbelt position of side exhaust, the air path between bag compartment and fan, and the location of the tools. McHardy Vacuum in Canada offered a wonderful deal on a nice white Miele Fresh Air S8 for only CAD$550 including flexi crevice tool, active Hepa filter, universal dusting brush and spotlight handle. And the vac is in my preferred colour of Pearl White. McHardy is the friendliest most wonderful vacuum store in Canada! I even got a personal thank you note along with the cleaner!!! It is a wonderful vac for my needs. This is what Eureka Williams would have sold had they been alive today....

EP Brian
 
The D4 in the UK/Europe is now 700w in line with the regulations from September last year.


 


I've used both the 2200w and 700w versions. In all honestly, the 2200w version on max was a little too powerful and I had to turn it down to make it more comfortable to use. The 700w version doesn't pull the same suction on max, but it is still more than enough to effectively clean. The powerhead does the bulk of the work anyway.


 


Lovely story there about the sales service you recieved - always good to hear of a good customer experience in a local business, especially considering so much has gone online these days. It's refreshing to see an independant business keeping up.
 
Many people on this forum have purchased a Riccar Prima canister vacuum. And written threads about their experience with it. The Riccar Prima is the lowest priced of the three machines - Sebo, Miele, and Riccar - that you are considering. Since it is the lowest priced, it has the least profit to the dealer - hence the reason you were 'steered' to a much higher profit making Miele. For a wonderful, compact, powerful, quiet canister vacuum with the BEST power nozzle you can buy, it's a Riccar Prima all the way. Remember, when designing the Riccar Prima, we used the Vacuum Cleaner Museum's collection of over 700 machines, and 'cherry picked' the best features of all of them. Best of all, No Circuit Boards to fail on the Prima.
 
Eurekaprince - Roger does have a good video making approach, but he states at the beginning with regard to finding dust at the bottom of the SEBO D when the bag is removed. My photos prove that there is more dust at the dust bag collar as opposed to after the bag on the Miele versus the SEBO. Surely if the lid is open where the collar is located, it is liable for dirt and dust to fall off rather than finding it after the bag.

When the Sebo D1 arrived in Canada, my cousin ended up buying one for her home in NYC. At the time SEBO U.S were only offering the D4. That was in 2013. They still have the SEBO, it's the only vacuum they use with 2 children who make a lot of mess. IM not sure why you would be afraid of air path between bag, compartment and fan - on account that SEBO released a commercial version only a few years ago with very few changes (manual, replaceable cord replaces auto cord and a lower motor) plus the Air belt positioning - it allworks! It keeps my home scratch free and the vacuum itself whilst I don't breathe in the air.
 
Its good to know what the Prima can offer, but if this spec is anything to go by then clearly either SEBO or Miele offer longer hoses at 1.8 metre or 2.1 metres. The cord length is also longer on some Miele and SEBO models.

Or is there a Riccar Prima available with a long cord?

sebo_fan++5-29-2015-11-52-45.jpg.png
 
Riccar vs. Miele

Danswifey:

I had dealers who had both Riccar and Mieles steer me toward Mieles, also--although this was before the Prima was introduced. They told me the Riccars were bulky and wouldn't recommend them. They wouldn't even let me try them. They were only willing to demonstrate the Miele, and price out the components! I felt there was more behind it than they were telling me (like maybe the profit margin or something), but maybe I'm being unfair or just naturally cynical. Because I'd used a Miele in a real-life situation and knowing what I thought were shortcomings, I kept looking.

I do like the Sebos. But I really liked the Riccar fullsized power nozzles--with headlights on the pn, not the handle. And to the extent I could, I wanted something made in the USA.

If you are sold on the Sebo because you have tried it out, and like it--then, great. The ones I've tried are certainly good machines. But be careful buying anything sight unseen or tested as your main vac. I nearly bought an upright Miele because I could get a great price--then happened on one at a dealer, and tried it out. It turned out to be too tall and weighted in such a way that I could hardly use it. That's an upright, but canisters have their issues, too. This forum is full of threads where someone keeps going back to their cheap vac because the expensive model doesn't have conveniently located controls, long enough cord or big enough bag.
 
Why do we always come back to this "extension cord' idea when a brand of vacuum cleaner can't supply a long cord? We're not living in the dark ages. I really like what the Riccar vacuums offer. I dearly wish they were available in the UK and with a UK plug without having to buy a transformer.
 
Given that the Prima is a midsized vacuum, 24ft seems reasonable. 30ft might be ideal. My Electrolux/Lux has a 20-ft cord which seems short at times. Given that there are a lot of complaints about overextended cords on these models that won't retract, I have to conclude that the cord is too short.

So are there any problems with the extra long retractable cords? Has Sebo had any trouble with their 40ft retractable cord on the Airbelt?
 
Riccar Prima

Much much better than a Sebo that long of a cord makes that bulky giant vacuum way to heavy if you have thick plush carpet it will not work well on our American carpets .

I own a Prima and also own over 400 vacuums if I had to pick one I'd go with Riccar Prima I have owned and operated vacuum cleaner stores and have over 35 years experience in this field .

You'll be VERY pleased with the Riccar it's everything one could ask for in a canister vacuum plus American designed for American homes not European homes with mostly bare floors and very thin carpets .

Dan

kirbyloverdan-2015052917130008959_1.jpg

kirbyloverdan-2015052917130008959_2.jpg
 
Look to the reply 24 where danswifey, the original consumer of this topic and thread likes the cord length that the SEBO offers.

She also doesn't want a vacuum where she feels she is breathing in the air to change the setting.

It appears there is a vacuum cleaner exhaust located on the top of the Prima.

Marks, I dont know of any problem with SEBO's retractable cords. They haven't issued a recall in the UK.

Respectively I have stuck to my guns in offering good advice to this consumer as well as being able to respond succinctly with alternatives. But I feel as if this is turning into a game of whose collection or word of authority is better.

End of the day, I am a domestic consumer and vacuum cleaner collector. I may no longer own 400 vacuums but thankfully I don't work in the industry where the constant selling approaches without the realities of day to day cleaning are undertaken.

Best of luck to whatever you decide, danswifey.
 
Ouch...

"I may no longer own 400 vacuums but thankfully I don't work in the industry where the constant selling approaches without the realities of day to day cleaning are undertaken."

Nar, I will admit that I take some offense to this comment. There are several on this site that have either worked in the industry or still do. I am one of those who still work in the industry. I DO NOT forget the realities of day to day cleaning when I am HELPING, (Please note that I use the term helping and not selling), my customers to pick out the right items for them. My first question to a customer when they come in my store looking for a vacuum or carpet cleaner is, what type of carpets/hard-floors do you have, what is the approximate square feet of your home, multi level or one. These are your discovery questions. This lets me see what the customer is dealing with and I fit them into the right machine. Whether that be a Hoover T series or a Simplicity Synchrony. This is how I have achieved successful growth at a store that was failing and about to close. There are many on here with very valuable information, that even help me in my day to day routine at work. I can see that you think very highly of Sebo. That's cool, but honestly in every thread where someone asks about a good vacuum, you put Sebo in their face and find fault with any other recommendation. I am not trying to be rude so please do not think that, but these are a few things I have noticed in more recent threads.
 
Derek

That about sums it up I just ignore stuff like that because that kind of response tells the entire story ...

I also have owned a very successful cleaning business and wish Tacony was available in my area back in the 80's .

My name on here is Kirbyloverdan and you NEVER see me shoving Kirby's in someone's face as the BEST vacuum . Having owned a successful vacuum shop and managing many others I know exactly how to help a customer with a vacuum choice because of my vast vacuum cleaner knowledge plus having owned a cleaning business you get to see different homes and surfaces that need cleaned
and can expertly fit a vacuum cleaner to a clients home as you know how to Derek .

Real life experience in cleaning and vacuum businesses is how I help people .

Dan
 
Picked up my Sebo and I LOVE it!! I vacuumed only two rooms and ended up with a lot of dust and gray "fluff" in the bag. I manually emptied the bag because I was quite taken aback with what was in there and wanted to see it myself. If I were to have measured it, I'd say it was about 1/2 to 3/4 gallon of stuff (not compacted, obviously). The thing is, those rooms had just been vacuumed so it should not have been dirty!!!

I have a 15 year old riccar upright that was probably the top of the line when we got it and a supralite riccar which is four years old. I mainly was vacuuming with the newer one but didn't care for it because if I were to dust a room and then vacuum, I'd immediately find a fine layer of dust on the furniture. Plus it didn't have HEPA filtration. My riccars had belt issues often so that's one reason I wasn't as dedicated with staying with this brand. Also, my older riccar never really impressed me and ended up having problems and more frequently as time wore on. I knew riccar is supposed to be a great brand so that's why I bothered to check them out again.. I was leery of the Prima because from my understanding they're made in China. Maybe I should have more carefully evaluated that line.


But I'm happy with the D4. It seems to be a workhorse and I am quite impressed with it.


I really appreciate the help! I had never heard of Sebo before coming to this forum. I'm sorry this topic has gotten somewhat heated.



If I am not over staying my welcome, I do have one question left. What do you recommend for carpeted stairs? I was thinking of buying the turbo brush attachment but the reviews I've read about it are mixed. Plus it's only air powered so I'm not sure how thoroughly it'd clean. Is there some sort of mini hand vac that would work well on steps?
 
Sorry danknx but is this the first time you have felt the desire to respond to this thread? Seems like it.

Sorry if I offended you. Perhaps the offence wouldn't have been there had you actually responded with some degree of advice and help for the original poster on this thread at the start. Where was your HELPING advice when it could have been offered? Certain other members' responses have been obvious selling pitches with brands rather than actual ownership. There is a stark difference between selling and owning, most of which at times some members tend to forget on here.

Had you actually looked at this thread from the very start you'll see I have offered my thoughts on both SEBO and Miele vacuums. I have also suggested at all times, where appropriate that other brands do indeed exist and for danswifey to check out the Riccar brand. Aerus was also mentioned but not by me.

I respect those who do work in the floorcare selling business - to a certain degree - but as far as I know vacuumland.org is not a seller or trader website where sole industry workers in floorcare service come together to discuss brands and models.

I thought it was a site for vacuum cleaner collectors.

As for you Dan, you're not whiter than holy silk. I can recall earlier posts when I joined this site and you cut me down for owning a SEBO. I don't forget these things. I respect you and your collection, but if you're going to go down the road of being patriotic of buying American, at least promote a machine that is made in America. Just because you don't mind Chinese built vacuums, doesn't mean the rest of us have to tag along.

danswifey - I will now respond to you in this next box.
 
Congratulations on your new SEBO, DW! You can stay here as long as you like, in my experience.

I have personally never found fault with the SEBO mini turbo brush head on stairs. I find it works well on furnishings - I use mine to vacuum up crumbs on my breakfast/dinner table if my cordless Black and Decker dust buster hasn't been charged. You'll have the bonus of adjusting the suction from the handle of the SEBO when the turbo brush is slid on.

Again like a few of SEBO floor heads, it is a Wessel Werk German design and it is one that has been sold by other brands such as Miele, Bosch and Hoover Europe (not the same company owned by TTI of China). Even Dyson used the same design on early models before they designed their own.

It is easy to clean out and it has a pivotal sole plate on the base that moves forward and backwards to ensure easy movement.

But then I've also used the T shape upholstery tool that comes with the D series as standard - the stiff line of bristles can be pulled out if you have particular durable carpet on stairs with thick pile. Leave the thin brush in if you have thinner pile.
 

Similar threads

amtraksebo1997
Kirby Accessories are kinda weird
2
Replies
35
Views
1K
tolivac
T
H
3D printed Lamb 7.2" -> 8.4" adapter.
Replies
12
Views
517
Hatsuwr
H
A
Vacuum plugs getting so hot they’re warping/melting! **HELP**
Replies
20
Views
759
royalfan103
royalfan103
Vacuum Facts
Why is airflow always measured?
2
Replies
59
Views
3K
Absolute Rainbow
A
S
Another person asking what vacuum to buy...
Replies
23
Views
643
stanl
S

Latest posts

Back
Top