Are Kirby vacuum cleaners really as good as they say they are?

Question

I had a demonstration once and the Kirby vacumm did seem to be sucking the dirt up from not only the rugs but also under the floorboards! I was amazed to say the least. But I'd like to know what the owners of them think. Tell me all about the good and bad sides of this vacuum. Thanks :)

Answer 1

From Consumer's Reports:

Surprisingly -- given this vacuum's dismal door-to-door reputation -- Consumer Reports includes the Kirby Sentria in its latest roundup of vacuum cleaners, in which models are tested for their performance on carpeting and hard floors. This is fair enough, but a quick look at some other sources, including Yahoo! Answers and The Ripoff Report, sheds some much-needed light on Kirby's operating procedures.

Reviewers say the Kirby Sentria is good at cleaning carpeting and hard floors -- as you'd expect from a $1,000-plus vacuum. But reviewers also say that it's noisy, heavy and hard to push. Other vacuums are smaller, lighter and less expensive, plus they clean every bit as well. Salespeople cite Kirby's flexibility cleaning upholstery and curtains, but some owners complain that the heavy 25-pound weight limits its usefulness.

Kirby Sentria review highlights

What the reviewers like:
The Kirby Sentria vacuum does a good job cleaning carpeting and hard floors, and it has useful tools and minimal emissions.

What the reviewers don't like:
Considering its price, reviews say the Kirby Sentria is unusually noisy, heavy and hard to push. Furthermore, experts and owners alike frown on Kirby's high-pressure, door-to-door sales tactics.

****
Kirby owners are loyal. But then so are Electrolux and Miele owners. You need to do some serious reading...and may actually have to join Consumer's Report via web (you can do it by the month...I just did for a dryer) for more reading.

Answer 2

Kirby Vacuum Reviews Consumer Reports

Answer 3

Kirby Vacuum Consumer Report

Answer 4

I own two of them.one for upstairs one for downstairs.They are very good machines.if something breaks,which is rare,it is easily fixed with replacement parts.Now the reason I own two is because they are so darn heavy.(Metal Parts).I used to but a new Hoover every year or two.I have owned Electrolux and Also Phantom.The negative aspects of Kirby are;They are not Bagless ,the hose has to be attached when you need it by taking the machine apart,They are pretty heavy. But I believe they will last forever.The attachments are endless you can order all kinds of things that can be attached to your Kirby.( I have a set of Kirby hair clippers that I use to cut my Boys hair and they are awesome the hair sucks right into the hose)The only other Vacuum I would be interested in Owning is the Dyson.Primarily because I do miss on board attachments ,Not having to buy bags,and a lighter weight machine.But I have had both of my Kirbys for sometime and I just cant seem to break one.

Answer 5

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Are Kirby vacuum cleaners really as good as they say they are?
I had a demonstration once and the Kirby vacumm did seem to be sucking the dirt up from not only the rugs but also under the floorboards! I was amazed to say the least. But I'd like to know what the owners of them think. Tell me all about the good and bad sides of this vacuum. Thanks :)

Answer 6

They are good vacuums, but way overpriced. They used to even sell a skill-saw attachment for cutting wood. Royal makes a similar style vacuum, much lighter and waaaaaaay less money. I have two that are over 25 years old, and no problems. I managed a large office building and Royals were the only vacuum that seldom needed repairs and did a fantastic job.

Answer 7

I have had my Kirby sentria for 8 months now. I love it! To compensate for the weight of metal (not plastic) parts, the vacuum has a lever which switches it to nearly an "auto-drive". My 4 yr old uses it as often as I do. Blinds, floors, matresses, shampooing...I use mine for everything.
I bought mine primarily because my mother used my great grandmothers years after it was purchased. They do last an extremely long time and I was tired of getting half-clean floors from vacuums that broke easily.
PS I love the dog grooming tool. My dogs shed on the furniture much less and enjoy the grooming time.

Answer 8

The good: They are well made and parts are available. The do work very well.

The bad: They don't look like a spaceship in an old Japanese sci-fi movie, like most modern vacuum cleaners do.

Answer 9

I've had mine for 15yrs with no problems. It hasn't even been re-built. Most people complain about them being heavy, well they are heavy for a reason ,because they are good. Now I don't know about the newer Kirby's but my G-3 is still going. It takes a licking and keeps on ticking.:)

Answer 10

Good: the vacuum does pick up dirt.
Bad: They are heavy, awkward, and bags are expensive. I had a problem breaking the vacuum down to use as a hand vac and reassembling it. Could never get it back together!