Vacuum Cleaners Discussions

I have been reading the various forums here this morning and they are so helpful.

I know what I don't want, so now I am having difficulty deciding between what appear to be 2 very good machines.

After pushing several of the previously mentioned machines around in the store, I might have a slight prefernce for the Riccar.  I like the fact that it won't need belts, and will turn off when I accidently suck up something I shouldn't.  I also prefer the hand held vac that comes with the Riccar, but I think that may be mostly cosmetic.

I believe I would choose the Pilot over the Gold, but I did not consider or really know about  the Edge I see talked about on here.  When it comes to the Oreck, it is hard to overlook the great 6 or 10+ year service plan, not to mention the 30 day money back guarantee.

Now, I am just going around and around in circles.

Does anyone here have some information that might help me move on?

tbstbs....I will first say I am a Simplicity Dealer (Riccar and Simplicity are basically the same). I have to say that this company is the very best at customer service of ANY that I have dealt with. It may not seem like much when your vacuum is working but if you need attention later.... I really like the lightweight series. If you don't want the metal roller get the 2 speed model below the one you are looking at. (you won't get the auto shut off though) -As for Oreck and it's pricing, be careful. Some dealers will not service or warrantee an Oreck bought from a Discounter, Box Store or Online. -My experience is the Oreck Belt needs to be replaced every 6-8 months to be at maximum efficiency. -They are hard to push on Thick Carpeting -When bringing in your Oreck for one of those "Free Tune-ups" Be prepared to be sold a newer model or at least a sales pitch to do so. This is only my opinion for what it's worth.

Thanks everyone!

Well, we had a storm yesterday that knocked out my cable, phone, and internet.  That was probably a good thing because I would have spent the last many many hours reading one review after the other.  I had also found the You Tube videos!

So, I was on my own!

I decided that it made good sense to give the Pilot a try since they met the lower price, worked with me on the canister, and I can return it if I am disappointed.  I should know that for certain in 30 days.  The swivel feature is nice, but the bag is empty...and they are pricey!   The sales person was also very personable while the Riccar fellow got a little snarky with some other customers while I was there.  Not with me of course, because I am very charming.  As far as pushing it along, I let it go for a second and it rolled away from me.  Expect that won't happen when the bag is heavier.

After a short trial here, I am very pleased.  It is like buying a new car though.  Of course it is far superior to the rattle traps I have been lugging around for the last 5 years or so.  I am so happy that I could pick up the new vacuum and do my stairs with it.  It has been a long time since my stairs got a good cleaning.

Interestingly enough, the recs I got from friends and acquaintances were for either the Oreck or the Riccar.  There were a few Dyson recs, but I made up my mind that I wanted a lightweight, so I could eliminate the Dyson. 

That is my story so far.

I do sincerely thank you all.  I read here for quite a bit before I wrote in, and the information here really did help me a lot.

If it falls apart right away...I'll be back.  Insert smiley face.....

TBS

tbstbs wrote:

If it is typical Oreck you will not have to worry about the bag weight.  Takes a long time for an Oreck to suck up enough dirt to add weight.  They do not deep clean so you will only be removing surface dust.

tbstbs wrote:

No other vacuum maker except ORECK allows customers a free 30 day in-home trial with no obligations and willingly takes back their vacuums with no questions asked if the customer is not completely satisfied.  None except ORECK.  For over 45 years ORECK has made this promise.  Sure, many big box stores take back vacuums with stipulations/conditions within 30-60-90 days.  Some, like COSTCO, even allow customers longer than 90 days.  Good for the retailers like COSTCO who do.  More power to them.  Speaks volumes about ORECK, its products and its customer service guarantee.

Congrats on your new ORECK purchases and please keep us posted.

Carmine D.

If it is typical Oreck you will not have to worry about the bag weight.  Takes a long time for an Oreck to suck up enough dirt to add weight.  They do not deep clean so you will only be removing surface dust.

LOL

We shall see.  In the meantime, I still have a couple of powerful but difficult to use machines around here that I can use for a deeper clean.  If necessary.

It was nice for my vacuuming to be more of an activity than a awful chore.  The swivel feature turns out to be a real asset.  I loved swooping around a corner with the flick of my wrist.  Today I will break out the canister and clean some plantation blinds that I am embarassed about.  You know what?  Isn't it better to USE a vac that does a pretty good job than to have one that deep cleans, but rarely gets out of the closet because I hate to use it? 

I know a couple of clean freaks that have issues with pet hair.  One swears by her Oreck and the other her Riccar.

Hurray for me that I have 30 days to decide for myself.

tbstbs wrote:

Hi tbstbs,

The machine you will happily use over the machine you push yourself to use, no matter the supposed advantage, has always been the point.

Venson

Venson wrote:

Venson gets it.............

Vacuuming is a chore that people really dont like to do, sort of like cutting your lawn,its not very exciting and rather boring. Thats why people hire housecleaners and landscapers.

Being in the business.All i can say is kids and pets keep us in business.

regards

MOLE

I sell the Riccar sO Im biased but give a money back guarantee an they certainly are the most powerfull lightweight

Actionvac wrote:

Question:  After 30 days in home trial use?

Carmine D.

Tbs, I am glad you made a decision and I hope it works out well for you.

Carmine, I hardly think the few dealers in my area make up the majority of dealers in the world.... not to mention many people don't fully trust or agree with Consumer Reports.