Vacuum recommendation

[SaraJayne]

I really appreciate everyone taking the time to give their opinion. I have a Bissell now, which I love, but the cord is frayed in many places and I'd rather not burn the house down vacuuming. Unfortunately, you can't replace the cord. The thing I don't like about it is the very small collection container. The other day I had to empty it 9 times while vacuuming.

This is the one I have now:
http://www.bissell.com/pet-hair-eraser-vacuum/

I've had my eye on the Dyson forever, but I do have to admit I have no desire to spend $500-$600 on a vacuum. The things that I need most are obviously that it pick up dog hair, but I need a long cord and the hose attachment for doing my stairs.

Such a minor thing in life, but feels like such a huge decision.

I've had my Dyson for about 6 years...I believe it was around $450 when I bought it.

How much have you spent on vacuums in that same amount of time?

 

[sunnyday123]

I have a Newf and 3 cats-one of which is long haired. So you can see his hair more on the floor. I also have a Dyson, and walk through fire for it. The amount of hair it picks up is incredible. And makes me wonder why any of them have hair left on their bodies.

As a side note, my yellow lab shed waaaay more than my Newfie does-and they are known for their shedding. But my lab refused to eat anything except crappy Alpo gravy train. My Newf eats a better food with less fillers, and my breeder explained the better the food, the less shedding.

 

[tvguy]

I have had this one for over three years now and LOVE it and I have one yellow lab and one chocolate lab.
Had a kirby and HATED it.

Wow, never heard ANYONE dislike a Kirby. Expensive yes, but durable. My mom has had hers for 50 years now.
My fraternity had one in college too, it was abused like crazy, and kept on working. I think it was 30 years old then.
We couldn't afford a Kirby, so bought a Riccar. Had it 20 years, so may not get a Kirby until I inherit my moms.

 

[sayhello]

I have had this one for over three years now and LOVE it and I have one yellow lab and one chocolate lab.

Great to hear! I'm looking forward to using my new Dyson!

Sayhello

 

[PrincessKsMom]

Okay, let the "told you so" line begin!

I just couldn't afford the Dyson, so that wasn't an option. I went and bought the Hoover Windtunnel Pet Rewind Bagless. WHAT A PIECE OF CRAP!!!! I've used it three times. So far the retractable cord got stuck inside. Couldn't take the vacuume apart to get it untangled, so I gave it a good tug and now the plastic coating over the cord is beginning to fray. he collection cup is tiny (and this was my biggest complaint about my last vacuum, which was HUGE compared to this). Every time I empty it I have to stick my hand inside to clear it out. It's a huge piece of plastic crap. It also has an extremely short hose.

The only good things about it are that it's lighter than my previous vacuum, it has a foldable handle for easier storage, and it has great suction.

I asked for advice and I didn't take it. Serves me right. Now I'm stuck with this piece of crap. Please, DO NOT BUY THIS VACUUM.

 

[Where'sPiglet?]

I bought the Eureka as1000a a few weeks ago. So far, I love it! It is about $120 at Walmart.

OP, if your new vacuum is not working at all like it's supposed to, I would consider taking it back and getting a refund, since it sounds like it is defective. The power cord should not fray after 3 uses.

 

[elizke]

Okay, let the "told you so" line begin!

I just couldn't afford the Dyson, so that wasn't an option. I went and bought the Hoover Windtunnel Pet Rewind Bagless. WHAT A PIECE OF CRAP!!!! I've used it three times. So far the retractable cord got stuck inside. Couldn't take the vacuume apart to get it untangled, so I gave it a good tug and now the plastic coating over the cord is beginning to fray. he collection cup is tiny (and this was my biggest complaint about my last vacuum, which was HUGE compared to this). Every time I empty it I have to stick my hand inside to clear it out. It's a huge piece of plastic crap. It also has an extremely short hose.

The only good things about it are that it's lighter than my previous vacuum, it has a foldable handle for easier storage, and it has great suction.

I asked for advice and I didn't take it. Serves me right. Now I'm stuck with this piece of crap. Please, DO NOT BUY THIS VACUUM.

Yes, Hoovers are not all alike!

Don't beat yourself up! We've all made purchasing mistakes. The first vacuum I tried was a really cool looking Panasonic that could be used as both a canister and an upright. Very innovative and different, and got a great price by ordering online. Used it once and fell into a deep loathing for it. I packed it up and paid shipping to send it back and told the company I'd take whatever restocking fee they wanted to charge me if they would just give me some of the money back please, and to please not make me keep it! I was very relieved when they did credit most of my money back.

Then I went out and bought my second mistake, the Kenmore. At least I didn't hate it. But after a few years I got there.

You really are unsatisfied, and so you should try and return it!!! You have to use a vacuum to try it. If the store will not cooperate call the company. You deserve better!

And there are many of us who won't spend the money on a Dyson or similar! It's okay!

 

[ameraumi]

I have the yellow Dyson and I am falling out of love with it. I loved it when I first bought it, worked great on carpets! But now that we have moved we have hardwood floors all through the house and it is just not sucking like it once did. I have to use the attachments to get it to pick up the dog hair and let's just say it is not easy on the back. I can't wait until this thing dies so I can hunt down a replacement.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

We had an Electrolux cannister vac for years growing up (same one, it never died) and I've had an Oreck XL upright for many years as an adult which I love and plan to keep. It's good on carpets and floors but not crevices, smaller spaces and obviously not furniture, ceiling fans, stairs, etc.

So the time has come to get a cannister vac again, mainly because of the "tumbleweed" dog hairs but also just for general cleaning. I researched a ton and I'm probably going to get a Kenmore cannister vac fairly soon with sale pricing. I don't want to spend a ton on it and I want something that's fairly light to lift around through the whole house.

An update for me:

Ironically, shortly after this post my Oreck died. DH had Mickey Moused it many times but seeing I wanted to get a cannister vac anyway, we decided to finally let it go...

I went to Sears to check out the Kenmores and the one I'd liked online felt kind of cheap plasticy to me, like pieces would break after just regular use.

Good news was that they had an Electrolux which I liked a lot. Very quiet and a built in HEPA filter, all the attachments I needed, etc. I found it on Amazon for a lot cheaper than Sears had it ($459 @ Sears; $335 on Amazon) so I ordered it. It came within a couple of days and we're happily using it.

So quiet the dog doesn't even react to it. It feels solid, yet light (though not quite as solid as the one I grew up with, but that one weighed a ton). Can now easily reach all the little nooks and crannies around my house that I couldn't with the upright.

FYI in case anyone's looking for a cannister. Something to consider. I can't confirm, but Sears had a sign up with it saying it was the "#2 Consumer choice". http://www.amazon.com/Electrolux-EL...3?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1290950160&sr=1-3

Oh, and funny, too. Literally the day after I ordered it, I happened to go to a yard sale and picked up a Kenmore cannister vac, probably 5 to 8 yrs old or so, for $18. Just my luck. I debated keeping it and sending back the Electrolux, but I decided to stick with the Electolux so now I have two. I'll probably give it to the next person in the family who needs a vacum, lol.

 

[orbrian]

vote for Dyson.