Vaccuum #4!!!! Any suggestions?

[Patiod]

This is our 4th vaccuum in about 5 years. Like the Dyson guy says, they just lose all suction (or need to be manually unclogged)

Maybe it's the cat hair (one small short-haired cat), maybe it's the carpet (very flat almost indoor/outdoor). We had 3 bagless - forget it. The current Hoover Wind Tunnel uses bags, and has held up the longest.

The SO (bless his heart) is the one who vaccuums, and he's at wit's end, and has to unclog the damned thing just about every time he uses it.

What works? Do we have to spend $400-$500 on a Dyson?

[Lerkfish]

1. we love our Oreck.

we had gone through several different brands; Hoover, etc.
then a coworker suggested an Oreck.

They're pricey, but omygosh vacuuming is dream. Vacuuming is one of my husband chores (we split the chores for housework) and the difference is I could take a lot longer to vacuum a trilevel house, and be exhausted, but its zip zip with the oreck and its very lightweight so it doesn't get you tired as easily.

I don't recommend products as a rule, but trust me, if you get an oreck, you'll never go back.

The only thing is make sure you replace the belt (they include an extra0 within the first year, as they do wear out.

also, if you buy one and they offer choices of the extra item, don't get the car vacuum. It works fine but its pointless when most car washes provide their own vacuum. We wish we had gotten the cordless iron instead.
They also make a shoulder carry model which we bought, and its great for stairs and hard to get at places, but its not as nifty as the regular model vacuum. Get the top of the line model, its worth the extra $$

[Patiod]

5. Maybe we can "borrow" his mother's

His mom bought an Oreck a few years ago, but I don't think she uses it.

[SoCalDem]

2. Look for an OLD reconditioned vacuum at a repair place

My aunt had one that lasted 30 years.. We still have my mother in law's electrolux that she bought USED in 1950.. BUT we have also gone through at least 4 or 5 "new" ones.. They really don;t make them like they used to.. The old ones are heavy though :)

[MuseRider]

3. I agree with

post #1. Oreck is a good brand. I have 3 dogs and it is very good at picking up hair without clogging to quickly. Also, I once bought a vaccuum at one of those hotel sales. It was a Ricaar(I think that is how it is spelled). It was a great one too.

[derby378]

4. Kirby

Expensive, but damned powerful. Get a used or reconditioned one if you can swing it.

[caty]

6. Since vacuums are only

built to last two years (according to Consumer Reports)--don't spend too much. Get one that will do a good job, but keep in mind you will probably have to replace it in a couple of years.$$$$$

[cleofus1]

7. kirby

you can will it to your grandkids

[LiberalEsto]

8. look in Consumer Reports

available at your public library

We had a Panasonic canister vac (recommended by Consumer Reports) for about 20 years and it worked great. Only problem was buying the replacement bags - expensive and hard to find.

Then we made the mistake of selling it at a yard sale, and buying a Sears canister vac. Then another when the first one broke down after only 3 years. The Sears vacs are awful. The flimsy plastic parts break easily and they are unwieldy. They break down frequently.

Now we have a Hoover upright, and I hate that too. Weighs a ton, the switch is hard to find, and it doesn't vacuum very well. When I have the money, I will look into buying another Panasonic canister vac.