Recommend a Vacuum
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,834
Likes: 3
From: Kzoo
American made Riccar
They have a few different upright models ranging from $200-$500. My sister bought the cheapest upright about 7 years back and hasn't had a problem. I will be purchasing one soon since our Panasonic just died after 3 years.
They have a few different upright models ranging from $200-$500. My sister bought the cheapest upright about 7 years back and hasn't had a problem. I will be purchasing one soon since our Panasonic just died after 3 years.
Super Moderator
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 40,035
Likes: 1,523
From: Maine, Virginia
I've had a Kirby now for 15 trouble free years. Prior to the Kirby, my wife would destroy a vacuum and need a replacement annually. The drawback to the Kirby is the price. But currently it's cost me about $100 per year and less than I paid in replacements for cheap vacuums.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 188
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh PA (Northside)
Hoover wind tunnel.
My mom has one, 15+years old. It's the only sweeper we had that survived daily use picking up dog and cat hair by people who couldn't comprehend the fact that the bag needs to be changed before the sweeper was so clogged up with hair that it sounded like it would explode.
When the christmas tree comes down, I use it to pick up the pine needles. It won't die.
If the new models are half as good as this one, you won't be dissapointed.
My mom has one, 15+years old. It's the only sweeper we had that survived daily use picking up dog and cat hair by people who couldn't comprehend the fact that the bag needs to be changed before the sweeper was so clogged up with hair that it sounded like it would explode.
When the christmas tree comes down, I use it to pick up the pine needles. It won't die.
If the new models are half as good as this one, you won't be dissapointed.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18,488
Likes: 22
From: The Big, Oregon
Another vote for Kirby. G-series bags are G-series bags, they fit the Heritage too I believe. Kirby authorized stores in most towns, and online outlets as well.
I have $0 into mine. I got the "broken" Kirby G3 for free on Craigslist, replaced the cord and used it for a year. I then found a complete set of attachments for free again on CL, carpet shampooer and all.
I have been told you can send your machine of any vintage to Kirby and have it rebuilt to current standards, for a price far below the cost of a new one. I'm debating doing that with mine.
One downside is the belt drive setup. If you have dogs that shed, get a stock of belts as you will burn them every now and then. The hair gets tangled around the drive spindle, and the belts lose traction then burn.
I have $0 into mine. I got the "broken" Kirby G3 for free on Craigslist, replaced the cord and used it for a year. I then found a complete set of attachments for free again on CL, carpet shampooer and all.
I have been told you can send your machine of any vintage to Kirby and have it rebuilt to current standards, for a price far below the cost of a new one. I'm debating doing that with mine.
One downside is the belt drive setup. If you have dogs that shed, get a stock of belts as you will burn them every now and then. The hair gets tangled around the drive spindle, and the belts lose traction then burn.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,550
Likes: 5
From: Lancaster County PA
Dig one out of the dumpster! That is where I have gotten my last two. I live next to a small apartment building and about 10 years ago I pulled a Eureka out of their dumpster, looked it over and found it was simply clogged up. Just pulled a Bissel with HEPA filtration out-same problem. Unclogged it and waiting on new filters ordered online to arrive before using it.
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MSEE
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,386
Likes: 35
From: Austin, TX
I don't know about that, for public health reasons. You don't know what someone else scattered all over their carpet, sucked up, and will now be scattering over your carpet. Think bed bugs, lice, etc. Be careful with things like vacuum cleaners, mattresses, etc.
I fully agree that people throw away good things for stupid reasons - but be careful of what you transfer from someone else's domicile to yours.
I fully agree that people throw away good things for stupid reasons - but be careful of what you transfer from someone else's domicile to yours.
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