Vacuum Cleaners Discussions

Hoover WindTunnel versus Kenmore Progressive Vacuum cleaners Hello,

I'm looking for a solid vacuum for cleaning carpets and hardwood floors. Which one of these would be recommended?

Hoover® WindTunnel™ Anniversary Edition Self-Propelled Bagged Upright

$159.00

Kenmore Progressive Upright Vacuum with Inteli-Clean System

$249.00

Hi Bobby:

Tom said earlier that after reading the reviews on both vacuums, and considering the price difference, he was going with the H-WT-SP.  I glanced through the reviews quickly after Tom posted, and noted that indeed HOOVER fared much better than the Progressive.  If I recall this particular HOOVER Anniversary model comes with a 3 year warranty and extra bags.  And if you match the features of both, they are comparable with the edge going to HOOVER for the self-propel feature. 

BTW, I was in COSTCO last week or so.  And looked at the vacuums and noted this HOOVER model is the one COSTCO is carrying and pushing to the exclusion of all others.  It gets the prominence in location and with the number in inventory.  I looked it over quickly, and for the $150, it has to be the best upright on the market for sale now save the $60 HOOVER TEMPO [which COSTCO doesn't carry].  Add the 10 foot extension hose for $20 and filtrette paper/cloths and you can't go wrong with the purchase.

Carmine D. 

He said he thought he would go with the WindTunnel... he didn't say he'd already decided for sure.  It certainly is cheaper, but I still stay that the Kenmore is a better quality machine!

Hello Bobby:

You're right, Tom didn't say for sure. 

The lower price [$150 for the HOOVER vice $250 for the SEARS] in concert with the 3 year warranty [vice one year for the SEARS] are THE reasons I recommend it.  I am impressed that this HOOVER model carries a 3 year warranty, not one year like the SEARS Progressive.  Plus, 7 out of 8 reviews by COSTCO buyers for this model speak highly about it [Tom's point].  Tom provided the link with the reviews.  Since the HOOVER is a new Anniversary model [100 years Edition] and just added to the COSTCO sales venue for the 2008 Holiday sales season, there are not alot of product reviews as with the SEARS Progressive. 

The SEARS Progressive upright price dropped from $350 to $250 during the Holiday sales season.  It can't go lower than $200-$250 because of middle man costs/profits since Pano makes these uprights for SEARS under the Progressive name.  If Tom were so inclined, he would be better served price wise to shop/buy at local vacuum stores who carry the Pano upright line rather than SEARS.  After market parts and service availability would probably be better at local vacuum stores with the Pano line than SEARS.

I'm curious to see what Consumer Reports does with its testing and ratings for uprights on the next go round [March 2009].  The HOOVER WT/SP [TTI Floorcare and China made] has a decent chance to unseat the SEARS Progressive in the number one spot.

Carmine D.

Thanks for all of your feedback and comments.  After reviewing both Vacuums in person we like the WT a lot better than the Kenmore.  The WT does have rubber on it's rear wheels but it still left slight marks on our hardwood floors, so it looks like I'll only be using a Bona duster for the floors.  The carpets look great and the propelled is much appreciated by the wife.

I'll be ordering this 10ft ext to hopefully be able to reach the ceiling fan without tipping over the vacuum.

Thanks !

Tom:

Congrats on the purchase.  Keep in mind too the 3M filtrette bags for this model especially if you/your family members are bothered by allergies and sinuses.  Also, I believe a tool is made for HOOVER attachments specifically for vacuuming ceiling fans.  May want to check it out.

As I mentioned, I believe this particular HOOVER WT SP [TTI Floorcare] has the potential for unseating the SEARS Progressive for the number one spot by Consumer Reports.  Have to wait and see.

Carmine D.

For a couple more bucks can get the 20' ext here although I may call Hoover just to confirm part no etc.

Link

Hi Tom:

Not a bad idea if you don't mind storing the longer hose.

Carmine D.

The Hoover WT Anniversary Self Propelled upright has taken over the # 1 ranking in the new consumer reports upright rankings. Hoover landed {4 out of 10} top ranking spots.

Also of note: Hoover finished with 7 uprights in the top 20 (w/o best in class platinum collection models). Dyson has 2 in the top 20 and Bissell landed only one.

-Beats as it Sweeps

TTIpowerT wrote:
Hi,

It's my understanding, per CR online, that its final vacuum ratings won't be out until March this year.  That means the fat girl may not have yet stepped on stage to sing.  Though CR speaks well of the U6485-900 and rates it at 73 out of a possible 100, it clearly states that the cleaner is loud and that it also considers its 21 pound weight heavy.

Is that an issue?  Maybe not.  This Hoover is an affordable $230 vacuum that cleans well and has great emission scores.

Venson

Actually the March 2009 Magazine edition has already been released and includes the latest upright, hand and stick rankings.