well, not the most exciting topic, but i need to get myself a new vacuum cleaner. my place is small (live in a condo), so don't need anything too heavy-duty. what i would like is something of good quality, is easy to take care of and relatively maintenance free (ideally, want to avoid having to get replacements belts or bags every so often), and preferably not too outrageously priced.

any suggestions on what brands or features to look for? seems like vacuums go for anywhere from under $100 to $1,000 ... are the more expensive ones (like miehle or dyson) really worth it? got any personal favorites you'd like to recommend?

Thanks!

 

I have a Meile, and it's awesome in its sucking power, and works as good as the day I got it 2 years ago.

It's not all that cheap though. I'm no expert, but a hoover windtunnel would probaly give you what you need at a good price.

 

check out epinions.com

I have a heavy-duty vacuum cleaner that I've had for 7 or 8 years now. It's bagless and works very well.

For an apartment, you're not going to need anything super expensive.

 

I bought the top-of the line Sears/Kenmore vacuum last year for about $200. It was highly rated. It has held up very well. The Kenmore I had prior to that lasted me 13 years. I know Hoover also makes some highly rated models in the same price range.

I know that the hot thing with vacuums if bagless nowadays. But one thing I wanted was a BAGGED vacuum. I like them better because in my experiece the bagless ones are mess to try to empty and clean out. I'd rather just use one with a bag because when you fill it up, you just take out the bag and throw it away. Then put on a new clean bag. No mess. No cleaning out canisters.

Andrew

 

I have a bagless Bissel that I found for $68 on sale at Wal-Mart that I am happy with.

 

I have the "Animal" Dyson... Its the purple one. Its worth it to me, (not that I use it) but the times that I have.. its amazing. You never ever have to go over anything twice AND its got some nice little feature on it too.. go check one out..

Its bagless also and just empties into anything with ease. You have to go see one for yourself and check out the little things about it..

The only thing I dont like about it is that everything on it is plastic. At first you feel the salesman just raped you, but you get used to it and the sweeper is Fking great..



-Dustin

BTW I think we got it for $499 or $599...

 

goto craigslist.com

 

I have the Dyson DC-14 All floors. For hardwood and Carpet.

Its simply great. Yeah I paid a pretty penny for it, but I'm a neat freak and like clean floors. I hate dust etc... Not to mention allergies.

You can usually find bargains on refurbished ones on Amazon or Overstock

I ended up paying like $350 at Bed Bath and Beyond after a price match

Great suction, cleans easy, and the attachments work well. I too was a bit worried about the plastic nature. But its strong and works well for me. You'll be amazed at how much stuff it sucks in.

 

Hoover Wind Tunnel #1 with Consumers Testing.

 

I work at a motel and we use a panasonic, it's a commercial grade vacuum it was $250 it uses a bag and has hose attachments for the corners.hate those bagless vacuums we've tried many vacuums and i think the panasonic is the best.and changing the belt has to do with how often you use it.we change ours out every month but we use it hours a day everyday, you might use yours what once a week for like 20 minutes each time...you shouldn't need to change out your belt for atleast a year from my calculations..