Vacuum Cleaners Discussions

For as long as I can remember I have been the type to constantly try "something new".  That is how I ended up with the Dyson, the Royal and the Kirby.  Years ago I bought a Rainbow and gifted my Electrolux to my daughter.

In the process of trying new products I cull those that are unsatisfactory.  That is why I returned the likes of Kenmore, Panasonic and Oreck. 

Read the bold type above.   I used these for the length (or less) of the trial period only. They were not satisfactory so I returned them. 

1. I finally used a DC07.  Liked it and kept for about 3 years.  During that time I had some carpet removed and installed wood floors.  The carpet was in the highest trafficked area of my home and was about 7 years old.  The flooring installer couldn't believe the cleanliness of the removed carpet.  You will recall that during this time I had a Hoover Fusion for several months.  Sold it because I thought the 07 was better.

2.  I sold the DC07 after 3 years of use and bought the Royal. No problems with the Dyson.  I was just in the mood for a change.  One reason for buying the Royal was to see if there was any truth to your and other reports that independent stores offer better brands and service.  The dealer is relatively new and is unlike all that I have visited in the past.  Facility was clean and well stocked. Salesman seemed to be honest.  Have not dealt with service so I can't comment  Some brands he sells are Miele, Royal and Sanitaire.  I was told by the salesman that the Royal would perform as good as the others. 

3. I think you already know the story, however I will repeat.  At the end of last year Sears had a promotion of 20% (could have been 15%, not positive) off fo items purchased on a Sears card.  I called the Royal dealer to inquire about trading for a Dyson. He wanted more than I was wiling to give.   I then purchased the DC14 from Sears.  I did not like the 14 as much as the 07 so I returned it at end of trial period.    

4.  Early 2008 door bell rings.  I am told that I can get a free carpet shampoo in my living room.  Solicitor did not mention Kirby.  When I asked if he was attempting to sell vacuums he replied "NO'.  I knew what was coming at the end.  I have lots of free time so I agreed to the demo.  Solicitor went to his vehicle and came back with another person to do the shampooing. Solicitor left.  I was told to vacuum the carpet before he shampooed. While I was vacuuming the salesman (posing as a shampooer) began to assemble his product.  After I vacuumed he took a Kirby with his clear attachment and a filter and proceeded to vacuum.  He vacuumed for a while and showed me the minute amount of dirt that the Royal left behind.  I had not told him that I had been using the DC14 for a couple of weeks.  Next trick is to take the filters and see how many the Kirby will hold against the sole plate before losing suction.  Next try same on the Royal.  No contest, Kirby won.  I could see the thrill in his eyes.  I asked if the same would happen with a Dyson and he said yes.  I then brought out the Dyson DC14.  You could see his enthusiasm drop when the Dyson held as many as his Kirby.  Long story short I got the Kirby for less than $800 including tax.

I wish that the Oreck performed to my total expectation, however it doesn't.  I like the light weight, nimbleness in maneuvering and it leaves the carpet liiking well groomed.  I dislike its cost, having to have a seperate vac for hose use and I never found evidence that it removed the proper amount of dirt.  Perhaps the XL21 could have picked up more dirt if I had not already kept my carpet exceptionally clean with the DC07.

I suppose that I am doomed to buy and try.  However, I can't buy just because something is made in the USA.  I also can't justify a purchase solely because the owner is a good fella or because he served in the military.  If anyone uses this criteria alone the only candidate for president is John McCain and the others should be disqualified.

Sorry for the lenght of my response.  I just want to bring this to closure.  On second thought I have only left room for a thousand more questions. 

Well spoken.  Not only did the unknowing public buy into the dyson myth, but some supposed well repspected vacuum professionals too [well respected in their own minds].  You know them from posting on here and other vacuum sites.  They long since changed their names on here.  Gee, I wonder why? 

These psuedo pros fell for the dyson hype and myth too [rookies].   I can understand the public, but the professionals?  Shame on them.  The same psuedo vacuum  pros defended the puny dyson brush bars too.  They said brush agitation wasn't important for carpet cleaning with the 270 dyson air watts.  Even resurrected the old vacuum industry myth that brush roll agitation wore out carpets.  Vacuum history repeating itself.  Remember in the 50's when Electrolux and Air-Way door to door sales people said the same about uprights and HOOVER in particular.  Then they came out with power nozzles for carpet cleaning. 

Been there, saw that, know that.  

Carmine D.

For as long as I can remember I have been the type to constantly try "something new".  That is how I ended up with the Dyson, the Royal and the Kirby.  Years ago I bought a Rainbow and gifted my Electrolux to my daughter.

In the process of trying new products I cull those that are unsatisfactory.  That is why I returned the likes of Kenmore, Panasonic and Oreck. 

Read the bold type above.   I used these for the length (or less) of the trial period only. They were not satisfactory so I returned them. 

1. I finally used a DC07.  Liked it and kept for about 3 years.  During that time I had some carpet removed and installed wood floors.  The carpet was in the highest trafficked area of my home and was about 7 years old.  The flooring installer couldn't believe the cleanliness of the removed carpet.  You will recall that during this time I had a Hoover Fusion for several months.  Sold it because I thought the 07 was better.

2.  I sold the DC07 after 3 years of use and bought the Royal. No problems with the Dyson.  I was just in the mood for a change.  One reason for buying the Royal was to see if there was any truth to your and other reports that independent stores offer better brands and service.  The dealer is relatively new and is unlike all that I have visited in the past.  Facility was clean and well stocked. Salesman seemed to be honest.  Have not dealt with service so I can't comment  Some brands he sells are Miele, Royal and Sanitaire.  I was told by the salesman that the Royal would perform as good as the others. 

3. I think you already know the story, however I will repeat.  At the end of last year Sears had a promotion of 20% (could have been 15%, not positive) off fo items purchased on a Sears card.  I called the Royal dealer to inquire about trading for a Dyson. He wanted more than I was wiling to give.   I then purchased the DC14 from Sears.  I did not like the 14 as much as the 07 so I returned it at end of trial period.    

4.  Early 2008 door bell rings.  I am told that I can get a free carpet shampoo in my living room.  Solicitor did not mention Kirby.  When I asked if he was attempting to sell vacuums he replied "NO'.  I knew what was coming at the end.  I have lots of free time so I agreed to the demo.  Solicitor went to his vehicle and came back with another person to do the shampooing. Solicitor left.  I was told to vacuum the carpet before he shampooed. While I was vacuuming the salesman (posing as a shampooer) began to assemble his product.  After I vacuumed he took a Kirby with his clear attachment and a filter and proceeded to vacuum.  He vacuumed for a while and showed me the minute amount of dirt that the Royal left behind.  I had not told him that I had been using the DC14 for a couple of weeks.  Next trick is to take the filters and see how many the Kirby will hold against the sole plate before losing suction.  Next try same on the Royal.  No contest, Kirby won.  I could see the thrill in his eyes.  I asked if the same would happen with a Dyson and he said yes.  I then brought out the Dyson DC14.  You could see his enthusiasm drop when the Dyson held as many as his Kirby.  Long story short I got the Kirby for less than $800 including tax.

I wish that the Oreck performed to my total expectation, however it doesn't.  I like the light weight, nimbleness in maneuvering and it leaves the carpet liiking well groomed.  I dislike its cost, having to have a seperate vac for hose use and I never found evidence that it removed the proper amount of dirt.  Perhaps the XL21 could have picked up more dirt if I had not already kept my carpet exceptionally clean with the DC07.

I suppose that I am doomed to buy and try.  However, I can't buy just because something is made in the USA.  I also can't justify a purchase solely because the owner is a good fella or because he served in the military.  If anyone uses this criteria alone the only candidate for president is John McCain and the others should be disqualified.

Sorry for the lenght of my response.  I just want to bring this to closure.  On second thought I have only left room for a thousand more questions.