Vacuum Cleaners Discussions

Hello,

I'll be honest, I know nothing about vacuum cleaners except that I need one. I have 4 criteria for selection:
1) Works well
2) built well/will last me a long long time (serviceable)
3) Made in US, Japan, or Western Europe
4) Hopefully no more than $350

I think Oreck may end up being my choice since it's made in the US and I haven't found any others that aren't manufactured in south east Asia. But that's why I'm here! To tap into your brains :)

MH, I just want to add that Orecks are indeed sold in my local vac store alongside other brands, including all, I think, of those that have been recommended on this thread.

I will be going in soon to check them out...

Carmine, now I understand why you vacuum daily (and why I don't have pets except a non-shedding cat!). I too have disk problems, and other aching joints, that's why I need a light weight machine.
I hadn't thought of used/reconditioned as an option--an idea to ponder.

Thanks again, everyone.
Christine

Hi Christine,

Another person informed me that older dealers who sold Oreck before the "Oreck store exclusive" policy went into effect can still purchase the traditional-style uprights, so I stand corrected on that.  You could also be seeing rebuilt machines as well, which, in that case I definitely wouldn't rule out but not before I tried the other brands first.  If you're dead-set on an Oreck the best bet is to find a good deal on a rebuilt higher-end machine such as an XL21 at a reputable shop.  It will give you the same performance as a new machine, but being used it will also have depreciated somewhat and you won't suffer the "sticker shock" from a new one.  Orecks *are* ridiculously overpriced for being such simple machines that seem inexpensive to manufacture. 

Again, good luck and let us know what you come up with,
-MH

Before you buy the overpriced Oreck, look at the new Riccar SupraLite and Simplicity Freedom with the metal brushroll and permanent poly V belt.  This machine also has a belt protection system that will shut the machine off if anything jams the brush.  You will find this machine to clean better than the Oreck and youll never have to change a belt.   Just a thought.

In the current economic environment, a savvy vacuum shopper can probably snag  a new Oreck upright for considerably less than the standard sticker prices.  As Just pointed out, the Oreck store where he shopped recently lowered the price by $100.  The US Humane Society in concert with Oreck offered the XL Classic DeLuxe for $150 plus shipping.  Independent vacuum stores will probably do the same [lower the prices on new and used Orecks] to be competitive with the Oreck stores.  So shop smart.  By all means consider/test every lightweight brand mentioned before buying. 

If buying American is important, the Simplicity/RICCAR brands are home grown [I believe but worth verifying] and as Vacuuman and others said these are excellent rug/floor performers.  But there is only one original.  When it comes to lightweights, it is Oreck: 8 pounds. 

Like all household products, our own personal preferences and needs must be factored into the purchase decision.  Why?  They count as much as performance/service in determining whether we like/dislike the product and use regularly with enthusiam. 

Carmine D.

Motorhead wrote:

Sounds an awful lot like McDonald's! 

And sounds like a successful marketing strategy.  Wonder if other vacuum makers considered?  Probably too late for most.  Here's how it works.  First, you go with the established business stores/people in the industry.  Authorize/franchise them for your products.  Then, over time [and with the assistance of money from profits and revenues] you open exclusive stores and put in place a nationwide network of your own.  Sounds like a win win situation for all.  Most especially if you plan to be in the business for the long term.  What's Oreck going on now:  Close to 50 years in the USA?  How old is McDonald's?  About the same, maybe a little more? 

I think that may have been the subject of the discussion that Dave and I had many years ago.  If my memory serves me correctly.  It doesn't always. 

Carmine D.

CarmineD wrote:

Excellent analogy.  McDonalds products are mediocre at best.  Just like when they started years ago.

Marketing strategy/hype is great for sales of an inferior product. but not for the consumer.

CarmineD wrote:

This does not sound like a bargain.  What do you suggest one do if they purchase the $150 Oreck sans the tools? 

HARDSELL wrote:

Hello HARDSELL:

I use a HOOVER Cann I purchased at BEST BUY for $50.  That mostly spends time in the closet.

The Oreck is out in my study/office and gets used daily.

Carmine D.

Christine

A couple of items to note when comparing the Lower priced Oreck's with the Simplicity Freedom.

1 The aluminum neck on the Oreck tends to wear differently than the metal screws holding it. After a while the neck starts to wobble. They almost always come into the shop needing to be tightened or worse case need to be replaced. The Freedom has a round neck that stays in place.

2 The Freedom has a bigger Fan than the Oreck

3 The roller on the Oreck has long SOFT bristles. Some people find it hard to push on thick carpeting. The Freedom has a short STIFF bristle roller. When comparing the two you MUST try them on the same style carpet you will be vacuuming.

4 The Oreck has four wheels on the underside. The Freedom has six.

5 I like the Hepa CLOTH bags that are available for the Freedom. I know Oreck has a paper hepa bag but I don't know if Oreck has cloth.


Another poster mentioned a Metal roller & auto shut off. I am not aware of these features on the Freedom but I don't know alot of things! Those features are available on the Synchrony and Synergy lines. They are WAY TOO HEAVY for your requirements.

Lucky

HARDSELL wrote:

HS:

I apologize for the off vacuum subject but this is somewaht related.  McDonald's is the only FAST FOOD chain that advertises during the Saturday morning kids' shows and cartoons.  It spends about $2 Million a DAY in advertising.  Appealing to the kids who in turn influence their parents where to eat.  I'm a fan of both: Mac's and cartoons.

Carmine D.