vaccum cleaners? Any recommendations?

[circlemama]

DH destroyed my vaccum cleaner last weekend. It's had it's days. I want to get a great one, we only have one room w/ carpet, the rest are slate, stone or wood. I want something that is great for carpet and hard floors, and has a hepa. Obviously, I've seen the ads for Dyson, but I've also seen an ad for the hoover wind tunnel. Anyone have any comments or experiences they would like to share on this subject. Oh, and both my kids are highly allergic to dust, thus wanting to get something with a hepa. DD actually got a hive once while I was vaccuming w/ her in the sling. I try to vacuum when they are outside of the house, and then open the windows.

[roundpegmom]

I have a Hoover Windtunnel (I think it is the 3675 model) canister vac. I forgot the number because I just call it "puppy puppy", it follows me everywhere!

I love the vacuum, here is the review I wrote for epinions.com
http://www.epinions.com/content_173512298116

I would check out epinions before making a major purchase, I really learned alot from the reviews.

[circlemama]

hey roundpeg, where'd ya get if for that price and free shipping? And, how'd you rig up the apron thing?

[roundpegmom]

Here is where I bought mine:

http://www.digitalfotoclub.com/products3/964594170.asp

For the apron, I just took an old waitress waist style apron and tied it around the handle.

[vegmom]

We have a tri-star. It can also be used as an air purifier. They are expensive though but REALY good quality.

http://www.vacuum-outlet.com/machines/tri-star.html

guarunteed to last a life time.

[hallesmom]

What about a Rainbow? I don't have all the info-but my mom had one when we were younger and it uses water, so the dust/hair/etc doesn't get back into the air-they are awesome. You can also just set the base up w/ the water and let it run in your house as a purifier....I think my mom had her 1st one for close to 15 years before she traded it in on the new one last summer!
They are costly-but one awesome machine!

[mpeel]

I have a Rainbow and will not consider anything else again. They are costly but I do not need a broom, I vacuum all floors. It picks up water (wonderful when the neighbor boy tipped over 2 1/2 gallons of water and tadpoles into the carpet). I run it for an air purifier. I put essential oils in the water, especially during cold season to help disinfect the house.