I love my Miele. It is not one of the high end models. It tracks easily, turns easily, great suction and not terribly noisy. We have pine floors and hand made braided rugs.

I think Miele is awesome, but very, very pricey these days. DD got one about 5 years ago and it's great. I had Oreck's which aren't great vacuums but weigh very little, however the maintenance costs and repairs kept rising so I bought new vacuum. I tried and returned a few and ended up with this one from Bed, Bath and Beyond. It seems to work well, has a HEPA filter and is fairly LOUD. Oh well, you can't have everything!

Here is a link that might be useful: Eureka Boss

Deanna, you are smart to not want bagless. Not only are they messy to dump, but also inefficient, and leak dust like a sieve during operation.

You can get some OK vacuums for that price, so don't feel like a cheapskate by any means! The 'people' who raised me thought 60 dollars was too much to spend for a vacuum!

I like my Miele canister as well... It cleans great, is quiet, and filters very well. I got a 500 dollar model for 15 bucks at a flea market a month ago... it's still a current model and even has a power nozzle. I love it, but you can't find a new one for that much. Miele also has their own upright now (previously their UPRIGHTS were made by Panasonic)... but it's 700 bucks.

What kind of carpet do you have? Thick or thin,? Berber or no?

If you want to use the vacuum on bare floors, it's best to get a canister. Many uprights (even the one Compumom mentioned which I'll address next) have the ability to turn the roller brush off for bare floors, but they still don't clean them as well as a canister with a bare floor nozzle would.

The Eureka that Compumom mentioned is a machine that's been around for quite a few years. I sold it when I sold vacuums at Sears and was way back in 2002/3. It made Consumer Reports Best Buy a few times (not that I trust them very much, but some people do). Compumom said that Eureka is loud, but it must depend on what you compare it to. When I sold at Sears, that Eureka was the quietest vacuum we sold! Especially compared to Hoovers and Dirt Devils (which are now the same company BTW). That machine cleans pretty well too, but is quite heavy. The hose and attachments fall off (not on a brand new one, but after a few years, the hose will dangle when the handle is reclined), and the hose isn't long at all, so keep that in mind.

The vacuum I would recommend for anyone with that price range if they insisted on new would be a Kenmore Progressive with Direct Drive. I'll link to the current model below. It's made by Panasonic. It has a separate motor for the brushroll, and though it uses bags, does not use a belt at all. The four rows of bristles are very thick and will clean deeply on almost any carpet. It isn't very loud, relatively speaking of course. The brush roll does turn off for bare floors. Some people might think it's heavy, but the brush roll does help to propel it forward.

I did buy an Oreck to add to my collection a few months ago. My advice on that would be DON'T! They are loud, and clog very easily, and are not very powerful. When you run over a moderate amount of surface litter, the motor pitch changes as it bogs down under the load. This can even be noticed on HSN.COM during a demo video.

If you don't want to buy new and might consider going with a used vacuum, you can quite often find good deals on Craig's List. It's relatively safe to buy a used vacuum (low risk of it being a lemon), as long as you test it first at the home of the seller. Just be sure it comes from a smoke and pet free home unless you enjoy those smells. It took me six months to de-dog my Dyson. Not worth the hassle just to save a few bucks! I know 'normal' people don't like to buy used vacuums because they want to have ability to return if they don't like it.

Here is a link that might be useful: Kenmore Progressive with Direct Drive

I'm laughing Bobby, because:
1. I AM a cheapskate!! That's part of why I'm in this predicament!!
2. It was a craigslist ad (for an Oreck) that finally made me start doing some research. The reviews online for Oreck are horrible!
3. I am definitely not 'normal'. LOL

Eureka and Panasonic both seemed to come up in the top 10 consumer reviews. Hmmm....
Still need to check on the Miele.

You guys are WAAAYYY better than Google!

We have several vacuum shops around here. Would it pay to see what they have used??
I know in the past, some of them have had pretty good deals on ones that had been repaired, then the owner didn't pick up or pay the bill.

I haven't use a canister type in years and years. Pros? Cons?

I'm thinking that might be the way to go with the minor shoulder issues I have.

Keep shooting ideas out there, I'm very open-minded at this point!
Deanna

and I'm reading too...I need a new vacuum...and noticed that many come with replaceable Hepa's for about $20 a pop...Which I don't care about...I just want something that picks up dirt! It doesn't have to freshen the air or "de dust" the place..(there is no point in that!) LOL

Well, 300 dollars for a vacuum isn't a cheapskate by any means! There are people who go to Wal-mart and buy a 50 dollar Bissell every 6 months!

Deanna, if you are going to get a Eureka, that model we mentioned above is the ONLY one to consider. All the rest are nothing more than toys, unless you go vintage, which I wouldn't recommend for your situation (you want bare floors and attachments, vintage uprights don't have those features).

You could go to a vac shop and see what they say. Just don't buy anything that day... go home and research. Remember they are paid on commission.

The thing about canisters is that people who are used to uprights have a hard time switching to them... they are commonly referred to as the old ball and chain (so are some husbands/wives, but that's for a whole 'nother thread). You do have to drag the canister part around, but it's not a big deal for me. They are easier on the back and much better for getting under and around furniture. Canisters usually have better attachments than uprights. The are usually quieter than uprights. And, they are usually more powerful than uprights as well. That's because most uprights only have one motor for the suction AND brushroll. Canisters have a motor in the body for the suction, and another in the power nozzle for the brushroll. If you get a canister, there are two things you need to look for. Actually, my Miele doesn't even have these things and it's really annoying, but for 15 bucks I'm not complaining. For the most part, canisters have retractable cords... very rare feature for uprights. The high end Mieles (and Kenmores, again made by Panasonic, and some in your price range) have these features:

The first is called direct connect. That means you should not see any external wire going from the hose to the machine or from the hose to the power nozzle. It gets in the way and is a pain to unplug and replug every time the attachments need to be changed. "Nice" canisters have the wire integrated into the wands and hose so you never have to deal with it.

The second thing is called a "quick release". That is a pedal that when depressed, will release the power nozzle instantly from the wand. Very simple then to attach the bare floor nozzle or reach up high and get cobwebs from the ceiling (not that any cooking forum members ever have cobwebs!).

Those two features should be non-negotiable when shopping for a canister. If you decide you would rather have a canister, that is!

I'm sure Pete will chime in when he sees this thread.

Here is a link that might be useful: The Miele I got for 15 bucks....

I'll jump in since I bought a Kenmore Progressive with bags in November. It is the first upright I have owned to use inside my house. I have always had kenmore canisters. But I used our new Dirt Devil Reaction upright inside a few times and realized how much more dirt it was picking up (bagless so I could see the amount. My carpet is old, 20 years plus) and has had two 4 dogs grow up on it. We are going to replace it soon but I wanted to go ahead and get something to help pull more of the dirt and dog hair out of the old carpet.

It does a great job on the carpet. I like to use a vacuum on my tile so that it can pick up all the sand and dog hair. Sweeping with a broom is too much trouble. Well, while I still would prefer a canister for tile, this Progressive is pretty easy to use with the attachments. It has a long enough hose that is flexible and the body of the vacuum rolls nicely on the tile and DOESN'T TIP OVER as my other uprights I use outside would do on tile. The flaw I see with the floor attachment is that the hole for sucking up the dirt isn't as effective as the one on my old canister. Don't know why but just is.

All in all I am pleased. It is heavy but is lighter and easier to manuver than others I tried.

I paid $329.00. They are usually advertised for $349 but we saw it for $329 the weekend after we bought it and went back and they gave us a $20 refund on our charge card.

Buy extra bags. They aren't cheap but I filled one up in a month.

Deanna~
If you want to borrow my Miele I could be convinced to let you use it for a few days... I don't know how long I can be parted from it, but the dog has slowed down his shedding a bunch so I should be able to give it up for a little while. That's love, I tell you!

When we bought the Miele, my husband and I did a ton of research. I had a Kennmore Progressive that I thought would be a decent performer based on the performance of my mom's vacuum. Well, long story short it died 11 months in. I took it to the service center, had them fix it up before the warranty ran out and promptly put it on Craigslist. I was nothing but disappointed by that vacuum, but I have a chow/german shepherd mix dog so I'm hard on vacuums.

The adage I heard over and over was "if you want a canister buy a Miele. If you want an upright, buy a Rikkar." I personally love my canister vac but my house is 90% hardwood/hard surfaces and the ability to swap the beater bar for a floor brush makes my life really easy. The uprights just blew the hair around on the hardwood and I spent all of my time chasing it.

You can go to some of the local vacuum shops and borrow models overnight if you want to test them out. I did that when I got the Miele and the folks at Paramount are really great to work with (Jon's wife works there). They may even be able to get you hooked up with a used/ reconditioned vacuum?

Let me know if you want to borrow the Miele.

Bri

Whoa this all sounds fairly Branch Davidian...

Drink the KoolAid buy the Dyson.

I don't even know what my vaccuum is. Works great love it. uh oh am I abnormal?

Just wanted to clear something up about Kenmore Progressives. Progressive isn't a specific model... it is a series. It is Kenmore's higher end series of vacuums. If someone just says they have a Progressive, it can be 5 years old, or brand new... and can be an upright or a canister. There are always several different upright and canister models with the word Progressive stamped on them... it doesn't mean anything.

Bri... that is VERY sweet of you. I've never let anyone else borrow any of my 35 machines... I offer to take it over and run it for them, but not leave it. I'm sure cooking forum members can be trusted though :o) I'm glad you love your Miele. I've only had mine a month and I'm surprised at how much dirt and cat hair are in the bag... You'd think I never vacuum! I vacuum regularly with Kirby, Electrolux, Sanitaire, Rainbow, Filter Queen, Kenmore (my model is by LG, not Panasonic), Vorwerk Dyson, Royal, and a few others and the Miele out performs them every time! Plus, the Miele is so quiet and filters so well, it is simply a joy to use.

We have mostly wood floors and some carpet. Bathrooms have tile.

When we had mostly carpet, I bought a Kenmore Progressive upright (aka Panasonic, high five Bobby), based on recommendations of the moderator at 'whatsthebestvacuumm.net' forum. What was his name, maybe Mike?

After we tore up the carpet and put in wood, I didn't want an upright for one size fits all. I looked for a canister with a floor tool that I thought was best - hair/bristle, no beater. Like this one currently on ebay - I think it does a better job on flat surfaces than an upright with the beater brush turned off. I ended up buying a Royal Airopro off ebay for $50 with a bunch of bags and wouldn't recommend paying anymore for it. It was retired after the cord started fraying. Bare bones machine but I loved the floor tool. DH keeps it downstairs. He doesn't throw ANYTHING away.

I still use the Kenmore on carpeting - one vacuum for each surface.

I replaced the airopro with a bottom of the line Miele canister, no power hose, tools on the hose instead of onboard, still $600, and I only use it on the wood floors with the 'parquet' floor tool. It feels like a Lexus - smooth, solid, tight fit/finish. I could have easily bought a less expensive Kenmore canister - IF I liked the wood floor tool. Thats the deal breaker for me!

Bobby,
You need to know that Bri and I work together!!!!
We've canned together!
She's knows where to find me if I make off with her vac!! LOL

Bri,
Thanks for the kudos on Paramount. I'll check them out.

I'll let ya know on borrowing.... :+)

Deanna

Well... I know that cooking forum members can be trusted. Cooking forum people aren't regular people... we are an elite class! I've never been afraid of my machines being made off with, but instead damaged. There are some people who think a regular vacuum can suck up water, leggos, animal "mess", coins, panties, HOT embers from a fireplace (in an expensive PLASTIC Sebo nonetheless, you can imagine what the machine looked like afterward) and all manner of other stuff that should never go near a vacuum! I've heard the stories on vacuum forums from repairmen and fellow collectors... very scary.

I just got a power drill (feeling *almost* manly) and a polishing attachment for the drill... I'm going to town on one of my Kirbys right now, it's getting really shiny! This could be dangerous!

So, Deanna... how are you feeling about vacuums this morning? You leaning toward or away from anything?

well, I'll say that I agree with the knowledgeable Bobby 100 percent!

I have a Kenmore progressive canister. I have one carpeted room - the rest are hardwood with area rugs. I love the versatility of the canister.

When my first one died a few years back (after DH sucked up spilled milk with it) I got mad at Sears because of the ridiculous amt of money they wanted to even send it in to see if it could be fixed! And no one else would touch a Sears machine. So I went to the local guy and got a Eureka. I hated every minute of my relationship with that thing. The hose twisted, it tipped over when turning - it was just cheap - and you're right - loud! Will was a baby and totally freaked out each time I ran it.

So reluctantly, I went back to Sears knowing that I did love that other vac before it died. I've had my new progressive since and I really do love it. It has a telescoping handle and a little dirt sensor that tells you when no more dirt is entering up through the hose - in a particular spot on the carpet...it changed my vacuuming for sure.

And the (I can't think of the correct term) is that it bobby? power nozzle? The main heavy part that you vaccum with with the brushes that turn...is very effective. Sammy sheds alot and it really does a good job. Will is like a bull in a china shop. There is always something to clean up around here - LOL.

Stacy

Bobby~
Thanks for keeping me honest! I don't remember the exact model number of the Progressive I bought, but it was the orange one and had all the bells and whistles (does that help?). :) Integrated cord to the power head, 12A, quick release power head, dirt sensor, dual headlights (which I LOVED), small power head attachment, variable speed, bare floor mode etc.

A partial laundry list of issues after 11 months:
Intermittent connection in the handle power switch causing it to just not turn on unless it was darned good and ready or you'd flipped the switch a dozen times.
The small power head had no suction, even after sending it back to the service center.
The bag was folded in half in the compartment so it only ever filled halfway.
The variable speed never seemed to vary much. It was either on very low or full throttle. No in between.
I had to take the brushroll apart all the time to clear the dog hair and they didn't design in provisions for doing it easily (like Miele does).

That said, I love my Miele. It's quieter than any vacuum has a right to be, sturdy, easy on my hardwood floors, gets under furniture I never thought possible to vacuum under, and has given me no issues in the two years I've had it. It's so quiet, I can vacuum the master bedroom and even under the bed my husband is sleeping in without waking him up. Plus as an engineer I appreciated all the quality and reliability testing Miele puts the vacuums through.

ok, enough waxing poetic about a vacuum. :)

Bri

Oh, and I paid $400 or so for the Progressive. Grr!
Bri

I think I'm going to some local Vac shops and play with different models!
It has to "feel" right! It will also give me a chance to see if they have any refurb models available.
Bri said the one local place let her take it home overnight for a 'test drive'. Now that's service!!

Will update when I learn more.
I really appreciate all the input. I'd like to buy something and be done with it........for several years!!!
It seems like I'm facing the vacuum issue every couple of years and I'm just tired of it so this time I plan to do my research and find a more permanent solution!!

Deanna

Deanna, what ever did you decide about a vacuum cleaner? Have you had a chance to test drive anything yet? Inquiring minds want to know :o)

Sorry, should have updated. Unfortunately, I'm not buying anything right now. I had my hours at work cut by 20% so I'll make do with the cheap one I've got for now.
I'm saving this thread though and appreciate all the advice/opinions!!

Hey Bobby, is it worth fixing an old (70's probably) Kirby?
I've got one of those in the shop too! LOL

Deanna

I'm sorry to hear about that, Deanna.

Possibly try new filters for your Windtunnel and you may find the suction is restored to like new performance.

I wouldn't fix the Kirby up... I don't like the really old Kirbys (except as a collector, not as a user)... I like the power drive G series that started in the 90s. The 70s ones were heavy and not self propelled, and didn't filter all that well either.

Hope you get back your normal work schedule/hours.

Thanks, Bobby.
I'm hoping to return to a full 40 hour week too, but it doesn't look good right now. Still very slow.
We are fortunate that we live in the country and grow much of our own food. As long as we can pay the mortgage and monthly bills, we're fine!

I appreciate the feedback on the Kirby. Boy, do I know it isn't self propelled!!! That's a big reason I quit using them. With some minor shoulder issues, pushing that big thing was quite a workout!!

Deanna

Well, I guess the non-self propelled could be OK if you were using the machine in place of working out. Maybe I should start using my self-propelled Kirby model with the transmission OFF... LOL Then I could claim exercise. But, wouldn't be as much fun as paying for a monthly gym membership and not using it!

:-)

You can come help haul wood to the burn pile this weekend. That's my "gym membership". DH makes me use it too!! LOL

Deanna