I got two "new" (used, but modern instead of vintage) machines this week. They are both machines that I have been wanting to add to my collection, and that I have been wanting to use as a (cat owning mind you) consumer.
The first is an Oreck upright. I know Riccar/Simplicity make a better machine with the Supralite/Freedom, but they are expensive and not easily found used. The only things I had that could be considred light weight hitherto were my Dirt Devil Broom Vac (which I ADORE despite the way I feel bout dirt devil), and my Vorwerk upright. I spent 50 dollars on the Oreck. Not terrible as far as used Orecks on Craig's List in my area are going for. I wanted the base model because I do not like loop style handles and I DO like foot switches opposed to handle switches. Mine must be a step up from the base model, because it does have a headlight. Actually, mine is the XL 100C from 1984, so it's kind of vintage (born the year after me, guess I'm vintage too!)... but still very similar to the machines produced today.
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As a consumer, there are some things about it I don't like. Orecks are known for not being powerful, and for being loud. This one is quite loud, but not as loud as bad reviews lead me to fear. One thing I don't like is the hanging hole in the back of the handle. It just isn't comfortable to feel when pushing the machine. Another thing is that the wheels are too small... this thing would be a nightmare on thick carpet! Another thing I don't like is that it requires a screwdriver to replace the belt. And FIVE (not two, but FIVE) screws have to be removed to change the belt! I was amazed to see how simple everything was inside when I changed the belt! ALSO... when they say you can vacuum under a bed with an Oreck, that isn't true. It will fit under a bed, but when it is flat, the machine raises up off the floor and does not make contact with the carpet! They leave that little detail out in their advertising. Just ilke when they say that the Oreck has automatic height adjustment. What is really has is NO height adjustment.... but they aren't the only company to make that claim. There is no air filtration other than the bag, but that doesn't bother me at all. It may bother people who have been convinced vacuums are machines that need to have the world HEPA filter printed in their bodies instead of machines to clean carpet. Newer models do have better filtration in their outer bag...this one actually has a vinyl bag!!!
Onto the things I do like... and there aren't many, but I'm still glad to have the machine as a collector. It picks up the dirt! Even powder was taken up with only one pass. It wisks cat hair and litter away in no time flat. I also like the fact that the headlight shines onto the floor and not the vacuum itself. I don't need a headlight, but a light and a ballooning bag are signs of "life" in a vacuum for me as a collector. I also like the fact that there is onboard belt and bag storage (though they forgot to include a scredriver holder). And that there are NO on board tools to get in the way and fall off! It seems to groom my one medium pile area rug nicely, though the rest of my carpet is flat /low pile so I can't tell for sure.
I do have some questions though. Firstly, is this vacuum supposed to have a quick release cord? My upper cord hook has two srew holes, but only one screw is in it. It looks like the previous owner actually removed one of the screws that should be in the cord hook to have a "make shift" quick release cord. Also, why did Oreck put two separate wheels on each side of the back? Why didn't they just use one big wheel on each side? Do two separate ones offer some kind of benefit?
The next machine I got just yesterday at a flea market. It is a Miele power nozzle canister that I paid a grand total of (drumroll please) 15 dollars for! I almost had a heart attack when I saw the price on this thing. It was sitting in the grass by an antiques table. I plugged it in and both the machine and power nozzle ran fine. I didn't even hesitate. I almost offered the lady 100 dollars because I felt like I was stealing it for 15! LOL. This is the Miele Plus S251 with the SEB213 power nozzle. What a nice machine! It is still a current model and goes for 569 new!
There are a few things I don't like about it. Many of these things are fixed on the top of the line models, but this is a low-mid range Miele, so I guess they had to leave some features off so the high end machines sell better. Firstly, this machine doesn't come with a dusting brush! No, mine isn't missing it... this model simply doesn't include one! An almost 600 dollar vacuum doesn't have a dusting brush, come now! And, my other machine's dusting brushes will not fit on it (I've tried Kirby and Dyson heretofore). Also, the cord for the power nozzle isn't direct connect. It is a separate wire that gets in the way and must be unplugged when one needs to use different attachments, or change the bag. Though, I could just remove the hose to change the bag. Because it isn't direct connect, the power nozzle isn't quick release. I guess we're spoiled by high end Kenmores/Panisonics. Also, there is no height adjustment on the power nozzle. Another annoying thing is that the power nozzle does not stand up on its own accord. I guess that's OK, because most of the ones that do fall over anyway, and they have integrated a power nozzle parking system into the machine.
There are two things that might bother some people that I actually like. One is that the power switch is on the machine itself and not on the handle (just the brush roll on/off on handle). Also, it does not have a gas pump or loop style handle. I don't like those!
What I do like about it. Well, it's beautiful, powerful, and very quiet. The parts fit together nicely. The adjustable suction is really nice. The retractable cord is awesome. I've had machines were you actually had to help the cord back in. The Miele just slurps the cord in quickly, all the way, every time. I LOVE the 360 degree swivel wheels. I have a small apartment with a lot of tight spaces, and I don't like using canisters because I have to turn the whole machine around all the time when the back wheels are fixed. I can push this thing any which way and it just glides wonderfully! Though that's annoying when trying to pull the cord out. I love the park and storage transport clips that hold the power nozzle/wand assembly onto the machine so it doesn't fall down. I love the rubber wheels on hard floors. I love the fact that I finally own a Miele and got it for the price I did!
I do have a question about it though... The power nozzle does have a cogged belt. But, I don't see an overload reset button. What if I suck up my cat and the brush roll stalls? Is it as simple as turning the machine on and back off again? Also, the metal strip under the hand grip... is that to reduce static electricity? How does that work?
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I think I'm going to post flyers in my apartment complex offering a free vacuuming service just so I can play with my machines more... though I do feel a little guilty for forsaking my vintage machines for such modern ones lately. Maybe my tastes are changing. Well... thanks for reading this and for any responses.
