Vacuum Cleaners Discussions

Apparently to be available at BEST BUY Stores soon.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8773393&type=product&id=1204331806923

Carmine D.

Here tis.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8773393&type=product&id=1204331806923

and another;

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8773375&type=product&id=1203815923768

and another;

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8773384&type=product&id=1203815923835

Carmine D.

Hi Carmine,

Thanks for the heads-up.  What do you think of the Eureka C4910A on the Best Buy site.  It's listed as a "commercial" upright?  It's also made in at least two different colors for Sanitaire's commercial and residential lines.  The cord length is extremely generous and the machine in general appears to relatively sturdy.

Also, do you have an idea as to what the "Available Online Only" deal is about?  I am not thinking in terms of vendors but of manufacturers involved.  Black & Decker for instance has a new VN1400P bagless canister that claims a self-cleaning filter but, thus far, there are no stores that actually have it on the floor.  Best Buy I noticed is carrying has several items in the same fashion and I'm curious to know if they can really sell the proverbial pig in a polk.

Happy Sunday,

Venson

Hello Venson:

I saw the Commercial Eureka uprights and the model you pointed out.  My sense is the line is new to BEST BUY because there are no customer reviews yet.  I think the model you cited is made to compete with Oreck for hotel and motel cleaning.  Little pricey but competitive with Oreck at $399, especially with the on-board tools. 

The other commercial Eureka uprights are widely known quantities in the industry.  They would sell off the Internet only and that may be BEST BUY's target market: Industrial/household customers already familiar with the line.

However, I would think BEST BUY would want the C4910 in the store for buyers to see up close and personal.  And perhaps that will happen as soon as the product is in stock nationwide.

BEST BUY has the dyson DC24 and 25 in stock and the HOOVER WT Anniversary models.  I've been postponing my visit to the store pending these.  So hopefully this week I'll stop by and see what's new and different in the way of vacuums.

Carmine D.

Carmine,

To be honest, my local Best Buy is still showing mostly junk  or, rather, junky looky stuff on the shelves in its vacuum area.  I was there a few days ago and saw two women who were obviously in quite a quandry.  Dysons, not the newest, there but it seemed obvious that they weren't much interested in bg ticket items.  Normaly, I would have horned in and said something, have tried to point them in the right direction, but there was nothing to say because there were no real possibilities as far as I was concerned. Be assured I'll go to my grave without recommending Dirt Devil to anyone.  There was not a model on Best Buy's shelves that I would have bought if I'd needed a vacuum.  I walked away.

Again I say -- it's a darned sad day when you have nothing to offer to me, who'll buy just about anything.

Best,

Venson

Hi Venson,My personal opinion on this particular machine is that its not really a commercial machine,maybe has a commercial length cord and a metal handle.THE onboard attachments are standard issue eureka.
THIS MACHINE WAS MORE THAN LIKELY UNLOADED ON THE BOX STORE AT REAL GOOD [CLOSEOUT PRICES].Its more than likely NOT be part of eurekas upcoming lineup.Just see what happens when the customer call the customer service line looking for a belt and the service rep on the other end of the line says its an obsolete model and parts are not available for it,because the service rep does not know how to cross refference parts.This nonsense happens all the time.B.T.W.i would put this machine at the 159 95 189 95 range then it would have a chance.

Thank heavens that sanitaire is one of the handfull of vacuum manufactures that are sticking to their guns and offer a great product for the money.And are sold with confidence by the indy's,and dont have 500 different machines that all do the same thing.

  MOLE

mole wrote:

Hiya Mole,

How are you?  For all intent and purpose the model in mention is Sanitaire.  The new "Sanitaire by Electrolux" (oh boy) calls this new upright the Duralux.  Please also note -- if life wasn't confused enough -- the Duralux and other models are selling under Sanitaire's, "Commercial," "Professional, and "Precision" categories.  The only difference is color change -- red, deep blue or light blue.  Its the same machine except that Electrolux has decided to fly it under the Eureka name.

The cleaner is kind of cool as it allows for replacable brush strips on the brush roll, the Sanitaire red Duralux has an even longer cord (50 feet).  See the link.

http://www.sanitairevac.com/commercial/duralux_flash.html

http://www.sanitairevac.com/commercial/owners_guides/78750_SC9180_OG_.pdf

Best,

Venson

Venson wrote:

Hi Venson:

I would recommend the Dirt Devil revolving brush hand cleaner with confidence.  Over 25 Million sold and still counting.  The BEST BUY store here in N. Las Vegas is relatively new, about a year old.  I bought my HOOVER cann there.  I'll probably purchase another vacuum there.  Not sure which one yet: dyson, BISSELL, HOOVER WT Anniversary? Have to hone in on one. 

Carmine D.

mole wrote:

Hello Mole:

I can't say I didn't have the same thoughts.  Royal puts out a commercial line with tools on board too.  Long cord with OSHA standards for commercial usage and metal bearings in the brush roll are good enough to obtain the moniker Commercial. 

But I think the Eureka line goes further at BEST BUY stores.  With the exception of the Electrolux by Eureka and the BOSS Smart Vac, the expanding Eureka line is new at BEST BUY stores.  I think the Eureka line was originally destined for Circuit City stores but the retailer's management is in the midst of takeover efforts by a private investment group.  The retailer may even declare bankruptcy.  Vacuums aren't even advertised for sale any longer at Circuit City.  Eureka needs to circle the wagons and take on TTI at the big box retailers.  It's a war for new vacuum sales.

So BEST BUY gets the Eureka nod instead for these models.  Who else?  There is none.  I think it's a good move by Eureka to expand products in the BEST BUY stores.  While vacuums are not the BEST BUY mainstay business by any means, they bring customers into the store.  Once there, they may buy other big ticket electronic items.  At least that's what BEST BUY hopes, along with making vacuum sales.  The reason I believe some of the new Eureka vacuum line will end up in the BEST BUY stores for sale, not just internet.

Carmine D.

CarmineD wrote:
HI carmine, i would go along with your way of thinking,THERE IS NO ONE ELSE LEFT, I MUST SAY THAT .A.B. Electrolux have put themselves in the drivers seat in the box stores,They own eureka/sanitaire,beam central vacuums, motor maufactures and even some we dont know about, The Eureka marker is really known for the canisters in the lower to mid range always gave a decent power team for the money,The G.E. canister was just a rebadged eureka canister.I must say it was a decent machine for the money although the powernozzles always gave trouble after a short time.I would say that the box stores are not the venue for vacs costing more than 200.00,you and i have been saying that for a long time now.I THINK THEY ARE STARTING TO REALIZE THAT THE UNDER 100.00 MACHINES ARE THEIR MARKET.When the high end stuff comes back on them because of really bad customer support,dont even start about that.People are still willing to pay for a quality piece thats backed up by expert repair and service centers.All that has to be done is just follow through on your claims.......................AND BELIEVE ME ITS GETS A LOT EASIER DOWN THE ROAD.

MOLE

BEST BUY store in Las Vegas has just launched all the Electrolux Appliances from Europe.  According to the BEST BUY staff, they are going big time into all the Electrolux appliances.  Displays all over. 

Got a demo on the DC24 and 25 from a sales associate.  The same who sold me the HOOVER cann.  She got the filter cleaning times wrong saying 6 months for all.  I corrected her by pulling off the filters and showing her.  She mentioned to me that the dyson rep, who had just left, failed to tell her the new cleaning intervals.  She was glad I pointed it out.

Outside the one faux pax, she got everything right.  She knew the HOOVER TTI Dirt Devil connection.  And the whole Whirlpool Maytag thing.  Having a DC14, she knew the brush bar shortcomings with the early dyson models and the made in Malaysia.    She demoed a halo for me on sale for $299.  It was a display model.  BEST BUY didn't sell many. There was no kickback to the sales associates for each new one sold.

I liked the DC25 better than the DC24 and DC18.  But not enough to buy, at least not yet. 

I did leave with a new Dirt Devil Kruz and some belts for my HOOVER WT Supreme.  The Kruz is on battery charge waiting until tomorrow for it's maiden voyage run.  Not worth the $99 price tag IMHO because it does not have a revolving brush [like the $25-$40 HOOVER Slider], although I was told that BEST BUY has sold alot of these [and the DD Kones].  The Kruz get's a 4 out of 5 on the BEST BUY buyers' opinion ratings.  But not many raters.

No HOOVER anniversary models yet.

Carmine D.

mole wrote:

Hello Mole:

Ironically, this BEST BUY store which looks like an Electrolux Appliances store now doesn't even carry any of the Electrolux [Eureka] vacuum line except on-line.  Not even the Infinity.  It just doesn't sell enough to justify the in store stock, I'm told. 

As you said, mostly the boxed China imports, like the Kruz I bought and dyson.  I see dyson is giving away the Car Care Kit with each sale, too.

This particular store, only about a year old, is not very busy [I'm told].  It did have some open vacuum items like the halo and a few dyson DC18's on discount.  The prices will be lowered weekly until sold.  I just don't like the tipsiness of the DC18.  I might spring for the halo if it goes to $200 or less.  Ironically, still DC07's new in the box for sale.  I believe these are the overflow that BEST BUY got stuck with when Wal*Mart and dyson parted ways some years ago. 

Carmine D.

According to the Best Buy web site, it says that the Windtunnel meets the Energy Star label qualifications.    How does a vacuum that consumes 12 amps result in a 10-50% reduction in energy use compared to standard models? 

From Best Buy web site:

    "What is ENERGY STAR?

     If you want to reduce the cost to operating your appliances, buying ENERGY STAR appliances is a quick, easy way to identify Appliances that incorporate advanced technologies for a 10-50% reduction in energy and        
    water usage, compared to standard models."

Hello Severus:

Interesting isn't it.  I noticed that too.  Mole and I had a discussion about variable speed uprights.  I'm wondering if these are them.  Initial start up takes more, then operation speed requires less, then finally even less for shut down and off.  Perhaps increases for attachment use.  Not really sure.  I had hoped to see and ask BEST BUY about this feature.  But alas the Anniversary models had not made their way into the store yet.  To my knowledge no other vacuums on the market today except the HOOVER WT has this designation.

Carmine D.

Severus wrote:

Hi Severus,

To my mind, the little bit that there is I mean, energy savings as far as vacuum cleaners are concerned is just a selling ploy for the silly.  You use far more energy when making use of heat producing appliances -- irons, electrric grills, electric ranges, clothes dryers, etc. However, thoughit was never part of my religion, there are those who feel that a high power draw vacuum cleaner will allow you to vacuum more effectively, pass for pass, and therefore manage the task in shorter time.  As for me -- don't know what I'm doing wrong but -- I somehow don't seem to vacuum in any less time with a 12 amp vac than I did with a 6 amp machine. 

Vacuuming over the years has not become less work intensive in recent years than it was 60 years ago.  We've got dishwashers with soft food disposers that require only dumping what's on a plate into the trash before its placement into the machine.  We even have washer'dryer combos to cut steps but vacuumiong is still basically vacuuming save for the Roomba and other devices.  However, those devices are not yet effective at thorough cleaning.  Anyway . . .

If energy savings were really an issue to vacuum manufacturers they'd use motors using less amperage but make better designed attachments and machines. 

Here's your cue to yawn . . .

But no, I'm not going to preach.   I merely would suggest that those concerned about energy use look at an old Lux Model XXX or Hoover uprights from back in the day and old Filter Queens.  None of these were big power eaters but all were great at helping achieve a job well done.

But speaking of modern times, more is always considered better.  Suggestions of sizable power set most consumers drooling and, Lordy me, adding the term "green" can lead to such wonderful illusions of "having it all."

Best,

Venson

The only thing about going green is the green stuff being made off this new twist on the same old,old...............Arm@ Hammer baking soda in the bags,this is what started it all for the vacuum business,too bad for the bagless machines, they cant add this to their list of advertising and marketing HYPE..........

  My toaster hass 1450 watts though,more than any vacuum sold in the U,S,A,, it doesnt clean my floors to well though.

LET'S SEE WHAT THE NEXT NEW USELESS TWIST IS, I THINK LOWERING THE PRICES MIGHT BE NEW AND INNOVATIVE,

MOLE

Going green is about "social responsibility" not just saving [or as Mole prefers making] money.

Carmine D.

If it is any consolation, the EU is gearing up for energy efficiency ratings on vacuum cleaners, too. There are upright cleaners available that have 2000W motors. Far, far too much, in my opinion, as you cannot use the onboard tools properly, because there is no form of suction control.

Electrolux seems to have pre-empted the legislation, by producing the 'Enviro-vac' machine, with a 700W motor. Supposedly able to clean as efficiently as a machine with twice that power.

Hoover UK has machines that employ 1800, 1900 & 2000W motors, but use a flimsy brushroll.

Would it not be more sensible to downgrade the motor power and fit a decent agitator, like they used to have? This would also reduce the irritating, screaming noise that emanates from modern machines.

Hi Trilobite,

That's what I meant.  Ability to clean well is a more a design issue than one regarding motor power.  A 500 watt vacuum that can channel air flow well can serve as well as one employing a thousand watts any day.  I know that because I have a Lux 1205 that just amazes me with its ability to do real work. 

Nonetheless, I still maintain that vacuuming whether with a high or lesser-powered machine doesn't make that much of a dent in an electric bill.  They are not usually used for all that long a time and, God knows, not usually used that often in many homes.

On the other hand our wonderful frost-free refrigerators burn up a lot of juice.  It is claimed that their power consumption has been lessened but at one point in time my local power supplier, Con Edison, claimed they cost about a dollar a day to run.  Now we're talking money -- $356.00 a year.  It's doubtful that you'll come near that at year end because of your vacuum.  The biggest drop in power consumption in my home has been due to switching to compact flourescent bulbs.

People are being played with. I am not saying that real conservation issues do not exist but this is much the same as all scare tactics used to send us scrambling about to hoping to buy a sense of safety.  Safety, in the bigger sense of the word, cannot be bought but simply being practical can move us closer to it.

Venson

Originally thought there were 3.  Then 4.  Come to find out there are 5.  4 ups and a cann.  Nothing new as I said save colors and marginal design changes.  But certainly of interest to vacuum collectors and historians despite the HOOVER TTI union  and/or because of it.  100 years is a special celebration for a company in the vacuum industry.  Not many [royal another TTI sub] in the past have gone that long time.  If longevity is a sign of popularity, as dyson Matt says, then HOOVER must be the most popular in the industry at least for 2008! 

Carmine D.