Best Vacuum

[kjm]

I'm looking for a new vacuum cleaner. What, in your experience, is the best bang for the buck. I want an upright with all the necessary attachments and good filtration. I don't care if it is bag-less. Any ideas?

 

[nerdykarim]

Originally Posted by kjm

I'm looking for a new vacuum cleaner. What, in your experience, is the best bang for the buck. I want an upright with all the necessary attachments and good filtration. I don't care if it is bag-less. Any ideas?

I recently had to make this decision as well and I chose a refurb Dyson DC-14 from Amazon. From what I understand, it's not the absolute top of the line, but for around $150 (IIRC), it's a great value.

Aftermarket customer service from Dyson is incredible, too...even if you buy a refurb (no personal experience with this yet, but the stories on slickdeals.net and the Consumerist blog have been outstanding).

 

[freefinancialadvice]

Consumer Reports lists the following as their Best Buy pics:

Eureka Boss Smart Vac 4870 $ 170
Hoover WindTunnel Anniversary Edition Bagless U5786-900 $160
Hoover WindTunnel Anniversary Edition U6485-900 $230
Kenmore Progressive 35922 $350


I went with the Eureka Boss Smart Vac. Found it for $145 at Lowe's. The only drawback is that it is heavier (20lbs) I wouldn't go with bagless, as they tend to make a mess. Suprisingly, Dyson vacuums are not rated pretty high according to consumer reports. Especially for their price of $400+.

 

[yachtie]

Upright? Kirby. There is no substitute.

For a canister vac, I like Rainbow/Rexair. (No bag).

 

[Thomas]

Originally Posted by yachtie

Upright? Kirby. There is no substitute.

For a canister vac, I like Rainbow/Rexair. (No bag).

+1 on the Kirby, though I wouldn't buy new - not for what they're asking, and I especially wouldn't sit through one of their damn in-home presentations.

I have an old...old, I mean paleolithic-era Kirby Heritage, and it's nearly bulletproof. Heavy as hell, all-steel contruction, picks up small furniture and housepets if you don't watch it carefully.

 

[dshin]

I bought an Oreck upright back in 2002 and it still runs like new. Just took it in for maintinance a couple times. And it is super light...like 5lbs or somethign like that.

 

[Cary Grant]

Bang for the buck? Dyson.

Our last vac blew up just as I finished vacuuming. We went and got the Dyson then went over the floor again. I emptied the canister three times just in the living room.

Love the thing.

Our family had a Kirby growing up... heavy duty but heavy $$$ too.

 

[dah328]

Go to a vacuum repair shop and buy one of their used, rebuilt commercial vacuums. Nearly all of the retail stuff is overpriced and/or junk. There's a reason why professionals use the commercial stuff.

 

[mistewacko]

Miele Capella. It's a pricey investment at $400 but it's commercial grade and will last years. Buy at a vacuum store, they typically have better deals than electronics or home improvement retailers and are more knowledgeable.

 

[whiteslashasian]

Family had a Heavy Duty Kirby from the early 1980's. It finally died in 2006. My mom sorely misses it. One of the best investments my dad said he ever made.

My cousin bought a refurbed Dyson (don't remember the model) and he loves it. He is extremely sensitive to dust and allergens, he said the Dyson cleans extremely well and filters even better. He's had much fewer breathing issues since he got the Dyson.

I just have wood flooring throughout my apartment...my Roomba does fine running a couple times a week while I'm at work.

 

[Henry Boogers]

I bought a refurbed Kirby through Ebay and it was well worth the $$.

 

[BrettChaotix]

What vacuum would you guys recommend for a 50% hardwood 50% rug apartment? I'm looking for something that does a good job with pet hair, dust, crumbs, etc... without having to break out the wet-cleaning supplies every couple of days.

It's not a lot of space (under 800 square feet total) so I'd like to keep it under $200-250

 

[zarathustra]

Originally Posted by Cary Grant

Bang for the buck? Dyson.

Our last vac blew up just as I finished vacuuming. We went and got the Dyson then went over the floor again. I emptied the canister three times just in the living room.

Love the thing.

Our family had a Kirby growing up... heavy duty but heavy $$$ too.

plus 1million. I had several of the other vacuums and found them to be worthless. Will never own anything but a Dyson if i have my choice.

 

[xchen]

I am lucky enough to be able to borrow commercial backpack vacuums from work since I am in the cleaning industry. So far the best one I have used is made by Rubbermaid. Very lightweight and quiet, but the cost is like $400 or so.