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 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.

Severus wrote:

Actually I think older vacuum buyers identify with a little weight in the sense that it lends to a sense of solidness.  Baby boomers, now in itheir 60s and 70s grew up with old, easily repairable and long-lasting war horses like Hoover, Electrolux, Eureka, etc., but were weaned off the idea with the introduction of units primarily made of plastic.Even the older generation has become accustomed to disposability.

Yet, when you consider mature persons living on fixed incomes and with less disposable income who have to maintian bigger financial obigations -- housing, transportation and medical expendirures -- they to my mind don't necessarily figure into the bigger business picture as much as people from about 20-years-old to 50 with more spending change do.  It is expected that a large part of "seniors" will end up in assisted living facilities where there's no need for peronal outlays as regards fridges, washing machines and vacuums.  Staff at the facilities handle food prep, laundry and the tidying of their residence's environment. Thus I'd argue that  younger crowd probably is equally interested in matters regarding weight and are probably more the market companies are striving to please.

The development of the power drive made a cool idea like the Dial-A-Matic more convenient.  Nonetheless, the Hoover vacuum was always a work in progress.  It should be also noted that Hoover did not make the power drive for a must for all its models.  Apparently there is a market that can manage without it.  On the other hand, although I do in some small way admire the company's constancy, Kirby had to do something.  Despite its cleaning ability, besides high prices it has maintained very dated design ideas for years and has been heavy and $#%*bersome for just as long.  I think employing a rather modern component like power drive was more a way to romance the younger public.

Venson

Hello Venson:

Panasonic's uprights impressed me in the early 70's with their lightweight, quietness, tools on board and power.  I sold them for many years.  Their appeal crossed age groups from young to old.  This when HOOVER and other brands still used metal for their bases.  Panasonic even had baby and full size models at very affordable prices.  As we mentioned here before, pano's one fan motor, used for its least expensive and smallest upright model, ended up in the dyson DC07.  A motor that was introed by pano in the vacuum industry many years ago.

Carmine D.

I had a Panasonic MCE 51N vacuum cleaner for many years, a brilliant basic upright vacuum cleaner that didn't use Panasonic's silly idea of fitting two drive belts either. Bought it in the late 1980's and didnt get rid of it until something like 1998! Dont know if you got them in the States but it was a squarish old thing, 800 watts clean fan design with a blanking plate at the front where more expensive models had headlights and variable suction controls up by the main bin housing.

Here's the link the CR's comments about the quietness versus performance:

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine-archive/2010/february/appliances/quiet-vacs-come-at-a-price/overview/quiet-vacs-ov.htm

I don't think you have to be a subscriber to read.