Vacuum Cleaners Discussions

 

I've read that non-electric miele is fine with pets - others say no. Air-Turbo head is good for oriental rugs - others say no and say not good for pets. Some say electric head for rugs, others say no if any fringe.  In the store, I first looked at an S4 Galaxy with hepa installed, turbo head, parquet twist, and ergo handle. Seemed perfect & on sale for $499 (recently discontinued store exclusive). But then salesman said he recommends low end S5 models over high end S4 -says S5 has more suck power and overall is made better. It did seem stronger when I tested both-wondering why if motors are all the same?  He showed an Airel (combo 450head, elec-upgradeable) and Pisces(ergo, turbo head, parquet twist, hepa, elec-upgradeable).  I sampled the 450-head, he said it can be used on parquet whereas 250-s combo that comes w/some S4s can scratch. When I said "cat" he said pet hair could clog the turbo and i'd likely need to bring it in for unclogging and repair. ugh. But it seems like turbo got the test dirt up better than the 450 head and is easier to push. He said with pet I should consider powerhead...I don't know if I need electric for 3-5 rugs, plus the wand seems heavier and a little more bulky and slightly harder to maneuver-at least compared to the other. My mother's home is filled with a dozen+ rugs like mine and a Maine Coon cat-she has Kenmore, but never uses the electric head that comes with machine-prefers the standard-but maybe Kenmore is different for rugs/hair, and she cleans more often than I do.). My friend w/2 cats one sm rug and wood loves her Polaris, but she cleans frequently and has very small apt.

 

Thanks all for weighing in.  I'm fascinated about how much there is to know and all the nuances of vacuum cleaning-and can't thank you enough for taking the time to respond. (And Lucky, I absolutely appreciate insights from a dealer!)  I was leaning toward air models since I'm used to that having owned an electrolux canister and kind of like the simplicity of the air models. I read many raves on Amazon from Neptune s4212 buyers using turbo with shedding dogs/cats living in apts larger than mine (not sure if they are in the honeymoon phase though). And a friend with 2 pets wants to marry her Polaris.  But I hear you all on the clogging hair and grit in the Turbo pipes issue.  The electric head certainly cleaned up the sample rug brilliantly, but I was a little worried about electric harming my very thin antique rugs-so good to know powering down is the key. The electric wand seemed heavy and clunky compared to what I'm used to but I'm willing to grow. I'll look at electric more closely this weekend. Family members (much more fastidious about dust and hair than I am) never use the electric head that comes with their brand.  You're noting clogging on the turbo head though -- I don't know what kind of non-electric head comes with theirs (Kenmore)-might have a different construction because they have pets and grit, but no clogs. And maybe their electric head is more of a pain to take off/put on too--not sure, just know they have option to use either, but use air only. Probably not a fair comparison-Miele/Kenmore.

Re: the s2s: Interesting:Two dealers recommended the 4 or 5 over the 2-both have the S2 Titan in their line up which costs more than the S4s they showed. Pointed out that the inside is a little less sturdy, the dial on the hood doesn't click into place, etc. One said she's already seeing a few sent back for repair. But that's just from two -I'm sure there are happy buyers who own it and love it. Also, I think I read somewhere that all Miele's are "sealed system" canisters, but the Miele site lists that S2 Titan and Delphi canister construction is a "clean air" system. The S4 and 5s are "sealed." I'm not sure how much difference this makes or how it affects the vacuuming experience.  But since I live in a big city, if I have the option I think I prefer to trap toxins inside of the machine as much as possible - if in fact that's what that means. I probably breathe more toxic stuff in the street or office, but I can't have my little cat's lungs taking in nasty air if I can help it!  (it's her house, I just live here).

 

PS - Lucky, I love the online options and information at sites like allergyclub, but I plan to do the buying from a dealer who has a small business and huge patience. with the uninitiated like me.  I like to support local establishments whenever possible.  However, if I'm ever in the UK, I'm going to shop for some compatible Miele vac accessories!

 

Thanks again all for your input. Your advice and experience is really helpful.

Maddy.