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Buying a Vacuum Cleaner

Could we start a discussion on vacuum cleaners? I'd like to find a real lightweight one that's easy to push and can also deep clean. I did hear that Dyson was great, but is it easy to push or lightweight?
Mary

Love My Dyson Vacuum Cleaner!

I own a Dyson vacuum cleaner. It is wonderful. The attachments are easy to use, and I love not having to go out and buy cleaning bags. However, I was a little disappointed to find out that it is heavy. It's not as lightweight as I imagined. Would I go out and buy another one? Absolutely! Just imagine all the muscles you'll be exercising as you lift it up the stairs.
Adela

Satisfied with Buying a Shark

After years using my heavyweight old Hoover upright, I've been using a Hoover canister. It was cheap, but lightweight with on-board attachments, etc. I finally got fed up with "bag changing," so I purchased a Shark upright that I thought would be nice for quick pickups. To my pleasant surprise, I found it picked up cat hair that wasn't visible on the carpet, so it has far more power than I expected. It is portable and rechargeable, so there is no cord with which to wrestle. It is lightweight and easy to clean, and it takes up very little space. I have been using it about a year and a half and have yet to drain the battery even after three rooms of carpet.
B

Try Oreck Vacuum Cleaners

Oreck is used in hotels. It's lightweight, compact, and very powerful. I got a special deal ordering directly from the company a few years ago. I don't know how prices compare to other vacuums, but I believe this is one of the best. Oreck sells out of their own shops, which are frequently found in malls.

Also, your readers may want to know that an ordinary vacuum that doesn't meet the standards for removing allergens (dust mite droppings) can be converted with a new bag at a vacuum repair shop.
Celeste

Another Happy Dyson Vacuum Owner

I just bought the Dyson. I've always checked Consumer Reports (ConsumerReports.org) before buying any appliance. They didn't recommend it. I think because it was too new, but I did run over to Sears to check out the Kenmore they did recommend. While there, I asked the Sears salesman what he thought. He told me that he himself owned a Kenmore, and it was fine for cleaning up carpet in a house where only he and his wife lived.

However, for my five children, dog, and husband in a small rental house with carpet, he highly recommended the Dyson. I told him I would think about it, since the Dyson is so pricey!

I took about 24 hours, priced the Dyson at Sam's Club, looked online, and was actually headed back to Sears when I realized that Bed, Bath and Beyond probably carried the same model, and I had a 20% off coupon! I ended up getting $80 off the listed price there. I still paid well over $300, but it has been worth it. This model is lightweight, easy to push, easy to dump out the dirt when the canister is full, and easy to use the wand. I really like it and am very glad I went with the Dyson.
Jen of Ellettsville, IN

Consult Consumer Reports Before You Buy

According to a leading independent testing company, the Dyson was not the best vacuum. Take a few minutes, go to your public library, and read the recent article in Consumer Reports to get their take on vacuum cleaners.
R

Big Value, Little Money in a Vacuum Cleaner

After spending way too much money too many times on the "expensive vacuums" last year I bought a Eureka The Boss Pro (upright) at Wal-Mart for $68. The replacement bags are also sold at Wal-Mart, so I know I can always get them. It is lightweight, and does a great job cleaning. It has attachments for reaching under things, and doing floors and upholstery, etc.
Renee

Quick Look at Kirby Vacuum Cleaners

I have Kirby. These are expensive brand new, but they can be bought used in pawnshops for very reasonable prices. Repair parts are readily available at any vacuum cleaner repair shop. But they are not lightweight. In fact, they are built like tanks, with mostly metal bodies. Some later models have a self-propelling motor to help make it easier to use.
Steve in Ft. Worth, TX

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