Ignore The Hype: More $$$ Doesn't Always Equal Better Cleaning
Mar 26 '00
I've been selling vacuums (along with other appliances and electronics) for over five years, and have seen almost every major manufacturer's "dog and pony show" as to why their brand is the best. Based on customer feedback and returns, here are a few points to consider before you buy your next vacuum.
First, remember that a vacuum is designed to clean your floors, upholstery, etc. -- it is NOT an air filtration device, no matter what some companies want you to believe. While many vacuums have "HEPA" type filters on them, even a good non-HEPA model should keep 99%+ of the dust it picks up in the bag and out of the air. You do not need to spend $2000 on a door-to-door salesman's miracle product. If your allergies are so bad that even the sight of a vacuum makes you sneeze, consider buying a true air purifier to go on your furnace/ac unit or hire a maid - either of which will cost you a lot less.
On the issue of dust control, avoid the "bagless" vacuums. You are likely to spend at least as much on replacement filters versus what you would spend on bags in a standard vacuum - and guess what happens to all that dust on a "bagless" unit when it comes time to empty it and shake the dirt cup out? Even if you empty it outside, you're still looking at a pretty hefty cloud of dust, not to mention having to wash the filter periodically on many models.
On bag-type vacuums, always buy either original manufacturer's or good quality aftermarket bags - usually at least 2-ply. If you fall for the ultra-cheap 1-ply bags some discount and grocery stores carry, all you're doing is letting more dust back into the air and often shortening the life of your vacuum's motor.
Features? Look for one that is reasonably easy to push on carpet. With all due respect to the WalMarts and Targets of the world, it's best to try and buy a vacuum at a store where you can actually plug it in, turn it on and "test drive" it on a piece of carpet before you buy. This also allows you to judge a model's noise level, ease of height adjustment and overall fit and finish. If you have several different types/heights of carpet, a model with automatic height adjustment (Sharp, Panasonic) might be a plus. The "dirt sensor" feature found on some higher-end models can be a plus if you tend to vacuum in a hurry - it warns you if there is still dirt left in an area of carpet you think you've cleaned.
Demos? Don't fall for the cornflakes spilled on a rug then picked right up with a demo vacuum. A $20 stick broom can pick up dirt that's on the top of a carpet; especially a short pile. A good vacuum is made to pick up dirt in all levels of carpet; thereby extending your carpet's life (assuming, that is, you vacuum on a regular basis and periodically steam clean the carpet according to your carpet manufacturer's guidelines).
Brands? My experience puts Hoover and Sharp at the top of the list for both overall cleaning and reliability. A decent Hoover can run $150-$200; a nice Sharp can be had for as little as $100-$120. Panasonic is also nice; but my personal opinion on reliability puts them one notch below Hoover and Sharp. Dirt Devil and Eureka both score a "thumbs down", mainly for reliability and their return rate. On any brand you are considering buying, ask about warranty service. Does the store do the work themselves - and if not, is there an authorized warranty service center nearby? If you have to ship the vacuum 500 miles and wait 5 weeks to get it back, it may not be worth buying in the first place.
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Stevester8
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