Hi, Moms-
We just moved into a two-story house, and I realized quickly that the vacuum I have weighs a ton when having to take it up and down the stairs. I need recommendations for a good-quality vacuum that is fairly lightweight, has the ability to clean the stairs (like with an attachment), and does not cost more than about $250. I have looked at the Hoover Platinum series, Electrolux, Germ Guardian and others. What do you suggest, moms?
Rainbow is the BMW of vacuum cleaners and is incredible for pet hair and allergies...but you will definitely pay for them. maybe try finding a used one off of craigslist or something.
www.beautyinsideout.myarbonne.com
Miele is the mercedes of vacuum cleaners new ones are very xpensive like rainbow or that has been my experience but if you can find a Miele for $399...sweep it up!!!!
I bought a Hoover wind tunnel. I love it, not sure about the whole stair thing, we live in a large one story and its not bad. I drag it all throu the house, using on carpet, hardwood etc. It does have nice attachments and I drag it out to my car because it has way better suction than my husbands shop vac. Its not to bad weight wise, I pick it up and vacuum the back of my suv with it! If you have children and can carry them around this is nothing! I learned to spend a little more money thou, dont go buy a cheapy from Walmart, spend a little more and they last longer and are definitly built a little better also. Mine was on sale for $140.00 last year! Good luck
I have been through the Eureka Boss, the Oreck and the Hoover Wind Tunnel. In my experience they last a good year or so then they lose thier efficiency. I am looking for a good vacuum too.
I also have 3 cats and 3 dogs and tons of hair. A friend of mine has the Kirby and really likes it.
I bought the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser HEPA Dual Cyclonic Bagless Upright Vacuum at walmart for $98. It's the older version where the pet brush is 5 inches wide instead of the newer version of 9 inches wide. The newer version is $120 ( I think). I love this vacuum. My old vacuum died so I went out and bought this one the same day. I revacuumed the same area and it picked up so much hair and dust that I couldn't believe what I was looking at in the dirt container. I have a dog and a cat so this is a big deal for me. Plus it's so strong that it actually fluffs the carpet up after I vacuum. You can tell when you walk that the carpet feels different. Anyways, I've read reviews that this model only lasts about a year. But for now it works great for me and for the price I'll just pick up another one when this one breaks down because I'm sure the technology will be even better by then. As for the weight I think it's about average, not really heavy. If you want to test go to the store and try to lift the models they have setup so you can compare. Good Luck.
Before I got my Oreck, I had 2 good Hoovers, 1 upstairs and 1 down.
Now that I have my Oreck, there is no need for 2. It is lightweight, works great and I love it.
I have a 2 story home with all wood floors and big oriental rugs. I went through more vacuums than I can count. Nothing really picked up the dog hair and dust on the wood floor though.
Then I started doing research and came up with Miele. It is a lightweight (7lb) canister vacuum that can suck the eyes off a cat (joking, but it is REALLY powerful). It is a LIFESAVER. For one thing, it will stay going even as you have it tipped backwards and carrying up stairs. Is has a bag that seals off completely, so germs never spread when you change it. It has a super long telescoping handle so I can vacuum the ceiling fans! It has a SEVEN YEAR warranty. I have mine cleaned every 2 years. Comes with the attachments as well!
I got a Carina (yellow). I think I paid $399 and got 2 boxes of bags with it for free. Here it is on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Miele-Carina-Canister-Vacuum-Cleane...
I have had Dyson, Eureka, Hoover, and something else . . . Can't remember the name. OH! Kenmore! NOthing (and I mean NOTHING) came close to this sucker!
When I bought my Kirby a few years ago, my husband tried to talk me out of it. He searched online and also consumer reports magazine. There was lots of positive reviews for one that Sears sells (their own) and C.R. rated it high too. Coincidently, a few months later I went to my parents and noticed they had that very exact same vacuum. I told my mom the next time I came, I was bringing my Kirby and first vacuum with hers then try mine with the "see" filters. I was amazed at how well the Sears brand really did work. If my Kirby ever breaks down, I'll be buying one from Sears.
Try an Oreck XL. Only 8 lbs and works great! I've had one for 8 years now. You can usually get a better deal ordering online. There is an Oreck store near Hulen Mall.
