I need to buy a vacuum cleaner. What do you all suggest?

[The Backlash Cometh]

Vacuum cleaners are extremely deceiving. You keep them long after they're functional, just because they still make a loud noise. OR maybe that's because I've always bought cheap vacuum cleaners. Now I'm ready to jump to the next level and buy a good one. One that can do curtains as well as get to those hard to reach areas under the cabinets.

What is everybody's favorite and what stores carry them?

[davidinalameda]

Dirt Devil upright

bought it at Target for about $100

it has a hepa filter and is good on bare floors--use it in the bathroom to clean up around the litter box

[Eurobabe]

1. Miele

You'll pay dearly for it, but you won't be disappointed and you'll never need another vacuum cleaner.

[mr_hat]

2. I got fed up with the cheapies, but couldn't see forking out

for the expensive ones. So I went to a vacuum cleaner hospital-type joint (one of tha last small businesses not to be co-opted by national chains, it seems -- all the more reason) and got a goodie that had been re-conditioned.

About the price of a new cheapie, much better sucking, support of local biz. What's not to like?

[Seabiscuit]

3. Hoover

[n2mark]

4. Check with the Queen of Clean

sorry I don't have her link, I believe she recommends the Dirt Devil featherlight.

[seriousstan]

5. Dyson

Prepare to pay 4-500 dollars.

[alexisfree]

6. oreck?

I have it and is just perfect..!

[Katarina]

7. Dyson

We bought the one for animal hair. $499 but I love it and that is saying something because I hate to vacuum. I had never owned a bagless vac before but it's amazing how much dirt it picks up. With 4 boys and 4 dogs, it get's quite a workout around here and never had a bit of trouble with it.

[RC]

8. I hear that

bu$h sucks pretty good. :evilgrin:

[Lex]

9. Dyson canister vac.

.
With the full gear.

http://store.yahoo.com/vacuumcleanerbacgs/dydccavacl.html

[agates]

10. Panasonic upright

We've had a few of these and are happy with them. They are easy to keep clean, belt is easy to change, the on-board tools are good.

Buy somewhere that allows returns. You need a vacuum that works well on your type of carpet/floors/upholstery. The best way to know is to try it out.

[TNDemo]

11. I've got an Electrolux

that I have had for almost 20 years. It has been good but I am wondering how much life it has left in it. I have no idea what is on the market now or what Consumer Reports and would be interested to know.

[The Backlash Cometh]

12. Sounds like an antique.

[BrotherBuzz]

13. Vacuums suck.....

It's much more efficient to push air than pull it. Try a leafblower instead (oh, an electric model, not a gasoline powered one). Just open the doors and go at it. Fast and efficient, trust me.

[MercutioATC]

14. Westinghouse Cordless.

It's a full-sized bagless vac with a HEPA filter and it's CORDLESS! I love it!

Comes with two batteries...each lasts for about 30 minutes (yes, it also comes with a charger).

http://www.comforthouse.com/comfort/1600cordless.html

[Liberal_Andy]

15. Kirby

the gift that keeps on sucking

[The Backlash Cometh]

16. Hmm...that doesn't sounds like a positive endorsement.

At least not for picking up lint off the carpet.

[trogdor]

27. I've heard Kirbys are pretty good.

[jburton]

17. My 20 year old Oreck still works great

It is very light and simple, and never had a problem.

It has always been loud, but its a vacuum cleaner. It's not like I'm trying to sleep while I use it.

Last year I spent $40 for a "tune up" that included a new belt, new side brushes and new bag nozzle so I can use modern-day bags on it (in 1985 the idea of filter bags was non-existant).

[burythehatchet]

18. Oreck is the best I've used, though I haven't tried the Dyson

Only thing to be aware of is that its a repuke company (as I recall).

[The Backlash Cometh]

21. Oreck or Dyson? Which is red?

[burythehatchet]

26. Oreck

[tokenlib]

19. Choked and bought an Oreck...

Had a bagless Eureka and found keeping it clean to be a pain and the damn filters to be expensive. I missed bags--they seemed more "clean". I wasn't happy with the suction of the inexpensive Hoover and Eureka models. So I decided to choke and spend the money for an Oreck. The payment plan eased the pain--and it is lightweight. The suction is also great. My hope is that it will be cheaper in the long run as well as more efficient.

[The Backlash Cometh]

22. Thanks for the info on the Eureka and Hoover.

I agree with the suction on the Hoover. But, they have a lot of the low end vacuuum cleaners I use to buy.

[VeniceBeat]

20. Kenmore Canister Vac

I just bought one on craigslist for 50 bucks!

A like-new older model, one of the first with a hepa filter.

I still have an even older Kenmore I bought used for a hundred bucks about 10 years ago but the hose wouldn't take any more duct tape. :) To replace the hose would have been a 80 bucks. The motor still runs like a champ.

The older Kenmore canisters are tough and powerful--12V.

[The Backlash Cometh]

23. "The hose wouldn't take any more duct tape" LOL!

[RadicalMom]

24. Hoover..Oreck falls apart very quickly, though I love the light weight.

But for close to $500, you'd think it would last longer than three or four months without needing new rollers, time and again. Dang, we'd hoped we wouldn't have to buy another vacuum, but we've been very satisfied with the $200 Hoover we got at Sears. Ah, well. It's like a "high maintenance" signifigant other.

[sendero]

25. Think counter-intuitively...

.. get one that sucks. :evilgrin:

[DebinTx]

28. Kirby - it comes with built in rug shampooer

I love mine. All the attachments make vacuuming blinds and high ceilings a breeze.

[Debbi801]

29. Dyson, hands down...

Every time I vacuum, I am amazed at the amount of stuff it picks up. We have a chocolate lab that sheds and it does great with all the dog hair.

Debbi