Vacuum Cleaners Discussions

First upright from Miele

29 February 2008 This summer, Miele will launch its first range of upright vacuum cleaners – the S7.  It will consist of about six models, all of which feature ultra large dust bags and  “a unique swivel body, which makes it easy to manoeuvre in even the trickiest  of room layouts”. According to the company,  the decision was made following  numerous requests from customers that wanted to buy Miele  but would only use  an upright model. Text: courtesy ERTweekly.com Picture: courtesy Miele.co.uk, 2009 Edited 21st March 2009; reason: loss of original image.

HI all,

It was suggested by a good friend here that I should announce that I too have joined the ranks of the Miele S7 band.  My lips are sealed regarding the price but I was able to get a brand new Tango at a price substantially below the $950 I have seen being asked for them.  (I would not have bought it otherwise.)  Best yet, they threw in a black "S7" tee-shirt which I shall hold for posterity and never wear.

The cleaner itself is quite nice and, in comparison to the Capricorn canister I have, even down to the paint job it better justifies all the expense.  It assembled just like that wnen I got it home.  The handle slips in to a well at the top of the machine and automatically locks into place -- no screws, no nothin'.  Nice long cord and the machine's two small front casters feel as though they're seated on bearings and swivel very, very smoothly.  True to word, the brush roll is able to "float".  There are springs on both sides that maintain a firm downward pull on the brushroll but not so firm as to prohibit its position from being raised on thick carpet.  I mention this because Singer's twin-fan upright (1940s to early 1960s) and one model from General Electric way back in the day had somewhat similar set-ups.  I believe theirs were reliant on gravity and the pull of the drive belt.  In any event, to my recollection of CR's opinion they didn't do well on carpet.

There's a plastic squeegee blade at the back of the brush chamber as opposed to a regular brush strip to coax loose anything adhering to bare flooring should suction fail to do so.  I found no sharp edges on the nozzle plate -- a real sign someone had been thinking.  The suction is impressive but for all the fine tailoring possiblities speed-wise I pushed the "automatic" button (it lights and the display panel dims) and I have been more than happy.

The self-sealing disposable bag is generous in size and its wall are incredibly thick even in comaprison to the ones used in the canister.  The HEPA is easily accessible.

 As for the swivel capability -- it's absolutely so cool.  First thing I did with the macine was the downstairs entryway which is narrow and a little cluttered.  A twist of the wrist made turning to right angles no problem at all.  Traveling upstairs again with the machine was interesting.  Apparently, "It's not what you do, it's the way that you do it," actually means something.  If you lift the cleaner from up top by the handle it definitely feels like your picking up twenty pounds.  But -- if you use the handle at the back of the machine to tote it around it feels lighter than it is.  I don't know if that's due to point of balance or what but the machine doesn't feel $#%*bersome to travel with.

When you hit a rug with it it has a slight back-in-the-day Hoover buzz.  Like the pivot action where the hose attaches to the body of the cleaner but haven't had a chance to seriously work above floor with it so for now, that's my news . . .

Venson

Congrats Venson:

As the saying goes and it is both true and love-filled:  A thing of beauty [in appearance and performance] is a joy forever!  In this case: the MIELE tango!

MIELE-on!

Carmine D.

Hi Venson

Can I ask what the brush roll is like on the Miele S7, in terms of performance and 'grooming' of the carpet pile?  Does it lift the carpet pile well?  I'm interested to know!

DC18

DC18 wrote:
Hi DC18,

Actually, the brushroll is the same as the one in my Capricorn's 234 power nozzle which has two chevron style rows of firm bristles.  It too has a groove on two sides that runs its length.  As the brushroll appears to be one solid piece,  I haven't figured out what the grooves were intended for.

In my opinion, it does very well on carpet.  Considering the close similarity of the brushrolls, please note that CR has continually  rated Miele canisters with power nozzles as merely  "good" on carpeting but to me the S7 and 5980's performance is very good if not excellent.

Best,

Venson

Venson wrote:

Hi Venson

Thanks for answering my questions on the Miele S7 brushroll.

DC18

DC18 wrote:
You're certainly welcome!

Venson

Venson

The grooves that are located 180 degrees apart on the Miele brushrolls are handy for cutting debris that wraps around it during use. You can either use scissors or gently use a utility knife to cut the threads along the grooves to aid in removal of the debris. I very rarely have to do this with my SEB236 nozzle but it comes in handy when the need arises. After cutting the threads I usually turn the vacuum on full power along with the brush roll to help dislodge and vacuum the debris off the brush roll. 

Bruce

Venson wrote:

Has CR ever tested a Miele with the full size power nozzle?  Most of the tests I've seen have been on the little power nozzle.  Sorry I don't recall the model numbers.

hbw248 wrote:
Hi hbw248,

Thanks for the information.  That was the last thing I would have thought but it makes perfect sense.

Venson

Severus wrote:
Hi Severus,

I went back to check and I think CR has only tested with the SEB 217 power nozzle as of late.  Miele recommends this model PN with less cleaning swath than the "deluxe"  for low to medium pile.  Nonetheless, the user reviews posted on CR for Miele appear to quite good -- four-and -one-half out of five stars.

The Bosch Formula Electro Duo rated very good at carpet cleaning even though its PN is smaller than Miele's.  The Bosch rated even lower than the Miele due to just a fair rating for tool airflow.  (Three-and-one-half stars out of five user review rating.)

A post or two ago, I misquoted the model number on my PN as SEB 234.  It is SEB 236.  It is recommended for medium to thick pile.  If I had my druthers, I'd tell Miele to make just two versions of the better 236 PN.  One with all the fixings and one minus the light and height adjustment.

Venson