Vacuum Recommendations

[Hometown]

Okay, my not so old vacuum died.  The little rotating sofa brush died a year ago.  And it has never been easy carting the old vacuum up and down the stairs -- it's heavy.

I'd like to get something better this time.  I'm thinking about Oreck (I like their claim that it is light weight) or Dysan (I have Persian cats), but I'm open to just about anything.

I would greatly appreciate any advice that any one is willing to share.  What's the best vacuum in Tulsa?

[Breadburner]

Everyone I know that has a Dyson loves it.....

[RecycleMichael]

Everything you ever wanted to know about vacuums for sale...

http://www.epinions.com/Vacuums

[cannon_fodder]

I'd find one that sucks.

- RecycleMichael

(can't believe you didn't nail that one!)
- - -

My honest advice is to buy one that is better than you think you need.  Nothing is worse than vacuuming and realizing that it really didn't clean AND having the thing crap out every other year.

[Hometown]

If I posted that the moderator would call in the league of women voters to sanitize, thread would be locked and siren would be going off.

But seriously, I know it's not very exciting, but can anyone out there compare an Oreck to a Dyson?

I had Kenmore's best but it's busted.  Thing must have weighed 60 pounds anyway.

[In_Tulsa]

I have a Rainbow and can't live without it

[safetyguy]

We have owned a Dyson Ball vacuum for animal hair for a couple of years now. We have 3 cats and a dog that gets to come in when it rains (so he's been inside a lot lately). It's scary how much hair it picks up. We have the extra hand held brush that we use A LOT on the couch for all of the cat hair.

As far as weight, you may want to look at the new light model. I don't know personally how much of a difference is there between the original model and the new lighter model.

That's my two cents and I'm stickin' to it!

[wenwilwa]

I inherited a Rainbow from my grandparents. They bought it from a door-to-door salesman in 1993...I still have all the paperwork. I love using it. It's powerful and the water filter keeps all the dust inside. No dust escapes from the exhaust. It's a good feeling to empty all that sludge out after vacuuming too. You dump out a giant wet hairball and you're left with a nice clean water tank for next time.

However, judging by the invoice, there's no way in heck I could bring myself to buy another one...they paid $1489.35 for it!

[Red Arrow]

The most recurring problem we have had is the rubber belts that drive the power brush on an upright model. The common way to power the belt is to run it directly on the motor shaft instead of a pulley.  It saves space but the motor shaft gets hot and the diameter is too small which causes the belts to get hot and break.  If you get one with a power brush, see if you can get a money back guarantee if it starts breaking belts.

[Shaneous]

We couldn't live without our Dyson. Our housekeeper recommends it to everyone.

I've heard the Miele's are good as well if you have no carpet in the home.

[Wilbur]

Consumer Reports consistently rates the Dyson very high, and say they would raise it to the highest rating if the Dyson wasn't so loud.  I say, who cares how loud it is when you vacuum?  It's not like your going to listen to something else.  I've heard a lot of people really like the Dyson, but they also advertise very well.

[Steve]

Glad you started this discussion Hometown.  My vacuum is on its last legs too!

As you know, I have 90% hard surface floors in my house, mostly wood and tile, with only one room fully carpeted.  A canister type vac has been my choice over the years, with attachments for upholstery/drapes and a separate rug "beater bar" unit for my one carpeted room.  I bought a brand new Hoover "Wind Tunnel" canister vac at Sears about 5 years ago, the the vac motor is dying!  Used to be vacuums would last you 25 years with no problems; they are mostly just cheap plastic now.  Thanks for the topic, as I have the same questions myself.

[AngieB]

I love my Dyson! And it has like a 5 year warranty -- can't beat that.

I have hardwoods throughout except for one bedroom and a couple of area rugs. The Dyson does it all. The handle comes out and flips around to use attachments. Bagless, easy to empty, doesn't stir up dust. I'm a believer.

Ours was ~$400. Used a 20% off coupon at Kohl's to buy it.

[GG]

My son has a Dyson, we have an Oreck.  

They are both nice machines worth the extra expense.   I think you would be pleased with either on.

[brunoflipper]

electrolux... it is all we have ever used.