Vacuum Cleaner

I know I'm a little late getting this to you, but I just bought a new vacuum and was overwhelmed with how many options there were. I really didn't think it could be that difficult. I ended up going to Fussnecker Sweeper repair and talking to a guy there. He told me that one of the most important things to look for is a metal beater brush. This will agitate the carpet the best.

I didn't want the mess of emptying a bagless, so that narrowed my options a lot. I got a Sanitaire upright and canister. It is technically a commercial line, but it is sold often to homes. I LOVE it - and who says that about a vacuum. My carpets actually look so much better. The upright doesn't have tools or any bells or whistles, but boy can it clean a carpet. The canister is great for all of the extras.

I looked on Consumer Reports for recommendations, but found that the top rated ones were rated poorly or average by people who had owned them for a while. Amazon was a good place for regular people reviews for this - and I never would have thought to look there for a vacuum cleaner.

I have to agree with the Dyson (the grey and yellow one)! Bagless and GREAT!!! I got it as a house warming gift when we moved into our new home. A little expensive, but well worth it. We have thought about getting a second for upstairs.

If you get any Dyson vacuum you will be set for years! We have the Dyson Animal & it is amazing! I tested my MIL's vs. my old one before we actually purchased one ourselves & I was completely disgusted at what the Dyson still picked up after I vacuumed with my old vacuum. I swore to myself I would never use another brand after that!!

we have a Dyson and love it! Ours is 6 years old already and still working like the day we brought it home. We don't have the animal one (our model is purple and red), was too expensive at the time.... I recommend bed bath and beyond with a 20% coupon though.... can't go wrong with a discount! Allowed us to afford it and we are so glad we splurged as it has been WONDERFUL!!!!!!

Hi L.! Okay, I'm not saying these women are not telling the truth or anything, so no nasty emails please ladies....:) but I have a subscription to consumer reports and am also getting ready to purchase a new vacuum, so I've done research on the testing of over 50 models. Now, I have checked this in the past, and they've always showed poor results with the Dyson. It only has an "excellent" rating on two areas, they are "on bare floors" and "emissions". Those are it! It's proven by the experts' testing that it is NOT worth the money at all. I think that most people buy it because it certainly does have a neat look to it.

Having said that, here are the two vacuums that are voted "best buys" by consumer reports and their results.

Eureka, Boss Smart Vac 4870 for only $150!!!!!!
It tested excellent in all the important areas, "pet hair" "carpet cleaning" and "cleaning bare floors" and also is a REALLY good price if you ask me!

The second one is Kenmore, Sears, Progressive With Direct Drive 35922
This one is about $300, but tested excellent in the same areas as the Eureka, plus also in "emmissions" and the other areas did test higher than Eureka's. Those areas were "tool airflow" and "noise". This one got a higher rating than Eureka, but at twice the price, I'm still considering which one I want.

I hope this helps! I hate buying vacuums just to find out they suck!!! That's what happened with my last one I bought about 3 years ago, without the help of Consumer Reports, and I've hated it ever since!! I was jumping up and down when it blew up finally yesterday!! he he I have been waiting and waiting because I didn't want to spend the money for a new one already. Good luck!

Hi L.,
I clean houses and use different vacuums at each place. My favorites would be a Kenmore or Dyson. The one I like best is a Kenmore canister but it isn't bagless. It's cool (or gross) to actually see how much dirt you pick up when using a bagless, but they can also make a mess when you dump them.
I would recommend not settling for a cheap vacuum, you'll regret it in the long run.
Have fun shopping!
T.

I LOVE my Dyson Animal. I got is for Christmas 2007 (yes I actually wanted a vacuum cleaner for my gift...lol) and I couldn't be happier. It is pretty expensive when you compaire it to other brands, but totally worth it. I can even turn off the brush roller and sue it on my bare floor in the kitchen. The attachments are super easy to use and the hose is built into the handle so it is easy to remove and return. Plus the hose extends to like 15 feet long so I can vacuum all of the stairs leading upto the second floor without hauling the whole unit up the stairs. Not to mention it is so quiet that I can actually talk on the phone while I vacuum my carpet! I will never buy another brand of vacuum cleaner again.

We have the Dyson Animal, I love it! I would love to "test drive" the Dyson ball as well!

DYSON DYSON DYSON, I researched for 18 months before I finally bought it, and now they are all over the place to buy. I've had it for ......4 years. LOVE IT.

L.,

I can tell you what NOT to buy. No Dirt Devils of any kind! I've had an upright with all the bells and whistles and the small hand vac and they all are so bad they will make your life miserable!

I tried the Dyson Slim and was disappointed after 15 min. It was so touchy and I spent hours looking for blockages only not to find anything. I spent an hour online with custormer support, and they have you doing all kinds of scary things with the vacuum plugged in that they warn you to unplug before doing in the guide. Finally, they told me it was not the right choice for me and to take it back, since I only had it a day. Also, this Dyson seems to have very thin, fragile plastic snaps and locks and mechanisms for removing the canister, etc. The only good thing is that it is lightweight. Dyson told me this one is 12 amps with 200 suction while the full models have 240. And yes, my Slim DID lose suction! which is contrary to their slogan that their vacuums never lose suction. It was a tiny one inch triangle of paper that got stuck where ther was no where to see it or pull it out-that's way too sensitive for me!

I read here that the Dyson Animal is a good choice, but I don't know if I want to take a chance again on such an expensive AND HEAVY vacuum. I have had a fewer cheaper Hoovers in my lifetime, and was relatively satisfied, although you don't want the bottom of the line in any model cause they are too noisy.

I don't mind changing a bag. The bagless kind seem to get me all dirty when changing them.

It's hard finding one that will vacuum up pet hair on rugs without getting out a special pet tool. (And Shark's are bad, too!)

I would like to know if anyone has ever tried a Bissel?

I'll just say I NEVER knew how much dog hair was in my carpet until I got a bagless... at least now I feel I have accomplished something big ..just by vaccuming..lol

I agree no Dirt Devils--ours is really loud and makes the baby cry. My parents have an Oreck that is really nice & never breaks, I think those are a little pricier but probably worth it.

I've heard that the Oreck and Dyson are excellent cleaners (from friends). But since both are so pricey, my husband and I settled for a Bissell Pet Cleaner. Apparently, it has a stronger suction and better brush to get pet hair out of carpet and upholstery. We absolutely LOVE it. I would highly recommend it. If you see a vacuum cleaner at a store, check for it on-line. Sometimes, you can find a better deal with free shipping.

Dyson Animal by far is the best in my opinion. We have 2 labs and 2 little boys and it's a lifesaver. It's amzaing all that it picks up. Maintenance free.

We have an Oreck, it does take a bag but we only have to change the bag out about every 6 months. I gues I don't vaccuum enough but anyways we like it because it is light weight and when you carry it up and down stairs it is not to bad.

Dyson! Dyson! Dyson! We've had our Dyson Animal for about 2+ years and we LOVE it. It's been well worth the investment.