Recommendations for a Vacuum

Updated on May 05, 2008
A.V. asks from Alexandria, VA
48 answers

Hey all, My vacuum just konked out and I'm looking for a new one. I don't want to spend a fortune but I'd also like it to work really well and last a while, so I'm willing to invest a little bit. I will have carpets, tiles and hardwood floors in my house, so I'd like it to work well on all 3. Any advice about vacuums you love (or hate)? Thanks!

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

So What Happened?

Thanks for all your advice! There were recommendations for a few different kinds of vacuumns but the overwhelming majority was for Dyson. Just as I was about to buy one, my sister offered me an extra of hers (Storm Force canister vacuum from TV). I tried it, but it just didn't cut it. So now we just moved to our new house, and I splurged on the Dyson Slim. I can't believe I'm gushing about a vacuum, but really, it is amazing! It was on sale at Bed, Bath and Beyond and with the 20% coupon, it wasn't so bad. Thanks again!

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.H.

answers from Norfolk on

My vacuum of chose is the kirby. I have had mine for only a couple of months now but I absoultly love it. It works on tile and hardwood floor too. It is a little prices. I paid around 1100.00 for mine but I got all these different attachments and the carpet shampooer attachment too. If you are looking for something a little less pricey I would go with the Dyson cause that is what I had before the kirby and I love it till I saw the kirby pick up dirt that my Dyson was leaving behind. Hope this helps.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.C.

answers from Washington DC on

I have been very pleased with my Simplicity vaccum It's a little bit pricy but it's the most ergonomically adapted vaccum I've ever used.--T.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.G.

answers from Washington DC on

oh my goodness

you so should go with the Dyson,
I too had one in Japan, and then when i got here i bought another one (power converson reason) dyson will save you money in the long run and the are so easy to maintain and the company will send you replacements no questions asked.

just tell the hubby this is what you need.
i too had the middle of the range, i got mine from costcos, i didnt think anout bed and bath store.

hope that we have sold you on the dyson,

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.F.

answers from Washington DC on

My voted is for the Dyson!! I have the Dyson Animal DC07 and LOVE it! We have 2 dogs so it's great for pet hair, kids, and great on all surfaces. Prior to the Dyson, we went through 3 different vaccums which all eventually konked out. We bought a refurbished one on-line for half the price 4 years ago and it's still going strong (I vaccum at least 2-3 times a week!)

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.C.

answers from Norfolk on

LOVE my Dyson. My husband bought a refurbished one online. It is the best! I vacuumed with my old vacuum and then went behind it with my dyson. OMG I couldn't beleive all the stuff that was still in my carpet. I've had it for 4 years now and it is still running great.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.M.

answers from Norfolk on

Oh man... I've just returned a Dirt Devil - horrible- and the Bissell. Consumer Reports is recommending the Kenmore and Hoover with Bags. I ended up getting the bagless Hoover Wind Tunnel..Keep all your receipts, it's difficult to find one that is good!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.R.

answers from Norfolk on

I happen to be in the market for a new vaccuum also. My research at Consumer Reports has led me to purchase either the Hoover Windtunnel Supreme or Hoover Empower. Both had good ratings/reviews and I saw the Empower on sale at Kohl's for only $70! Good luck! I've had the Windtunnel for years and have loved it. It just recently started to have electrical issues so I have to get rid of it.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

P.H.

answers from Washington DC on

I own two light weight Orecks, one for upstairs, one for downstairs. I would highly recommend Oreck!

Pam

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.K.

answers from Washington DC on

Another vote for Dyson!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.H.

answers from Washington DC on

I would definately go with the Dyson as well! I've had mine for 3 years and NEVER had a problem. I also have dogs that shed so I use mine 2-3 times a week. I paid a little over $400 for mine but it was well worth the money.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.G.

answers from Washington DC on

I'm not crazy about my vacuum (one of the bagless variety), but my friend and neighbor uses the Roomba and I am dying to get one. She swears by it! She switches it on before she leaves for work and the floors (carpet and hardwood) are clean when she gets home.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.M.

answers from Norfolk on

I have an Oreck XL and I love it. It cleans everything and it is really durrable. I have had mine for 4 years now and it is still going strong, I have only had to change the bags, no problems what so ever. It is only an upright so you usually get a free canister vacuume which works great and had a bunch of attachments. I love my Oreck and will never own anything else, but I hate their steam cleaner. It sucks and not in a good way.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.W.

answers from Washington DC on

I have been using Hoovers for almost 40 years. They last forever, do an excellent job, and you don't have to take out a second mortgage to buy them. I just bought my 4th Hoover in that time frame, it's the Deluxe Elite model. Picks up everything.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.N.

answers from Houston on

Hi A.,

I don't know how much you are willing to invest, but a couple years ago we had gotten tired of buying vaccuums that either didn't do a good enough job, or just konk out on us. So, we decided to invest in a dyson. Not the top of the line, but the middle one. Actually, the one we bought was fundraising for Breast cancer research, so it's a pink one. I'd go that route if I were you. We bought the vaccuum, and the car cleaning accessory kit & spent right under $500. It has never given us any trouble & it works great! We bought it sometime around Aug/Sept 2006. You will be surprised at how well this vaccuum works for the price you pay. My dad's spent thousands on vaccuums before & the dyson is almost as good as those. The only thing I see wrong with it is that it doesn't have a blower like some of the really nice vaccuums. Other than that, it's wonderful. Good luck & God bless!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

W.L.

answers from Washington DC on

Rainbow is excellent!! A little bit of an investment. I chose to sell my motorcycle (NOT a harley so only cost $1300) in order to buy it, but I can still feel the breeze on the back of my hubby's bike. I have hardwood and carpet and it works great on both especially the wood. I love it!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.C.

answers from Washington DC on

Ok, I haven't heard anyone vote for this one, so I just got an Irobot, roomba 530 and I LOVE IT!!! It will clean, tile, hardwood and carpet and all on its own. Sure, maybe it takes an hour or so to do a floor or a couple of rooms, but it leaves mine spotless and under the beds too and you can set it to do it while you are gone! I ordered mine from Costco for under $300 I think. I have tried other and really liked the dyson but just realized for a similar price I could spend my time doing other things and the house is just as clean, only downside, I have a minivac for the stairs.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.H.

answers from Washington DC on

I have a DYSON DC07 that I purchased about nine months ago. I am completely satisfied with it. It's a little more expensive than others ($399) but if you purchase it from Bed Bath and Beyond you can use a 20% off coupon and get it for about $320. Actually if you find something else that you prefer you can still save a bundle with the 20% coupon. I get these coupons in the mail all the time. If you don't receive them I believe you can sign up at the bedbathandbeyond.com website for special offers. Happy Shopping!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

N.B.

answers from Norfolk on

I have a bissel windtunnel, and I love it! It is light wight and works on all floor types! And easy to clean!!

Good luck!
N.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.W.

answers from Washington DC on

I've heard great things about the Dyson and I'm saving up to get the Animal model. Right now I have a Kennmore Canister it cost around $200 and works great but I have 3 floors and a Sheltie that sheds so I need an extra vacuum. I'll keep the Kennmore for the basement and use the Dyson for the other 2 levels.
PS, I had a kennmore prior to the one I have now and it lasted 13yrs before dying and was always running well.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.J.

answers from Washington DC on

Hello - my vote is for an Electrolux. My mom still has ours from when we were children (40+ years ago) and we bought one 8 years ago. It is a canister model and has attachments for carpet, hardwood/ceramic tile/vinyl, upholestry and other small attachemnts. It was a bit pricey ($1500) when we bought it but it is still going strong. If you cannot afford a new one, check out the used ones. These vacuums last forever. Look in the yellow pages for Electrolux or the internet. Their customer service is phenomenal. In the 8 years we have had 2 things that went "wrong" (with major help from my housecleaner). My dealer picked up the vacuum; gave me a loaner and brought it back when it was fixed. What more can you ask? My mom's has only needed service once (when the dog chewed the electric cord). So there you have my testimonial.
Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.F.

answers from Washington DC on

I had a Hoover that lasted 20 some years, so I stick with that company. They've been making vacuums a long time. AF

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.T.

answers from Dover on

Best buy has a vacuum that is about $100, but you can use it on all flooring. I am going to buy it myself.

T.
The MOM Team, Helping Moms Stay Home
www.cheerforyourfuture.com

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.C.

answers from Washington DC on

I did a ton of research about 2 years ago and found a good balance between performance and cost. I bought the Eureka The Boss Smartvac. That was based upon Consumer Reports ratings and consumersearch.com, which looks at amazon ratings, consumer reports, and other websites and magazines.

Hope this helps!!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.C.

answers from Washington DC on

I have an oreck which I love...had some minor things need to be fixed but overall I think it's a great investment. It's very light and easy to use. They offer no interest payment plan...it was about $39 a month for a year or so when I got mine five or so years ago...came with cordless iron and a little canister vac that is great for small things and the car...though I have a mini-van and I use the Oreck in that! Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.L.

answers from Richmond on

Dyson, Dyson, Dyson. You will spend a little bit more money but ours has been worth every penny and has already lasted longer than any other vacuum we have owned. Our friends and family even borrow it!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.M.

answers from Washington DC on

I would recommend the Oreck upright vacuum. It is a little more expensive ($200-$500) than other vacuums out there, but it is worth the money. We got the hypo-allergenic filtration. We bought it after we got our dog - a lab mix who shed like crazy! We used it on laminate and rugs in our previous home and now use it on hardwoods in our new house. It easily goes over the hardwoods and onto the areas rugs. Also, it is lightweight (about 8lbs) and moves around easily. Oreck provides tune-ups. We also have the canister vac to use on along the baseboards and corners.

We recently had a flood in our basment and after the floors were ripped up, we had a "mold specialist" come and check everything out. He saw our Oreck and he said that is the best vacuum to buy (from an air quality perspective)!

You can order then from the website or there are Oreck stores as well.

Good luck vacuum shopping!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

N.K.

answers from Washington DC on

dyson, the best vacuum i have ever had. you can maintain it yourself, customer service answers and it is a person. works on all kinds of floors. i have had mine for 4+ years and have never had a problem. sooooooo worth the money.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.D.

answers from Norfolk on

I have the Dyson All Floors and LOVE it. Yes, it is an investment and is pricey but it is worth every penny. There are no bags, you push a button to empty the canister, it works on floors and carpet and will never get clogged because you can open it at various points if something got stuck. I highly recommend it. You can buy it at Linens N Things and can use one of those 20% off coupons so that helps!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.W.

answers from Norfolk on

Dyson! It's the first vacuum I have spent over $400 on, but it is worth every penny and then some. We've had it for over 2 years (we have the animal), and my husband still loves to use it. My son has never been scared of the noise, it's quieter than alot of others, he actually chases the vacuum around the room. We moved from overseas last year into an apartment with brand new carpet. While waiting for our household goods, we had to vacuum the little fuzzies that were showing up that our son wanted to eat. We bought a Hoover and a Eureka, which barely touched the carpet fibers. Our dyson finally showed up, and after one good cleaning, all the fuzzies were gone!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

F.M.

answers from Washington DC on

We have the Dyson Animal and, oh my gosh, it is incredible. Just to test the claims, I vacuumed the whole house with my old vacuum first. Vacuumed with the Dyson immediately after and the stuff that thing picked up made me feel like I had clean carpets for the very first time! I seriously wondered how I let my kids and I lay on the floor before it! Best of luck.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.N.

answers from Charlottesville on

Another vote for Dyson. I have had the Dyson Animal for about 3 years and love it. Also works well on hardwood floors. I think the only downside is that it is a little heavy.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.W.

answers from Washington DC on

I love my Dyson Animal vacuum cleaner. It is a little bit more expensive than some of the other vacuum cleaners but I love the fact that you don't need to buy bags for it and you can see how much dirt and hair is picked up by the canister. We have a german shepherd so it does a great job on picking up his hair when he sheds. It has great suction and works really well on our hardwood and tile floors as well as the carpets. I bought it from Costco so we paid a really good price for it (Best Buy couldn't match it)

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.M.

answers from Charlottesville on

When we moved into our new house we bought a Miele cannister vaccuum and I love it! It works really well-suction power good and it is light weight too! There are different heads you can use depending on what surface you are vacuuming. We have hard wood floors and tile mostly. We purchased at a small family owned business so they will always have the right bags and can do any repairs if ever needed. The other great thing is that you can buy special filters (HEPA) that will fit this vacuum if you have anyone who has allergies. My 2 boys (9 and 12 yr old) even like to use it!

Hope that helps!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.B.

answers from Washington DC on

I have had every vacuum known to man. All styles, prices to include all the bells and whistles. I found in the consumer report that a vacuum that cost $149.99 at best buy had been a God send. I have savere allergies and this has done the job. I do not have any affliation with this company. The name is The Boss, smartvac by Eureca. I love it.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.M.

answers from Washington DC on

I have Hoover Windtunnel for over 5 years and never had a problem. I tried the Dyson and this Hoover was much better and easier to use. Dyson was so complicated with that handle and expensive. Try Hoover Windtunnel and you will never ask for another one. Good Luck.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.B.

answers from Washington DC on

I HATE my Dyson but it looks like I am the minority. It does okay, but I don't think the suction is all that great. It's definanlty no better then the Hoover Windtunnel I had, in fact, I think the Hoover is better. I will have to over something a few times with the Dyson that the Windtunnel will pick up right away.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.C.

answers from Dover on

After going through my own recent vacuum trial- I have to recommend an Oreck. They have several different levels of the Oreck, the cheapest being $299. We got the one with a 21 year warranty and it was $650, plus came with a few freebies. We didnt want to spend this much but we thought, in the long run, its better. I wont have to buy another vacuum until I am 47 years old! Even though, I believe it will continue to last.
We have a townhouse, 3 levels.. the vacuums I had were SO heavy. I dreaded vacuum time.. I was so exhausted after vacuuming 2 staircases and 3 levels.
My Oreck is so nice and light.. I can lift it with my pinky finger!! The reason they are so light is because they dont have attachments and they use bags instead of those bagless canisters. All that stuff adds up in weight.
Go to the Oreck store in Dover, youll be sold! He does a presentation and compares a Dyson with an Oreck. Not only is the Dyson heavier (27 lbs) it didnt work as well as the 8lb Oreck.
Bags last 4-6 months he said. That was my concern because I didnt want to keep buying bags all the time. Also, the bags are way cheaper on eBay than in the store.
They have interest free financing for 12 months, so maybe if you did decide you wanted the 21year Oreck, you could finance it.
I bought a Eureka at Sams that had all these bells and whistles and was $170. I thought for $170 Id get somethign decent, I usually only spend $50-70 for something that literally lasts 6-8 months. But it was horrible. The first time I used it, the "power paw" attachment broke. The second time I used it, the brush stopped working. I returned it.
I am so very in love with my Oreck. I even leave it out in the LR so I can look lovingly at it! Ok I need a life! But seriously, for $650- it should be left out as a work of art! Its one of the most expensive things in the LR! :P
It is much more appealing to the eye than the other big bright vacs bc its so small. I end up doing mid-week quick vacs now, rather than a once a week power vac around the whole house.
They have a vacuum trade in program to get a discount, it saved us $100. But we actually didnt have a vac to trade in. He didnt care. Just mention it to him that you know of the deal but dont have one to trade in (unless you do!). They donate them.
Also, with Dyson- you cannot take it anywhere if it breaks. With the oreck, just drop it off at the Oreck store and its fixed by the next day. Dysons are way heavier to. hmm I think I could work in an Oreck store!
Orecks are just as good as any of the fancy high end models out there that cost $1000+ . If you want to know more, go to the Oreck store and see for yourself!
Its just so much more pleasant now.
Let us know what you decide!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.O.

answers from Norfolk on

I have a daughter with Cystic fibrosis. It's a lung disease, and were constantly vaccumming our home. We invested in the Dyson animal, as we have a dog also. It works great on carpet as well as tile and hardwood. I woudl higly recommend any of the dyson vaccuum cleaners!! It's a little pricey, unless you can get one from any of the Navy Exchanges. It's well worth the price you pay!
A. Owens

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.C.

answers from Washington DC on

I have a Eureka Maxima that I LOVE - it does all 3 and was less than $100 at Sears

D.S.

answers from Allentown on

HI A.,

Electrolux are great.

If you can't afford a new one, go to a vacuum cleaner repair store. They may have a used one. They last forever.

Happy hunting. D.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

H.D.

answers from Washington DC on

Hi, A.. We just bought a Dyson (a little pricey, but well worth it) and I LOVE IT. We have two dogs who shed and you should see how much dog hair it picks up. It does all types of floors and is easy to move around, etc. I was a little leary at first because of the price, but I'm telling you, this is the best vacuum I have ever owned.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.F.

answers from Washington DC on

I love my Dyson vacuum cleaner. Although it was a bit pricy (~$400) it works amazingly well in our home with a family of 4 that includes 2 dogs. There is an attachment that works great on our hardwood floors but there is also a feature that allows you to change from carpet to bare floors easily. I have had this vacuum for 3 years now and it was well worth the money. Sorry if I sounded like a commercial, but I hope it helped!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.S.

answers from Richmond on

I love my Kenmore cannister vacuum with all of the nifty attachments. It is a 12 amp motor so it gets lots of suction. The cannister is not that heavy and does a much better job than any upright I have tried.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.D.

answers from Washington DC on

The Dyson! Whether you get the animal or the basic model (and can always get extra attachments) it is so worth the money.

I shelled out $400 in November 2002 when they first came out and my husband thought I was nuts. I never found a vacuum I really liked and he saw this as another one soon to be discarded. Instead, it was the opposite.

We both love the Dyson and almost 6 years later it is still going strong. We now live overseas and have a 220 as well, but will hold onto both models as we will move back to the States this summer (and overseas again later, we hope).

I cannot say enough good things about it. The tools are fantastic, the suction is strong (if weak, empty canister or something is blocking tube), no bags to buy, VERY simple to use (no instructions needed), my kids (ages 6 and 9) love to use it and it is super-easy for them. Customer service is fabulous. One of my attachments broke and they sent me a brand new one free of charge.

If they still sell them at Linens N Things, you can possibly save money by using one of those 20% off coupons they send out. My mom did this and saved $100 when she bought hers. Oh, yes, she loved hers, too!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.R.

answers from Cumberland on

A few months ago I purchased a Hoover twin Chamber wind tunnel. It's been a great vacuum. It was about $150 so not too expensive but not the cheapest either. It has a sensor on it to tell you if you need to go over another area again. I have a long haired dog and it's been very good at staying on top of her shedding. All of the attachments are in a compartment in the vacuum so they don't get knocked off easily and are readily available. It's a bagless and is very easy to clean.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.C.

answers from Washington DC on

With out a doubt you have to buy a Dyson. I bought one several years ago and it has been well worth the money. It is easy to use, easy to dispose of the dirt and easy to clean. A+

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.A.

answers from Washington DC on

I love my Dyson, best vacuum I have ever had.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.N.

answers from Washington DC on

You should try a Dyson. They are expensive, but are AMAZING! I've had mine for 5 years, using it on average 3x per week. It has had NO problems. I just dump the dust (no bags to deal with) and wash the filter (done every 6 months) and voila! Perfection!

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions