Vacuum recommendation

[Miasmamma]

Both my mom and I are looking for a new vacuum cleaner. We both have multiple dogs that so we need something that really picks up the hair. So far, the best reviews I've found are for a Hoover Platinum Collection Bagless. It has a lifetime filter and a 6 year limited warranty. It's retailing for $299 on Amazon right now with free shipping. I'd really like to not pay more than that if I can help it. We will be using part of our tax return for it, so I have a month or more to decide.

Does anyone have any other suggestions? We've looked at the Dyson's, but really can't get past the price tag. And quite a few of the reviews I've found haven't been favorable.

[EricaDoula]

I have the Kenmore Canister Vac. My MOm has the same one and has had it over 10 years, I've had mine for almost 3 years. My Mom has 3 dogs,3 kids and 1 grandkid. I have me, husband and dog. It picks up ALL the dog hair! It's easy to manuever, and very light. It's really easy to clean stairs with too! good luck!

[EricaDoula]

ooppps.. heres the link!
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...kenmore+vacuum

[RooRooDog]

I also have a Kenmore canister, have had it for about 3 years, and I love it. We have four dogs, and it does a great job of picking up all the fur. Also, ours came with a little "powermate" thingy that I use to clean the furniture. (Like the big part that cleans the carpet, but handheld sized) The bags aren't that expensive- I think they are like $1-1.25 each? They are HEPA filtered, as well.

In my experience, the bagless vacuums start to stink like dog fairly quickly, as there is no bag to trap the smell. Of course, this could also be because I have 4 large, furry, stinky dogs...

[Chicky2]

http://www.lasplash.com/publish/Home..._be_Envied.php

Love, Love, LOVE mine!!!!!

[chevy974]

i have an eureka sanitaire commercial and I love it.... I bought it and got free canaster vac

[Fuamami]

I just started a cleaning business, and the day after I signed on my second client, my vacuum blew up.

Soooo, I researched all over the place and decided I was going to buy a Dyson on Ebay, where you can get a rebuilt one for about $220. I luckily found one at the pawn shop and negotiated to get it for $100, and it is one of the best tools I have ever owned. It is amazingly well made, you never have replace the filter, all the plastic is very heavy duty so it's not going to snap off, and it really, really sucks. Seriously. I had a pretty good Eureka Boss and vacuum pretty frequently, but the Dyson picks up way, way more dirt.

[Miasmamma]

I currently have a bagless and yes it does smell like dog! I was a little afraid to go back to a bagged just b/c I empty the canister at least 2x every time I vacuum. Do bagged vacuums have better suction? My mom has an old Oreck XL in her garage that needs some work on it, but there is a store close to us that will do it. I am thinking of just having that one fixed and using it for a while.

[HSMOM3]

Dysons are very pricey but definitely the best investment you can make. I have had mine over 7 years and it still works like the first day I got it. I foster animals and always have a full house of furry critters and everyone who comes to visit always tells me how amazed they are that with all the animals in the house there is no hair! My Dyson picks up everything...couldn't live without it. If you can swing the extra money I would go for it. It really is a good investment. The one I have is made specifically for animal hair. It's called the Dyson animal.

[vm9799]

miele. enough said.

[LiamTaylorsMom]

We have a dog and two cats and had a Kenmore canister, but that died after about 3 years or so. Grr. So now we have a Dyson Animal and LOVE it!! Bought refurbished on Overstock.com and it works perfectly. Couldn't tell it wasn't brand new.

FWIW....some people are reporting being able to find Dysons at their Targets for 50% off, so maybe look there.

Also, if I had all the money in the world...I'd buy a Miele canister vac. I have a huge amount of lust for those.

[Miasmamma]

Originally Posted by vm9799

miele. enough said.

I did a search and there are 4 dealers here in town. I did not however look at prices... will I fall over?

And for the refurbished Dyson, what kind of warranty did it come with?

[vm9799]

Originally Posted by Miasmamma

I did a search and there are 4 dealers here in town. I did not however look at prices... will I fall over?

And for the refurbished Dyson, what kind of warranty did it come with?

LOL! you might. they range from about $300 up to $1200.

[LiamTaylorsMom]

Originally Posted by Miasmamma

I did a search and there are 4 dealers here in town. I did not however look at prices... will I fall over?

And for the refurbished Dyson, what kind of warranty did it come with?

I agree....you might fall over at the price.

The refurbished Dyson was a 6 month warranty. I went with it since I belong to a message board where many many moms went this route and suggested it after years of satisfaction and no problems. I figured it was worth the risk for half the price.

[cristeen]

The Dyson is pretty much an expensive throw away vac. Just like most of the vacs that you'll buy at places like Target. They're cheap, made of plastic and will fail right when you need them most.

If you want a good vac, you need to find a vac dealer. You also didn't say what type of floors you have, and that makes a difference. If you have carpet, you need a vacuum that has a beater brush. If you go for a canister, that means a powered head attachment. If you have hardwood and only some carpet, that's the way to go. But if you have mostly carpet, get an upright - it's really just easier and more effective.

Miele makes a great powerful vacuum, but when choosing between the Miele and the Riccar, we went with the Riccar. It is made in the US, it has a really nice warranty, it has a 30-day money back guarantee (which almost none of the vacs have), it has a HEPA filter, etc. We went with the canister with the power head attachment, but we have all hardwood. They make uprights, too, and the salesperson said he's had his Riccar upright for 15 years. The real selling point for me was when I asked about repairs - they can be done right there in the store, and if any part fails, that particular part can be replaced, not the whole section. But, like the Miele, you'll suffer from sticker shock with the Riccar.

If you don't like Miele or Riccar, I'd suggest a Kirby. But again, the price. If you want a really good vac that is going to last 20 years though, you have to pay the price.

[corrie43]

I just got a hoover whisper for 100 bucks on walmart.com and I love it. It is a bagless and boy it has suction. it pulls the carpet right up off the floor. I figure I would rather buy a $100 vacuum every few years then one $500+ vacuum that needs repairs every few years and dies after 6 or 7. I have owned 3 $100 vacuums in about 8 years. They have worked fine for me...

[mom of B]

I have an inside dog that sheds like crazy, and was burning up a vacuum every six months. I wanted a Dyson, but they were so expensive. I bought this a Hoover Fusion Plus for about $125, and have been really impressed. I have had it for 3 years now, and it is still going strong.