Vacuum Cleaners Discussions

OK, here is a post for the pro's. For years I have used a Dyson DC11 and Dyson DC21 as my primary vacuums in the house. I also had a GE Canister Vacuum Model 106766(which is actually a rebranded Eureka HP6855A can). I have had a great experience with the GE can, but incurred the occasional problem with cleaning efficiency with both Dysons. My house is primary hardwoods with some floor cloths and area rugs scattered throughout. The downstairs is a very expensive low cut frieze which cannot have a brushroll used on it per the manufacturer. I went to Wal-Mart to purchase some bags for the GE can and found this beast below on sale for $148.00. A friend of mine had a struggling Hoover Elite that was ready for the trash pile so I gifted the older GE can to them and replaced it with the GE 106766 below. I tried to find some info on this machine online, but was unable to garner anything on who makes it, etc. It looks to be a Eureka of some type as it shares some characteristics of their Boss Can and their Air Extreme can. I was lucky enough to find bags and filters on eBay in quantity very cheap. Anyone have any ideas on this one? I know for a fact it outcleans both my Dysons hands down. The filtration according to a particulate counter is very low even though the can doesn't seem to be fully sealed. The suction is so good with a new bag and filter that you have to pry the hard floor tool off the floor when on full suction. The plastic is a little suspect in the build but otherwise seems to be a solid product. I will post a full review after a little more use. Any info or thoughts on the origin of this little guy would be great.

http://www.govacuum.com/lib/vacuumcleanerbacgs/GE169072

Thanks Carmine. As I suspected, the filters are of similar build and design as other Eureka canister models, including the Electrolux models. As for the bags, I am not sure, in terms of other bags that will fit but I did find the Arm and Hammer paper style bags in bulk that are the ones specified in the manual. I didn't even think about the Harmony, but that is a very good guess in terms of which model this might be based on. As I said, I had years of good luck with the older GE Cann that was made by Eureka so I'm hoping this one will hold out for a while. I am looking at installing a central vac at some point but not sure when that will figure into the budget.

The bags (and parts of the machine for that matter) look like an exact match for the Riccar Sunburst and Moonlight, right down to the flower pattern imprinted on the bag. Here's an amazon link to compare....

http://www.amazon.com/Riccar-Moonlight-Sunburst-Canister-Simplicity/dp/B001DCX632

Any chance of a pic of the powerhead? We're expecting the new Riccar Pizzaz this week and I'd be interested to see if their were any similarities.

Dusty

dusty wrote:
Hi Dusty,

Couldn't find an image file but did find a PDF of the manual wih pics.

Best,

Venson

Hello Dusty:

The bags look identical even the collar sizes, shapes and rubber seals save the RICCAR brand name.  Do you know the country of production for the RICCAR Sunburst and Moonlight and SIMPLICITY Jack and Jill models?

Carmine D.

CarmineD wrote:
All four models are made in China

Dusty

Thank you Dusty. 

Lazaruspup: I noted today that Wal*Mart stocks the GE bags for your latest canister under the Arm and Hammer brand for model GE169072.  3 allergen paper bags for $5.97 is the regular price.  The A&H bags look exactly like the picture of the bag you and Dusty posted.

Ironically, the GE cann was sold out.  It's a popular seller.

Carmine D.

Its funny that you bring up the Riccar models as I went to the local vac shop here today because he bought both of my old Dysons off of me and my moms DC07 as well as we are abandoning Dysons since my mom just can't lift the big Dyson anymore; and the owner showed me some of the Riccar models and they had an eerie resemblance to the GE 169072. He was intrigued to see the model in person and I am going to drive it over to him tomorrow so he can see it as he is a collector as well as a shop owner and was also intrigued as to who might be making them. I will let you know his first impressions. The manual link posted is in fact the manual and the powerhead is as pictured. If i get a chance I'll take a photo of mine and post it. It is an intriguing desing with a height adjustment similar to the Electrolux Twin canister model, but has several LED's in the head instead of a lightbulb.

dusty wrote:

Does WM sell any "Made in America" goods?  Carmine will forgive anyone but Dyson for being made in other countries.

I don't know about the other members here, but I am not really as concerned about who makes my goods as long as its a good quality, hardwearing, and reliable product. I buy American and foreign made items all the time. Our household is a huge consumer of EVERYTHING it seems. I have been disappointed by both American goods and foreign goods. One reason I buy at Wal-Mart and Sams is because they have generous return policies. I can buy an item, no matter who makes it, and it if doesn't work right, I don't get grief taking it back. I can't tell you how many other establishments I have tried taking an item back that I was dissatisfied with and they have me heck about it. I am the consumer, and if I am not happy, then the store shouldn't be happy. I bought a GE canister vacuum from Wal-Mart knowing that if I took the thing home and it was a total piece, I could turn around and bring it back, no questions asked. I know many of the goods that Wally World and other retailers such as Target sell, including throw away vacuums, are subpar quality, but thats why we have so many choices. Tough economic times are going to cause many retailers to consider how they treat their customers and their policies involving them; no matter where the goods come from.

Hello Lazaruspup:

Apparently many Americans feel like you about Wal*Mart.  It is the only retailer in the US, save COSTCO, that has held its own and even appreciated in stock price value in the last year despite the 40 percent loss in the market.  It's selling for $53 a share.  This is higher than its stock share price at the same time last year.  The GE cann vacuum, launched by Wal*Mart stores in 2000, has been one of the best selling vacuums in Wal*Mart history.  Some stores can't keep them stocked on the shelves, they are sold so quickly.  WM stocks and sells Arm and Hammer brand bags and filters exclusively now in all its stores too. 

For the interested:

HOW BIG IS WAL-MART? 
 

At Wal-Mart, Americans spend $36,000,000 every hour of every day. 
 
 
This works out to $20,928 profit every minute! 
 

Wal-Mart will sell more from January 1 to St. Patrick's Day (March 17th) 
than Target sells all year. 
 
 
Wal-Mart is bigger than Home Depot + Kroger + Target + Sears + Costco + 
K-Mart combined. 
 
 
Wal-Mart employs 1.6 million people and is the largest private employer. And most can't speak English

 
Wal-Mart is the largest company in the history of the World. 
 
 
Wal-Mart now sells more food than Kroger & Safeway combined, and keep in mind they did this in only 15 years. 
 

During this same period, 31 Supermarket chains sought bankruptcy (including Winn-Dixie). 
 
 
Wal-Mart now sells more food than any other store in the world. 
 

Wal-Mart has approx 3,900 stores in the USA of which 1,906 are SuperCenters; this is 1,000 more than it had 5 years ago. 
 

This year, 7.2 billion different purchasing experiences will occur at a Wal-Mart store. (Earth's population is approximately 6.5 billion.) 
 

90% of all Americans live within 15 miles of a Wal-Mart.

Carmine D.