Vacuum Cleaners Discussions

Much is posted here about vacuum innovations both real/hyped [i.e. halo].  This current decade has produced advancements in technology [filtrete paper bags] and innovations in the vacuum industry:  i.e. robotic vacuum sweepers, bagless vacuums, steerable vacuums with ball wheels, and a MIELE upright.   I'm sure there are others worthy of mention too.

Question:  What is the next most wanted/needed vacuum innovation/feature?  I say it's a cordless vacuum with a decent run time and the cleaning power of a full size.  There are some decent attempts along the way:  Westinghouse, TTI/HOOVER.  What do others think?

Carmine D.

mole wrote:
Hiya MOLE,

I am glad to hear that you're making it a point to inform your customers.  Wish more shops were doing the same.  It's my feeling that the more I'm told up front, the more I'm encouraged to buy.  I hate surprises.

It is always the consumer's choice as to what is acceptable pricewise but I staunchly believe you can get people to go for spending more by simply telling them more.  American are not necessarily pinch-pennies.  We buy just about anything.

As for bags, filters, etc., in past companies like Electrolux did, for good reason caution customers not to use other than genuine bags and parts.  The multi-ply dustbags actually did enhance the performace of its machines.  Cheaper single-ply bags, though great for the pocketbook, clogged up much faster.  However, what is strongly in question is price.  It's not about who makes them, especially if they excel in purpose but how much they cost.  A HEPA filter is a definite enhancement but should it cost only ten bucks or $50.00 or more to replace one?  Should a single Miele high-filtration bag cost three bucks?  If someone can convince me that, necessary mark-up included,  the prices on such ittems are realistic I'll be happy to stand corrected.

Best,

Venson

PS:  Maybe this is what you're looking for -- http://www.johnsoncontrols.com/publish/us/en/about.html

The trend in future vacuums has to be lighter, smaller, easer to store with tools on board, better exhaust air filtration and filter dust bags.  Lower profiles for under furniture usage to avoid the need for tool conversion.  Yes, headlights on the better models.  Longer cords/winders.  Bagless will be for the hand and stick venues.  Bagless possibly commercial vacuums too.  

Carmine D.

Not to "change" the subject, but Miele Bags for $3-4 ea. is not expensive in my eyes. For what the bag filters, let alone how much junk they can hold, it's worth it.

RAD1 wrote:
How much does it cost to make one and deliver it to a vendor?  By the way, nothing I ever sold could cost too much.

Venson

Noise reduction is an area in need of improvement on many vacuums.  The goal should be a nearly silent vacuum.  I really don't mind a cord on a vacuum - provided the cord is of reasonably good length.   Weight reduction and reductions in "effective" weight are needed as well.  

With the many different types of carpeting, offering the ability to change out brush rolls (softer/stiffer) depending on carpet type might be a plus.

Severus wrote:
Hi Severus,

I think Electrolux did offer brush roll options for its PNs many years ago but abondoned the idea.  I can only assume that the offering didn't produce a big enough return for the company to feel it was worth the effort and I'd wonder if there is enough of the public interested in the like now.

Just to check my self out, I looked up info re fine carpet care and the seller still recommends straight-suction vacuum cleaning.  http://antiquerugco.com/services/maintenance.asp

Best,

Venson

Back in the heyday for Canisters, when wall to wall carpet was no more than 1/2" deep, several brands had very good performance with straight suction nozzles, Filter Queen, Compact, Airway and Rexair heading the list. Once power nozzles came into existence, straight suction technology was pretty much abandoned for carpet cleaning. We won't know what could be done to improve straight airflow cleaning until we attempt it. Look on YouTube for a video entitled "When is a vacuum cleaner not a vacuum cleaner?" The unit depicted is supposed to be based on something new: A.R.C.-Air Recycling Technology. Also check out www.scabel.com for in the works technology and www.everythingusb.com for a keyboard vac that plugs into a usb port.

All great truths begin as heresies