Panasonic Canister -- My Housekeeper's Choice

The model here is a Panasonic MC-CG902. It is essentially the same machine introduced to the market about 15 years ago as the original Kenmore Progressive canister vacuum cleaner. This is the original Kenmore tool set with individual full size upholstery nozzle, dusting brush, crevice tool and bare floor brush all stored on board under a cover. The power nozzle used on this canister vacuum is a CenTec CT18DX. This power nozzle was found on several Kenmore canister vacuums up until about 3 years ago also used as the Nutone CT650 power nozzle and many other central vacuum system kits. Kenmore originally equipped many of its TOL power nozzle canisters with this CT18DX power head, then eventually transitioned to BOL Kenmore canister lines when Kenmore introduced canister vacuums using CenTec's newest power nozzle the CT20DX. All of the CenTec nozzles are extremely similar. Same adjustment of 4 position step on pedal with large roller wheels that adjust up and down. The cleaning path is a 14" edge to edge agitator. One of the drawbacks is that the approximate 3/4" inch brushed area around the belt has no suction, so the dirt swept up on that side has no where to go. The CT18DX power nozzle is CenTecs upgrade to the well known CT14DX power nozzle shown in picture below!!

Overall these machines have terrific suction, and a powerful power nozzle with full size on board tools, a feature that is nearly impossible to find on other canister vacuums in the current market place. They are fairly durable but Panasonic keeps changing their suction motors and they don't last as long as they used to. Easy to maneuver, gorgeous red finish. Many vacuum shops that I've been to recommend this and other Panasonic canisters to customers. Obviously customers with a higher budget tend to be directed to the Tacony Riccar and Simplicity machines along with Miele.

****One thing I recommend on this machine along with any other canistera with a quick disconnect for powerhead. Over time, of being constantly removed and reattached, the power nozzle connection weakens and is not as snug. The lack of proper security to the nozzle results in a bad electrical connection so you may get a burnt plug with melting plastic in either hose to powerhead connection, power head to wand connection or both. Also disconnecting any wands while power nozzle or headlight is running GREATLY contributes to this problem. A way to help prolong the life of your wands and not have melting plastic is to purchase a separate set of wands strictly used for bare floor brush or other attachments and leave the power head continuously attached to the original corded wand set. The Kenmore hose is a universal size end so you can go to your local vacuum shop or online and pick out several different varieties of either friction fit plastic or metal spring button lock wand set to fit your machine and use that way. While doing so, I might also upgrade to a better quality, larger bare floor brush. The one on this Kenmore cleans a 9" path. While its performance is ok, you will find that in dusty conditions, the bristles on the included bare floor brush are quite limited and its an underperformer!! A horse hair floor tool will blow this one away and you can get 12" wide or bigger if you desire.

Very nice choice of canister vacuum, I would be a proud owner myself should I get one of these, and one day soon I most likely will!!

CLICK HERE TO GO TO Durango159's LINK


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Post# 210424 12/18/2012 at 16:30 (4,140 days old) by eurekastar (Amarillo, Texas)
Checkrate/Likes I picked this vacuum up about a year ago in a quest to find something my housekeeper would not destroy. I offered her a variety of vacuums to use, including a Tristar and a Miele upright. The Tristar didn't easily convert from carpet to bare floors and back, and the tools were always getting lost too. The Miele upright was too heavy (she's rather petite). I offered a Sanitaire upright with a 2 speed motor. It's great on carpet, but about half of my house has bare floors. So I picked up this vacuum for $199, and she loves it! I must say it's a workhorse too. It gets quite the workout at least once a week (or more if I use it). It's design is simple, intuitive, and easy to use.

Post# 210426 , Reply# 1 12/18/2012 at 16:34 (4,140 days old) by eurekastar (Amarillo, Texas)
Checkrate/Likes One of the things I really like about this vacuum is the bare floor tool. Just about every other bare floor tool that I have allows dog hair to dam up in front. I have two very hairy dogs, so that's not good. I constantly have to stop and clean off the dog hair before continuing to vacuum. The only drawback to this tool is that is small.

Post# 210427 , Reply# 2 12/18/2012 at 16:37 (4,140 days old) by eurekastar (Amarillo, Texas)
Checkrate/Likes I also like this power nozzle. It is height adjustment!!! I have some carpets in the house that free floating nozzles don't work well on. But this design is flexible enough to handle them with ease. The bristles are also stiff, tightly tufted, and spread apart so that dog hair doesn't get wrapped around like some brush rolls.

Post# 210428 , Reply# 3 12/18/2012 at 16:39 (4,140 days old) by eurekastar (Amarillo, Texas)
Checkrate/Likes However, I don't know why this thing has a headlight. It's actually pretty useless.

Post# 210429 , Reply# 4 12/18/2012 at 16:40 (4,140 days old) by eurekastar (Amarillo, Texas)
Checkrate/Likes This is what my housekeeper really likes. The tools store conveniently under the hood and are easily accessed too.

Post# 210430 , Reply# 5 12/18/2012 at 16:42 (4,140 days old) by eurekastar (Amarillo, Texas)
Checkrate/Likes Another really nice touch is the power switch. It's located right in the handle.

Post# 210431 , Reply# 6 12/18/2012 at 16:44 (4,140 days old) by eurekastar (Amarillo, Texas)
Checkrate/Likes Another nice feature is the easily accessed HEPA filter. It's easy to get to and remove. No tools required.

Post# 210434 , Reply# 7 12/18/2012 at 17:14 (4,140 days old) by FantomFan (Rochester, New York)
Checkrate/Likes *panasonic* My grandma has the kenmore version of this. It's exactly the same, except for a different handle on the wand. She bought it for $250 in 2004. I like it, but It is a bit heavy for her.

Post# 210461 , Reply# 8 12/18/2012 at 22:36 (4,140 days old) by vacuumfreak95 (Aransas Pass, Tx)
Checkrate/Likes You must live in Texas I see sand on the front of its powerhead. I Live in Texas as well and the sand here is awful! Oh and that machine looks great to be a year old not even any scuffs on the powerhead!

Post# 210496 , Reply# 12 12/19/2012 at 09:37 (4,139 days old) by rugsucker (Elizabethton TN)
Checkrate/Likes *All FOUR tools!* This is actualy one of the good Panasonic/Sears models of recent years with the 4(not 3)tools under the lid unlike even more deluxe,& expensive, vacs at the mall.A good buy for the money and avoids the troublesome telescopic wand.As above extra wands & wider floor tool is a good idea.Also teach to remove hose from wand when returning to closet.If hose hangs toward floor 23 hours a day it will cause more wear and cracks that when in use.The hose end can be repaired,and slightly shortened,but best to delay or avoid this.

Post# 210554 , Reply# 15 12/19/2012 at 21:35 (4,139 days old) by eurekastar (Amarillo, Texas)
Checkrate/Likes 1 *@ vacuumfreak95* Yes sir! I live in West Texas. This is what today looked like. Wind gusts up to 60 miles per hour. It's still a breezy 40 miles per hour tonight!

Post# 210468 , Reply# 9 12/18/2012 at 23:15 (4,140 days old) by Durango159 (State College, PA)
Checkrate/Likes *This is a recommended canister vacuum cleaner!!* The model here is a Panasonic MC-CG902. It is essentially the same machine introduced to the market about 15 years ago as the original Kenmore Progressive canister vacuum cleaner. This is the original Kenmore tool set with individual full size upholstery nozzle, dusting brush, crevice tool and bare floor brush all stored on board under a cover. The power nozzle used on this canister vacuum is a CenTec CT18DX. This power nozzle was found on several Kenmore canister vacuums up until about 3 years ago also used as the Nutone CT650 power nozzle and many other central vacuum system kits. Kenmore originally equipped many of its TOL power nozzle canisters with this CT18DX power head, then eventually transitioned to BOL Kenmore canister lines when Kenmore introduced canister vacuums using CenTec's newest power nozzle the CT20DX. All of the CenTec nozzles are extremely similar. Same adjustment of 4 position step on pedal with large roller wheels that adjust up and down. The cleaning path is a 14" edge to edge agitator. One of the drawbacks is that the approximate 3/4" inch brushed area around the belt has no suction, so the dirt swept up on that side has no where to go. The CT18DX power nozzle is CenTecs upgrade to the well known CT14DX power nozzle shown in picture below!! Overall these machines have terrific suction, and a powerful power nozzle with full size on board tools, a feature that is nearly impossible to find on other canister vacuums in the current market place. They are fairly durable but Panasonic keeps changing their suction motors and they don't last as long as they used to. Easy to maneuver, gorgeous red finish. Many vacuum shops that I've been to recommend this and other Panasonic canisters to customers. Obviously customers with a higher budget tend to be directed to the Tacony Riccar and Simplicity machines along with Miele. ****One thing I recommend on this machine along with any other canistera with a quick disconnect for powerhead. Over time, of being constantly removed and reattached, the power nozzle connection weakens and is not as snug. The lack of proper security to the nozzle results in a bad electrical connection so you may get a burnt plug with melting plastic in either hose to powerhead connection, power head to wand connection or both. Also disconnecting any wands while power nozzle or headlight is running GREATLY contributes to this problem. A way to help prolong the life of your wands and not have melting plastic is to purchase a separate set of wands strictly used for bare floor brush or other attachments and leave the power head continuously attached to the original corded wand set. The Kenmore hose is a universal size end so you can go to your local vacuum shop or online and pick out several different varieties of either friction fit plastic or metal spring button lock wand set to fit your machine and use that way. While doing so, I might also upgrade to a better quality, larger bare floor brush. The one on this Kenmore cleans a 9" path. While its performance is ok, you will find that in dusty conditions, the bristles on the included bare floor brush are quite limited and its an underperformer!! A horse hair floor tool will blow this one away and you can get 12" wide or bigger if you desire. Very nice choice of canister vacuum, I would be a proud owner myself should I get one of these, and one day soon I most likely will!! CLICK HERE TO GO TO Durango159's LINK

Post# 210470 , Reply# 10 12/18/2012 at 23:18 (4,140 days old) by gmerkt (Edmonds WA)
Checkrate/Likes Those are good machines for the money. As previously stated, Sears sold a great many of those under the Kenmore brand. I believe the floor nozzle is made by Cen-Tec. Sears used the same one with their brand. This machine in the Kenmore version (and other Kenmore canisters) is very popular with cleaning ladies. Meaning, professional cleaners who work independently. I've sold quite a few refurbed sets like this to cleaning ladies, plus I have several who bring their machines to me regularly for repairs. Most of these people have tried different machines and have settled on these as a preference.

Post# 210486 , Reply# 11 12/19/2012 at 06:20 (4,140 days old) by eurekaprince (Montreal, Canada)
Checkrate/Likes This indeed is the best choice of power nozzle canister for those on a budget. They can take those nice Kenmore cloth dust bags available at any Sears store, and can also take a Powermate Junior mini power nozzle if you can find a store that sells these. I actually love the design of the bristles on this bare floor brush - having a single strip down the middle allows the suction to pick up dirt both on the back-stroke as well as the forward stroke. The part I don't like is the neck on the brush - it does not easily allow for people of different heights as you have to keep the wand low to keep it flat on the floor. Hoover has a better single strip floor brush with a neck that articulates better - but you need to get the version that fits on WindTunnel uprights which provide a "female" wand connection for the Panasonic wand.

Post# 210531 , Reply# 13 12/19/2012 at 17:56 (4,139 days old) by fan-of-fans (USA)
Checkrate/Likes As others said, that's a nice canister, and much lighter and simpler than newer models. Eurekaprince said: "The part I don't like is the neck on the brush - it does not easily allow for people of different heights as you have to keep the wand low to keep it flat on the floor. Hoover has a better single strip floor brush with a neck that articulates better - but you need to get the version that fits on WindTunnel uprights which provide a "female" wand connection for the Panasonic wand." Actually, this is something Sears has improved on the new Progressives. The floor brush on them uses the same brush pattern as on the one above, but the neck swivels forward and back as well. There's also a felt pad at the back to prevent scratches and the bristles are horsehair. The lime and orange still use the older 1984 style floor brush like this Panasonic.

Post# 210553 , Reply# 14 12/19/2012 at 21:29 (4,139 days old) by eurekastar (Amarillo, Texas)
Checkrate/Likes *Another nice feature* is the way the power nozzle can be docked to the main power unit while it is standing upright. That creates a smaller profile for easier storage.

Post# 210603 , Reply# 16 12/20/2012 at 07:05 (4,139 days old) by countryguy (Astorville, ON, Canada)
Checkrate/Likes 1 'Another nice feature is the way the power nozzle can be docked to the main power unit while it is standing upright' You should never store the vacuum with the hose attached to the handle in the upright position as this puts too much stress on the hose where it connects to the handle which can lead to problems in the future. Gary