Vacuum Cleaners Discussions

I'm set on purchasing a Miele canister. Need some insight with real differences between the two lines - S2 and S5. Looking at straight comparison up on web I don't see significant differences in the unit itself. For e.g. http://www.allergybuyersclub.com/vacoverview.html For the most part it looks like main difference is in the bundled attachments, such as, power head, brush. Motor is the same, suction & air-flow supposedly is similar. Does it mean that if you throw higher end power head, floor brush that is bundled with Callisto over to a Delphi then Delphi becomes pretty much similar to Callisto ignoring cosmetics such as ergo handle etc.?

chirkut123 wrote:

Hi,

First thing is cost.  If an S5 model is no major problem for you in reference to price, I'd say go for it.  BUT check them out at indie vacuum stores where you may well negotiate a better price than what's available online.  Due to price they are not being snatched of the shelf by all despite their good reputation.  I'd say the same for the S series cleaners as well.

I hate name dropping merely for the sake of trying to make an impression by way of what you're prepared to spend.  What matters is results. I've owned a Miele Capricorn for about two years now.  They put a lot of bright but useful ideas in my Capricorn.  Besides quiet operation and effective cleaning, control of the vacuum's speed and turning its lighted five-height power nozzle on and off can all be done from the hose handle.  Don't know if the feature has been maintained but when making the intergrally wired hook up to the PN it  has to be restarted if disconnected while the cleaner's operating. A smart idea I think as this eliminates the possibility of electrical arcing when connecting while the vac's running; that's often damaging to other machines.  Being it's a mid-sized canister, by way of size and weight it's great for working on stairs and even up and down a ladder.  If you can't manage this machine  you're just about ready for a rest home and should really consider getting a maid.

Nonetheless, though the things I've mentioned were major incentives for my making the buy, most important to me -- especially considering the price -- was not only cleaning ability but dust containment.  For me the benchmark regarding that had always been Filter Queen which I've also owned but abandoned due to weight and design issues.  My Capricorn used in tandem with Miele high-filtration bags appears a good match.  You can attack just about anything you want with it and still thefind the bag chamber almost spotless.  What's the big deal?  If you don't see residual dust in the bag chamber, you needn't expect to find it in the fans and other internal parts of the vacuum and that means better chances of long life for your vacuum.  Though not of remarkable size, the high filtration bags may fool the eye but do the work well beyond any multi-ply bags I've seen.

That said, I would still again remind you that even at a discount these vacs are a bit expensive AND tool options can also be very pricey.  Miele, like so many other manufacturers, confuses the purchase process with an over amount of models offered when one or two good models and present options would serve both company and customer far better.

Actually there is quite a difference. More so in the UK than the U.S since motor ratings are different. Our S2 models have 1600 watts total power against the 2000 / 2200 watts of the basic S5.
But, I'll go by Miele.com details.

The S2 and S5 may well use the same bag but there is a WEALTH of differences.

The S2 is lighter to lift and pull and the body is a little bit more compact but the tools do not STORE inside the body like the S5's front flap. S2 tools are on a vario clip which sits on the bottom hose fixing. Many owners haven't complained about this but I found the slightest bump or moving through furniture often brings the tools flying off the holder. The holder can also be clipped to the pipes, but again I have a feeling this is in the UK market only and not the US which may just have the Vario clip holder on the base of the hose fixing.

The S2 is also smaller on power cord stretch. In the UK the cords are about 5.5 metres in length against the S5 which has 6.5 metres. The floor head on the S5 is also more substantial and made of better quality plastic than the S2. The S2 however is a lighter and cheaper design. This is evident from the lack of protection on the body and the S5 which has a little more protection. Both vacuums do have a dark pvc black rear so they're no better than each other in this respect.

Although the S2 is a nice design I'm more inclined to prefer the S5. It has everything you need when the smaller cleaning tools can be hidden away and with a longer power cord on hand, it feels a far better "vacuum in one," than the budget feel of the S2. Also with Miele you can custom build your machine to accept higher grade filters DESPITE MIELE USA making consumers think otherwise.

Other differences are: The S2 has a pigtail (a short hanging electrical cord) that must be disconnected & re-connected when opening & closing the bag compartment. S5 is a Sealed System the S2 isn't. The Floor brush is FAR better design on the S5. Please go to a local dealer rather than an internet site. 1- You can try them both out and feel & see the difference and 2-You are supporting YOUR local economy & boosting local prosperity.

CarmineD, Venson, Vacmanuk, Lucky1 - Thank you all for your comments. This valuable information will help me tremendously in making the choice. I do not have any preset budget limit for this purchase but I do want to be sure that my money is spent well. I've already looked at several Miele canisters at a local store - Delphi, Titan, Callisto, Capricorn, etc,., the other day. The sales person was helpful. Perhaps it was just me who got confused/overwhelmed with numerous options available with a pretty substantial price range. That is why I came here for help. One feature I really liked is handle controls on Capricorn. But that one is priciest of all. With high end power brush SEB-236 it is $1199. This retailer has extended a decent offer - no tax, which is ~10% cost plus a some goodies like, a box of bags, etc. I also have an option to buy lower ends at retail price with high end attachments with hefty 50% off - same high end power brush SEB-236, and the new Parquet Twister SBB300-3. Now with all this information that you all have shared, I plan to go back this afternoon to purchase one of those puppies.

Lucky1 wrote:
Lucky1, Miele's USA website claims that:

"...Miele vacuum cleaners offer a true Sealed SystemTM, each individual compartment and the system as a whole are sealed with one continuous, durable rubber gasket..."

This would induce that the whole line up is sealed. What makes the S2 different?

vacmanuk wrote:

My understanding is that Delphi becomes a sealed system if you put a HEPA filter, which is optional on Delphi. Rest is same.

I came back with a Delphi with Parkett floor brush and SEB236 power head, which is the same combo offered with Capricorn.

chirkut123 wrote: Carmine D.

chirkut123 wrote:
Oh well. Seems like Miele USA are obviously out to trap their customers into thinking that by putting a HEPA filter in, it automatically seals the "system" from leaking dust. A Sealed suction system doesn't mean that - it points to the actual sealing around the bag unit so that dust doesn't escape and "protection" strips or whatever built around the hose fixing. Even Miele's old and heavier S500 have sealed areas where the dust bag and filter is.

vacmanuk wrote:

Hello vacmanuk:  In defense of MIELE, HEPA advantages and hype, real and imagined, are IMHO, a vacuum industry push and pitch for HEPA bags and filters that's not just limited to MIELE.  To its defense, Consumer Reports long ago called out the HEPA for its hype in vacuums using them.  CR has toned down wrt HEPA recognizing that it is a consumer friendly feature that's here to stay in the industry. 

Carmine D.