Vacuum Cleaners Discussions

Went to 3 local dealers and came up with 4 different models to choose from.  A little expert guidance here would be appreciated because all are quite an investment for a Vacuum, but I am tired of replacing every 2-3 years.  I am also tired of the Vacuum smelling like my dog after 6 months of use.  Only interested in cannister and bagged.

Models considering are: Simplicity/Riccar Cinch/Charisma 399  Snap/Pizazz 599.  Meile Titan 599 or Libra floor model 699.  Finally also there is an Electrolux Ultrasilencer deluxe model # 7066a that is marked 100 off and is now 599.

Thanks in advance for your help

DanM wrote:

IF you really don't mnd spending the money, I'd say go for the Miele Libra due to its relatively decent cleaaning range and 4.75 quart bag capacity.  With reasonable care this machine should do well by you.  The standard going price is around $850.00. Don't know what your local sales tax is but even though $700 is not bad  I'd try to get the price shaved down a little more unless you're being allowed at least a couple of wothwhile Miele doo-dads -- a top-end, height-adjustable power nozzle.  Make them throw in a bare floor or combi-tool if not included in the deal.

I would be remiss not to remind you that that the better Miele bags come in packs of five and run near $18.00 to $20.00 per pack.

As for the doggy smell -- Miele does offer carbon impregnated filters but you can also try sucking up a little baking powder each time you install a new bag and see if that helps.  It's cheaper.  I am into my third year with a Miele Capricorn and really do enjoy the machine except for the lousy paint job.

A general manual for the series can downloaded at the following link -- http://www.mieleusa.com/manuals_pdf/Residential/Vacuums/S5001_us.pdf 

You can find manuals for the various PNs too.

Good luck,

Venson

I really like the Meile Libra that you suggested Venson, but I was wondering how much better it was that the $399 Simplicity/Riccar units.  Also, both the Riccar and Simplicity vendors stated that their respective vacs were the "Lexus" of the 2 while the third dealer said that they were identical and that the lower end models are actually assembled in China.

DanM wrote: You have listed some very good choices, for your future investment, in the Riccar/Simplicity and Miele.  Have you had the chance to take the Riccar or Simplicity for a test drive?  I believe you will find that they are a smart contender.  If you do not live in a small place, I would suggest that you look at the Midsize models.  They will hold more debris and have more features.  You  will find that the midsize Riccar and Simplicity will have a longer warranty, if something should go wrong.  They have a 3yr overall and a 7yr. on the motor.  Miele has a 1yr. overall and 7yrs. on the motor.  Give the vacuum dealers a call and find out how much the bags and filters will cost.  You will find that the Riccar/Simplicity synthetic bags will cost less.  Their HEPA w/carbon filter will also cost less than the Miele.  These midsize brands, from Tacony Corp. will have a longer cord than Miele.  It will not matter too much if you live in a small home.  Personally, I like longer cords, because I do not have to stop as often.

If you have somewhat thick carpeting and have dog hair, you will find that the deluxe power nozzle found on the Verve will make the vacuuming chore easier  The Riccar and jSimplicity Midsize  will perform and filter well, plus give you years of service.  They also have very good attachments like the floor brush and the deluxe 3-in-1 attachment.  The dusting brush side is really soft and bushy.

What  you heard from the dealers has been said before.  Each brand dealer will say their brand is more higher grade than the other.  This can be confusing or misleading to those who do not understand.  Tacony Corp. owns the two brands.  They are identical except some cosmetic differences in some models  Tacony has recently added some of their canisters to the "Assembled in the USA"  line.  It is true, the low end models are not assembled here. 

Mike_W wrote:
Dont forget though - Miele sell the filter options on their own, so you don't have to pay out for a vacuum cleaner by Miele that comes with the basic Super Air Clean filter - you can buy an upgrade to HEPA or Active Air Clean - The AAC is more suitable for smokers and pet hair, HEPA for allergies.

Mike_W wrote:

Thanks Mike.  So I gather that you are recommending the Riccar/Simplicity Pizazz/Snap for $599 over the Meile Libra display model for $699 and the Electrolux is out (the handle on that unit seemed really cheap).  To me they all looked great and worked effeciently and quitely to boot. You can really see and feel the difference in these machines as opposed to the big box store units.  The lady that has the Meile floor model even stood on top of the Libra to demonstrate its strength (and she was no light weight). I like the idea of putting money back into our economy, especially with our current financial situation, but are we truly comparing apples to apples.  I mean the Libra is a $849 machine that is being sold for $150 off and the Riccar/Simplity are listing at a lower price to begin with.  Are the Meile's overpriced or is it a better and more reliable unit?  Can the Riccar/Simplicity be had for less?

vacmanuk wrote:

Thanks Vacmanuk.  But can you elaborate on this.  What actually comes with the Libra and and what does the Simplicity/Riccar offer as standard as well as what it can be upgraded to.

vacmanuk wrote:
I have not forgotten at all.  Even if the AAC filter was purchased, it would still cost more than the HEPA  filter on the Riccar and Simplicity.  Now, add the cheaper cost for the 6pk of synthetic bags to Miele's 4pk.  Even if Tacony's filters cost the same as Miele's AAC filter, it is still cheaper.  The cheaper Riccar and Simplicity does not have a Charcoal filter.

DanM wrote:
You have to understand, he lives in the UK and does not have our Riccar and Simplicity. 

When I was at the dealer that recommends the Meile, she also offered a lifetime service plan for $99 (regularly offered for $199).  This service plan includes: 2 annual services (complete internal and external reconditioning), 1 year extension of original manufacturers warranty....excludes bags,filters, and belst), free labor on non warranty repairs, 2 free rug Dr. rentals annually, 1 free tile and grout cleaner rental annually, 10% off all non-machine purchases, preferred repair status (puts you at the head of the line), free loaner vacuum during repair and service periods and 100% refund towards future vacuum purchases. 

I have never been big on a service plan before, but this seems pretty good.  Does anybody else think that it is worth it?

Mike_W wrote:
But can't you buy a upgradeable filter for the cheaper Riccar & Simplicity to match top models?