Vacuum Cleaners Discussions

CR makes honorable mention of the automatic cord rewind on the Electrolux Intensity, a feature most USA ups don't have now let alone in June 2007.  A nice feature on any vacuum especially a lightweight where storage is a concern. 

Carmine D.

Have to wonder if the Which? Electrolux Intensity model included a HEPA filter like the Consumer Reports model.  That may be the difference in the test results by both entities.  2 out of 5 stars given by Which?  And an Excellent given by CR.

Carmine D.

For CR tests, 16 pounds is generally the upper limit for a generic claim of lightweight.  The E-lux Intensity justs makes the weight cut off.  No doubt the reason CR's narrative points buyers to the HOOVER TEMPO up a 16 pounder with TOB for only $75.

Carmine D. 

http://smallappliances.electroluxusa.com/node35.asp?ProdID=37007

Carmine D.

Assuming as I did, that DIB's reference above is to the Electrolux Intensity, the subsequent posters discussions which incorporate several leading vacuum industry authorities, like WHICH?, Consumer Reports, and the ASA [granted 1 and 3 are in the UK], then a third party interested vacuum buyer should conclude that bag surface area is not king [as the bag holds only 3 ounces vice 5 or more for most], but engineering is.

Carmine D.

Hi DIB,

the first large-scale production machine to use casters was indeed the 1908 Model O (I say 'large-scale production'; less than 400 were made!). However, before J M Spangler and W H Hoover joined forces to create the Electric Suction Sweeper Company, Spangler was making a very similar machine himself at a rate of 2-3 per week. These also had the caster wheels, so they were technically the first upright machines to use them. Hoover's earliest machines were just too big and heavy to be used without the rear casters; it would be like trying to steer the Titanic!

Here's a picture of one of Spangler's 1907 pre-'Electric Suction Sweeper Company' cleaners, in which you can see the swivel caster at the rear of the chassis.

The patent for this 'Carpet Sweeper and Cleaner' is filed under the name J M Spangler. However, the cleaner shown in the patent illustration differs from production machines in several ways: the hose for the dusting tools attaches differently, the brush-roll seems to be driven by a sort of axle-system, not a belt, and most importantly for you, the rear wheels are shown as being fixed-axle type, not swivel casters. I guess they came as a slighly later improvement when production began!

Yep, the picture I posted is of one of the machines hand-made by Spangler at his home in 1907, before W H Hoover got involved. In other words, the world's first portable electric upright vacuum cleaner. This would have been the sort of machine Susan Hoover bought from Spangler, before praising it enthusiastically to her husband.

Spangler travelled around North Canton (or 'New Berlin', as it was known until Jan. 1918!) on the trolley cars, collecting parts he'd ordered from various tradesmen and workshops etc. Then he and his son would assemble the machines, while his wife and daughter made the dustbags on their sewing machine!

The example pictured is on public display in the Hoover Historical Center in North Canton, Ohio.

Thanks for pointing out the new thumbnail indexing on googlepatents - it makes everything so much easier! I could have saved myself many hours in research if they'd done this sooner!

Here's a photo of the underside of a 1908 Electric Suction Sweeper Model O - this shows the casters clearly:

Carmine D.