Thread Number: 15878
Shark Navigator
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Post# 169224   2/11/2012 at 14:50 (4,429 days old) by szymonrules (Philadelphia, PA )        

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Hmmm.... I was just watching a Shark Navigator Lift Away commercial, and I was appaled. They went all crazy with the Billard Balls, comparing to a Hoover Windtunnel air, but they also compared it to a Miele S7 Tango! They said that they're more sealed then the Miele!!! UGHHH

Post# 169225 , Reply# 1   2/11/2012 at 14:51 (4,429 days old) by szymonrules (Philadelphia, PA )        
And

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They also promised a 10 year warranty! I mean I don't have anything against it, its not bad, but I mean REALLY?!

Post# 169228 , Reply# 2   2/11/2012 at 15:33 (4,429 days old) by sanitairered (Michigan)        

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Have you ever owned one? Perhaps you shouldn't be so quick to judge the product...

Post# 169230 , Reply# 3   2/11/2012 at 15:58 (4,429 days old) by director12 ()        

The Mieles were more sealed than the Navigator.

Post# 169235 , Reply# 4   2/11/2012 at 17:27 (4,429 days old) by kirbylux77 (London, Ontario, Canada)        

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One thing they don't mention in the infomercial is that although the vacuum is a Sealed HEPA vacuum, that it uses a WASHABLE HEPA filter! To me, that's a BAD thing, not a good thing at all! What's the point of saying it's sealed & implying it's got a quality filtration system when you're not using a True HEPA H12 filter, like Miele & Bosch?? Kinda stupid if you ask me!

Rob


Post# 169240 , Reply# 5   2/11/2012 at 18:30 (4,428 days old) by director12 ()        

I demand Euro-Pro go out of business. They make the worst vacuums in the world.

Post# 169245 , Reply# 6   2/11/2012 at 19:04 (4,428 days old) by joshdonnell ()        
Shark

Ive seen the leftaway is cheaply made . Dont buy it

Post# 169249 , Reply# 7   2/11/2012 at 20:01 (4,428 days old) by Vacuumfreeeke ()        

I too think most of their claims are ridiculous. The machines look and feel cheap and the longevity just isn't there.... it seems that the people who write positive reviews of them have only had the machines for a short period of time.

Post# 169251 , Reply# 8   2/11/2012 at 20:11 (4,428 days old) by kirbyloverdan (Egg Harbor Twp . NJ aka HOOVERLOVERDAN ❤️)        
I happen to

kirbyloverdan's profile picture
own a navagitor and it`s a very well built machine and does a great job at deep cleaning plus powerful suction/airflow .

Post# 169255 , Reply# 9   2/11/2012 at 20:37 (4,428 days old) by joshdonnell ()        
shark

i would have to disagree. ive used it . electorlux is better

Post# 169256 , Reply# 10   2/11/2012 at 21:16 (4,428 days old) by eurekaprince (Montreal, Canada)        

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Don't knock it too much. The build quality may be cheap, but these Navigators have actually performed very well in Consumer Reports testing. I know it's a little shocking, but the Shark/Europro people sometimes (not always!) come up with something that works well. I can't remember the exact details I posted on Vacuumland some time ago, but the Navigator is one of the better bagless machines, believe it or not.....

Eurekaprince Brian


Post# 169262 , Reply# 11   2/11/2012 at 21:28 (4,428 days old) by kirbyloverdan (Egg Harbor Twp . NJ aka HOOVERLOVERDAN ❤️)        
Josh I never

kirbyloverdan's profile picture
said it was the BEST vacuum out there all I meant was for the price and all the negativity about the brand I was really supprised at the quality of a machine that I used to think was junk . Brian is right the shark vacuum did very well in consumer reports . I now think that the current shark models are vastly improved . Remember Hyundai ??? now look at that brand . I also own the Shark steam mop and it is the best floor steamer out there . Most every friend and relative own a Shark steam mop. They always ask me what I think about the Shark navigator vacuum and I now can say it is a pretty impressive vacuum that has improved itself just like the Hyundai car brand .

Post# 169270 , Reply# 12   2/11/2012 at 23:02 (4,428 days old) by director12 ()        

This post has been removed by the webmaster.



Post# 169289 , Reply# 13   2/12/2012 at 00:10 (4,428 days old) by szymonrules (Philadelphia, PA )        
hmmm

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Hope I didn't create a lot of negativity it I did than sorry about that, but what I meant was that that shark makes OK vacuums that don't necessarily last lobut their claims are really over the top! I mean I know they're trying to sell a product, but they try their hardest to negatively impact another brand. Btw I have used one at my friends house a few times and we both thinks its really flimsy but it DOES get the job done and kirbyloverdan, I know what you mean with the Hyundais! Mtuy dad owned a 97 sonata and something broke in it atleast twice a week! Ever since than, he won't even look in Hyundais way! He says the only good thing about them is the engine! He says this even though his cousin just bought a 2012 sonata!

Post# 169313 , Reply# 14   2/12/2012 at 09:05 (4,428 days old) by sebo_fan (Scotland, UK, member AKA ukvacfan, & Nar2)        

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Sadly in my opinion, Shark vacs don't really make vacuums. A lot of them are Morphy Richards made in China models, or from other brands.

Post# 169320 , Reply# 15   2/12/2012 at 10:33 (4,428 days old) by redgeminipa (Altoona, PA)        
Wow!

Let's all slam the small guy! Euro-Pro has made some pure garbage, for sure. However, the Lift Away is FAR from garbage!

I bought my first one over a year ago. Mike's cousin now has that machine, and it's still going strong. She LOVES that machine! How much? Well... her parents & one cousin now own one as well, and they ALL LOVE this machine! My one cousin bought one, and guess what... SHE LOVES IT! Mike & I bought another one and WE LOVE IT!

We did a test in the living room: NEW Dyson DC26 "City" vs. Kirby Ultimate G Diamond vs. Navigator Lift Away... Guess which one was STILL sucking up dirt at the end of the test. Hint: it wasn't the Dyson. Even after the Dyson appeared to do all it could, we still ran the Kirby over the area several passes. The Shark was STILL pulling up dirt.

We got a new Dyson DC28 - $400. We ran it over a spot in the living room, and NOTHING was in the dust bin. So, we pulled out the Lift Away, and ran it over the same area. The SHARK sucked up dirt, that the Dyson, apparently, couldn't get. The Dyson was boxed up and RETURNED immediately. It was a $400 JOKE!

If you want to bash a company for false promises, you need to start looking at Dyson. At $400 each, the DC26 and DC28 are the biggest jokes to hit the market - trying to get a free ride on the Dyson image.

Did I mention the DC28 had to go in for repair the first week we had it for a failed power nozzle? Yeah... 2 weeks later it was fixed. Dyson service isn't exactly great, either.

The proof is in the dust bin, folks. Considering we got our new Lift Away for under $150 (!!), we'll take the Shark ANY DAY for the money!


Post# 169322 , Reply# 16   2/12/2012 at 10:36 (4,428 days old) by redgeminipa (Altoona, PA)        
EDIT

We returned the Dyson DC28 after it came back from being repaired, because it STILL wasn't pulling the dirt that the Shark pulled.

Post# 169332 , Reply# 17   2/12/2012 at 12:58 (4,428 days old) by sanitairered (Michigan)        

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I agree, my Shark is a terrific machine! Notice how the only ones bashing it are the ones who don't own it...

Post# 169340 , Reply# 18   2/12/2012 at 13:57 (4,428 days old) by szymonrules (Philadelphia, PA )        

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I owned it and it did'nt do a bang up job. I still have my DC07 and it actually still amazes me yo this day on how good it is, and I really don't like Dyson. Well, like I said before, sorry if I got anyones blood rushing!

Post# 169342 , Reply# 19   2/12/2012 at 14:48 (4,428 days old) by joshdonnell ()        
Shark

Well.... No vacuum is gonna remove all that dirt not even skark. I wouldnt buy it . But id say miele is better then anyother . Just becuase you go over the carpet with one of vacuums then another doesnt mean theres not gonna be dirt stil left in the carpet.

Post# 169346 , Reply# 20   2/12/2012 at 15:50 (4,428 days old) by kirbyloverdan (Egg Harbor Twp . NJ aka HOOVERLOVERDAN ❤️)        
Seems like I was trying to

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defend the Shark to unreasonable people but I just checked some of the ages and I now know I was trying to defend a well made decent product to children . Next time I guess I will only respond to the Adults on the site .I have over 39 years experience with almost every model ever made but learned more about vacuums as I grew up .

Post# 169349 , Reply# 21   2/12/2012 at 16:14 (4,428 days old) by vintagerepairer (England)        

Well could someone from the USA please educate this British Dinosaur into the Shark brand, because I've not heard of it before. When I google Shark Vacuum Cleaner I see a page of modern cleaners, all of which have been on sale in the UK under various names, and none of which cost very much to buy. In otherwords, they were at the cheapest end of our market and not a patch on the quality of bottom-end cleaners from years back.

Post# 169359 , Reply# 22   2/12/2012 at 18:38 (4,427 days old) by godfreys_guy (Melbourne, Australia)        
The lift-away

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is one of the best performing vacs I have EVER used. Although it isn't cheap here in australia (at $400) it is a really good vacuum cleaner. It feels relatively solid, grooms the pile well and has amazing pick-up. If you see the photo beneath, that is vacuuming just the lounge-room after about 4hrs before with the Sentria. The thing just mows along, it's quiet, and very manouverable. I know it prob won't last the 10yr warranty but even if you got 3-4 I could buy 8 of them for the price of 1 kirby!

Post# 169402 , Reply# 23   2/13/2012 at 05:44 (4,427 days old) by director12 ()        

I have noticed people bash the Navigator for not having a carpet height adjustment, and the warranties not being honored.

Post# 169458 , Reply# 24   2/13/2012 at 19:36 (4,426 days old) by szymonrules (Philadelphia, PA )        
OK

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I know I bashed a brand, but still, it was my honest opinion! I'm not saying that Shark is awful, but I just don't like their products. I hope no one takes this as a childish thing.

Post# 169477 , Reply# 25   2/14/2012 at 03:30 (4,426 days old) by vintagerepairer (England)        

I don't take it as childish, but I do wish someone could take the time to explain the brand to me, because as I delicately side-stepped around earlier, all the Shark cleaners I have seen on Google were of cleaners we've had in the UK which were potentially absolute tripe.

Post# 169481 , Reply# 26   2/14/2012 at 06:23 (4,426 days old) by venson ()        
Shark serves its purpose . . .

I have demoed Shark's Navigator and it works well and serves a purpose. If you need decent cleaning, don't have a lot of storage room OR a lot of money to spend it's not a bad option. I'd like it as a supplementary vacuum in a home of good size and would be more than pleased to have it as sole vacuum in a small apartment.

It comes with tools too. I have a thousand bucks worth of elegance and oomph sitting in my broom cupboard now but couldn't afford to spend that again in future. A cleaning device that sells for under $200 and meets my needs would sound mighty nice if I had to replace my present machine.

Vacuums that price low but offer satisfactory service should never be forgotten or overlooked. Nor should affordable refurbs of better brands.


Post# 169487 , Reply# 27   2/14/2012 at 06:51 (4,426 days old) by eurekaprince (Montreal, Canada)        

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Benny - Shark vacuums began when someone in North America decided to produce a very powerful handvac and promote it with direct marketing and television infomercials - especially during the Christmas shopping season. The hand-vac was shaped as a chubby, little shark and hence the name. It was probably produced very cheaply in China just when that country started producing household appliances for all the major American companies.

The little Shark probably sold very well. Because the English name would not go over well in French parts of Canada, someone decided to use the name Euro-Pro on the French infomercials in Canada. This is how the infomercial-driven brand was created in North America. I think the next tv promotion in the line up was the Shark cordless floor sweeper.

The cheap Chinese-made Shark handvac and floor sweeper is what launched this company - and it seems to have grown in popularity for those who buy their cleaning equipment at Walmart and Canadian Tire and Zellers here in Canada.

Consumer Reports has not given high marks to the latest Shark cordless sweeper (the VX3 has really poor edge cleaning and can't pick up pet hair very well). But it's tests show that the Navigator is one of the better bagless upright vacs:

Here's their summary of the Navigator Lift Away NV352 (the 351, 350 and 356 all received similar marks):

"Consider this bagless upright if light weight is worth a few compromises. Impressive carpet and floor cleaning and easy handling in a machine that weighs a mere 14 pounds are the high points. You also get suction control, which helps protects drapes when using tools, and a brush on/off switch, which safeguards bare floors and prevents scattered dust and debris. But tool airflow was just so-so and pet-hair pickup subpar. The LiftAway also lacks a manual carpet-height adjustment, which is better than automatic systems at matching the brush to the surface. And emptying a bagless vac's bin is a dusty, messy process. Among upright brands, Shark has been a solid performer in our tests over the past several years, though a notch below Miele and LG overall.

Highs
• Excels at removing embedded dirt from carpets
• Performs well when cleaning bare floors; ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and hardwood floors
• Excels in capturing all the dust it picks up, which is good if you have allergies or respiratory illnesses
• Has suction control, which helps protects drapes when using tools
• Has a brush on/off switch, which safeguards bare floors and prevents scattered dust and debris


Lows
• The on/off switch is inconveniently placed
• Requires manually emptying the bin, which is messier and sometimes presents problems for those with allergies or respiratory issues
• Lacks a manual carpet-height adjustment, which is better than automatic systems at matching the brush to the surface


Detailed test results

CARPET CLEANING: The Shark Navigator Lift Away NV352 does a very good job of removing the embedded mixture of sand and powder from our soiled test carpets. This is a measure of how well a vacuum removes the dirt hidden deep in the carpet and not visible to the user's eye.

BARE FLOOR: The Shark does an excellent job of removing sand from our vinyl floor, leaving very little behind and not scattering sand across the floor.

PET HAIR: This model does a fair job at picking up pet hair from carpets using its power head. The visual inspection of the test carpet following the pet hair test reveals traces of pet hair left behind and pet hair is caught in the brush roll.

USABILITY: The Shark is lightweight which is a plus when carrying from room to room. It also has a swivel head design for maneuvering around furniture. Another helpful aspect is its ability to detach the canister from the power head which allows for more mobility when using tools to clean. Its power switch is a bit lower than most on the vacuum's body."



Here's a picture of the "Shark-faced" hand vac that started it all:



CLICK HERE TO GO TO eurekaprince's LINK


Post# 169507 , Reply# 28   2/14/2012 at 09:35 (4,426 days old) by sebo_fan (Scotland, UK, member AKA ukvacfan, & Nar2)        

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VR - Shark have used a lot of Morphy Richards upright vacuums as well as horrible model that I once owned called "Vax Quicklite Widetrack." The current Shark Navigator Lift Away everyone is talking about is also being sold here in the UK. Unsurprisingly it's by Morphy Richards under the "Clarity" tag and "Never Loses Suction," rather elongated name now appearing on Amazon. (photo shows 73410 model)

However all the UK line up can be seen on site as well as video:

www.flixfacts.com/view/mediaplaye...

Video shows it going under an open stool easily to link how low flat it is - shame the rectangular bin would get in the way if I tried it under my open bed. Only one vacuum gets under there successfully - SEBO X series!

Someone else mentioned the Shark Steam mop - the purple one has been in the UK before under the unfortunate name of Daewoo and other Chinese companies. I nearly bought it but decided to go with the Hometek light n easy.

All Chinese made!




Post# 169523 , Reply# 29   2/14/2012 at 13:51 (4,426 days old) by vintagerepairer (England)        

Thank you for the replies. I know very, very little about cleaners made for the USA market, but the conclusion I am coming to is that we in the UK were used to a far greater quality of machine than those made for the USA market. I say this only because I read the messages from our friends across the pond and you seem so much happier with machines which I see as inferior to those we over here have become used to.

Post# 169544 , Reply# 30   2/14/2012 at 16:33 (4,426 days old) by director12 ()        

Um, Euro-Pro Fantoms are just as awful. And why did Euro-Pro focus more on Shark and keep Fantom as a sideline?

Post# 169595 , Reply# 31   2/15/2012 at 01:57 (4,425 days old) by venson ()        
@vintagerepairer

"Thank you for the replies. I know very, very little about cleaners made for the USA market, but the conclusion I am coming to is that we in the UK were used to a far greater quality of machine than those made for the USA market. I say this only because I read the messages from our friends across the pond and you seem so much happier with machines which I see as inferior to those we over here have become used to."

There are few American vacuum aficianados here in the U.S and, contrary to your feeling, I highly suspect there aren't all that great a number in Europe. Most of the thinking world goes for whatever works and is affordable. It's presumptuous to assume otherwise.

We have had quality all along. The long selling Electrolux Model XXX was a well-designed cleaner that sold for about $80 back in the 1940s That was a lot of money then but in comparison to present times, it stands proportionally way below the well over $1,000 being asked for the brand before and after the name switch to Aerus.

Nonetheless, we'd all like the auto, the vacuum, the washing machine or TV that offers stellar features, ability and bankable longevity. That is possible BUT the one thing overlooked here is that all that comes at a high price. Prices on better made American vacuums, Riccar, Simplicity, Rainbow, Filter Queen, etc., are over the top along with imports like Miele and Sebo. (By the way, Miele claims it prices high because it costs a good deal to bring us "quality".)

As for Chinese imports, it's hard to say no to the prices and also hard for government here to advocate a "buy American" campaign when China's holding around 1134.1 billion of the national debt.

While we spendthrift "aficianados" may lean toward snobbery by our varied perceptions of the significant worth in a purchase, the more economically concerned average vacuum buyer is only interested in getting his or her floors clean by whatever affordable means. Rationalizing high cost by allusions of buying ahead because of quality don't wash well anymore. The usual reply is, "Nice idea but it will have to wait a while.

I, for one, perfectly understand that. There's absolutely no sense in outlaying significantly disproportionate amounts of money for merely one aspect of household needs when you have other financial demands -- and duties -- like rent or a mortgage, utility expenses, kids that need to be fed and cared for. As we have loads of young people here hard pressed to find work while trying to get out from under tuition loan payments, even the single may not be free to indulge but instead also must make do.

As far as disproportionate expense is concerned, entertainment is what sells. What I've seen here is that tell someone looking for a vacuum that the model they're viewing costs more than $200 and you have to call for the smelling salts. However, show them a flat-screen television with a mile-wide screen that's well beyond $1,000 and they'll go for it despite the budget prohibitive price or inevitable indebtedness.

I have a Miele Capricorn and also had a Miele Tango I had to leave behind due to moving. Both were bought and paid for and thoroughly enjoyed. However, I have no doubt that there are brands and models two-thirds less in price that would help do the job just as well. I would never suggest anyone buy Miele unless they can shoulder the price of the machine and consumables OR, as I, have some mad money they aren't going to miss.


Post# 169599 , Reply# 32   2/15/2012 at 03:06 (4,425 days old) by vintagerepairer (England)        

Thanks for that. I do like the comment about the price of the TV set. That rings true for over here as well.

Post# 169611 , Reply# 33   2/15/2012 at 06:51 (4,425 days old) by sebo_fan (Scotland, UK, member AKA ukvacfan, & Nar2)        

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Lets not forget though Venson, where Miele vacs in the U.S are concerned, the model line ups consist of fixed priced products (old stock reduction prices excepted) that have had tools specifically linked to them.

In the UK department stores and places such as Comet, Currys and even Dixons allow buyers to custom build their Miele vacs, so they don't pay a higher price as U.S buyers are made to. Also the cost price of German products here in the UK may well look expensive but when compared to the U.S prices, by god the Americans are being pushed to pay MAJOR costs when buying any of the German vacuum cleaners.

But then on the other side of the coin, American products sold in the UK command a high price too - the cost price of an Oreck here is ridiculous when buying new and we don't get the latest models, either.


Post# 169825 , Reply# 34   2/16/2012 at 21:36 (4,423 days old) by sebo_fan (Scotland, UK, member AKA ukvacfan, & Nar2)        
"...Notice how the only ones bashing it are the ones who

sebo_fan's profile picture
Yeah, I don't own it but Im only bashing it cos they don't produce any of their own vacuums.

Plus they're all made in China- a big No, No apparently for U.S buyers. Suddenly though everyone is doing an Evita and "turning a blind eye..."


Post# 169841 , Reply# 35   2/17/2012 at 04:12 (4,423 days old) by venson ()        
@sebo_fan

"In the UK department stores and places such as Comet, Currys and even Dixons allow buyers to custom build their Miele vacs, so they don't pay a higher price as U.S buyers are made to. Also the cost price of German products here in the UK may well look expensive but when compared to the U.S prices, by god the Americans are being pushed to pay MAJOR costs when buying any of the German vacuum cleaners."

A great enlightening was being in Munich and seeing the Mercedes -- a prized luxury vehicle here -- being used as taxis. Our top of the heap American cars, like the Cadillac, are never called upon for that kind of duty unless they're hauling you around after you've died. (To be fair, way back in the day, specially built Cadillacs were used as ambulances as well as hearses.)

Well -- we do get to "custom build" our Mieles here too except that we have to pay piece by piece and at ridiculous prices. Kenmore vacs aren't made in America either but I can get a regular power nozzle, an electrically powered mini nozzle, bare floor tool plus all the usual attachments for $500 or under.

If they won't lower prices, I feel Miele should be fitting out its machines similarly instead of nickel and diming buyers. Most of its options are not of great use anyway. I do my car with no problem at all using just the upholstery nozzle and crevice tool. Why anyone would pay more than a hundred American for their so-called "kits" I'll never fathom. There's a new utility brush that I like but am not buying because it's priced at $40 but is actually worth less than $10. A similar tool has been thrown in as part of the attachment set of the top-line Kenmore can.

By the way, we're also into the UK for a nice piece of change re our national debt. I suppose over-priced Orecks are a way of shaving a bit off our balance. However, Orecks are priced too high here also.


Post# 169851 , Reply# 36   2/17/2012 at 07:19 (4,423 days old) by joshdonnell ()        
Yeah

But... I would rather spend the money thats gonna last me longer and you see the shark last 20 years lik miele . The reason becuse they are not made like a miele simple as that

Post# 169858 , Reply# 37   2/17/2012 at 08:26 (4,423 days old) by trebor ()        

"There are few American vacuum aficianados here in the U.S and, contrary to your feeling, I highly suspect there aren't all that great a number in Europe. Most of the thinking world goes for whatever works and is affordable. It's presumptuous to assume otherwise."

Venson,
One does not have to be an aficianado to know the difference between a high-quality and a low quality product. A careful buyer researches until he or she selects and purchases an automobile, an enthusiast or aficianado never stops looking because looking and acquiring knowledge is a hobby.


Post# 169859 , Reply# 38   2/17/2012 at 09:06 (4,423 days old) by sebo_fan (Scotland, UK, member AKA ukvacfan, & Nar2)        

sebo_fan's profile picture
Yes trebor, but until the internet came along, you have to admit that the whole nation and the world were less-informed - thus brands like Hoover et al used reputation and reliability to sell products, even if sometimes it was less than reality.

Post# 169897 , Reply# 39   2/17/2012 at 16:19 (4,423 days old) by trebor ()        
True....

however, the internet has been with us long enough to alter the way we shop

Post# 169964 , Reply# 40   2/18/2012 at 05:21 (4,422 days old) by venson ()        
Quality is great but not an issue with many buyers . . .

The internet's greatest boon is relatively easy access to useful information -- and facts -- regarding vacuum buying. Sites like www.pricegrabber.com... and www.nextag.com... help in tracking down best prices. Shopping the internet -- if you can buy and get free shipping can thus far defray or eliminate the cost of sales tax depending upon whom you're buying from.

It's also a great aid to many especially when a purchase bears some urgency. I found this out for myself when tracking down an induction cooker last week. In all of an hour, I got great information at theinductionsite.com/..., purchased the item of choice at amazon.com for 8 bucks below its usual lowest price offering and -- no shipping charge. And there it was at my door on valentine's Day. I am happy as can be. It works wonderfully.

Interesting thing that I learned was, as they stand to date, there's not a lot of difference in induction cookers as the technological principles are the same. With a few caveats in mind you can find one that will suit your needs at a nice price. I mention this as I discovered the same brand and model can turn up, site to site, at price variations that can run higher than $100 beyond the lowest you find.

Vacuum shopping for economical, worthwhile vacuums can be just as easy. The hard part is knowing whether you're paying in proportion to actual worth or what the market will bear. Not everyone can afford to buy with 20 years down the line in mind and are more than satisfied to buy whatever will work for now.


Post# 169965 , Reply# 41   2/18/2012 at 05:51 (4,422 days old) by venson ()        
To be clear . . .

In the real world, most of the folks I know own only one vacuum - if any. My use of the term "aficianado" refers to those of us who by choice and for whatever reason have several to many vacuums more than really required just to get one house or apartment clean. (One machine you can rely upon to take care of all usual tasks is also a strong indicator of quality when you think about it.)

I've been there and done that and thus am assured my sense of quality and judgment of a useful vacuum are sound. That said, I have also found that despite actual level of quality, there are many of the so-called better machines that many should spare themselves the expense of because it's not likely they'll maintain them properly. All the more reason not to go overboard.

I have gifted top of the line open market vacuums as well as niche brand models I'd bought only to learn they died some pretty ugly deaths -- in short order -- at the hands of people not much interested in maintaining them well. What did "quality" prove there?

Would that it were vacuums were more like the plants I keep -- they live in spite of me.


Post# 169985 , Reply# 42   2/18/2012 at 10:22 (4,422 days old) by director12 ()        
What A Relief

Um, how come Euro-Pro kept Fantom as a sideline?

Post# 169987 , Reply# 43   2/18/2012 at 10:35 (4,422 days old) by sebo_fan (Scotland, UK, member AKA ukvacfan, & Nar2)        

sebo_fan's profile picture
Um, how come Euro-Pro kept Fantom as a sideline?"

Well, if you were a cleaning company who brought Dyson's cyclone technology (merged or whatever) and caused enough publicity, good or bad, wouldn't you want to keep the brand name alive just to pull in would-be-owners/future buyers?


Post# 170014 , Reply# 44   2/18/2012 at 16:17 (4,422 days old) by director12 ()        

I was just saying, how come Euro-Pro focused more on Shark products, and kept Fantom as a sideline?


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