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tawheed

Joined: Dec 20, 2009
Points: 4

Please help me choose a canister vacuum for my parents
Original Message Dec 20, 2009 8:48 pm

Hello all,

Never would I have thought that I would have spent this much time researching vacuums, however here I am. My mother had been using a $300 or so Bay brand vacuum for the last five or more years and the cord retract broke. My father decided to buy her a bissell upright bagless to replace it. She hates it more than anything as it's very, very heavy and tough to lug up and down the stairs.

I want to buy her a new canister style vacuum and was hoping to spend in the $300-$400 range. There are no pets in the house and it'll be used on mostly medium pile carpet and some lino. It would ideally be fairly light with good suction. I'm in Canada if that matters at all :)

I look forward to your educated recommendations.

Thanks,

Tawheed

This message was modified Dec 20, 2009 by tawheed

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tawheed

Joined: Dec 20, 2009
Points: 4

Re: Please help me choose a canister vacuum for my parents
Reply #2 Dec 21, 2009 3:32 am

Venson wrote:

Hi Tawheed,

Just one question -- you're sure your mom wants a canister? I only ask that to feel a little more sure we're on the right track. Also, how does your mother feel about bagless versus bagged vacuums?

I thoroughly understand you're budget and first thing I'd say practically speaking -- as usual -- go check out Sears. There's lots of brands on sale going on from what I've seen online. Check the Kenmore Model 2029319, sales priced at approximately $200 ( http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_02029319000P?vName=Appliances&cName=Vacuums+%26+Floor+Care&sName=View+All ), or the Hoover S3590 ( http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_02029359000P?mv=rr )which should be under $200. I can't say these are especially favorites of mine but feel they should perform decently. AND you'd have some extra money to treat the folks to dinner out or whatever strikes your fancy. Anyway, we're only going to take a look first . . . right?

Next move, if you're prepared to go all the way to $400. Go to an independent vac shop in your area and check out either the mid-sized Riccar or Simplicity canisters. A small canister vac like the Riccar Pizzazz sits much nearer your intended line of spending if you're good at bargaining. http://www.riccar.com/products/canisters/?prod=Pizzazz

Once you've seen it, tried it out for weight, noise and performance and have satisfied yourself that it fits the bill, tell the proprietor you like the machine very much but the the price could stand to be a bit better. That'll get the bargaining process up and running.

The real benefit here is that this specific machine bears a two-year warranty plus a lifetime warranty on the belt in its power nozzle.

However, however you go about scouting around, I'd say the best thing to do is tell Mom, "Hey lady, we're going out to get you a vacuum you'll like," and include her in the choice making process if it's she that will be the primary user.

Best -- and have a good holiday

Venson

Venson,

Thanks for the quick reply!! Yes she does prefer cannister vacuum's. She was ready to buy this:

http://www.sears.ca/product/kenmore-md-intuition-cross-over-12-amp-canister-vacuum/20231100?ptag=1

But I figured the price / features may be a bit much for what she actually needs.. After doing a ton of googling I've heard good things about this particular hoover, any thoughts on it? Thanks!

http://www.sears.ca/product/hoover-windtunnel-12-amp-bagless-vacuum/20237650?ptag=1

Thanks again!

CarmineD

Joined: Dec 31, 2007
Points: 5894

Re: Please help me choose a canister vacuum for my parents
Reply #3 Dec 21, 2009 7:05 am

tawheed wrote:

Hello Tawheed:

Kudos on assisting Mom with the vacuum purchase. The HOOVER cann gets rave reviews form Consumer Reports, but this is primarily due to the power nozzle and its windtunnel technology. The price is high for this model and HOOVER's product integrity for well-made canisters is lacking.

Worth the time and effort to shop at one/more of the local vacuum stores for a better brand canister in this price range. You'll get an array of new/used and even floor models that will outlast the HOOVER cann. Kenmores are very popular and many are sold. But as Venson and others will say, not like the Kenmores of old in endurance and repairabilty.

Scope out several of the vacuum store brands that Venson mentions. You'll be glad you did. Most definitely have Mom use and approve before buying. Make the best deal you can and when all is said and done ask for a supply of bags to close the sale.

Carmine D.

This message was modified Dec 21, 2009 by CarmineD

Venson

Joined: Jul 23, 2007
Points: 1900

Re: Please help me choose a canister vacuum for my parents
Reply #4 Dec 21, 2009 7:59 am

tawheed wrote:

Hi again Tawheed, Carmine is right on point. I would add that my objection to the bagless Hoover you have in mind is that it does not use true cyclonics. Though I noted several versions of it at varied prices, there is an internal filter inside the dust bin that may require frequent cleaning and prove messy to deal with. (Been there, done that and oh what a pain in the neck.) The following URL will take you to its page on Hoover's site. Click on the link there that will allow you to download a PDF of the user manual so that you can see this for yourself -- http://www.hoover.com/product.aspx?model=S3765040&ds=false

The Kenmore Intuition is snazzy but no, as Carmine indicates, they're not makin' 'em like they used to. This does not mean that I say nay necessarily but the price on this machine is way too much for what it is. There are equally adequate Kenmore canisters at less cost.

Nonetheless, if you are actually prepared to consider spending even near as much as the price of the Intuition it would be far better to go to an vacuum sales and repair shop and see if you can't find a canister cleaner with power nozzle that you like that bears far better warranty coverage. Deals regarding brands that offer good performance and warranty protection like Simplicity, Riccar and even Miele can be negotiated. Take it from someone who has the heart of a skinflint -- can be done.<BR><BR>Venson

This message was modified Dec 21, 2009 by Venson

Vernon

Joined: Jan 21, 2008
Points: 69

Re: Please help me choose a canister vacuum for my parents
Reply #5 Dec 21, 2009 10:26 am

Tawheed,

Me to in Canada!!

As the ever thoughtful Venson stated, check you local vac shops, it's surprising what turns up for trade ins and comes out as a good rebuilt. Not to mention, you might find something new that might be slightly more than your budget.

If your family has a Costco membership, Costco Canada is selling the Miele S4 for $429. Only negative is that it does not come with an electric power head, only an air driven one.

The other option I ran across last was night was at, hate to admit that once in a blue moon I set foot in the place, was walmart. The new Panasonic opti flow Mgc 885 (think that's the model), was at $298?? and now is selling for $198.00. I've always had great faith in Panasonic products in general, they are not junk. In regards to Panasonic vacs, some are relatively inexpensive, and might just fit the bill. If I had to choose between buying a Panasonic made Kenmore and an actual Panasonic, I'd opt for the Panasonic and save myself a few dollars.

Vernon

CarmineD

Joined: Dec 31, 2007
Points: 5894

Re: Please help me choose a canister vacuum for my parents
Reply #6 Dec 22, 2009 6:38 am

Vernon wrote:

With the discussions on safety shut offs on another thread, I coped this feature on the above mentioned Panasonic [canister mc cg885] and posted here for readers. Yes, this Pano cann which generally retails for $450 and now on sale for $249 has an overload protector as indicated. As MOLE indicated a heat sensor works after heat build up. By that time, its too late and the damage is done. A jam fail safe reacts quickly. Enjoy.

Carmine D.

Overload Protector
The overload protector reacts quickly to shut-off and protect the belt and nozzle motor if the agitator is jammed. When the clogging object is removed and the reset button pressed, vacuuming can be resumed.

This message was modified Dec 22, 2009 by CarmineD

tawheed

Joined: Dec 20, 2009
Points: 4

Re: Please help me choose a canister vacuum for my parents
Reply #7 Dec 23, 2009 3:05 pm

CarmineD wrote:

Carmine D.

Overload Protector

The overload protector reacts quickly to shut-off and protect the belt and nozzle motor if the agitator is jammed. When the clogging object is removed and the reset button pressed, vacuuming can be resumed.

Hey Carmine,

I'm a bit confused by your post - is this a good or bad thing? :)

Thanks,

Tawheed

CarmineD

Joined: Dec 31, 2007
Points: 5894

Re: Please help me choose a canister vacuum for my parents
Reply #8 Dec 23, 2009 4:53 pm

tawheed wrote:

Hey Carmine,

I'm a bit confused by your post - is this a good or bad thing? :)

Thanks,

Tawheed

Hello Tawheed:

The Pano overload protector on this vacuum is a good feature for the product and its users.

Carmine D.

tawheed

Joined: Dec 20, 2009
Points: 4

Re: Please help me choose a canister vacuum for my parents
Reply #9 Dec 23, 2009 5:05 pm

CarmineD wrote:

Hello Tawheed:

The Pano overload protector on this vacuum is a good feature for the product and its users.

Carmine D.

Thank you!

This price $198 seems pretty good for a vacuum that still retails for $300+ USD in most places.. I plan to pick one up at Walmart today.. I'll let you guys know how she likes it!

Thanks again for your help and hopefully this is what makes her happy.

-Tawheed

CarmineD

Joined: Dec 31, 2007
Points: 5894

Re: Please help me choose a canister vacuum for my parents
Reply #10 Dec 24, 2009 6:50 am

wheed wrote:

I suspect this Pano cann model is comparable to the SEARS cann sold on sale often for $150. Just a hunch and certainly worth a more careful look.

Carmine D.

MC-CG885
Pano cann at Wal*Mart

SEARS CANN made by Pano

This message was modified Dec 24, 2009 by CarmineD

vacmanuk

Location: Scotland UK
Joined: May 31, 2009
Points: 1162

Re: Please help me choose a canister vacuum for my parents
Reply #11 Dec 25, 2009 8:32 pm

Check out Sebo in Canada: the more compact K series could be ideal for your parents:Mind you, I dont know how much they are in Canada. http://www.sebocanada.ca/pdf/kseries.pdf

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