Vacuum Cleaners Discussions

I have always had Electrolux canister vacs and my current Electro (1960 model) is on its last legs. I am looking for something NEW that cleans like the old Electrolux vacs did. With separate attachments for bare floors, carpet, furniture. Also with a quality build (not a lot of plastic, with horsehair brushes, etc.). I want something that is built like a tank, has crazy good suction, and has separate attachments for bare floors and carpet. Does this vacuum exist new? Price is not an issue. I will pay whatever it takes to find a new vacuum that acts like the old Electroluxes did. I guess what I am really asking is what is the best high-end canister out there? I suppose my choices are Miele, Simplicity, Riccar, Sebo, etc. Not really interested in dealing with a water tank with a Rainbow; and the Kirby canister seems lame. Seems like Riccar is the most similar to my Electro? But I have had problems trying to buy one. They are often on backorder/discontinued and that concerns me. Miele is highly praised but is very plastic-y to me. Dunno bout the others. Also which of these has the best warranty? I have 50% stone floors, 25% wood, 25% carpet. And a hairy border collie.

I'd say Miele and Sebo are great choices as well. They are European manufacturers though, and they have to abide by new and strict regulations on power consumption on the European markets. Yes, you heard me right, power consumption from a vacuum of all things. I mean, vacuums aren't usually utilized for more than 10-20 minutes a day, but European officials have to make themselves useful somehow. As a result of that regulation, we might experience weaker vacuums here in the US as well, since they will probably standardize their production lines to meet global regulations and keep the cost down. Unless you're searching for an industrial standard vacuum, you will have a hard time avoiding some amount of plastic. Miele Complete C3 series would in general be a great choice, and they come in a variety of makes and models with different range of attachments included. Currently the Marin PowerLine SGJE0 is one of the highest ranking models.

The EU power regs don't apply to US market vacuums. US market vacuums have different circuit boards and motors compatible with our 120 Volt / 60 Hz power. In North America, appliances are limited to 12 amps maximum current draw at the wall outlet, which is 1440 watts. Wall outlets are generally protected by a 15 amp circuit breaker. The 12 amp limit is a fire safety regulation imposed by the insurance industry though their Underwriters Laboratories. Bottom line is while power is reduced for EU market vacuums that is not generally true in the US. 10 - 12 amp vacuums are normal here.