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 :)

Although not in the most recent CR ratings, in the past Consumer Reports has rated Oreck's bare floor cleaning performance as "excellent'.   Consistently.  If you haven't, you should read the March 2008 CR edition.  It's a good starting place.

Based on my personal and professional experience, I would rate Oreck's bare floor cleaning as excellent too [with a properly working belt and bag].  I add the latter caveat because some may have used an Oreck, in need of service, and been disappointed by the performance.  Both bag and belt changes are explained in the User Manual and can be performed by the user in a few minutes.  Recommended bag changes are every 2-3 months [depending on use] and belts should be changed every 6-9 months.  Inexpensive and widely available.

Many of the other vacuum brands and models are equally good and will perform well.  It really depends on your likes and dislikes and cleaning requirements and needs.

Carmine D.

HARDSELL wrote:

Bad business to me is comical but is no laughing matter.  Then, again I try to find the humor in all things.  That's why I like you.

Carmine D.

I also recommend the SEBO Felix.

Your requirements (bare floors, various height carpeting and on-board tools) demands a versatile vacuum preferably a canister with a powerhead that has a brushroll that can be turned on and off. However you would prefer an upright over a canister. The Felix fits every requirement. It is an upright that has the powerhead of a canister which can be raised or lower to the specific carpet height required. The brushroll can be turned off for bare floors or the (included) top quality floor brush can be substituted for optimum cleaning. All heads can be removed and using the attached hose and on-board tools you can use it as a powerful Dustbuster to assist your above floor tasks. It has a slide power adjustment to reduce air flow when delicate objects are being cleaned. It has S class filtration for your allergies.

While not as lightweight as the Oreck or Simplicity Freedom it has tools where the other two need a second vacuum. And has much better filtration. If carried by the side handle it's weight is more distrbuted or you could easily take the powerhead off when carrying.

The Miele, while a great machine is way too costly when a 236 powerhead is added.

The Dyson is closer to the Sebo in weight but does not offer the allergy filtration of the Felix and the tools are complicated for some users.

The only down side might be the price at $550 in store and $599 on-line. BUT you get a quality machine with a great warranty and a network of in store repair. (Ask what you have to go through to get a Dyson repaired).

I would like to recommend the Simplicity or Oreck because they are made in the US and the Sebo is German. BUT if you have to send money out of this country it is better to send it to a developed nation that does not pay semi-slave wages nor takes US jobs. Germany also has a good ecological record that supports wind and solar power vs sending the money to Southeast Asia where it will contribute to higher oil prices.

Lucky1:

Good point about the lack of attachments on the Oreck.  For $150, I only received the XL Classic Deluxe.  No Oreck compact canister, generally a give-away with the purchase of the upright for $299.  I use a HOOVER Cann for $50 I purchased from BEST BUY.  But my daily vacuuming of the floors and rugs, including under the furniture and beds, is with the Oreck upright.  Once a week I take the H- cann out for other cleaning.

Some vacuum users like me prefer not to have the additional weight of the attachments on board for daily cleaning with the upright alone.  Again, all a matter of personal preference, needs and wants.

And I like the ORECK because its made in the USA by Americans and has been for 45 years.  Keep jobs here.  Hoorah!

Carmine D.

CarmineD wrote:

If you double the price you are buying the attachments.  They are not free.  However, one can manipulate the words and screw the consumer.  That is the good old American way isn't it.

And to think that you call JD misleading. 

Carmine, I'm curious how you were able to snag an Oreck for only $150, even without the useless hand vac (good move BTW on not falling for the bowling-ball hype and purchasing that piece of $#%*).  Do tell, please, as I never thought it was even remotely possible for even the BOL Classic as you purchased, unless there was some sort of "buddy deal" involved.  I'm assuming you purchased this at an Oreck store?  Are you friends with the owners/manager there?

-MH

Motorhead wrote:

I inquired at a local Oreck store if I could get credit = to the freebies that come with an Oreck.  I was given an emphatic no.

$300 to $700 for a $25 vacuum.  No way.

I mentioned in the past and even in my review on this page.  I donate to the Humane Society of the US.  Oreck is a supporter of many worthy causes including the Humane Society of the US.  Last April I received an offer from Oreck in concert with the US Humane Society to buy a new Oreck XL Deluxe Classic for $150 plus shipping.  I bought.  I liked it so much I subsequently purchased 3 more at the same price and gifted them away to family members [with very different households].  All are pleased.

I met Dave many years ago when I had my vacuum store.  He had more hair then.  I liked him and still do.  Despite the personal friendship, I did not sell new Orecks when I had my store.  Repaired them, sold parts, and sold them used/rebuilt. 

I have never asked for/received a discount from Oreck for any of my purchases.  Not even a senior citizen discount.  Or industry discount.  Business is business. 

Carmine D.

Carmine,

Let's say (hypothetically speaking) I wanted to buy a new BOL Oreck for $150.  Would I just call the Humane Society and inform them of my donation so I can take part on this deal as well?  In addition to that, how much of a donation would I need to make if I wanted to take part on this deal? 

If said deal does not exist, stating that *you* were able to purchase the machine for $150 is a moot point when no one else can, and only serves to steer prospective customers *away* from the Oreck after learning otherwise.  By the way, it is a well-known fact that Orecks are NOT sold in ordinary vac shops.  They are sold in Oreck stores and Oreck stores alone, only competing with Dave Oreck himself for the customer.  The plain and simple truth is that if Orecks were carried at vac shops alongside other brands for the advertised list prices, not *one* would sell due to the presence of many better (and generally less expensive) alternatives.

-MH

My goodness, I certainly have come to the right place.
Thank you so much, everyone, for taking the time to give all this advice and share your expertise. All of the information is helpful--of course my husband and I have bought vacuums over the years, but never with much forethought or knowledge! We've slowly learned that it's only when you get a vacuum home and use it that you realize all its pros and cons. I appreciate everyone's input.

Thank you MH, I especially appreciated your detailed and informative analysis of the whole shebang. Especially the business re brushroll shutoff, and the comparison of different bagless emptying mechanisms. And recommendations. Very helpful indeed.

Thanks Carmine( you vacuum DAILY??? I am impressed. Or perhaps everyone does, oh dear...) for insights on Oreck and reminder that I can try it free for 30 days.

I'm grateful, HS, for your comments on the Dyson, esp re its performance on bare floors.

Lucky1, thanks for more details on Sebo Felix.

I think that's everyone who has replied so far. Now I have to process all the information, and try out some of the vacuums before deciding.

Thanks again.
C.