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.

Coming back on to add some information to this thread, apologies if it's been stated already but there seems to be quite a bit of "filler" in this thread that I have no interest in trying to read through.

Now that I've had a chance to get some "hands on" experience with a Miele S7 (early February, Bolero model), I can finally comment.  What a fantastic machine this is, Miele definitely got it right here.  Like any other high-end Miele it carries a large pricetag, but it's one of the few cleaners (unlike the Simplicity Synergy/Riccar Radiance for example) that actually FEELS like a $700-900 upright.  You get what you pay for.  All parts of the machine are extremely well constructed and are quite sturdy.  It has a bit of handle weight but is easy to push, turns on a dime, and does a wonderful job of grooming the carpet.  With the brushroll turned off, it also does a surprisingly good job on bare floors.  Not too terribly noisy either; the Automatic setting comes in handy here.  On the electronic models with this setting, the machine automatically slows down when the stretch hose is fully extended, preventing the hose from collapsing and the machine from either being pulled into you or knocked over.  Anyone who is looking at the S7 should definitely choose the electronic controls over the dial-equipped models, you won't regret it. 

Catlady (Melanie), sorry to hear about your unfortunate experience with your previous machine, but I'm glad you like your current S7.  There was no reason for the repair shop to have pried on the machine to remove the old hose other than that they were most likely unaware of how it attached.  It simply twists and pulls out.  In addition, the hose on the current production models IS a bit shorter than that on the early production models.  The red S7s were in fact actual production machines, not prototypes or "test" models; it's just that a limited number (around 250 or so IIRC) were produced to satisfy the Diamond Dealers and to gauge the consumers' reactions before the remaining line was introduced.  So they were still production models, just very, very early in the run.  What you may or may not realize is that there is NO formal repair training for Miele dealers, nor is there an official service manual for any model whatsoever!  All that is given in the way of repair documentation is an exploded parts diagram, and that's IT.  For any sort of repairs you are expected to call Miele Technical Support and have them guide you through the repair.  Or, in the case of the repair shop you took your machine to, start removing screws or prying, and hope for the best.  One other interesting thing I noticed repair-wise was that if the cord goes bad, is damaged, etc., the ENTIRE handle/cord/switch assembly must be replaced.  The cord cannot simply be removed and replaced separately.  Direct from Miele, this assembly is around $70, with a $139 retail price tag.  I can only imagine someone bringing their 3-month-old S7 in with a chewed-up cord, and their reaction to having to shell out $150 to replace it.

-MH

Welcome back MH.  Seems like you are still the book of knowledge on vacuums.  That is more useful than opinions.

Diamond status must be awarded on sales of units  with no consideration of service quality performed by Meile dealers.

Motorhead wrote:
Hey Motorhead,

How are you? Thanks for the heads-up about the S7 cord. I remember telling myself how simple things were when I got my Tango home and set it up with nary a screw or screwdriver to bother with.

The S7 automatic setting threw me a little as I have been trying to logic the reason for the speed decrease. Motor speed is reduced if hose suction is restricted - such as when you attach the crevice tool. In my Kenmore Iridium, the exact opposite happens. The motor runs at at mid-speed when set on automatic. An internal dust sensor ups the motor speed when it senses a significant amount of dirt and dust and lets the speed drop once the sensor is not finding anything. Motor speed also elevates if airflow is restricted. I use the S7 both ways but do leave it on the automatic setting most of the time.

As for the repair issue -- I can appreciate how confusing things might have been for the shop as it takes a really close look to learn that the hose cuff does come off the little swivel neck. What surprised me is that no one thought to ask. The call would have been toll free. It worked out great that Melanie got a whole new vacuum but the problem could have been simply solved by just thinking a little.

MOLE has mentioned some potential trouble spots and the guy I'd been speaking with mentioned possible trouble due to users over-turning the two screws on the cover for the clean-out port. Anything else besides the cord to pay attention to?

Best,

Venson

Hi Hardsell,

Correct.  Diamond Dealer Status involves maintaining a yearly sales figure of $100,000 or more.  Which, to the uninitiated like me, I don't see how it can be attainable, but stranger things happen!

Hi Venson,

Thanks, it's good to be back!  Interesting about the speed increase on the Iridium, I'm trying to think of other cleaners whose automatic settings work opposite of the S7.  Miele canisters if I recall are the same way; any restriction in airflow and the motor speeds up.  I may be wrong but I'm almost convinced the speed decrease is because of the stretch hose.  I also heard about the vulnerability of the cleanout port; I saw this on the Bolero as well.  It seemed almost too easy to overturn the latch screws, thinking they loosen normally, and break the cover.  I wonder if Miele will correct this potential weakness in the future?   Should be interesting to see.

-MH

Motorhead wrote:

Hope it's not an April Fool's ploy and you'll soon be gone!  Good to hear from you here again.  Glad you are impressed with your MIELE Bolero.  IMMER BESSER!

Carmine D.

Motorhead wrote:

According to MIELE, one million new vacuums are shipped from the plant in Germany every year. 

Carmine D.

HARDSELL wrote:

Knowledege itself is useless, unless and until it is applied correctly and properly, through one's opinions.  All MH's, and others' vacuum knowledge, is of little benefit to others unless they share here with us by way of opinions. 

Carmine D.

CarmineD wrote:

You already know that opinions are like part of our anatomy.  My opinion is that a $700 vac should have a longer warranty.  Fact is it doesn't. Which will go farther in getting a repair? My opinion or a written warranty.  Before you start with your opinions I know that there are exceptions.

The dealer repaired catlady's vacuum incorrectly by using his opinion on how to replace the hose.  Knowledge could easily have prevented all her problems.

Oh yeah.  Opinions can and often are biased.  Facts and knowledge are not.

The fact is that I said here several times that it is my opinion the MIELE S7 is not the best suited vacuum for this user.  My opinion is based on the facts and circumstances of her household cleaning needs and experiences with her MIELE and the dealer and company up to now.  As I also said, I hope my opinion now is wrong and does prove a fact later.

Carmine D.