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.?

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.

CarmineD wrote:
Well the story is different in Europe. Most buyers know what a sealed suction unit is and it isnt down to the HEPA or whatever filter is on board.

vacmanuk wrote:

Folks - I misunderstood the salesperson's explanation of Delphi - I think he said it is sealed just as higher end units but w/o a HEPA that can be added as an option. So I mistakenly tied the two together. But your generalization across all US is stretching too far. I wouldn't consider myself being mislead by Miele in this regard. Good for you that you understand vacuums well. Keep sharing your knowledge!

To MIELE's defense, its USA product literature refers to its vacuums as: "The Original Sealed System [TM] Vacuum Cleaner."  With the following description:  "Only vacuums that are true sealed and have unique dustbag containment area can guarantee that what you vacuum up actually stays in the vacuum and is not returned to the air through the machine housing or during disposal.  MIELE delivers on both counts.  The MIELE filtration system utilizes electrostatically charged materials to ensure that dust particles are securely trapped inside the machine.  MIELE offers three advanced filters depending on your specific needs." 

Note in describing the sealed system, MIELE makes no mention of the HEPA, which is just one of the 3 filter options offered.

Carmine D.