Does Anyone Have a Kirby Vacuum?

Updated on January 16, 2010
L.B. asks from Las Vegas, NV
17 answers

Hi there. We just purchased a Kirby vacuum. The salesman performed a demo in the house and we were quite impressed. But I wanted to find out if anyone else has one & if they are happy with it. It's a big purchase and we have a couple of days to back out of the contract. It always feels like a lot of pressure when the salesperson is at your house. Thanks!

1 mom found this helpful

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

So What Happened?

Thank you all for the info. We have decided to keep the Kirby. It really was astonishing what our old vacuum was leaving behind. REALLY gross. I don't mind the extra weight of the machine, when it means that my carpets will truly be clean. Thanks again!

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

E.L.

answers from Los Angeles on

To Leslie,I don't have one but my sister in law does. I have use it a few time and I have to said I like it. It is on the heavy side but it get the job done. Lucky, I am living in a one level house.

Good luck.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

I was raised with Kirby vacuums and loved them. After I got married I tried two other brands because of the cost of the Kirby, but both were horrible in comparison. I finally went ahead and invested in a Kirby again and have been very happy. I have had it for 15 years now and still going strong.

Good luck!

J. S.

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

I.O.

answers from San Diego on

I have had a Kirby for 5 years and love it. Before I bought it, I went through 3 vacuums in 2 years.
My on going joke when I first bought my Kirby was that I owned my truck, but not my vacuum.
Hope this helps ease your mind about your purchase.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

We had a Kirby when I was growing up and my mom got rid of it for one that was lighter and easier but went back to Kirby 15 years later after what seemed like a million other vacuums. I now have it (she has only hard floors now) and it is wonderful. It can suck up anything so when the kids start "helping" vacuum you'll have to be careful what they vacuum over.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.A.

answers from Los Angeles on

my parents have a Kirby and it is over 30 yrs old.

I just bought a Riccar. Love it.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.P.

answers from Raleigh on

I have a Kirby that I've had almost a year and I love it! It really is a good investment because it's such a versatile vacuum and it cleans so much better than other vacuums.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.G.

answers from Los Angeles on

I have had my Kirby for almost 10 years and it's really a solid machine... I have had no regrets until recently. A friend of mine is selling the "rainbow system" which I have to say kicks Kirby's butt. I was shocked, because I actually really love my Kirby and I was astounded that in the demo they did the rainbow did a much better job at a vacuuming and shampooing my carpet. The downside is the Rainbow is even more expensive than the Kirby, but if you're having any doubts at all about the Kirby, find a rainbow rep in your area to do a demo before you decide. If I had never seen the Rainbow I would be perfectly content with my Kirby, and since financially things are really tight right now, I'm sticking with my trusty Kirby for at least a few more years.Find a rep at http://www.rainbowsystem.com

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

G.Y.

answers from San Diego on

I had a kirby for years and couldn't wait for it to die! It is so heavy and hard to handle. I have found many light weight vacuums do just as well as the kirby does. I will never go back to using a kirby again.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.P.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi Leslie Anne,
We bought a kirby 10 yrs ago and it still runs great! I no longer have carpet in my house but I do vacuum the floors occasionally instead of sweeping and it does so many other things, like vacuuming the mattresses!! My husband loves to use it for the cars.Downside..it is heavy like others have posted, but the upside..it pretty much runs on its own,very little pushing needed (I loved that when I was pregnant)..I know how pushy the sales people are but dont regret it, you will love your kirby.

Happy Vacuuming!
T.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

P.K.

answers from Las Vegas on

I have nothing intelligent to add but figured you'd find it funny....I don't have my glasses on and when I read the title to your posted question I thought you said a KINKY vacuum....arg! Being a mommy does make you crazy!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.L.

answers from Reno on

I have one, I had it almost 3 years now. I don't know if I would ever buy another one- it is a big purchase. I do like mine, I love all the attachments including the shampooer. I use it everyday, replace bags probably monthly or every couple of months, I have only had to replace the belt once. If you don't have a Kirby place near by, stock up on bags(I buy the biggest pack I can find- just so I always have one).
My SIL and MIL both have Kirby's also(they both are on there 2nd one)they use theirs frequently also. I haven't heard any complaints other than the cost.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.C.

answers from San Diego on

I would use it for a couple of days and see how you really like it, and be practical about whether it is what you want or not. Especially if you are on a payment plan, you want to be sure it will be something you love. I also had a VERY lot of pressure from a salesperson... when they called on the phone to set up an appointment, they said they wanted to come clean up to 2 rooms of our house free to demonstrate their vacuum. I agreed, but didn't realize what they were about. The guy was instructed to stay in one spot in one room for hours until I had agreed to purchase one. I was taking care of toddlers, keeping them out of the way, and didn't have money to spend on one. (We've agreed not to go into debt). The vacuum they were demonstrating cost hundreds (at least) and I was only willing to spend $100. I would have saved them the trouble of coming out, had I known anything about it. But they wouldn't share any info over the phone.

Anyway, I finally had to kick them out, saying we had an appointment and were leaving. This lady seemed irritated that we "wasted their time" when if she'd have asked me in the first 5 minutes, I'd have told her "no". In fact, I did tell them I wouldn't buy one that day. But I understand the pressure- so if it really isn't what you want, I'd call and back out of it or rethink your decision. However, if you're pleased with it and have the money to spend on it, it will probably last you a while.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.P.

answers from San Diego on

Rainbows are the best. I used to sell them. It is complicated to explain, but a bag vacuum is not good. I would back out and have a Rainbow demonstration and they will explain the difference. God Bless!

J.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

G.M.

answers from Las Vegas on

I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE my Kirby! We bought it in 1997 and have never looked back or regreted our decision. My mom had a Kirby while I was growing up and after using it for 25 years, had the motor rebuilt and kept on using it.

I have a housecleaning business so I take it with me on some of my accounts. It gets a lot of use. I have purchased belts, bags and lightbulbs over the years but have probably spent less than $300 in all those years on tune ups and repairs.

Make sure you take it to the Kriby dealership for service, they do a fantastic job and their prices are fair.

I use the carpet cleaning attachement on my own carpet about twice a year. My kids are older now, so I don't have to clean spills as often. I have loved my Kirby and plan to use it for years and years to come.

G.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.J.

answers from San Diego on

Not a new one... We still have my grandmother's ancient Kirby & 1950's Hoover. They weigh a TON, but nothing new (not even Dyson) works better.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.H.

answers from Los Angeles on

Well Leslie, I absolutely love my Kirby vacuum. It has been the best purchase we have ever made. I have had mine for 15 years now and it still runs like a dream. I have had it maintained about every 2 years (like a little tune up for $20.) and it was in for a major repair 2 years ago. Only cost me $100. which I didn't think was bad after 13 years of usage. I have been happy with the performance. We had carpeting in our house and when we pulled it all up to change it to tile, we were amazed at how amazing the floor looked on top of the padding and below the padding. There was nothing. No dust, no particles, nothing. It was amazing. When they first installed our carpeting also we had the carpet from the previous owner that was more or less 25 years old. When they pulled up that carpeting, they couldn't believe how good it looked underneath also, they thought is was just going to be a mess. That is by far proof in the pudding! I hope you enjoy your purchase, we really have!!!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.C.

answers from Chicago on

i love mine....we've had it 6 yrs & it still is great, no problems at all.....its just heavy

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions