Thread Number: 15049
Best deep cleaner? Kirby or sanitaire?
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Post# 159561   11/21/2011 at 03:16 (4,512 days old) by baglessball ()        

I'm wondering which is better as a deep cleaner? I would like to know your experiences with the machines, airflow and brush aggitation?

I own a few kirbys. Never used a sanitaire! So wondering whether it's time I invested or saved my pennies!

Cheers guys!


Post# 159563 , Reply# 1   11/21/2011 at 03:51 (4,512 days old) by gsheen (Cape Town South Africa)        

gsheen's profile picture

Oooh you want to start a war of words hehe 

 

I.d go with the sanitaire, but thats my opinion , what I would suggest is that you go to a vacuum shop and try out a few machines , give the shop a good vacuum them make p your mind, what I like is not what you may like , Both machines give good suction and should last a while so go and try them out and then make up your mind


Post# 159564 , Reply# 2   11/21/2011 at 04:11 (4,512 days old) by tolivac (Greenville,NC)        

I would say either-but try to use them on your flooring AT HOME before making the final decision.most vacuum stores will let you take a machine home to try it.

Post# 159569 , Reply# 3   11/21/2011 at 06:32 (4,512 days old) by scvacuumguy (SC)        

scvacuumguy's profile picture
Try going to a vacuum shop. You can speak to guys who know what they are talking about, and like Tolivac said- you can take it home and try it. You will find that on here, there are really no "experts" in the field- just enthusiasts that are highly obsessed or opinionated about one or a few brands.

Your local vacuum shop is the resource to go to to actually find an experienced voice.


Post# 159579 , Reply# 4   11/21/2011 at 09:06 (4,511 days old) by redgeminipa (Altoona, PA)        

Honestly? I've always been a Kirby guy, but I must admit, I'm blown away by the new Rainbow. That's next on my future purchase list.

Post# 159585 , Reply# 5   11/21/2011 at 10:18 (4,511 days old) by gsheen (Cape Town South Africa)        

gsheen's profile picture

Scvacuumguy

 

Be vary carefull what you say about no experts,  there are a few vacuum shop owners on this forum and many other who have much greater intellect than you could possibly have 

 

I my self am a mechanical engineer, I have designed vacuums for and worked on design projects for a number of well known vacuum company's including large built in vacuum systems IE in huge factories.

 

I have developed and manufacture my own brand of heavy duty vacuum cleaners for sucking up acidic water when resurfacing terricaota and other hard flooring

 

At the moment we run a vacuum shop that specialises in top brands and budget machines ,

I also have a engineering consultancy that tests prototypes of vacuums that are to be sold on our shores. We also build truck mount carpet cleaning machines 

 

I and a number of other members on this forum  probibly know more about vacuum, vortex, suction, air flow, and the entire set up of a vacuum than you will ever know in your entire life.

Keep your comments to your self

 

One other thing a vacuum shop is going to want to sell you there particular brand so asking people who are Obsessed as you put it about a vacuum they use is a good way to get an idea of how good it is , Would you go to a Chevy dealer and ask him how good a Honda is, NO  You would ask some one who OWNS one 

 


Post# 159587 , Reply# 6   11/21/2011 at 11:05 (4,511 days old) by scvacuumguy (SC)        

scvacuumguy's profile picture
I am well aware that there are vac store owners on here- myself included. There are also a lot of very non-expert people who are highly opinionated on here. They hold about as much value as a box of rocks. I am very glad that in your busy engineering world and prototype testing world you find time to run a vacuum store out of your garage.

Post# 159588 , Reply# 7   11/21/2011 at 11:10 (4,511 days old) by scvacuumguy (SC)        
gsheen

scvacuumguy's profile picture
"I and a number of other members on this forum probibly know more about vacuum, vortex, suction, air flow, and the entire set up of a vacuum than you will ever know in your entire life.
Keep your comments to your self"

Ahh, I missed your blatant attack towards me...before I correct your spelling and all that good stuff, I'm simply going to ask that you post a picture of your manufacturing facility and some of your designed machines that you produce.

Concerning my knowledge of vacuum cleaners and vacuum stores- I guarantee my store grosses a lot more than your garage :-)


Post# 159593 , Reply# 8   11/21/2011 at 11:48 (4,511 days old) by gsheen (Cape Town South Africa)        

gsheen's profile picture

 How did you know I work from my garage , wow you must be psychic  hehe, seriously I do technically work from home my self, though the old garage does just that stores my cars ( go figure )  I am privileged to have a really big home and I bought the house in front of mine too to turn into a business as I was sick of paying just over $6000.00 a month in rent , yep Cape Town property is expensive.

I love working from home plus there is more space and I own the building.

We have a fully functioning show room, a repair shop to die for and the testing facility's.

We also have a smaller satelight store in Cape town itself and a factory in an industrial area in epping, we share this facility with a roto molding company who produces our molds.

 

As for my spelling My  apologies , I am dyslexic  and I still battle with it after all these years so my apologies for you having to correct my spelling.  

 

Yes "your store" (Do you actually own it or just work there)(I own mine debt free too) probably does gross more income than I do , you do after all live in the USA were there are allot more customers but we do just fine enough for me to enjoy life and afford jsut about any thing I want to have. 

 

I will happily post some pics of what I have designed, if you can wai a few months I can even post some pics of what I am busy with now but its not released yet.

 

My attack was aimed at you as you attacked every one of us who does know what we are talking about.

 


Post# 159594 , Reply# 9   11/21/2011 at 12:13 (4,511 days old) by scvacuumguy (SC)        

scvacuumguy's profile picture
I own my store- check it out on manta.com, we even have a (crappy) website that is in the process of being overhauled, vacuums-etc.com. You will notice that it is owned by parent company, Buddy Nash Holdings, LLC. I am the owner of the holdings company that owns the store. We employ 6 people. 2 repairmen (not including myself), 1 salesman (not including myself), 1 CV estimator and installer, and 1 assistant for me to do books and stuff for my holdings company. I'd love for you to come visit sometime when you are in the US on engineering business. We have been in business for over 40 years now.

I kind of figured you would not have any pictures of your facility. Then again, you sure do spend a ton of time talking, but not ever showing to back things up. I think at your age, you feel like you have a good bit to prove. Really, it doesn't take much to know more than the guys on here. I've been in the vacuum field since I was 14. A number of guys on the forum know me in person and via phone- I've sold products to several and given advice to several over the phone as well.

I'm not sure what you are asking me to prove, be it my knowledge, or my store. I was simply making a comment that most people realize on here that there are very few "expert" opinions.

Sorry for your dyslexia. I am a members of PDA People against Dyslexia. I hope your issue doesn't affect your great designs and prototype making that you claim to do constantly. If you were as good of an engineer as you claim to be- Im not even sure why you would have the time to do all of these repairs out of your garage. Guess you can chalk it up to the economy :-(



Post# 159595 , Reply# 10   11/21/2011 at 12:16 (4,511 days old) by scvacuumguy (SC)        

scvacuumguy's profile picture
I am going to withdraw from this pi$$ing match until you can come up with some photos or websites to back up what you are saying. Until then, you are just an anonymous guy who loves to talk about himself working out of his house repairing vacuums.

Post# 159599 , Reply# 11   11/21/2011 at 12:52 (4,511 days old) by gsheen (Cape Town South Africa)        

gsheen's profile picture

I have two techs working for me aswell , I have always wanted to get into domestic central vacuums but never had the chance plus most houses out here are brick or concrete  which makes the instillation cost very high. we get beam here as well as a few others but on average it costs $ 11000.00 to fit one , its insane.

 

I only do some designing these days , not allot mainly small things like redesingning motor mounts to accept newer( Cheaper :( ) motors for one or two companysthat still produce models in SA 

 

I have attached a photo of one Electrolux wet&dry that i helped to develope with other people when I woked at Electrolux cape town , Its a team effort 

 

Most of my designing had to do with adapting motors to fit machines and the study of air flow and so on, I spent most of my time developing air flow chambers, and slip streaming the air flow, Its amazing how 2mm can change a vacuums suction from good to fantastic.

 

I saw your website , not that crappy ours is almost finished what fun that has been.

 

I will happily send you pics when I can find some, I looked at some now but they have machines that have not been released on our market yet. a number of years ago I did proper designing but now its more testing and improving products for our market. things can take a bit o a bashing in SA. 

 

I am a workaholic and I suffer from a form of insomnia so I don't sleep much. I love what I do and I miss working on the machines my self allot. 

 

I do not do any engineering projects outside of SA as I said its a small part of my business, but I would love to come over and see your place, I love learning and you are obviously quiet knowledgeable 

 

 

 

As for asking you to prove any thing i am not , Your comment was there is really No expert opinion on here. there is so you were wrong in saying that thinking that you are the only one who is an expert.

 

I have no problem with you your self I enjoy your point of view some times but you need to realise that you are not the only one who is an expert.


Post# 159600 , Reply# 12   11/21/2011 at 12:52 (4,511 days old) by HooverCelebrity (Germany)        

I'm warning both of you...

This is unwanted drama on VacuumLand. Cut it out. If you want to bicker about who knows what, take it to your own email.

Fred


Post# 159601 , Reply# 13   11/21/2011 at 13:00 (4,511 days old) by gsheen (Cape Town South Africa)        

gsheen's profile picture

The very  first truck mount carpet cleaner I built , beast of a machine , used a toyota 1.6l 4 cyclinder engine from a 2002 corrola to rum the water and vacuum pumps. sucked so well it crushed a 55g drum when I was testing its suction, the noise was horrendous   


Post# 159602 , Reply# 14   11/21/2011 at 13:01 (4,511 days old) by gsheen (Cape Town South Africa)        

gsheen's profile picture

sorry Fred only saw your post after I posted this .


Post# 159603 , Reply# 15   11/21/2011 at 13:34 (4,511 days old) by gsheen (Cape Town South Africa)        

gsheen's profile picture

I apologies for offending any one on the forum including Christopher

 

Gareth  


Post# 159607 , Reply# 16   11/21/2011 at 13:50 (4,511 days old) by lunchboxsean ()        

From my experience, both of you guys are very knowledgeable and helpful people. I have only been in the vacuum sales/repair world for a short time and both of you have helped me many times and I appreciate it. To most people commenting on this, I would bring to attention that gsheen is located in Cape Town, South Africa and many brands can be very difficult to impossible to get down there. What I do know of his experience is that his business is a professional outfit and that they are either the only or one of a very few authorized warranty repair facilities in South Africa for Dyson. That alone is enough for me to believe that he knows what he is talking about.

In my opinion, the Kirby is a better deep cleaner than many Sanitaires simply because I am not a fan of the beater bar strategy and I find Kirby brush rolls to be very very good. I do, however, own a nice Sanitaire myself, and applaud it for it's simplicity, durability, ease of use and especially for its noise level. The Sanitaires I have used have always been very quiet and even the noise they do make is a nice low tone that is not like the shrieking that many vacs do.

For the record, I am one of those non-professional opinionated enthusiasts, and I do have a penchant for a couple brands, Kirby, Fantom, etc. I don't think, though, that this doesn't mean I can't contribute to conversation and I even like to think that I make a good point every now and then.

Thank you both for your help in the past and look forward to good conversation in the future. I hope I haven't ruffled too many feathers.


Post# 159610 , Reply# 17   11/21/2011 at 14:13 (4,511 days old) by gsheen (Cape Town South Africa)        

gsheen's profile picture

Thank you , I think I just got carried away a bit , yes we are the only official dyson repair agent in SA but thats neither here nor there. I was arrogant and I apologise.

 

many brands are very difficult to get here . we get

 

Electrolux ( eureka to you guys ) 1 upright  6 canister

AEG ( electrolux to you guys ) 6 models all canister

samsung 2 uprights 4 canisters

dyson 2 uprights 2 canisters

LG ( what you guys call hoover , well some of it)

Nilfisk canisters

Karcher wet&dry 

wap wet& dry

Hoover ( cheap rubbish not even tti) canisters 1 upright

Bissell 3 uprights 3 canisters 3 deep cleaners 

vorwerk 1 model

Kirby 

Rainbow 

Russelhobs 2 canisters 

Morphy Richards 3 canisters

Miele 2 uprights 6 canisters if you can find them

sebo 7 uprights sold in one store in the whole of Cape Town

 

there are some other brands but much cheaper Chinese imports.  

 


Post# 159612 , Reply# 18   11/21/2011 at 14:23 (4,511 days old) by scvacuumguy (SC)        

scvacuumguy's profile picture
With a pic like that Sean, who could get their feathers even remotely ruffled :-)

Post# 159613 , Reply# 19   11/21/2011 at 14:28 (4,511 days old) by gsheen (Cape Town South Africa)        

gsheen's profile picture

Christopher 

 

My apologies  for starting this , I should have kept my big mouth shut. 

Gareth 


Post# 159614 , Reply# 20   11/21/2011 at 14:39 (4,511 days old) by lunchboxsean ()        

You see! Now some of those brands that gsheen listed we can't find to save our life out here.

AEG, Nilfisk, Karcher, Wap, Vorwerk, Russelhobs, Morphy Richards, Sebo

Most of us on this site are familiar with these brands because of our vac-psychoses but they are either impossible or nearly so to get in America. Not to mention that we don't really get any cool Hoovers over here like the Slolam, etc. Why wouldn't Hoover want to have a competitor to the DC24 in America???


Post# 159623 , Reply# 21   11/21/2011 at 16:33 (4,511 days old) by baglessball ()        

Because its rubbish! Haha! Well, the idea is nice but it's plastic can't take the strain.

Well that's all made for some nice bed time reading.. I feel bad for posting the thread.. Nah mind!

I would well prefer some of the models of vacuum you have in the USA! DC17, mucho jealous! The only thing that stops me getting one of those shipped over is the thought that if I didn't like it, what the hell would I do with it?

I keep reading that sanitaires eat belts? Is this true? I would find that annoying! I'm not a fan of ongoing costs, when I find a vacuum I like I tend to want to use it to clean all family and friends houses. It soon becomes expensive.

I think sanitaires over here have been bought by another company. Perfect I think they are called..

Also we don't have vac shops here! I live in a little village.. With trees and sheep. There is once local electrical store but the only have a few low end cleaners in. Most people round here buy from big department/electrical stores. I think I am the only person here who has a rainbow - Unfortunately as I think it's time her found himself a new home..


Post# 159625 , Reply# 22   11/21/2011 at 16:35 (4,511 days old) by Jakesvacs ()        
Best deep cleaner?

I think some of the best i have tried is the kirby g4 and hoover senior/junior ranges. They do esactly what you want them to do without any fuss. I also dont know why so many people think kirby hose suction is really bad my g4 is just as good as my dyson dc07.
I recently tried a hoover turbopower and dont think you can get much better carpet cleaning wise!!
I hope to be getting a turbopower plus and a turbopower junior soon. Going to pick up the turbopower junior someday this week and awaiting the turbopower plus to be brought out of storage for me.
Gareth; i think that carpet cleaner you made must have been really powerful!


Post# 159629 , Reply# 23   11/21/2011 at 17:18 (4,511 days old) by broomvac (N/A)        
Sanitaire IMO

broomvac's profile picture
3 things:

1. Sanitaires have much larger fans with taller and straighter blades than the Kirby G series vacuum fans, similar to what the metal Kirby fans were like, just a little better. The fan moves MUCH more air in the Sanitaire.

2. Sanitaire's VGII brushroll is brutal. Stiffer bristles+beaters makes it better than any Kirby brush could even dream of being, even better than the Kirby Sentria brush and the pet brush.

3. The Sanitaire bag has more surface area than the Kirby bag does, and square inches of surface area is a huge factor when it comes to determining pressures and airflow, so I find that the Sanitaire bag is much less restrictive on airflow than Kirby bags tend to be.

Another thing to note is that both machines have 7 amp 840W motors.

I am no vac shop owner but I have a G3 that I restored along with a Sanitaire S661 that I restored, and have had them for quite some time. I have observed that the Sanitaire simply moves more air and shakes the carpet more, so I find that the bag gains weight MUCH faster than in my Kirby when I use either one as my sole daily driver for a couple of months.

That being said, I find the Kirby more pleasant to use and still the 2nd best deep cleaning vacuuum over the 20+ that I own, so it kind of balances out. Still, in terms of cleaning performance, the Sanitaire wins!


Post# 159632 , Reply# 24   11/21/2011 at 17:45 (4,511 days old) by vac_whisperer ()        

First of all: We have a vacuum shop in my city that actually specializes in Sebo.

 

Anyway, now onto Kirby vs Sanitiatire:

 

You know Im a Kirby buff, but thiis is a pretty fair fight.

What it comes down to is this:

Sanitaire is made for COMMERCIAL cleaning, this means it probably is going to work best on commercial of berber carpet.

 

Kirby is madee for domestic use, (Although I do know places that use Kirbys as industrial vacuums, to clean corridors, offices, etc), this means it will do better on low-high shag, and berber and commercial carpet, and it also is more versatile, but I guess not what this topic is about.

 

All in all, I would have to go with Kirby, being more versatile on different carpets.


Post# 159635 , Reply# 25   11/21/2011 at 18:04 (4,511 days old) by lunchboxsean ()        

I didn't say Sebo didn't exist in America. I said: "they are either impossible or nearly so to get in America". Sorry to be picky, but I have personally owned over 500 vacuums in the last year alone and have never even had the privilege to actually see a Sebo in person. I understand they are phenomenal vacuums and would love to use and likely have one, but unfortunately the nearest dealer is 6 hours away from me... If they are anything like this little Miele I pulled out of the bins at Goodwill, though, I will instantly love them. I just wish the Miele had a PN.

Post# 159638 , Reply# 26   11/21/2011 at 18:15 (4,511 days old) by twocvbloke ()        

I'd say Sanitaire, Blender motor models are good for home use, and should last a long time, but the Pancake motors, being made for commercial use, would last forever in a home environment. And as current disposable-bagged Sanitaire models come with the ST filltube, you can have super-efficient filtration with the Filtrete ST bags, which are a lot bigger than the similar material Kirby bags, probably the biggest disposable bag for an upright vac available... :)

While I still like them a lot, I do see Kirbys as a "jack of all trades, master of none", all the functions it does are often bettered by other vacs, or power tools, or whatever, but don't get me wrong, they're still pretty cool machines to use and own, just not adecent deep cleaner really, I'm still using the "Kirby" logo background for my messages after all... :P


Post# 159639 , Reply# 27   11/21/2011 at 18:16 (4,511 days old) by joshdonnell ()        
kirby

i like kirbys better ! i have used both and i personaly like kirbys better. just my two cents

Post# 159645 , Reply# 28   11/21/2011 at 19:54 (4,511 days old) by scvacuumguy (SC)        

scvacuumguy's profile picture
"While I still like them a lot, I do see Kirbys as a "jack of all trades, master of none", all the functions it does are often bettered by other vacs, or power tools, or whatever"


David- you made me laugh out loud with that comment! Thanks, and I plan to use this when people come in asking about Kirby vacs...power tools!!!!


Post# 159653 , Reply# 29   11/21/2011 at 20:43 (4,511 days old) by thissucks ()        

well i work in a shop.

dollar for dollar the sanitaire is a better deal when new, they really do groom and clean well, however, they do break fans over a measly coin ocassionally, breaking the base along with it.

Kirby IS the best deep cleaner out there PERIOD, however dollar for dollar they are not as good a deal.

i purposely suck up coins, screws, bolts and what have you to test out its durability (with the modern "kevlar" fan) and the fan has not worn or broken after a few Em-tors full of coins and bolts.


Post# 159687 , Reply# 30   11/22/2011 at 04:43 (4,511 days old) by tolivac (Greenville,NC)        

I can go along too-the Kirby is the best deep cleaner for home carpets.Royals,Koblentz,and the Sanitaires are next.The Kirbys and Royals just get up the real fine stuff the Sanitaires and others miss.I pass on picking up the hard items like bolts,screws,coins,and such.That is abuse.Someday the fan is going to break-or worse-a hole will appear in the fancase.You would have liked the Royal abuse test-the Royal distribution Rep deliborately sucked several pennies out of his hand with one of the new Royal metal uprights he delivored to a dealer here.Both Bill and I(Bill was the vac shop owner)stated-"that would have destroyed a Kirby fan."The Royal vac suffered only a nick in one blade and another just very slightly bent.The coins were bent over and twisted after recovering them from the dump bag.He used the hose adaptor to pick up the pennies out of hand.The Rep even says that was abuse-but did it to show us how tough their metal fans were.

Post# 159705 , Reply# 31   11/22/2011 at 09:13 (4,510 days old) by scvacuumguy (SC)        
1. Sanitaires have much larger fans with taller and straight

scvacuumguy's profile picture
There's need for correction here. The Kirby and Sanitaire fan are virtually the same size, the blades on a Kirby are actually taller at some points. The Kirby fan is a much better built fan in general than the cheap plastic sanitaire.

Nothing against "Bub" but I do encourage you to do some research before making comments.

Please folks, do not post "expert" opinions if you aren't an expert....see pictures below:


Post# 159707 , Reply# 32   11/22/2011 at 09:33 (4,510 days old) by gsheen (Cape Town South Africa)        

gsheen's profile picture

Does any one know what the rpm of the motors are, I'm not a big Kirby fan myself so I don't have that data.

 

Its interesting to see how the sanitaires fan blades are not curved. That right there would lead to less suction but it would be able to handle debris better such as paper clips drawing pins ext.

 

The Kirby fan will move more air as it has a extra blade and therfore more surface area but that also depends on how fast the motor spins 


Post# 159711 , Reply# 33   11/22/2011 at 09:57 (4,510 days old) by lunchboxsean ()        

Here's a question that might shine some light on all this. What kind of Sanitaire did that come out of? Was it a Sanitaire Professional series (blue) or a Sanitaire Commercial series (Red)? I believe they actually have different motors and would likely have different impellers as well. Blue Sanitaires are essentially just blue Eurekas and are nothing special but a red one is a serious sweeper.

Post# 159712 , Reply# 34   11/22/2011 at 09:58 (4,510 days old) by scvacuumguy (SC)        

scvacuumguy's profile picture
They all take the same fan- that is the clear plastic fan that we put in the Red and Blue lines, the old (original) boss line, and everything in between.

The Kirby fan, of course, is used. It came out of a G5 that we were cannibalizing yesterday.


Post# 159714 , Reply# 35   11/22/2011 at 11:46 (4,510 days old) by joshdonnell ()        
Kirby

Doesnt matter if we are not all experts we still have the right to voice our opinions

Post# 159715 , Reply# 36   11/22/2011 at 11:51 (4,510 days old) by gsheen (Cape Town South Africa)        

gsheen's profile picture

:)


Post# 159739 , Reply# 37   11/22/2011 at 18:03 (4,510 days old) by aeoliandave (Stratford Ontario Canada)        

aeoliandave's profile picture
You are wrong, young Josh

2. Posting to the Vacuumland Forum is open to both Vacuum Cleaner Collectors Club members and non-members. However, in both cases, posting is a "privilege" -- NOT a "right."

And if the post is couched in thoughtlessly strident condescending terms meant (or perceived) to belittle and wound, you should not be surprised that it will be questioned (and possibly deleted, if enough persons take issue and report it).

Just sayin'

I read the first 5 posts before I left St Louis for St James. Interesting question.
I was appalled but not surprised at the turn it had taken, when I logged in a few minutes ago. Please, fellers, proofread your posts and intent before hitting 'send'...and turn on the damn Spellchecker every operating system has!! That's what it's for - to create a good impression of one's skills. Remember, this website & the Forums are forever in archives; Twittertweet Face-splats fade and are expunged in the misty-moist fabric of time.

All this in one day? How petty and unnecessary. At least the gentlemen principles have 'kissed and made up'.

Regarding 'experts', accept that some guys do know more than others so please LISTEN and comprehend. Flapping one's gums in outrage never endeared anyone to others.

Daddy Dave


Post# 159768 , Reply# 38   11/22/2011 at 18:49 (4,510 days old) by scvacuumguy (SC)        
Thanks Daddy Dave

scvacuumguy's profile picture
Here's a quote I live by:


"Never trust opinions of others placed on the internet. Always test their validity through thorough research offline"- Abraham Lincoln


Post# 159785 , Reply# 39   11/22/2011 at 22:43 (4,510 days old) by joshdonnell ()        
Kirby

Im might be young but im not wrong

Post# 159790 , Reply# 40   11/22/2011 at 23:24 (4,510 days old) by twocvbloke ()        

Dunno why, but the last few posts made me think of this sign:



Post# 159793 , Reply# 41   11/23/2011 at 00:07 (4,510 days old) by gsheen (Cape Town South Africa)        

gsheen's profile picture

Seen I was the one who started this mess by overreacting I will say the following. 

Yes Dave I do wish I could go back and delete what I said, I acted in hast and anger at a comment that I found offensive.

Yes I do use spell check but as  did say I am dyslecsic and battle badly with spelling I ofetn read my posts through three or four times before posting but didn't that day. Even spell check doesn't pick up every thing.

 

I did appologise to Christopher both here via email but he does have a valid point. Reaserch before you post. I often see info on here and think NO thats not right, but then again I have learnt so much on this forum too.

 

People believe any thing thats on the net especially Utube , I often get customers saying "but on utube it says this" I always respond by saying this " ever watched Mythbusters they would be out of a job if everything on utube was true"

 

this thread started by asking wich is better Sainitare or Kirby I know guys on this forum and off that swear that either one is the best. They are absolutly right because at the end of the day there choice works best for them .

 

I have used sainitares and think they are great , I have used kirby's and thought they cleaned well but I am not a Kirby fan myself ( will not the latest oneany way) and that has to do with other reasons.

 

The end of the day go to a vacuum shop and try out both, then make your choice. Which ever model you find works for you is the best for you if that makes sense

 

Cheers Gareth and I am sorry for making a mess out of this thread.


Post# 159794 , Reply# 42   11/23/2011 at 00:07 (4,510 days old) by Sanifan ()        
Red and Blue lines...

Sean,

Are you certain the motors in the Red and Blue line Sanitaires are different? I'm fairly new to vacs, but I was under the impression that Red and Blues were the same save for the cord (two prong polarized for the blue, longer commercial-length three prong cord for the red), the color, and some other minor cosmetic differences.

All the other specs appear identical, including motor amperage, CFM, and otherwise. It seems odd to me that they would specify a different motor for the blue line unless it were significantly cheaper.

I tried to look up the parts lists on the Sanitaire site but it required me to be on Explorer to access the info, and I'm in my Touchpad.

Maybe someone who knows for sure could comment? Thanks!


Post# 159800 , Reply# 43   11/23/2011 at 00:47 (4,510 days old) by Sanifan ()        
Blueline motor...

I was able to download the partslist of the Blueline. While it doesn't give the motor specs, it does give a part number for the motor assembly. It is 53349-7.

I'll need to wait until I get onto Explorer to check the partslist for the Redline. I suspect they may be the same motor unit, but I don't know.

Thanks for putting things right, Gareth. This thread kinda spun out of hand, but it's good we've all cooled down, now. This forum has been a great source of camaraderie and learning for me, and I'm sure for others, too. Let's get back to the good will and good discussion that makes this place tick!


Post# 159803 , Reply# 44   11/23/2011 at 01:05 (4,510 days old) by twocvbloke ()        

Sanitaires generally share the same range of motors (Blenders & Pancakes, and varying amp ratings from I think about 4Amps up to 7Amps), the cheaper end of the Sanitaire range (plastic hoods usually, varies though) generally uses Blender motors, and the shiny end of the range (the chromed hood ones) usually have the Pancake motors... :)

And as for the "what works best" thing, I used to use my Kirbys a lot for cleaning, and have grown up with Kirbys all my life too, then I got a Sanitaire a few years ago, wasn't convinced at first, but doing off-camera pickup tests of my own, I found the sanitaire to do better than any of my Kirbys at the time, they have more airflow and suction than a Kirby, they have better brushroll designs (Distribulator, VibraGroomerI and II), and they have huge bags for better filtration, yeah they haven't got hose tools as standard (and frankly, they're quite abysmal when they do!!), but, that's what a Tristar CXL is for... :P


Post# 159809 , Reply# 45   11/23/2011 at 02:20 (4,510 days old) by gsheen (Cape Town South Africa)        

gsheen's profile picture

Scvacuumguy could you post a pic of those fans from the side ?


Post# 159811 , Reply# 46   11/23/2011 at 05:24 (4,510 days old) by tolivac (Greenville,NC)        

and remember-the fans on Kirby "G" series vacuums changed after the G5-starting with the G6 they were using the "NASA" designed tapered fans-the blades trailing edges were lower towards the outside edge of the fan.And the fancase was tapered internally to match-this design has been used in engine turbochargers for years-and Meile vacuums (Vortech) motors have the tapered fans and fancases.My Tornado wet-dry vacuum has a tapered fan and fancase.So for the Kirby G vacuums two types of fans were used-tapered and non tapered blades.The lower trailing edge blade could less prone to breakage.Of course any fan will break if an object is wedged between the fan blade and fancase.Its just--will the object give in first or the fan?

Post# 159886 , Reply# 47   11/23/2011 at 15:50 (4,509 days old) by floor-a-matic (somewhere)        

I think both clean good; but for the canister person, a TriStar CXL will clean as well as the Kirby & Sanitaire. :)

Post# 159895 , Reply# 48   11/23/2011 at 16:45 (4,509 days old) by kirby (passadena md)        
kirby

i vote the kirby

Post# 159923 , Reply# 49   11/23/2011 at 21:07 (4,509 days old) by Vacuumfreeeke ()        

I thought this forum was mainly for vacuum collectors and enthusiasts, not experts... just people who love vacuums... and I don't recall the original poster asking for expert opinions anyway...

I think that the Sanitaires have better, more aggressive agitation (but some would argue that the aggressive agitation can damage carpets), while the Kirbys have better airflow... I like them both equally.



Post# 159926 , Reply# 50   11/23/2011 at 21:19 (4,509 days old) by kirbyloverdan (Egg Harbor Twp . NJ aka HOOVERLOVERDAN ❤️)        
I once managed an

kirbyloverdan's profile picture
Oreck store 5 years and owned my own Vacuum Sales and Reapir store 6 years. I am also a collector since the age of 5 (44 now) . I own many High end vacuums and at least one of every vacuum made since I was 5 . I know them all inside and out . What would I be considered ????

Post# 159962 , Reply# 51   11/23/2011 at 23:26 (4,509 days old) by gsheen (Cape Town South Africa)        

gsheen's profile picture

Dan  

Your way beyond expert, I think you are one of the most driven collectors I know.

 

I think we are all an expert in our own field. If you like something enough you will learn allot about it and what is an expert? A person who has extreme knowlege on a certain subject. I do not think you have to be an engineer or a vacuum shop owner to be a vacuum expert.

 

The wealth of knowledge that's is on this forum goes beyond expert, take for instance Gottohavehoover ,

If I asked him what color a Hoover 62 is he would be able to tel me what color , trim and date of manufacture that was my point all along. I just went about saying it in the wrong way)If I wanted to know about the orek vacuum i would ask you Dan. If some one wanted to know about dysons they could ask me.

 

Gareth 


Post# 159964 , Reply# 52   11/23/2011 at 23:40 (4,509 days old) by broomvac (N/A)        
Revising original post

broomvac's profile picture
scvacuumguy--

Good point. I really should have juxtaposed the two fans BEFORE I posted an over-exaggeration about the fans. I was simply recalling from memory, and the Sanitaire fan always seemed somewhat larger to me. I do believe that the fan blades on the Sanitaire are slightly taller, but I hate to say for sure, because my record has apparently taken a turn for the worse. Its hard to tell, but from the picture you posted the Sanitaire fan seems to be slightly larger in diameter, but it is hard to tell when they are side by side. One thing I do know about the vacuums that I do believe helps with the airflow in the Sanitaire is that the gap from fan to fan housing in the Sanitaire seems narrower as opposed to what seems to be a larger gap from fan housing to fan on my G3. (The base on my S661 is NOT a Quick Clean base, so I cannot say about the gap on the Quick Clean models, but I imagine it is similar.)

So, what could settle this and be helpful would be two pictures:
1. Fans from the side to show blade height.
2. One fan on top of the other to show which is larger in diameter.


Post# 159978 , Reply# 53   11/24/2011 at 07:51 (4,508 days old) by scvacuumguy (SC)        

scvacuumguy's profile picture
Expert= Experience, not just knowledge.

Post# 159991 , Reply# 54   11/24/2011 at 09:45 (4,508 days old) by kirbyloverdan (Egg Harbor Twp . NJ aka HOOVERLOVERDAN ❤️)        
Yay

kirbyloverdan's profile picture
I am an expert and I am so excited. It really doesn`t matter though as I am very comfortable with myself who ever I choose to be .

Post# 160004 , Reply# 55   11/24/2011 at 11:58 (4,508 days old) by Brandon_W_T ()        

Well this thread has taken the awkward turn or two.

After having owned many kirbys (G6, 3 heritage 1 & 2s, Omega, tradition, 518, d80, heritage 1, Diamond Edition, Ultimate G, G3 etc) and several sanitairs (SC888, S677D, etc)

I have come to learn that with my carpet, a sanitaire always seems to get down deeper, and pull up more stuff than the kirbys could. Especially pet hair.

Now the kirby was no bad cleaner or anything. They do what they do, and are great at it. On many kinds of carpet, they can excel. But my carpet at home, its not quite at its best.


Post# 160007 , Reply# 56   11/24/2011 at 12:30 (4,508 days old) by kirbyloverdan (Egg Harbor Twp . NJ aka HOOVERLOVERDAN ❤️)        
Consumer reports

kirbyloverdan's profile picture
always rated the Eureka uprights with the 6.5 amp motor as the best deep cleaners in the 80`s and 90`s . They always outcleaned the Kirby and I am sure any Sanitaire with at least a 6 amp motor or better would be a deep cleaner even though Kirby is my favorite out of the two .

Post# 160008 , Reply# 57   11/24/2011 at 13:21 (4,508 days old) by ralph123 (Little Rock, AR)        
carpet type

Regarding the debate, for what types of carpeting is there a difference between these 2 vacuums?

Post# 160011 , Reply# 58   11/24/2011 at 13:38 (4,508 days old) by baglessball ()        

Does any body..

Currently own both? Could you stick a carpet sample underneath both machine whilst running as see which draws more air through the carpet and vibrates it more?

Your hand-> the carpet sample-> the cleaner


Post# 160027 , Reply# 59   11/24/2011 at 15:59 (4,508 days old) by vac_whisperer ()        

I have a 1986 Sanitaire,(SC888) and 1997 Kirby (G5), I think they would be comparable.

Sadly the sanitaire is all taken apart, being restored. :/


Post# 160043 , Reply# 60   11/24/2011 at 19:04 (4,508 days old) by Brandon_W_T ()        

I have yet to find a vacuum that can lift up the carpet and beat it as hard as a Sanitaire. Its absurd to vacuum a rug with a Sanitaire, they are just too powerful for throw rugs.

Post# 160072 , Reply# 61   11/24/2011 at 23:24 (4,508 days old) by twocvbloke ()        

I have both, though not currently got a G-series, but, I've had the 4 main Kirby groups (500/Sanitronic type (D80), Classic (CIII & Trad), Heritage (H84 & 3x LegendII's), and Generation (G3 & G5)) while owning a Sanitaire, and all of those Kirbys, while fun to use, never cleaned as well as my Sanitaires (Electrolux C12 & ZC-880, and Sanitaire S663)... :\

And yeah, you can't really vac a rug with a Sanitaire, it just sucks the rug up into the brushroll and jams it up, it's a proper rug muncher y'know... :P


Post# 160079 , Reply# 62   11/25/2011 at 01:41 (4,508 days old) by gsheen (Cape Town South Africa)        

gsheen's profile picture

A few years ago we tested a sanitaire sample models that were under consideration for marketing in SA. It was a sc888 or 880 , as a bench marke we tested it against the Kirby sentria that had just come on to the market( the sales man was smiling quickest sale he had ever made).

 

I can't remember the exact results must go and dig them up but On certain carpets the sanitaire out performed the Kirby by a considerable margin. This was lab testing thoug not real life and thats what the data told us but it was interesting.

 

However what performs best for you is the real question, try and get demo's and try them out yourself , that way you will find the one that's suits you 


Post# 160700 , Reply# 63   11/30/2011 at 19:07 (4,502 days old) by pr-21 (Middletown, OH)        
Sanitaire or Kirby

pr-21's profile picture

Brandon,

 

I agree, Sanitaires are too powerful for throw rugs, however, they have a two speed model out now. SC 889A. I bought one for the motor to put into my Eureka 250, which I had a 7 amp one speed motor in, since the old 3.5 amp motor was bad. I can now vacuum throw rugs again like old times. I wish they would put the two speed back into their blue line uprights, like they used to have.

 

I still like my Kirby's the best, especially with the newer stiffer brush rolls.

 

 

Bud Mattingly




This post was last edited 11/30/2011 at 19:34
Post# 160764 , Reply# 64   12/1/2011 at 06:21 (4,502 days old) by kenkart ()        
Im not going to argue,,,,BUT!

A Sanitaire WILL clean better, BUT!! it is ,in my opinion, not well balanced, I have never seen one that didnt "nose dive" when you pull it backwards, The Kirby is WAY to heavy, but is a all around better machine, but...I personally dont like uprights very much, so my opinion probably doesent mean much..LOL! The only uprights I use on a regular basis is a 1964 GE and a 1958 Royal 801...And then only to run thru the middle of the rugs when in a hurry!!

Post# 160788 , Reply# 65   12/1/2011 at 15:23 (4,501 days old) by Kirbysthebest (Midwest)        

Just by my name it is going to advise you I am biased in my opinion.

I got into a flame war sometime ago with another member when I stated something beyond my abilities. So here it is my opinion, and my opinion only.

Kirby and Sanitaire are pretty much equeal in amps, where Kirby edges forward is it's air flow. Where Sanitaire edges forward is the availability of the Vibra-groomer.

I am not sure of filtration, but the older Sanitaires I used wer built more for commercial applications and didn't seem to have the filteration that a home model does. This may have changed and again I am admitting my limitations of knowledge.

I would lean towards my bias, Kirby. Cost is not a factor in many cases. First of all that's the asking price retail. No one ever gives retail. Second, there is e-bay, Craig's list, where you can get some pretty discounted, but good condition machines.

I think the best advise to try them both in your home and see what you think.


Post# 160848 , Reply# 66   12/2/2011 at 02:27 (4,501 days old) by twocvbloke ()        
"Cost is not a factor in many cases."

Up to $2400 versus up to about $500, that's a pretty big factor to consider...

Filtration on current Sanitaires, well, they use the Filtrete ST bags, which are huge, bigger than Kirby's own version, so more surface area means more airflow just from that alone, plus the bags are better at keeping the dirt in the bag compared to the plain and Filteraire F&G type bags. Yes, a Sanitaire is a commercial vac, but you have to remember, they turned a Commercial vac into a Household vac with the Eureka F&G upright series, a lot of which still outclean the competition today with tiny little 3.5 amp motors, and they're still selling the same basic design today, brand new with a range of different power & style of motors and a range of brushrolls...

Kirby on the other hand, their machines have gotten weaker in terms of cleaning, they're heavier than the likes of the Dual Sanitronic80 (which for me is about the same weight as my Sanitaires), and the fact you cannot buy them brand new at a retail outlet, just from someone cold-calling at your door and demanding a rather large amount for something that loses value so fast (I recall the Sentria sold at an auction house in Burnley, £80, compare that to the new price!!!). And you only have 1 model available, 1 motor to choose from, and many functions it's not really that great at...

If you want cost effective, simplicity, ease of maintenance, and performance like no other, go for a Sanitaire...

If you want shiny, heavy, fiddly to use, and expensive, go for a Kirby...

And something you might want to read through (thoroughly) on comparing a Kirby against a Sanitaire:



CLICK HERE TO GO TO twocvbloke's LINK


Post# 160859 , Reply# 67   12/2/2011 at 11:09 (4,500 days old) by kirbysthebest (Midwest)        
Cost

It's all in the negotiation power.
You get a Kirby guy in hour home, late in the evening, towards the end of the month, trying to meet quota. He'll deal. You can get that $2,800 machine down to $500-$750 arena.


Post# 160864 , Reply# 68   12/2/2011 at 12:34 (4,500 days old) by twocvbloke ()        

Or you could just go to a store and buy a shiny new Sanitaire without the need to waste time on negotiations, demonstrations, and clearing a room for the so-called "free carpet shampoo"...

Not to mention, when you buy new from a store, you actually get a brand new, with some Kirby distributors, "new" can often mean "pre-owned" & "refurbished"...


Post# 160966 , Reply# 69   12/3/2011 at 16:37 (4,499 days old) by gsheen (Cape Town South Africa)        

gsheen's profile picture

on that note of getting a Kirby for a bargan. I have always kown that Kirbys were way over priced ( no offense to any Kirby lovers ) in SA selling for at the current exchange rate $ 3629.00 , someone I know  of  just got one ( end of the month must meet quota) for $ 870.00. wow talk about been ripped off, and he nearly paid full price. I still told him he should have come to see me first.

 

We get so many people wanting to sell there sentria's and sadly most have  paid full price. Then they get so angry when you offer them so little for it , no matter how many times I explain it we don't resell kirby's we break them for parts. its gotten so bad that I have put up a notice on the door saying we do not buy Kirby sentria's as the customers just get angry with us. As I have said before its a good machine but its not $3629.00 good , for that money I'll get a nice beem central vacuum installed in my brick and concrete home with some change. 


Post# 163120 , Reply# 70   12/22/2011 at 13:12 (4,480 days old) by sanitaire (anchorage, alaska)        

I have a sanitaire sc899 and lots of kirbys in my collection. being a master of the custodial arts I lean a bit more tword commerical vacs. my favorite upright is my advance carpetwin 16xp. or for bulk pick up nss m1 pig, witch I can put a power nozzle on and have shop vac suction and power nozzle.


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