help! Vacuum trouble!?

Question

I'd love to hear what people have. This year I bought a Hoover Windtunnel, which was a lemon. It cost $165, and I lost the receipt so I couldn't even have it repaired! Then I purchased the Dirt Devil Vibe, which is the worst vacuum I've ever had! No suction! $80 wasted!
I have a lot of carpets, varying in height and style, including carpeted stairs. I have 2 long-haired always shedding pets, and 2 dirty little boys! I can not keep wasting money, I need a little advice, please!
What brand/style should I buy?
(I would prefer not to spend over $300)

Thanks for all answers!

Answer 1

I just bought a Eureka Whirlwind. Its a cheaper knockoff of a Dyson, and the reason I got it was because it had cyclonic vacuum in it. Works on all floor types and gets the most amazing amount of dirt out of my carpets. The carpet is visibly cleaner, the room smells fresh and I empty all the gunk out of the canister and start the next room. Its great. Before that we had a Eureka Altima which lost suction in 3 months. I hated it! My parents have had a Bissel Powerforce or Powertrak for yrs and its still going strong, works like a dream. You dont have to spend $300 on a vacuum. Just compare products, shop around and read a LOT of consumer reviews.

Answer 2

Sorry, but there's an old adage that you get what you pay for. You are paying the low end prices and getting the low end performance for your buck. At the prices you have paid, the power of the motor isn't strong enough and you're just not going to be satisfied with the performance. Holding onto receipts is crucial if you want return service on merchandise you're not satisfied with. It can be a walk in the park when you have the paperwork in hand.

I LOVE my vacuum. I have a Hoover Wind Tunnel with a 12Amp motor and allergen filtration system (takes allergen Y bags) that I paid $299 for from Sears 4yrs ago. It has lots of nice attachments including a mini power brush head for upholsteries and fabrics. There are all kinds of height settings from floor to carpeting with brush roller option on carpet as well as nifty little lever on the arm of the vacuum that allows the machine to move lightly with one finger pushing!
I really work my vacuum (several times a week) so I have it professionally cleaned and parts replaced each year (with an additional home maintenance contract that Sears offers) so it's still performing just like it always has year after year.
I personally prefer bags for ease of disposal. The whole idea to me about getting a good performing vacuum is that you REMOVE the dirt and allergen material from fabrics and carpets and throughout your home efficiently and then you can dispose of the material cleanly. Folks I know who own the bag less types say it's nasty cleanup where you are breathing alot of the material as you are disposing from the canister, and they regret the purchase.
We are very satisfied and will replace with the same up-dated Hoover Wind tunnel when we go to re-purchase whenever that is.
Let go of a couple more bucks and invest in something good for yourself. You won't reget it and I've NEVER had issues with Sears in returning any kind of merchandise (which isn't often) with my receipt in hand.

Answer 3

I have an electrolux 2100 with a multi surface power head and a powered upholstry brush which works great on stairs and furniture. It's the best vacuum I've ever owned.

If you have a $300 budget, you could get a very nice refurbished unit at a vacuum repair shop.

Answer 4

Go test out the Oreck it is even used by hotels. Personally I would really like a Kirby but I cannot pay 1200.00 for a vacuum.My friend purchased a Dyson she says the suction is great but machine is loud,but if it cleans well I could put up with a little noise.

Answer 5

When I worked as a house keeper about 10 years ago, we used Dirt Devils. And they were good little machines- But they weren't Vibes, which you say doesn't work.

I presently have a Bissel Upright bagless and two cats- and it works well. My mother has a similar machine with 3 inside dogs, a cat, a teenaged boy, and a ton of red mud. And it also works- but it has to be emptied frequently, and the filters have to be cleaned so the red mud dust won't clog it.

Answer 6

I have cleaned offices and houses for over 20 years and have used every brand of vacuum cleaners. The one I use now that is verily new is the Simplicity. They are affordable and durable. The attachments are on the back of the upright. My brother has a cleaning business this is what we use Simplicity and I have one in my home.
http://www.simplicityvac.com/products/

Answer 7

i work for a cleaning business. we have always used electralux sometimes an orck. but at home i uses a Erueka Whril Wind and i love it!!! i have had it 3 years now and had no troubles out of it. it also has 3 hight adjustments. u could try going to a vacuum repair shop, they usually sell good ones cheap!

Answer 8

RAINBOW VACUUM CLEANERS ARE THE BEST I HAVE EVER USED, BUT THEY ARE LIKE $2,000...I HEARD THE DYSON VACUUM CLEANERS ARE REALLY GOOD TOO...PLUS WITH BOTH...NO BAGS!!!