L.D. asks from Columbus, OH on June 20, 2008
Vacuum Cleaner
Can you recommend a good vacuum cleaner? I thought I might like the bagless type but I'm not stuck on anything. I'm moving to a house that has carpet and I have never actually purchased a vacuum before (always having hardwood). I started trying to research them but quickly realized there are A LOT of options. Any guidance to help narrow my search would be wonderful!!
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M.B. answers from Dayton on June 26, 2008
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.
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K.T. answers from Columbus on June 20, 2008
Dyson! Dyson! Dyson! We've had our Dyson Animal for about 2+ years and we LOVE it. It's been well worth the investment.
A.M. answers from Cincinnati on June 20, 2008
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.
J.M. answers from Cleveland on June 20, 2008
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.
M.B. answers from Dayton on June 26, 2008
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.
N.S. answers from Columbus on June 21, 2008
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.
M.H. answers from South Bend on June 20, 2008
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.
S.K. answers from South Bend on June 22, 2008
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
B.R. answers from Columbus on June 20, 2008
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?
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