Can someone recommend a good vacuum for me that isn't really expensive?

Question

I have a dirt devil right now and it's terrible. It clogs every time I use it. I want a vacuum with good suction, that won't clog. Also it would be nice if it were lightweight and quiet, since I have a baby. I don't want to spend more than $150.00, any suggestions?

Answer 1

I'm shopping for one too, and checked consumer reports. Unfortuanately, I think some of the models were updated by the manufacturers--I'm having trouble finding them in stock, but I've only been to two stores. I didn't use noise as a factor when I decided, if that is important, you might want to check CR yourself.

Hoover Windtunnel Bagless--$140
Eureka Boss SmartVac Ultra--$140
Bissel Cleanview II--$80

Answer 2

The Hoover Fusion is what I use. I found this little gem at Sams Club about six months ago. It's based upon the first Dyson designs, but it only costs about $110. As for clogs, it's not bad but you do have to take a brush after the suction holes at the top of the canister now and then. It doesn't clog at all, it just looks kind of unsightly will a big mess at the top of the collection canister. The whole dust canister comes apart really easily though, so it's a breeze to clean up... less than a minute.

As for loudness -- I don't think this is the quietest vacuum out there, but it's certainly not the loudest either. My old GE was far louder than the Hoover. My wife and I have both vacuumed while our 2-year-old toddler was asleep, so it passed that test in our house.

As for suction -- WOW. My carpet has a pretty high pile, so it takes a lot of suction to pull up the nap. This vacuum definitely delivers. I've used the $600 Dyson as well, and this thing is as good as the more expensive vacuum.

Like anything, this vacuum has a couple of downsides. The main drawback is that you have to wash out two foam filters about once every three months or so. But they're easy to get to and dry out quickly -- one is above the canister, one beneath it. Just rinse them out and let them dry for 30 minutes.

The other drawback is the hose & attachments, the hose could be a little bit longer for my taste. The attachments don't seem to all store away on the vacuum itself, so you'll find yourself needing somewhere to keep a couple of them. For the price, I'm not going to gripe too much though.

Also, if the vacuum you had before was as bad as my old GE model, be prepared to stop and empty the canister a few times on your first run -- this thing REALLY gets the dirt out of the carpet, and I was shocked at how much was left behind by my old vacuum. Only my living room and three bedrooms are carpeted, yet I had to empty the can about three times on its first run. Now I only have to empty it about once every week, and my carpet still looks like new (at least, where the kids haven't spilled Kool-Aid, but that's another story).

Answer 3

I've had numerous expensive and cheap vacuums. None have lasted for more than a year. They all worked great at first. My solution has been that about once a year I know I have to go to the store and buy the cheapest vacuum I can find that's appropriate for my rug and floors. I generally spend under $50. An expensive vacuum will work well until a rug fringe or other stray material gets caught up in the spinny thing. You know - that's when you get that burned rubber smell permeating the room. Repairing them is expensive. You're better off just replacing with a cheap, light weight one - until next year.

Answer 4

The best vacuums are Kirby's... they are also the most expensive. However, you can buy recondition ones at most repair centers.
In lieu of Kirby's, I had good luck with Hoovers. Just make sure it has the features you want - some people want a canister whereas others want an upright and all the attachments to get the dirt and dust. You may also want to check on availability of vacuum cleaner bags - it really 'sucks' when you can't find bags. So go with a common brand, like a Hoover.

Answer 5

Yup, a Dirt Devil is fine for light cleaning, for can't stand up to a thorough house cleaning. Check Consumer Reports (available at your local library for free) for recommendations. They usually suggest the Eureka Boss SmartVac, or the latest Sears/Kenmoore brand. You can probably find one in your budget range.

I had a Eureka WorldVac that worked well for 8 years, not too heavy or noisy, good price. But it burned out after 9 years, so I splurged on the Dyson Animal DC15 - very expensive but incredible suction, loving it!

Answer 6

Oh honey, I had a Dirt Devil MVP and it was just awful! It worked ok for the first two years, then pttht!

I finally invested in a Hoover Wind Tunnel, and I absolutely LOVE it! I think Wal-Mart had it for about $150. Mine has the dirt sensor on it. It's not labeled as self propelled, but the darn thing could go on it's own! I love it.

Answer 7

I recently purchased a Dirt Devil Featherlite. I don't know if it's the same kind that you have or not. But it was about $68 and I love it. It has a bagless system and a light in the front.

Answer 8

You should try getting a Shark, it's sold at Target for around $60. It's a cordless vac and is fairly quiet and very small so it stores easily. I've got one and it works very well. It may not cover as much area as a larger vacuum but it still works very well.

Answer 9

I have a pink dirt devil that I baught at wal'mart, its great, it not chargable, it has a plug, but if you dont like DD's then, try a Shop-vac they are really cheap, long lasting and can fit a lot of stuff, they are like 20-30 bux

Answer 10

I love my Shark. I got it at Bed Bath & Beyond. It only weighs 8 pounds and was about $70.00. It's Shark model "Lightweight Bagless Upright Vac"