Recommend a vacuum

[NetSkyBlue]

I need recommendations for a quality vacuum that's going to last me a decent amount of time. I've bought two Bissels in the last 4 years and they've both gone about 2 years and stopped sucking - and started spitting stuff out.

I have a 2 bedroom apartment now, and probably will for the next 5 or so years, and I have 3 cats, which generate a lot of fur and cat litter sprinkles, so I vacuum 3-4 times a week. I need something that can deal with this much usage.

I was thinking a Dyson. Does anyone have one to recommend? I'd prefer to stay under $500.

[bjl584]

I had a Kenmore from Sears that lasted me about 6 1/2 years before it finally died. It was under $100.

[cypher1]

I've been using a Dyson DC24 Blueprint vacuum for the last 3 years in my house. I only use once a week between my roommate and I, which does a good job. For the money $300, I thought was over priced for its size/quality. So if you have pets and vacuum that much, I'd recommend a larger one for capacity. I know Kirby is an older name and more expensive, but very reputable. I think my parent's one is 20+ years old.

[snafu]

I too have a Dyson, now 3 y/o, fast, easy, efficient, bought on sale. Had a Sears upright, heavy, difficult to use on stairs and corners. While the warranty was great, it was a pain to take it across town to Sears repair depot. Getting the correct disposable bag was a constant issue, Sears doesn't stock a major selection so vacuum outlets were a better source.

If you can get a gently used or demo Dyson, it's a better deal

[elessar78]

We bought a hoover platinum wind tunnel series vacuum. Rated much higher by consumer reports than any dyson.

HOWEVER... we need to replace the filter and a belt every six months (cost 40-50 bucks). So in the long run, cost of ownership did not pan out. Also, it's much heavier than the dyson and the usability isn't as good. Attachments aren't as well thought out, manueverability isn't as great, etc.

Dyson IS more expensive, but after putzing around with a competitor I believe the price difference MAY BE worth it—at least my wife feels that it is, as she uses her sister's Dyson when we go over to their place.

[disneysteve]

We have a Hoover Wind Tunnel that we've had for over 10 years I think.

As a very general rule, I think $300 is the minimum you can pay for a worthwhile vacuum. Certainly there are exceptions - clearance items, great sales, etc. - but I would use that as a starting point. Cheaper models usually have weaker motors and lower quality filters. You may suck dust off the floor and just spray it around the room.

I would absolutely check the Consumer Reports buying guide before getting anything.

[MonkeyMama]

Love our Kenmore cannister vacuum.

Ours is probably 5+ years old. I don't even remember when we bought it - could be much older. IT was a $400 variety though - we have done nothing to maintain it.

[elessar78]

We have a Hoover Wind Tunnel that we've had for over 10 years I think.

As a very general rule, I think $300 is the minimum you can pay for a worthwhile vacuum. Certainly there are exceptions - clearance items, great sales, etc. - but I would use that as a starting point. Cheaper models usually have weaker motors and lower quality filters. You may suck dust off the floor and just spray it around the room.

I would absolutely check the Consumer Reports buying guide before getting anything.

Did you see my post? Curious how you guys like your Hoover Wind Tunnel (ours is only 4 years old). Do you have to replace filters and belts on your model?

[disneysteve]

Did you see my post? Curious how you guys like your Hoover Wind Tunnel (ours is only 4 years old). Do you have to replace filters and belts on your model?

Not filters and the belt only a couple of times in the years we've had it. Not a big deal at all.

[cypher1]

I like Dyson for size/weight, maneuverability (A+), and convenience for washing filter, emptying, etc. However I think the suction is weaker compared to other brands listed. Although it seems to be very good at picking up and separating other particles. The design/look is nice but feels cheap or loose. I'm also curious about Hoover, heard lots of good things on them.

[humandraydel]

Honestly, the best vacuum I've had in the past 10 years is a $50 bagged - NOT bag-less - Bissell from Wal-Mart. As far as I'm concerned, expensive bag-less vacuums are worthless and actually MORE work - those filters get so clogged and are impossible to clean.

[JustBill]

Electrolux. We have an Electrolux upright that we bought 23 years ago this coming March. During that time we have replaced 1 belt, and I replaced the switch just this past Wednesday because it wouldn't turn off. Unit has been used a bunch, including extensively during home remodel messes, and often in my shop. Can't vouch for how they're made today, nor the relative cost to other vacs, but we have got our money's worth from the one we bought.

[photo]

Maintenance on a vacuum, just like a car, is key to its performance (although good maintenance obviously does not ensure a good model). Even a great vacuum will occasionally burn through a belt and need a filter changed.

I've had a Hoover Wind Tunnel for 5 years with no problems. Previously, we had an elderly Electrolux, which I sold to a museum. Just kidding, but it was over 20 years old.