Vacuum Cleaners Discussions

Hello,

I've been reading here for awhile, but this is my first post.  As the subject states, I'm looking for a new vaccum and I would appreciate any sugestions. 

Lets start with the specifics.

Pets - 1 Dog (Great Dane that does shed), and 3 cats.

Floors - House is mostly lamanate flooring with a few large will area rugs and runners.  Carpeting in a couple bedrooms but I'm planning on pulling that and putting in lamanate with rugs.

Right now I have an upright hoover wind tunnel that I despise.  I'm afraid of the wheels scratching the floor and it's absolutely dreadful to clean out.  The filter gets plugged and I need to take it outside to dump because it's too messy and dust goes everywhere.  Needless to say I will not be going bagless ever again.

What I've been looking at:  I'm mainly looking in the $250-$500 range.  If I spend $500 it better be an awesome vacuum.

I've been looking at the panasonic MC-CG885 ($250ish).  There are some reviews on amazon but no professional reviews that I've been able to find.  The price is right.  The lack of a bare floor attachment might be an issue (can I find an aftermarket that will work?)

 I've also seen the MC-CG985 for around $500, but again no reviews.  What am I getting for an extra $250?  The Panasonic site is aweful for trying to discern the differences between models.

I've also kicked around getting a $500 Miele S4212 Neptune Galaxy.  The lack of a powerhead makes me think twice about getting one of these.  I'm not sure if the turbobrush that comes with this unit is upo to the animal task.

Any thoughts?

Well I made a purchase and ended up with something completely different

I took Carmine's advice and went down to my local vacuum shop to see what he had.  The shop owner was perfectly willing to order me the top-of-line panasonic mc-cg985 and match online prices ($500).  I figured if panasonic made the vacuums for Kenmore I would be pretty safe and this particular model came with all the attachments as well.  We were chatting about the Miele and he wanted to show me a direct competitor that he in stock.  He brought out a Simplicity Verve and went through a quick demonstration.  It was a very very nice machine.  My wife was with and just blurted out, "we'll take it".  The guy was very nice, and chopped $100 off the top and sold it to us for $699 and threw in two boxes (12) bags.  He also gave us a 5 yr warranty on everything and a 7 yr warranty on the motor.  I have no idea if this was a good deal or not.  I can't seem to find any online pricing for this unit.  My only point of reference was the Miele S5 series with the powerhead that starts at $850.  In any even I'm happy with my purchase.  I supported a local business and feel like I got a great product (even though I blew my budget by $200).

Thanks for the comments everyone.  If I get a chance I'll write a review.

JeffA wrote:

Hello JeffA:

Congratulations on your purchase.  Sounds like your dear Wife knew exactly what she wanted despite all your research.  Many potential MIELE customers buy a Simplicity/RICCAR canister instead and are very pleased with their purchases.  Verve is an excellent choice and will serve your needs well.  If the dealer didn't tell you, all the new Simplicity/RICCAR canisters are manufactured in the USA in a plant in St. James, Missouri, the heartland of the US.  One of the many reasons that independent vacuum store owners and operators in the USA sell them.  Please write a review and post on the Reviews section of this page.  See the top banner with the tabs.  Enjoy your new purchase.

Carmine D.

I took the liberty to post the Verve's web site.  Looks like you got a decent price too.

http://www.simplicityvac.com/products/canisters/mid-size/Verve/  

Once you open, if you click on the "specs" you get a run down of the features.  The additional 3 years of warranty is a nice touch to close the sale and give you peace of mind and free insurance. 

Carmine D.

CarmineD wrote:
Hi Carmine,

At the moment the cans are still made in China.  As I understand it, the model 1800 will be the first canister to be built in the US slowly followed by the rest of the line. Our rep said it could still be a year or more before they produce the full line.  I suspect the Sunbursts, Moonlights, and Pizzaz will continue to be built in China as the margins are considerably lower.

Dusty

CarmineD wrote:
."....WILL be moving canister vacuum production to the USA.  They have talked about moving the canister production to the U.S. for a few years now.  It takes a long time to move/change production.  Just ask anyone on the auto assembly line how long it takes to change over.  They are now giving it six months".

http://www.abbysguide.com/vacuum/discussions/37359-0-1.html

Thanks Dusty and Mike W. for the clarification. 

Carmine D.

JeffA wrote:

hi jeff

beautiful machine....we carry the riccar line of canisters/uprights at the shop i work at.  excellent quality , value ,durability. excellent choice.

and please post a review ,wed love to hear all about it  , a way 2  inform  and educate those that were in your situation.

An excellent choice.  You made your purchase before I could make the suggestion.  I was going to suggest the Riccar/Simplicity cans.  I was very impressed with them when I was visiting the vac shop, very quiet and well built.  I bought the Riccar Surpalite upright a year ago, never had a regret.  Though I am a Kirby guy at heart, I hate lugging it up and down stairs.