I have 2 cats and 2 dogs, so lots of hair. I agree with the "gentler on area rugs" as you can reduce suction and turn off the power head, if need be. However, I have never had to cut away any "stuck" pet hair off of the brush. My Miele has the #236 power head, which I would recommend for anyone with pets. HTH, Todd

A timely question. We recently moved and brought our two yellow Dyson vacuums with us. Our old home had wall-to-wall carpeting in almost every room while our new home is mostly area rugs. An interior designer told us the Dysons are "too harsh" for antique rugs and suggested we get something else.

Our plan is to keep one Dyson in the basement (which is carpeted) and another on the second floor. The new vacuum (Miele, Sebo, or?) would be on the first floor where the nicest rugs are. The pet (a Havanese) is there too, but is not allowed in the rooms with the area rugs.

All depends on which model power nozzle you have on the Miele. The deluxe 236 power nozzle will be more aggressive and also have a larger diameter brushroll. You may have the smaller Miele power nozzle, which would collect more hair.

The smaller power nozzle is better for more delicate carpeting like oriental rugs.

The Sebo power nozzle will be slighly more aggressive on carpeting than the smaller Miele power nozzle.

I assume these are canisters?

You need an adjustable height power head brush. Our carpet contract states the warrenty will not cover damage from Dyson and/or Oreck, and that's for wall to wall. For the orientals the rug dealer suggested using suction only, not the beater bar. I have a miele and a dyson and the miele wins hands down , quiet and well constructed. I have heard good things about Sebo as well. If I were you I would get feedback from a reputable high end rug dealer.

Thanks for all the feedback. I have settled on a Miele but the questions is which one: Capricorn, Aquarius or Callisto. I know they are the same machine but the first two have more bells and whistles. I have NEVER spent so much on a vacuum so I want to get it right. Is the Capricorn and Aquarius worth the extra money? Thanks!!!!

The Capricorn is the only model with the controls in the handle. I like this feature.

lucypwd, here are my needs: I need lightweight because I have lots of levels in my house. I have mostly hardwood floors and tile, with 3 area rugs. I am less concerned with the carpet because it's only one room. We will be getting a dog (probably a shedder) so hair getting caught in the roller is a concern. The Miele spokesperson said he has a Callisto and you just take a screwdriver and open it up to clean it out. If the Oreck has a cannister equal to the Miele, I'd love to hear about it.

If you like a cannister, I think you will like the miele whichever brand you buy. It is a bit had to clean the roller brush now that you mention it. You can unscrew it. People like the upright sebo; it seemed heavy to me. I had an oreck upright long ago and thought it was fine especially because it was light, but the caution by our carpet merchant made me wonder about it. That was the first time I had ever heard anything about the oreck being bad for carpeting. Caveat...I am just a consumer and have only had the oreck upright, dyson upright, and the miele canister. The miele by the way cost a fortune to repair.

We have a non shedding dog, hence the pwd, and it makes keeping the house clean so much easier. Now if we could only do something about the cat hair.

I love my Sebo C3.1 canister. It seemed like a very good value compared to the Miele, but just slightly heavier. It has the controls on the handle with infinite suction control as well as a tension adjuster for the brush. It seems quite gentle. I have looped wool berber and it doesn't fuzz the surface at all. I do love how the brush roll comes out for cleaning. Does fine with cat hair...don't have a dog. I got mine for 750 at my local vac store. Good luck!

Anne

The Capricorn uses a power hose with all speed controls and power indicator lamps in the handle. The Aquarius has the speed indicator on the canister itself, and it's shiny aqua.
The Callisto has a manual speed setting dial on the canister.

I think if you have only one room with carpet, you probably don't need the heavier power head unit (236). It already comes with a non-powered floor brush (I've never used it since I have all carpets).

I have mixed floors too- ceramic, hardwood, wall to wall, and Persian silk area rugs.

I suggest you find a dealer where you can try a floor model of the vacuums. I took one of my small Oriental area rugs to my vacuum dealer and tried the Miele Capricorn with the large power nozzle and one of the Sebo canisters. I found that the handle on the Miele was very difficult to handle - it was so stiff and hard to turn that my thumb began to ache after several minutes of vacuuming. I tried a lower priced Miele with the same result.

The Sebo didn't reduce suction enough so I eliminated that.

After reading all the raves on the Miele I thought I was missing out on a wonderful vacuum. I needed to buy another canister to replace the Kenmore Progressive that I took to my vacation house. I ended up buying another top of the line Kenmore Progressive canister. I really love this machine. The controls are easy to use, the suction control on the handle is simple and works well, there are 2 lights - one on the power head and another one on the end of the wand. I found that really useful since I frequently remove the power head and vacuum along the baseboard with just the wand. So the light shows up all the dust. Oh and I have 3 continually shedding dogs.

But try them all out and then make your decision.

Other than the price, the biggest deterrent to purchasing a Miele canister vacuum is the sheer number of models and options. Any hints on navigating it?

Chipshot,
I own an older miele, red velvet, so I can't comment about the newer configurations. One thing I know is there is a point where if you buy a particular model, you can add pieces later on as you need them. For instance, there is no difference between the upper two model rather than the heads that come standard. To purchase one, I would recommend that you visit a local store and test out the different models and also find out what the cost of the fittings are for later purchases.

Good luck!

Like lucypwd,I have heard that power nozzles should not be used on fine oriental rugs. If that is the case then we should be fine with a Miele, Riccar, Sebo, Kenmore, or Panasonic canister with a lighter and more maneuverable suction-only head. We'll make sure to choose a model to which a power head can be added in the future. I guess it's time to go check them out. Hopefully they'll be offering deals due to the state of the economy.

I have the Capricorn with the power nozzle. I think it adjusts 5 positions up or down. I use it on Chinese and Indian orientals. Haven't seen any problem so what are the details about not using power nozzles on Orientals?

There are a bunch of different attachments you can use including the floor brush which I use for hardwood floors. The power nozzle requires the telescoping wand because it has the electronics that control the machine in the handle.

Details? Just our interior designer's recommendations. I wish I knew all the nationalities of our rugs. Many are antique, and I think one is from Iran. I know we're getting some Indian carpet, but that will be on the second floor where one of the Dysons lives.

The Capricorn looks like a vacuuming tour-de-force. While I'd love to have one, it would probably be overkill for us even if we had $1k+ available for a vacuum. My guess is that the Capella with the HEPA option would be fine for us. It has the same 1200 watt power "Vortex Motor System", comes standard with the SBB300 floor brush, and is a beautiful blue.

I didn't notice the capella, maybe it is new. It is a very nice blue color which I like better than my black and silver which I think is kind of boring..but I guess it's not like I'm looking at it all day.

Well, I've narrowed it down to three Miele models (can you tell I'm not in much of a hurry?).

1. S5380 Venus (Garnet Red), for some reason not shown on Mieles website
2. S5380 Gemini (Java Green), also not shown on MieleÂs website
3. S5280 Callisto (Black)

All have the same amount of suction power and HEPA filtration and come with the SBB300 parquet floor brush.

Venus and Gemini are the same except for color and type of powerbrush.

Gemini and Callisto are the same except for color, power adjustment control/overheating indicator, and warranty (4 years parts & labor and 9 years blower vs. 3 years parts & labor and 8 years blower).

Apparently the smaller #SEB217 powerbrush that comes with the Gemini and Callisto is better for homes that have both carpet and hardwood (or tile/linoleum) floors. The smaller head can get under furniture more easily and is lighter and more maneuverable.

The wider #SEB236 powerbrush comes standard with the Venus and is available as an option for the Gemini and Callisto. It has a headlight and five height adjustments and is better for homes that have a lot of high pile carpet (not ours).

Lower models come with the air-activated #STB205 Turbobrush. MieleÂs website says it is "ideal for cut pile and gives the carpet an excellent finish". I'm not sure how it really compares with the #SEB217 powerbrush in day-to-day/year-to-year use. It certainly looks less advanced.

I'm presently leaning towards the Gemini ($50 more than the Callisto), partly for the longer warranty and partly because I think its light blue-green color will show less dust and fewer scratches over time. Your view?

Chipshot,
I have two Miele vacuums, older models from the ones you posted but I have bothe the SEB217 and SEB236. I love the SEB236. I like the SEB217 too but the ability to adjust and the headlight make the SEB236 a better unit in my opinion. Now having said that, there are some things to consider, it is equally manueverable as the 217 but it is a heavy beast. The 217 is very light weight. I always uses the floor brush when I am cleaning the hardwood and tile floors. I only use the 217 and 236 when I am cleaning the carpeted bedrooms of my home.

Good luck with your choice.

Thanks, homepro. I noticed the weight difference between the SEB217 and SEB236 but forgot to mention it. How big a chore do you find changing between the power heads and the floor brush? Do you carry both around with you as you clean, swapping as you go, or do you make one pass cleaning hardwood and tile and then another cleaning carpet?

We haven't missed having a headlight, so I'm not sure that is reason alone to opt for the SEB236. I suppose we can always buy one later if we change our minds. It sounds like the Miele's have treated your floors well. How have they been on your house's wall treatments and trim?

One consideration for us is that a housekeeper will be using the vacuum. While she's very conscientious, I'm not sure she'll know how to adjust the powerbrush properly. We don't want to risk damaging the oriental rugs that we're saving from the Dyson.

My housekeeper also has two mieles!! She uses mine for my home. I usually clean all the carpeting first and then clean the hardwoods next. The headlight help when I am working under the bed and stuff like that. It is not a requirement but a nice to have. I don't have drapes but I use one of the attachments for the wood shutters and blinds. Once the powerbrush is adjusted once for your carpets, it does not need another adjustment.
Either way you won't be disappointed.
Good luck!

I bought the Gemini with the SEB217 and find it difficult to push on at least two of our oriental rugs. The dealer said he'd let me do an upgrade to the SEB236, and I'm thinking of taking him up on it. If the powerbrush is difficult to push, does that suggest it is harming the rugs? I am seeing some rug fibers on the bottom of it.

I had emailed Miele my questions about this on Monday, and today (after I had made my purchase) I heard back from them. They recommended getting an S5280 Pisces with parquet floorbrush and turbobrush.

The dealer didn't seem to think too highly of the turbobrush. I don't think he was trying to steer me to a unit on which he'd make more profit, but I guess one never really knows. I don't suppose he'd give me a credit for a downgrade to the STB205. Maybe he'll loan me one of those and an SEB236 to try at home to see which I like best. It can't hurt to ask.

Our housekeeper is coming tomorrow. I think she'll use the Dyson one more time before it takes up permanent basement duty.

I have the SEB236 and no experience with the SEB217 but I don't find the 236 hard to push on any surface. I use it on thick Chinese, thinner Indian, and medium Berber and don't see any difference. Does the 217 have wheels? Is it adjustable?

I use the parquet brush on the hardwood, and tile floors and it is a smooth sail across these. I wouldn't be without this brush.

Also I am terrible, but I would not let a housekeeper use my vacuum.

The SEB217 does have wheels but is not adjustable. What setting are you using on your SEB236? I am trying to determine whether the SEB236's adjustability will improve the situation or the STB205 is the right way to go for us. As usual, I am trying to avoid throwing money at a problem. Yes, I know my time isn't really free.

The Sebo Automatic 4X upright kicks any Miele upright model to the curb. It is a quality machine and worth every penny of its $699. It automatically raises and lowers itself to accomodate the surface. It is quieter than most any vacuum I have had and is simple to use.

Even though I have mostly wood floors, I find that I use the Sebo upright far more than the full-size Miele canister I have.

Greg

Jerrod,
I have a great housekeeper. And since she had these machines to start with she has no problem using the machines.

Homepro01

chipshot

I never paid attention to the numbers too much I just tell by the feel but I raise the head for the thicker carpets and lower it for the thinner ones. Maybe setting 3 or 4 for the thick ones and setting 1 or 2 for the thinner ones.

The settings make the difference in how low the head is to the carpet and also how easy it is to push. For thick orientals you don't want the head ploughing down through the carpet and it is hard to push.

Homepro. Glad you can trust your housekeeper. I've had some bad experiences which is why I an cautious about letting others use my equipment.

Jerrod,
She is retired and Argentinean. She is more anal than most people I know and I think I may be scared of her some days:-) I can understand. My sister is not allowed to touch a single thing in my house. I also have a friend that I affectionately call magneto! She destroys every electrical item in her path:-) We used to work together and she is never allowed near my desk!
Homepro01

Regarding the SEB217 being hard to push. It is possible you have the suction set to high, try turning it down two clicks. If the power nozzle is sucked down tight to the carpet it will be harder to push and it will not clean as well because of decreased (blocked off) air flow.

Interesting. I wonder which would provide better cleaning of a thick oriental, an SEB236 set to 3, 4, or 5 with the vacuum's power set to full or an SEB 217 with the vacuum's power reduced.

I have to chuckle when it comes to trusting a housekeeper with even the fanciest vacuum. A house and its furnishings cost far more and are, IMO, more easily damaged than a durable, well-made, German cleaning system.

I forgot to mention that I find the differing advice from Miele and the local vacuum store very confusing. The person at Miele insists the STB205 will better suit our house's needs, while the guy at the store says without question go with an SEB236. I wish life were simpler!

You can also go to the Miele web site and read about both heads. Seems like they both do the same thing, but the SEB236 is a few inches bigger than the 217, and the 236 is adjustable. The 205 looks like it doesn't have a motor and uses the air pulled through the hose to move the brushes...huh?

Believe me, Jerrod, I've spent plenty of time visiting Miele's website.

Miele recommends the STB205 turbobrush for "gentle cleaning and restoring of crushed carpet nap of low- to medium-height pile carpets with lighter densities". You are correct that its rotating roller brush is activated by air, which is drawn through the head.

It recommends the SEB217 Powerbrush for "deep cleaning and restoring of crushed carpet nap on low- to medium-pile carpets with moderate densities".

Finally, it recommends the SEB236 Powerbrush for "deep cleaning medium and thick carpeting".

I hope that clarifies.

Chipshot, it is my understanding that the use of a brushroll on oriental carpets is not recommended. However, since we have a dog, I do use a powerhead/brushroll instead of breaking my back with a flat rug tool. The STB205 is air driven with soft bristles and is more gentle than a motor driven brushroll. The STB205 should work well on low pile carpet. The SEB217 should work well on low to medium pile carpet and the SEB236 should work well on low to high pile carpet. The SEB217 has softer bristles than the SEB236, but you can also adjust the SEB236 to a higher level above the carpet. It may help you to look at the underside of these devices and feel what will be in contact with your carpet. (Personally I don't think I would choose the SEB236 for oriental carpet. ) Will your dealer let you test a SEB236 at home? After trying it you could cut open the bag and look for broken carpet fibers, but make sure they are not left over broken fibers from the use of your Dyson.

After purchasing a Dyson DC17 "Absolute Asthma and Allergy" vacuum and returning it a week later because all I did was sneeze, cough and wheeze during and after its use, I decided to buy a Miele a few days ago. I was also replacing a top-of-the-line, year-old Sears Progressive canister, that spit out more dust than it took in (further proven by a particle scanner)-and although it worked beautifully, smelled terrible and made me cough and sneeze.

This is how I decided on the proper Miele model: First, I reminded myself that albeit expensive, the model that I chose was not a life or death decision. Second, I put into priority order the features that were most important to me. For my intense dust mite allergies and asthma, I needed the most intensive filtration system. A close second on my list was how well the machine worked for my home's flooring (mostly hardwood, a few inexpensive area rugs, and two small fully carpeted spare rooms), followed by quality/longevity, and finally, convenience. I did web research, of course, then visited a few Miele retailers. Various salespeople narrowed it down to the Callisto, and so did I. However, the store where I was most comfortable purchasing the Miele did not have the Callisto in stock. So, I went to the next model up (the "Gemini") which they did have, and the only difference is the color, the buttons next to the rotary dial light up, and it has an overheat light. This model comes standard with the smaller 217 turbo head and the parquet floor brush. If the 217 power head is used on Oriental carpets, I would think that the suction power on the vacuum itself could be turned down to a more minimal level, and it shouldn't harm the rugs...just my opinion. I have no problem pushing the smaller power head on my medium-density carpets (and area rugs), and I believe it was the right-sized head for my home's flooring.

As for the highest models in the S5 series, (Aquarius and Capricorn, I believe), they have electronic "radio controlled" features, where the lower models in the series do not- they have the rotary dial instead. Primarily, the radio controlled features allow the suction level to the increased or decreased on the hose's handle itself, rather than bending down to change it on the vacuum's body. Also, as you go up in the S5 series, Miele includes the ergonomic handle (which the "Gemini" has, and it is comfortable). I love convenient, electronic touch controls, but besides making the vacuums more expensive, one of the shop owners strongly advised me against getting these electronic models. I imagine they would be more prone to breakdowns, and much more expensive to repair. Another poster was absolutely correct- some of the parts (HEPA filters, heads, etc.) are interchangeable across the Miele models. One can always start more basic and add to their machines- but electronic might not be the best way to go in the long run.

As an aside, you will see little, if any, information about the "Gemini" model on the web (and the same for one other in the series, I believe), because Miele forbids these models to be sold or even DISCUSSED on the web. I can't even begin to imagine why. Another note, I talked my dealer into one hundred dollars off the retail price. It took some doing, but I was firm. This is another reason that I didn't mind stepping up to the unit I purchased.

From research to purchase of my Miele took two days. I vacuumed on and off for over an hour yesterday and did not sneeze or cough ONCE. I did other cleaning in my bedroom also, but this is the FIRST time that I did not blow my nose at least 5 times upon waking. PLEASE steer clear of Dyson's hype about being allergy and asthma "friendly-" THEY ARE NOT. All of the repair people with whom I spoke cringed at the Dyson name. One referred to Dyson as "that junk."

I can't vouch for Sebo or any of the other high end vacuums out there. All I can say is that I am absolutely amazed by the Miele- for both its function, quality, and for being a TRUE asthma and allergy machine. I am sorry for the length of this post, but I wanted to help others out there.

As an Independent Vac store owner I concur that the TURBO BRUSH is NOT the answer to your problem. You would be sorely disappointed. The 236, though more costly, would answer most if not all your criteria.

We replaced a Sears Progressive canister with a Miele Capricorn last year. We bought the large (236) power head. The new vacuum is wonderful! Suction is powerful, the motors are quiet, and there is no dust whatsoever. The Miele bags and filters are excellent. (Why anyone would buy a bagless machine is beyond me, unless they like to breathe in dust.)

My sister-in-law recently bought a Sebo (upright) and loves it. They have a 4,000 sf home with mostly carpeting, and this machine is great for that. We have a mix of carpeting and hard flooring and wanted a single vacuum that could handle it all, so we chose the Capricorn.