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 :)

HARDSELL wrote:

HS:

I will have no difficulty gifting/reselling my Oreck Classic XL at some future time.  I am confident it will provide the same worthy service with minimal user attention, save belt and bag changes every several months.  Both tasks the user can do in a few minutes.

I'm currently looking for another comparable lightweight to replace it, perhaps an Oreck upgrade and/or a SIMPLICITY/RICCAR.  I thought the dyson DC24/25 were contenders until I saw and used them.  I have ruled them out at this point [and so has my dear Wife].  She loves the Oreck. 

BTW, have you purchased a new dyson or are you using the Dirt Devil/Royal Eminence?  

Carmine D.

CarmineD wrote:

Morning Carmine,

I still use the Royal and Kirby.  The weather is nice in TN.  Too much golf to play vs playing with vacs.  I doubt that I will buy a new Dyson as I really only like the DC7. I admit that I have no experience with any of the $#%* and I may try one later.

HARDSELL wrote:

We have a beautiful 18 hole golf course on the grounds of our housing community.  But I'm too young to play golf.  Maybe when I'm older.

Carmine D.

HARDSELL wrote:

I suppose b a l l is a dirty word

HARDSELL wrote:

It is to me when used in union with golf!  A sport for old people.

Carmine D.

Thanks for the suggestions guys! This is super helpful. Just FYI about the flooring situation: it's mostly fairly plush carpeting, with a few bare floors. Don't really have a preference of canister versus upright.

scathontiphat wrote:

What are you currently using and how well do you like it?

Carmine D.

HARDSELL wrote:

Hello HS:

I know you are not a fan of Wal*Mart BUT..........if you are interested in the DC07, WM is discounting the dyson DC07 Original from its $378 to $319.  And it's an advertised special too thru May 11 [strike another blow against the dyson MAP].  With the purchase, you get a $50 WM Gift Card.  Not too bad: $270 for a new DC07.  The only draw back is a 2 year warranty instead of the 5 year.  Pretty blue color.  WM exclusive dyson.  I hear they have lots, so you may want to wait awhile and see if WM ups the ante.  Say a $100 Gift card.  Did I mention that WM stock is up over 22 percent this year.  At $58 a share.  If it throws in some stock shares, I might even buy another dyson and gift it away to my worse enemy!  I know what you are thinking HS.  No such luck.  It's not you!

Carmine D.

CarmineD wrote:

I never said that I was not a fan of Wal Mart.  I only said that they do not sell high end products.  I buy at Wal Mart unless I want better quality.   Also, Wal Mart is not always the lowest price, especially in their groceries and meats. 

I do not like gift cards.  Just give me the discount on the item that I am purchasing.  I prefer the Yellow to the blue color.

My opinion of Wal Marts success is the convenience of their stores.   Not many Sears or K Marts available except in major metro areas or malls.  No Montgomery Wards of other stores that preceded Wal Mart.  Wal Mart will be like Circuit City in the future.  No company reins forever.

I am in total agreement with Vacuuman and Lucky1.  The Simplicity and Riccar lightweights are good performers that put out a decent amount of airflow (unlike the Oreck), and if we want to take this into consideration, earned good scores the last time they were tested in CR. 

I would also consider the TTI-made lightweight uprights such as the Lux Lite, Royal, and Hoover Clean & Light.  Both these and the Riccar/Simplicity are great examples that a machine can be both lightweight and a REAL vacuum cleaner at the same time instead of a glorified electric broom. 

-MH