Vaccuum Cleaner Recommendations?

What vaccuum cleaners do you recommend?

I'm going to be moving into an apartment and am looking for a good quality vaccuum.

I'm pretty open to price, although I'd like to keep it south of $500. The one must is a HEPA filter and anything additional that helps out allergy sufferers even more.

I'm open to both upright and canister styles. Although I could imagine the canister could become a pain in the ass (maybe?).

From talking to some friends who are also in the market, they've seem to find that both Bissell and Dyson seem to be the top 2 they come across. I'm aware of more "unknown" brands out there that are probably highly rated-under the radar.

Thanks for any help!

 

We love our Dyson

 

I was completely underwhelmed by the Dyson. I have the animal (purple model). I find the attachments are not that convenient, and all the little plastic connectors are starting to break (for instance, where the handle snaps back into the body). For the money they cost, I expected a lot more quality. The machine itself is fine, it is the rest of it that needs some help. The thing is about 5 years old and is already nearing the end of its life, and that's after being into the shop for repairs.

All of this after not even being used that much. The cleaning lady hates it so much, she brings her own vacuum cleaner with her (a Kenmore canister)

 

That's what I think when I look at Dyson's. They just don't seem that well built. And it seems all the attachments are sold separately.

I've always heard the canisters, while more expensive typically, are better overall.

 

http://www.pro-team.com/pt/vacuums/default.aspx?style=1&id=100667

Something like this might be a good solution. Especially for an apartment where space is an issue and mobility is good. This is a commercial unit so I would bet the seal is better than a consumer brand HEPA vac. This one also can go ULPA if you want. This brand has a few other backpacks.

Post what you decide

 

MIELE. I love my Miele Olympus with Turbo brush.

 

Say what you want about the plastic Dyson, but that thing puts my previous to shame. I vacuumed my living room with my old vacuum and then with the Dyson and the results were insane. I literally had a full canister of dog hair and dirt the other vacuum didn't pick up.

Mark

 

It doesn't really matter which one you buy.. They all suck...

 

Miele.

 

That is awesome. I would feel like I'm mowing the lawn with one of those. I bet they're out of my price range.

I'm sure. I'm not tossing the Dyson out, just something I noticed looking at them.

I've heard good things about Miele too.

Thanks for the suggestions. Much appreciated.

 

This is a diff model but I think you could find in your price range. Esp. if you purchase used.

http://cgi.ebay.com/DEMO-Pro-Team-QuietPro-BP-HEPA-Backpack-Vacuum-724-/250678252150?pt=US_Vacuum

 

We still use a HEPA bagless Dirt Devil we bought 10 years ago. It was around $100 and has always worked well on all levels of carpet and bare floors.

In my experience, there's much ado about over-priced vacuum cleaners. We have 2 Golden Retrievers, so hair has always been an issue. No vacuum will completely remove all pet hair from medium-to-thick-pyle carpeting, so we've come up with a pretty good way to do it manually that isn't a lot of work. We also rent a Rug Doctor 3-4 times a year.

 

I was given a cheap Eureka from walmart, HEPA w/ 3 filters, bagless canister, and all the other normal options...Works incredible, put Fabreze filters in and while my house was being vacumme'd I could really notice the freshness of the Fabreze filter.

 

The Dyson I have at the shop (DC-11 canister) does a really good job & love that it is bagless, but I'm not a big fan of the Dyson chintzy plastic construction. It is also pretty awkward.

I absolutely love my Sebo C3.1 that I kinda donated to my Mom - better construction & way better ergonomics than the Dyson, works at least as well from a technical standpoint, but it does use bags.

 

Still haven't decided, going to probably take a closer look at Sears (they seem to have the largest in store selection). Also probably going with a bagged vaccuum as it's recommended for allergy sufferers. I take shots, but i try to minimize when I can.

 

I bought a Kirby G5 some 12 years ago, and it has been the best vaccuum we have ever owned, and have zero issues with it! You might be able to find one under $500 now days...

 

Details, please. Newfie owners need to know these things!

 

2nd the Kirby.......If you have carpet, a Kirby eats Dyson's for breakfast!

These things are built like no other, you can get them in a professional vacuum store slightly used for under 500.

 

Well my mom called me Saturday and surprised me saying they bought an Oreck for me. Not sure what one, but I really appreciate it.

Thanks for all the help and insight. It was much appreciated.