Vacuum Cleaners Discussions

Inside Consumer Reports Test Labs: Reviews of new vacuums from Eureka, Miele, Panasonic, and Electrolux

http://blogs.consumerreports.org/home/2009/10/eureka-envirovac-3041-eureka-pet-pal-4716-panasonic-mcug775-electrolux-ultra-silencer-miele-s-7580.html


The top scorer of our latest tests was the Miele S 7580 upright, $800. This Miele was among the best at cleaning carpets, and its pet-hair pickup and low emissions were excellent as well. Its swivel-neck design allows for tighter turning, a plus since the 22-pound Miele is among the heavier uprights in our ratings. And its electronic suction control, with a choice between manual and automatic, adapts the motor speed for the surface you're cleaning.
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CatLady and All,

Google  ' VX5000' .  It looks sturdy, reasonably priced, and well equipped.  They offer a liberal return policy. The Ladybug does not look as sturdy, and I'm not certain their TANCS is really anything other than a marketing gimmick.

Trebor

Hi Venson,
I do agree that most of my allergies are caused by all of the extra hair and dander around the house, but we also have a pretty bad mold problem.  I read that steam cleaning can help kill the mold.  Our basement is horrible.  It's so musty and damp.  We need to have french drains put in outside and then work done in the basement because water comes in, but we had estimates done and there's just no way we can afford that type of work.  So we try to control the mold.  My husband uses bleach to clean the mold around the windows, in the bathrooms, and in the basement.  We also usually use bleach on litter box scrubbing days and to clean up an accidents and to clean off kitchen counter tops (you know those cats are on them when you're now home, LOL).  Problem is I can't even smell the slightest hint bleach anymore.  Almost any chemical cleaner sends me into an attack over the last few months.  I'm a bit of a clean freak and really want a way to keep my home as sanitized as possible with this number of animals.  I was hoping that a steam cleaner would help disinfect the house and kill some of the mold without the chemical smells.

Melanie

Carmine,
After I gave Miele and my Vac Shop such a hard time regarding the problems with my "demo" S7, I did let everyone know how happy I was with the replacement S7 after about a month.  I wanted to leave things on a positive note.

Melanie

Trebor wrote:
Thanks.
I'll check that out today.
Melanie

catlady wrote:
Hi Melanie,

Got it. I'll PM you with info about some decent refurbed steam cleaners I've seen on eBay. I own one and it has thus far given good service. One of the reasons I bought it was because, for its type -- it's a device about the size of a small canister vacuum -- it provides a good amount of steam for a good period of time. It should probably be satisfactory for the use you have in mind. By the way, my other reason for trying out this specific steam cleaner was because the price was low enough to not make me hateful if I did not like it.

As opposed to the several hundred dollars and above that steam cleaners come for, these refurbs are in the $125.00 range and are a good way to start out. I have purchased from this seller without problem but as always, I suggest you read through his eBay feedback, etc., to satisfy yourself as to whether or not you want to do business with him.

Best,

Venson

In the Feb 2010 edition of Consumer Reports, they feature quiet vacuums - the Miele S 7580 Bolero, $800 and the Electrolux Ultra Silencer. 

Severus wrote:

Thanks SEVERUS.  I don't subscribe but will keep my eyes scoped on the Feb 2010 edition of CR.

Carmine D.

Severus wrote:

SEVERUS:

Thanks again.  Read this in the latest Consumer Reports and enjoyed the perspective and commentary. 

Carmine D.

CarmineD wrote:

I would agree.   I think the article highlights the balance between - cleaning ability, weight, power, maneuverability, noise, etc.   For me it highlighted the difficulty of vacuum design.  It contrasted the 2 quietest uprights tested - the Miele and the Dyson DC24.  The Dyson is more maneuverable - but it does a mediocre job on carpeting.  The Miele does an exceptional job of cleaning carpeting, but it's harder to push - even with the swivel turn thing.  

Kirby and Hoover try to solve the problem by adding self-propelled mechanisms - which in turn make the vacuums heavier, but easier to push.   Given that Consumer Reports subsciber base tends to be older, ease of use/lightness seems to have a greater influence on scores as of late. 

Severus wrote:

SEVERUS:

We've talked on other threads about the future of the vacuum industry and what we should expect to see in advances.  You and CR hit on two.  Lighter and quieter vacuums that perform as well as their old heavy ancestors.  Look at the HOOVER Floormate, a topic on another thread.  It vacuums in dry and wet mode, cleans and dries floors.  Around really since the late 50's in two differnt forms with the most recent out in 2001.  The deluxe Floormate with 6 brushes is 18 pounds.  It's quiet.  All vacuums made and sold today should have the same standard.  Instead, 16 pounds for a vacuum and less is considered a lightweight category.  ORECK's 8 pounder has been around since the early 60's.  Where is the rest of the industry?  Still playing catch up after almost 50 years.  Simpler is smarter. 

Carmine D.