I recently noticed the brushes on my vacuum cleaner not rotating. I took it apart and found the ends of the bars that hold the brushes were melted (friction from hair, etc. against the plastic can cause enough heat to melt them). I called the service store and asked them what to do and was told I could bring it in for a free estimate but more than likely I would be better off getting a new one (which I had guessed anyway). My current model is a Windtunnel V2 bagless and beltless. I have had this for over 2 years, maybe closer to 4, and am now sick of the bagless (gross) and was told that the models with belts may work better for me. Anyway, I am looking for suggestions on vacuum cleaners (make, model, price, store) that you have purchased fairly recently and are either happy, or unhappy, with to help me decide about this essential purchase.
Okay, I just wanted to ring in that I had a Kirby that I paid $1200 for and I HATED it! It was heavy and bulky the built in shampooer didn't work well. I wound up giving it to my sister and getting another one. I got a Hoover that has been okay. It is suppose to have a "quiet" mode that to me isn't any quieter than the normal mode. I really want to get a Dyson though.
Hi Angela
I just researched vacuum cleaners and on Consuer Reports recommendation I went with the Kenmore (Sears) Progressive with Direct Drive 35922. $300. I LOVE IT!!! Great on carpets and on our hard woods floors. (the switch is right there on the handle so you dont even have to turn it off to move from carpets to floors etc) Its GREAT on cat hair! My housekeeper RAVED about it and said it is the best she has seen. She especially liked the ease of using the attachements. Since my lil one is crawling I use it every day to run across the floors and carpets and LOVE IT!!! You can go to http://www.consumerreports.org and see the ratings for each one. Sears will let you test their vacuums right there in the store. Good luck!
T.
Angela,
I have 3 girls and 3 furkids (Hymi cat/2 Eng Labs) that is a lot of traffic. The worst part is I am allergic to pet dander. I used to own a Windtunnel. My husband said he was tired of purchasing me a new model every other year. We did some research and he went and purchased me the Dyson Animal. I have had mine for more than a year and it is amazing and still as good as new. When it says it never loses suction it means it. You will be amazed at how well this machine works. I can't believe how much stuff and dirt come out of my carpet. My allergy suffering is next to nothing.
I hope that this helps. The Dyson Animal is well worth the money!!!
Dene' H.
dyson is the best. I just got the basic model to save a little money(compared to the other dysons) and it is great.
I have a Kirby. They're expensive. Like over $1k. It works well and I don't doubt that it will last forever because it's built like a tank and weighs as much as one.
I have heard good things about the Dyson and it's cheaper. I have given up on keeping the floors clean everyday.
I have 2 dogs, a cat and 3 kids. It just seems pointless. My husband suggested we re-do the floors with cement and put a drain in the middle so we could just hose them down each night.
Hi, this will probably send you into sticker shock, but about 11 years ago, we bought a used Kirby G3 (the G stands for Generation) for $600. Before you stop reading, understand that we still have it, and it still works great, and we've never had to have it repaired. Also, it is a carpet shampooer, and has many more attachments, like a sander and a paint sprayer, for instance. The last I paid any attention, Kirby was up to the G6, but I don't know what a new one costs. We used to have a rental house that we used it on, so it was also an investment for us at the time. We do have to buy replacement bags at a vacuum store, though, not at Wal-Mart or Target. I wanted to add that, while the Kirby is very heavy, it is equipped with a drive gear, which makes using it easy. Hope this helps.
D.
Hi Angela,
we have an electrolux, (scandinavian brand) from Lowes (around 500 dollars). It has bags, and an indicater when to change the bags. I'm very happy with it, we have it for 4 years, and never had any trouble. (we have 3 kids, but no pets) They have different models. Please let me know if you need more info.
I.
I have two friends who have been using Dysons for a few years & love them. One cleans houses for a living & another has a daycare in her home. They both recommend buying a refurbished one because they are just like new, and a fraction of the price. Call around to vacuum cleaner shops or do a google search & I'm sure you'll find one. I wish mine would break so I could buy one - they are always talking about how great they are!
I love my Pet grade Dyson, $500. It is bagless, but you don't have to touch anything. It has a trigger that completely releases into the trash can. I cannot tell you what a difference it has made in my home!
I HIGHLY recommend it!!!!!!
Also, if you get the Bed, Bath and Beyond 20% off coupons in the mail, you can use these to purchase for less.
Jodi
We bought a Kirby about 7 years ago and love it! We have 2 cats, a dog, and a kiddo and this thing has taken it all in stride. I agree with the other ladies; it is expensive but for us has been well worth it.
I actually believed in the product so much that I became one of their sales people for about 6 months but as it turns out...I'm a horrible sales person!!! I'm much better off as far away from sales as possible...I'm that bad!
Anyway, you can check out their website to find a dealer near you. http://www.kirby.com/
Good luck!
Girl, I am SO with you on the bagless! I thought I just had to have one and now I can't wait for it to break -- think dropping it from the balcony would be noticeable?
I went to the vacuum cleaner store that is in Southlake in the Albertson's shopping center at 1709/Davis Blvd. The female that owns it is SO friendly and knowledgeable.... she has all makes/models and services them as well.... she recommended a really good one to me that has a SUPER warranty on it... it is NOT a bagless and is not the cheapest unit on the market but when you look at the wear/tear/filters/etc...it was really a good bang for the buck. I'd suggest checking her out! I think it's called Southlake Vacuum....
I too have a Kirby and LOVE IT!!!!!! I know it is expensive but make sure you haggle with the price and payments:-) I have people all the time wanting to borrow it for the shampoo system which is AMAZING.... You seriously would not believe the difference. I am not a salesperson for them but you should consider calling them for a demonstration just to see for yourself.
I also have the Dyson Animal and love it. My boss uses the Dyson Ball and loves hers too. I have a Miele that I used before I got the Dyson and it was good, but no where near as good as the Dyson. It seems like Target runs a special on them every few months and gives away a gift card with purchase so you can get a good deal there. My cleaning service uses an Oreck commercial grade and I also like the job it does.
Angela-
I can't tell you how many vacuums I went through before I got my SEBO. It's a German brand and I LOVE IT!! I've had it for 6 years (I recently had an issue with the hose and they replaced it for free!) I think I paid $750 for it but it was worth every penny. My Mom has the MIELE another great brand. Her's is 5 years old and still kicking! No problems at all. I would reccomend either. I read an article in Consumer Reports on the DYSON which a few people seem to have reccomended and it did not get a good review. (FYI) Try Southlake Vacuum the owner is wonderful and was very helpful (I lived out of state when I bought the vacuum but she assisted me with the hose issue I had) and was able to get them to warranty the item.
