Thread Number: 24133
New Vac: Canister or Upright 		[Down to Last]

Vacuumland's exclusive eBay Watch:
scroll >>> for more items --- [As an eBay Partner, eBay may compensate vacuumland.org if you make a purchase using any link to eBay on this page]
Post# 269860   3/1/2014 at 15:49 (3,702 days old) by rosiembanks (Dayton, OH)        

Like so many before me, I'm looking for the perfect vacuum, and need recommendations. There seem to be so many different configurations, and I'm in a quandary even at the most basic level--upright or canister, though I have definite ideas about features I'd like to have and find useful.

My home is about 3200 sq feet--about 40% carpet, with the rest hardwood and area rugs (mostly oriental), also terriers. I've been using a dearly beloved Panasonic MC-6220, as well as a Kenmore Intuition canister. The canister resides in a secondary closet, does a nice job reaching under the beds, has a nice light on its powerhead and wand, but otherwise feels cheap. It's supposed to have a HEPA filter, but I don't know how effective it is. I like it more than I expected--I'd bought it because it was a great price one day I happened to be walking through Sears and needed to sweep under beds. The Panasonic has been a real workhorse for nearly 30 years, but now has a broken flat-belt (not a big deal) and on close inspection also has a badly worn brush roll, which seems to be out of stock everywhere. I have recently been diagnosed with asthma, so probably should replace the Panasonic's spot in the main cleaning lineup with a newer vacuum with better filtration. Does that mean I should only consider HEPA? Weight is an issue, as I have rotator cuff issues, but less so with more than one vacuum. (I should tell you that I have a Dyson upright in our vacation home and it does just fine--there I wanted a bagless so no one would ever be caught without a supply of bags. I don't want it for this house.)

I've been looking at vacuums for a long time, but haven't needed to buy before now. The housekeeper prefers uprights, so I thought I should look at them. But, I like the canister enough to buy a second one (not another Kenmore, however) if I can find a better one in my budget or that I can rationalize spending more money for. I'd like to spend $500-600, though if I have to, it could go higher. Here's what I'd like in an upright:
HEPA, light to see with, manual adjust suction, tools onboard (dusting, crevice, floor at min.), cord length+BAGS
My canister requirements are similar:
HEPA, light on power nozzle, light on wand, reasonably long cord, tool storage, BAGS

So far, the leading contender seems to be the Miele Jazz (is there a better S7, like the CatandDog)? The negative is the cost of Miele bags. Or, for much less, there's the Panasonic MCCG973, much like my Kenmore. Is it too much like it, or, did Panasonic do a nicer job with this one?--the reviews from "just folks using it" make it sound pretty good. Our local shops have very limited stock on hand, so there's not much to try out (certainly no Panasonics)--I've seen a couple of Simplicity uprights, and Sebos, only one of which had a light, for example. One shop had no canisters at all.

Thanks for your thoughts.

Post# 269863 , Reply# 1   3/1/2014 at 16:16 (3,702 days old) by jade_angel (Fort Collins, CO)        

The MC-CG973 is very much like the Kenmore, though usually the Panasonic-branded models are built a little better. They're pretty solid, and the filtration is decent (not amazing, but not bad either). My problem with them is that the power nozzle is rather lackluster. It's not bad, but you can do better.

Very high on my list would be any of the Simplicity or Riccar (made by the same folks, Tacony corporation) mid-size canisters with the full-size power nozzle, especially the new Simplicity Wonder and Riccar Prima, if your local vacuum shops have them. If not, the previous incarnation - Riccar Pristine or Simplicity Verve, are excellent. Both are considerably more expensive than the Panasonic, but of better quality. The Tacony vacuums have one of the best power nozzles in the industry, in my opinion.

In the same vein, consider the Sebo Airbelt K3 and Miele S2/S5 with the SEB228 power nozzle.

Between the three, I like the Tacony vacuums better, though they are somewhat louder. Also, for whatever reason, Miele doesn't include a light on the SEB228, although its third-party equivalent, the Wessel Werk EBK360, does have one.

For an upright, I'd give serious consideration to either the Riccar Vibrance or Simplicity Symmetry - they offer very good performance for the price. But, I'd personally skip the upright and go with a PN canister, given the floor/rug combination you listed.

Post# 269870 , Reply# 2   3/1/2014 at 16:54 (3,702 days old) by gm1982 ()        

Go with a canister based on the flooring you have. Any of the above mentioned are solid machines. I agree with Jade Angel.

Post# 269873 , Reply# 3   3/1/2014 at 17:12 (3,702 days old) by vintagerepairer (England)        

Is it not possible to buy a new upright and canister? For years and years my mother made do with a large upright cleaners even though it had no tools and we didn't have carpets all over. She managed with damp brooms & so on, occasionally borrowing a canister from someone else when she turned the house inside-out to clean it thoroughly.

In 1975 she was given a brand-new Electrolux upright, complete with full set of tools. She was over the moon with it, so much so that around 1978 she purchased an Electrolux cylinder to use upstairs & to use for deep-cleaning all over. Although the Electrolux upright was replaced with a Panasonic upright in 1995, she carried on using the cylinder right up until her passing in 1999, often commenting how she'd never manage without the both styles of cleaner.

Post# 269874 , Reply# 4   3/1/2014 at 17:16 (3,702 days old) by sebo_fan (Scotland, UK, member AKA ukvacfan, & Nar2)        

sebo_fan's profile picture
Based on the size of your home I'd go with the SEBO D4 rather than the K3 - it is made for smaller homes and has a smaller dust bag compared to the D4 which is similar to the Miele S2/S5 on bag capacity.

I can't speak for other brands as the UK don't have the same ones - however you get double the amount NEARLY of dust bags with SEBO compared to Miele's standard 4.

Post# 269880 , Reply# 5   3/1/2014 at 18:10 (3,702 days old) by Turbo500 (West Yorkshire, UK)        

turbo500's profile picture
Buying both a canister and an upright can often be expensive and impractical, especially in the states where a decent vacuum could cost you up to $2000.

I'm in agreement with the guys above, a canister with a powerhead would be the best option. That way, you have straight suction for bare floors and the brushroll for carpets. Personally, I'd stick with bags. Bagged machines tend to be more reliable. Sebo, Miele, Simplicity/Riccar and Aerus all have some great options available. As Rysn said, the larger capacity would pay off with the D4.

Post# 269889 , Reply# 6   3/1/2014 at 19:55 (3,702 days old) by panofan (West Coast)        

So I was in a similar situation - I bought a miele titan with the 228 powerhead. It seems to clean well, but the short hose & cord drive me nuts. I regret spending that much money and have been thinking about what to do :( I wrote off a lot of reviews talking about it thinking 'not me, it won't bother me', but it's a pain. In some ways I miss my old kenmore canister for the longer hose and cord. There is something to be said about having a vacuum that is designed for an american home when you live in, well, an american home :)

I ended up buying a kenmore direct drive upright (got a great deal on a floor model on ebay for $75 including shipping) for my upstairs because it was much easier than the new fancy $$$ miele that didn't really roll well on the deep frieze carpet. That's saying a lot as I have always been a canister person, grew up with central vac, etc.

I secretly like the kenmore much more than the miele, but can't admit it to my wife without a giant 'i told you so' ... sigh.

Looking forward to what others have to weigh in on and say here.

Post# 269908 , Reply# 7   3/1/2014 at 21:28 (3,702 days old) by rosiembanks (Dayton, OH)        

Thanks for all these suggestions--we're expecting a major storm tomorrow, so I'm researching online, and hoping to be able to shop locally Monday or Tuesday (more likely based on the forecasts). I'll check the Simplicity canister offerings, especially--one shop had none, hopefully the other has some. Looking online, the short cords are off-putting, as are the location of the controls (I'd prefer the handle, like on the Kenmore)--and their cords are so short! Like Panofan says, these seem like small things, but they drive you nuts--the Kenmore canister I have is really nicely designed in that regard (I wish it weren't, really--it'd be easier to disdain). I'm stuck on the light, also, having used my sister's Miele canister that didn't have one, and really noticed I needed it, whether upright or canister. Sebos don't seem to have that feature on their powerheads (when I look at the website)--am I wrong? No one locally handles Aerus.

Progress--I understand that I need to hold out for the features I want, I'll regret it, if I don't, whether upright or canister. I'd thought maybe the Miele upright had enough of the features to make both me and the housekeeper happy, and it may still be the case. I'll see if I can find a Simplicity or Riccar that meets my feature needs that is still affordable for me--I can stretch the budget only so far (to get the features I want may take about three times my $500 starting point); double maybe, triple is doubtful. Otoh, the Panasonic canister wouldn't be the end of the world, and could always end up at the vacation home, where I do need a canister--except ideally that location should have a bagless unit.

Thanks!

Post# 269932 , Reply# 8   3/2/2014 at 04:29 (3,702 days old) by sebo_fan (Scotland, UK, member AKA ukvacfan, & Nar2)        

sebo_fan's profile picture
The S7 upright might be more ideal for you since some models do have an LED light and you can clean hard floors with it as it does have a brush on/off. However if you have stairs in your home, then you'll be lugging the machine up and down.

The SEBO D4 has a mega long cord - twice the length nearly than Miele's canister vacs - and a slightly longer hose.

Post# 269953 , Reply# 9   3/2/2014 at 11:50 (3,701 days old) by jade_angel (Fort Collins, CO)        

The Sebo D4 would be a good call - my only reservation is the lack of a light on the PN, which the Simplicity/Riccar PNs do have. That said, the Sebo has a bigger bag than the Riccars, and it's quieter.

Post# 269964 , Reply# 10   3/2/2014 at 13:21 (3,701 days old) by rosiembanks (Dayton, OH)        

The Sebo D4 looks like a great canister--lots to love about it, though the lack of headlight might well drive me nuts. Other things being so well-thought out, I'm surprised it's missing. The Simplicity Wonder and Riccar Prima might be real contenders--I'd really like to see either one of them in person. I'll want to check cord length. It's too bad there's so little information available online yet.

I would love to have both an upright and a canister--it's like having the proper tools for the job. But the cash outlay for both is cost-prohibitive at the moment.

I do have stairs. My Kenmore canister isn't going anywhere just yet, and does an okay job, so it may be that I buy an S7 upright now to keep the housekeeper happy, and limp along with those two until such time as the budget allows.

Thanks again!


Post# 269987 , Reply# 11   3/2/2014 at 16:35 (3,701 days old) by sebo_fan (Scotland, UK, member AKA ukvacfan, & Nar2)        

sebo_fan's profile picture
Being European, our vacs don't tend to have lights on them (some do like Miele's S7 but that was designed for the U.S market in mind) and SEBO don't go down that route because its one thing more to go wrong or require replacing.

Post# 270039 , Reply# 12   3/3/2014 at 01:17 (3,701 days old) by sleepdoc (St. Louis, MO)        
My suggestions

 sleepdoc's profile picture
Try a Simplicity Moxie or Riccar Impeccable. They're full-size, incredible machines. They're the same vacuum, just different names, colors, and trim. Your asthma will improve if you use this vacuum throughout your home and thoroughly clean every surface and mattress. You won't regret this purchase.

Post# 270042 , Reply# 13   3/3/2014 at 04:12 (3,701 days old) by kenkart ()        
Im not a "New vac person" BUT

 I agree with Sleepdocs comment, You just cant go wrong with a Tacony product...im even thinking about getting the new canister...and I NEVER use anything but vintage!

Post# 270049 , Reply# 14   3/3/2014 at 08:08 (3,701 days old) by rosiembanks (Dayton, OH)        

Interesting about the lack of lights on European models. That's how I feel about many electronic controls (like automatic height adjustments), just something else to go wrong. If I hadn't really noticed how much I appreciated having the light when I vacuum underneath something, like beds, I might not insist on it, but I truly value it--and in the nearly 30 years I've had my Panasonic, the light is still working!

So, today, I'll visit our independent vac dealers. The one with the largest supply of Riccar models is the one I like the least, having given me poor service in the past. The one I like the best (great repair work on my steam machine, nice and knowledgeable) is the one that has Tacony uprights, but no canisters--instead they have Miele canisters. A third dealer has Sebo and Miele models, both canisters and uprights, and other brands like Hoover.

Thanks for the vote for the Moxie/Impeccable--I'll keep my eye out for it during my tour. No one has mentioned the new Maytag upright, the MO2OR, which I only just discovered poking around the forum. I'm assuming that's because I mentioned the Miele S7, and because a canister is the better option, and not because it's much more expensive than the S7? I don't know that I'd find anywhere selling Maytags locally anyway--just thought I'd ask.

I'll report back.



Post# 270052 , Reply# 15   3/3/2014 at 08:53 (3,700 days old) by stricklybojack (Southern California)        
Go to theTacony dealer...

 stricklybojack's profile picture
that you like, and order a canister if that's your choice. Any dealer (worth doing business with) wants to serve the customer. I wouldn't want to give my money to anyone else. And placing an order for a vacuum should in no way be a problem. Your paying top dollar, mostly for one thing, service.
Don't be a doormate for lazy greedy A-holes, it only encourages them...ahem, imho.



This post was last edited 03/03/2014 at 11:11
Post# 270073 , Reply# 16   3/3/2014 at 10:54 (3,700 days old) by dysonman1 (the county)        

dysonman1's profile picture
The Maytag M1200 "MO2OR" is an incredible vacuum cleaner. We sell the heck out of them at the Vacuum Cleaner Outlet Store (at the Tacony Factory in St. James). I love the "Wow" bare floor tool with electrostatic pad, coupled with the extremely long 15 foot hose and full length wand. It's easy to vacuum the kitchen floor without having to move the upright. Or, I could simply shut off the brush roller and roll the upright over the floor. With a lifetime belt, tremendous cleaning ability (from TWO suction motors) and HEPA filtration bags that are NOT a fortune, you could not go wrong. At least see the Maytag before you make a decision. Being made in America helps keep 200 factory jobs in St. James. It's not the original cost of any vacuum that is most important, it's the cost to maintain it. A Miele cord costs $125 since you have to replace the handle assembly. A Maytag cord costs $18. The Miele's brush roller ($100) must be replaced in it's entirety (as does the Sebo), but the steel brush roller on the Maytag can have a new set of bristles, costing you $16.

Post# 270076 , Reply# 17   3/3/2014 at 12:05 (3,700 days old) by gm1982 ()        

Very nice, it would help if Tacony would distribute them, market and advertise them to the public. What's with the blank website? Until then, its an underground unknown brand. The dealer network and promotion of products are lacking. Miele are much more established nationally for now

Post# 270088 , Reply# 18   3/3/2014 at 13:29 (3,700 days old) by sebo_fan (Scotland, UK, member AKA ukvacfan, & Nar2)        

sebo_fan's profile picture
Sebo's brush roll for the X series in the U.S only costs $28-99. It would be good to know the Maytag's bag capacity per bag and how much you get in a pack.

I like the blue light on the front but I'm puzzled as to why it has to shine every time when the brush roll is activated when there's an LED headlight at the front already? Surely if you can hear the brushes at the front revolving you wouldn't need such a HALO UV light inspired secondary light? Or is there a UV light added to this design?

The hose looks very impressive in this video but without the machine actually switched on, its hard to see if the hose would retract and thus not stretch so far.






Post# 270140 , Reply# 19   3/3/2014 at 20:01 (3,700 days old) by rosiembanks (Dayton, OH)        

I've had a disappointing/frustrating round of dealers. The first dealer, not my favorite, but the one closest to my house carries Riccar, not Simplicity. We'll call it Bob's. I described my situation (just as I had here), and Bob told me I needed an upright because it would do a better overall cleaning job. (?) He showed me two uprights, the Retriever and a Premium Briliance . The Retriever is very nice, handles well, and is available for an attractive price. For a home like mine with stairs, he suggested I add a stair kit, which would include a longer hose and another head--always a bother to store, I think, and not a terrific dusting/upholstery brush (nylon) or floor nozzle. He steered me away from the other pricier model, I don't know why. I asked about canisters, and he directed me to two, the Impeccable and the Pristine. I tried the Impeccable, and it's a contender, also available at a pretty good price (more than I originally wanted to spend, but I think I convince my husband). I liked the controls on the wand. Bob didn't seem to know about new models when I asked. I also asked him about the new Maytag line (we don't have a separate Maytag appliance store here), and he said he'd heard they would be very expensive.

Next stop was my favorite dealer, Ket's, only to discover that Ket can no longer sell Simplicity. This is a change from six months ago when I was in and tried out a Simplicty upright. He told me someone else had come into the market and complained about him being able to order them, also. Ket then showed me Mieles. I discovered the S7 upright is taller and heavier for me to maneuver than the Riccar Retriever, so at least I know I prefer the Riccar upright! He reviewed the Miele canisters with me, too. And I bought a belt for my trusty Panasonic so that I can donate it to Good Will as a working vacuum. Ket had nice things to say about my Panasonic for what it was in its day--which is why I've kept using it all this time.

Last, was Dave's, the largest place in terms of the number of lines represented. Mieles and Sebos, but there sat the Simplicitys. Or, at least Simplicity Freedoms and one Jessie canister box. When asked about Simplicity, Dave told me that except for the Freedom, Simplicity uprights would be too heavy for me (I'm not a big person), that Simplicity canisters were big and clunky, and didn't plan to get any in, as the Mieles were just fantastic machines. I wasn't there to argue, but I have a new least favorite vac shop. He also wanted to know where I'd heard about Simplicity canisters--an odd question, but I told him I'd been researching online. I left as soon as I could, but it took awhile, as he was insistent that I see his entire presentation, and he didn't think 21 feet was a short cord ("their standard length is 18 feet" Yes, but. I have a new least favorite shop.

So--that's where I am at the moment. Tomorrow I'll call around to other area shops--there are some about 40 miles away, and see what I can find. I'll call Bob's, too--maybe someone else there will know something about new models. I get the idea that the Wow/Prima would be the ideal size and feature set for me.


Post# 270144 , Reply# 20   3/3/2014 at 20:14 (3,700 days old) by pr-21 (Middletown, OH)        
Did you try...

 pr-21's profile picture
Fussnecker Sweepers, they carry Riccar Vacuums. Uprights and Canisters, the last time I checked. They are on Salem Ave and another location on Far Hills.


PR-21

Post# 270152 , Reply# 21   3/3/2014 at 21:26 (3,700 days old) by rosiembanks (Dayton, OH)        

Yes, I did go to Fussneckers, the Far Hills location-that's Bob's. I'm not sure Salem is still open (not in the phone book) though the listing is online. They have a shop in Springfield I thought I'd call. There's a Simplicity place in Wilmington. There are also places in Cincinnati.

Post# 270215 , Reply# 22   3/4/2014 at 11:06 (3,699 days old) by dysonman1 (the county)        

dysonman1's profile picture
The Maytag M1200 is the perfect size for anyone. Not too big, nor too heavy, it features the longest hose Tacony uses on an upright, plus a full length wand (not half length as on the Miele S7). The retail price of the Maytag is $699. It has a very long cord as well.

Post# 270223 , Reply# 23   3/4/2014 at 13:11 (3,699 days old) by rosiembanks (Dayton, OH)        

The Maytag sounds terrific and I'd like to see it, but I can't find it anywhere in Southwest Ohio, and have run out of people to ask about it. Fussnecker is offering the Retriever for $599.95. Bob told me the hose would stretche to reach a 9.5' ceiling, which should be sufficient for me. I don't know why Bob would tell me the Maytag M1200 was going to be expensive, unless he really didn't know the price point.

It's frustrating when you can see the Maytags available in other places, just not nearby for you. I could wait a few weeks, but not months; I need a good working vacuum. I'm concluding I should buy the Retriever for $600, and later check out the Wonder/Prima canister when it's available locally. As for the Maytag, it may never be.

Post# 270236 , Reply# 24   3/4/2014 at 14:15 (3,699 days old) by dysonman1 (the county)        

dysonman1's profile picture
I sure wish I could show you the Maytag in person. They are made several hundred feet from my desk. Whatever you do, please make sure the model number of the Retriever starts with S30P. Those are the brand new models. You wouldn't want one of last years models since the new models were launched several months ago. The serial number will betray the age of the machine. The first two digits are the month, the second two are the year. 0314XXXXXX would be March of 2014. Maytags are not a protected line, so they can be sold outside of vac shops. Such as appliance stores, Maytage stores, etc. We sell at least one or two a day here at the Factory Outlet Store.

Post# 270240 , Reply# 25   3/4/2014 at 14:45 (3,699 days old) by rosiembanks (Dayton, OH)        

Thank you for the serial number advice--I'll be sure to ask! I've been calling around the local appliance stores about the Maytag, but have struck out so far. I haven't quite given up, but it's not looking promising.

Post# 270247 , Reply# 26   3/4/2014 at 15:36 (3,699 days old) by gm1982 ()        

Dealers aren't ordering new models from Tacony that fast. I wonder why? The website still is not up to date...extremely slow launch. What's going on, you have people interested in the newer up to date models and you cannot even get them out of the factory. makes no sense.

Post# 270266 , Reply# 27   3/4/2014 at 18:41 (3,699 days old) by veroroger (Vero Beach, Florida)        
Maytag M1200

 I have one and it's great! I ordered mine through Tom at the factory outlet store and couldn't be happier. Although, I really didn't realize it had TWO suction motors until reading these posts. That would explain the difference in sound from when it's in upright mode and tool mode. You really owe it to yourself to hold off (if possible) till you can try it out. The hose is very long and it doesn't suck back into the vacuum when you use the tools. And, it's located from the bottom of the machine to prevent tip overs. Quality tools and many options available. I never realized how convenient the full size telescopic wand could be. Great deep cleaner with a huge HEPA bag and completely sealed system. And....it's quiet to use so you still can talk while vacuuming or hear the phone ring. The power cord is something like 35' long and seems to be a heavier construction than what I've come to expect. Overall a great performer, quality built and worth the money.

Post# 270268 , Reply# 28   3/4/2014 at 19:16 (3,699 days old) by rosiembanks (Dayton, OH)        

That's quite an endorsement! I'll make a few more calls to some places farther away to see whether I can track it down. It is curious, no one seems to know anything about it.

Is this 2 motor that different from the Tandem Air System with its two motors? I haven't investigated the serial number yet, but were the previous year Retriever models very different from the current ones? Is there some reason I wouldn't want one from last year, if it's new in a box?

Post# 270344 , Reply# 29   3/5/2014 at 11:51 (3,698 days old) by dysonman1 (the county)        

dysonman1's profile picture
Tacony cannot make the Maytag machines (there are three models) fast enough. We ship every day's production. In fact, the entire line of Tandem Air vacuums have been revamped for 2014 with the new direct air motor and fan system. The new model numbers are S30 and R30. S for Simplicity. R for Riccar. 30 is the tandem air models. There is a Standard, Deluxe, and Premium. So the S30P would be a Simplicity Tandem Air Premium. The new bag system (with plastic collar, like a Miele Intensive Clean bag) is worth having, as is the new direct air motor and fan system. The 2014 models have the full size wand and extra long hose as well. So there is a reason to have a 2014 model.

Post# 270345 , Reply# 30   3/5/2014 at 11:54 (3,698 days old) by sebo_fan (Scotland, UK, member AKA ukvacfan, & Nar2)        

sebo_fan's profile picture
The Maytag sounds good. I wonder if it would ever make the UK under another brand.

Post# 270359 , Reply# 31   3/5/2014 at 14:31 (3,698 days old) by rosiembanks (Dayton, OH)        

Very helpful, knowing the features of the latest machines, and how to distiguish the serial numbers. Thank you!



Post# 270477 , Reply# 32   3/6/2014 at 12:24 (3,697 days old) by rosiembanks (Dayton, OH)        

I'm waiting for a call back from Mary Mossberger, the Inside Sales Manager at Maytag Vacuums, about a closer dealer for the M1200. When I couldn't find one, I emailed and received the info that right now the closest is 3 and 4 hours away, though in a couple of weeks they hope that will change, and there will be one closer, and she asked me to call her to discuss my needs. One thing I want to know is how much closer?

The other bit of news: the serial number(s) revealed that everything I looked at was produced in 2013--the Retriever, the Immaculate, and even a Pristine, which I looked at today.

But--and this is exciting: they had received a Prima! It had just arrived, and unpacked it. Pretty cool--I like the floor tool. It's so quiet! Nice and lightweight. The crevice tool is stubby, and a longer one won't fit the diameter of the hose--so you can't swap it for different one. I was disappointed to learn it has a wooden brush roll.

The Pristine is very nice, too, and would be a good choice for me--but, again, what they have is last year's model. They don't know when they'll be getting current year models.

They told me they typically discount the MSRP about a third. I'd wondered to myself whether the discounted price was trying to move last year's models, but I guess not. As I was leaving, they said they'd sell me the prototype. I'm thinking about that while waiting to hear from the Maytag person. The immediate availability of bags is on my mind for either the Prima or the M1200, for example--I'm not just collecting these, I need to use them.

Post# 270486 , Reply# 33   3/6/2014 at 13:43 (3,697 days old) by rosiembanks (Dayton, OH)        

Just heard from Mary Mossberg. The nearest Maytag retailer will be in Cincinnati, about 45 miles away. They should have stock in a few weeks. She reminded/cautioned me about service and bag availability from going too that far, which is something I do need to consider. I'd given her another zip code to check--that of our home in Michigan, where we spend a fair amount of time--but hadn't had much more luck with that, either, when she checked for local retailers.

Not sure what I'm going to do.



Post# 270490 , Reply# 34   3/6/2014 at 14:18 (3,697 days old) by dysonman1 (the county)        

dysonman1's profile picture
The Prima, which the dealer showed you, is a prototype. The brush roller in production models is Metal with replaceable brush strips. The dealer cannot sell that Prima. He was expected to use it and give feedback to the company.

One reason it's hard to find Maytags at the moment is they were just launched mid January. We are only two months in. Dealers (stores) are being set up every day. The irony is that ANY Riccar or Simplicity dealer can order Maytags. Any Riccar or Simplicity dealer can obtain the bags and repair parts.



Post# 270514 , Reply# 35   3/6/2014 at 19:23 (3,697 days old) by rosiembanks (Dayton, OH)        

They should't have told me that then. Waiting for the Cincinnati Maytag place makes some sense, I suppose--I'll call them tomorrow to see if they'll let me know when they get them in--it's a vac shop, not a Maytag appliance place. Buying from them, means I'll sacrifice easy access for bags or ongoing relationship for service that you get from a nearby dealer, though--you know, the every 6 mos checkup kind of thing is much more difficult to maintain when its 45 miles away. No easy answer. I'd be happy with a 2014 Pristine, I think, too, so maybe I wait for that. Or maybe, I wait for the Prima, if I go with the Maytag in order to have a good canister for under beds. That might work.

Post# 270569 , Reply# 36   3/7/2014 at 11:40 (3,696 days old) by sebo_fan (Scotland, UK, member AKA ukvacfan, & Nar2)        

sebo_fan's profile picture
What a carry on! I hope you are able to get what you want, soon Rosie.

Post# 270573 , Reply# 37   3/7/2014 at 12:28 (3,696 days old) by rosiembanks (Dayton, OH)        

Me and you both! Thank you! My husband thinks I'm letting the perfect be the enemy of the good. He may be right. If I didn't know about these nifty new features of the 2014s, I'd be happy with the models available locally. Instead, I'm feeling as though I should be waiting for the improved bag of the 2014 because it will be better for my asthma. So, yes--it's becoming a quest.



Post# 270595 , Reply# 38   3/7/2014 at 16:28 (3,696 days old) by sebo_fan (Scotland, UK, member AKA ukvacfan, & Nar2)        

sebo_fan's profile picture
I think the way you are going you should just buy a Hoover Tempo bagged upright (or whatever the cheapest bagged upright is on the market in the U.S) until the Maytag vacs come on full stream.

Or continue to just use what you have until those new vacs come onto the market.

Post# 271094 , Reply# 39   3/10/2014 at 17:14 (3,693 days old) by vacu-finder ()        

I would go with an Upright myself. If you are having rotator cuff problems, why lug a cannister behind you. Good uprights and reasonably priced are Panasonic, Kenmore and some Hoovers. And buy a bagged unit at least with micro filtration, no need for hepa, the micro filters do a very good job a filtering and the cost is a pitence. What I do is replace the cheap foam filters with the fit-all material. All you have to do is cut the filter to size. Voila you have a good filter on a cheap machine.

Post# 271120 , Reply# 40   3/10/2014 at 17:59 (3,693 days old) by pr-21 (Middletown, OH)        
I think you will be glad you waited.....

 pr-21's profile picture
I just bought a Simplicity Symmetry Premium, the grass green color. The two places I usually deal with did not have the one I wanted, so I bought it off the Simplicity website instead. In fact the vacuum shops didn't have very many models and I thought that was strange, now I know why, they are getting ready for the new models. I will tell you this, my vacuum is very nice, but I definitely would have waited for the updated bag change. The old bag change has been around for years with Panasonics, etc. In order for you to get a tight seal the bag has a rubber gasket inside the cardboard collar that you push onto a tube. Easier said than done, since it needs to be tight. I finally tipped mine on it's back and pushed it onto the tube that holds the bag.

Since I have had a Panasonic, and a Riccar before, I knew the bags would be like this. The new setup looks fantastic. The Simplicity website is pretty user friendly, you can select uprights or canisters and then a buy now will pop up. You will find the new bags and filters for some of the new models. The model above the Symmetry is already available on their website, along with the same models only without the updated features......They have about 30 pages you can look through for various accessories by searching with the list by part number. This will also show you all the vacuums available at this time.....

Hope this helps,

PR-21
Just my 2cents....


PR-21

Post# 271312 , Reply# 41   3/11/2014 at 16:31 (3,692 days old) by rosiembanks (Dayton, OH)        

Thanks for these recent bits of advice! I was thinking a canister is easier on the shoulder than an upright. (one's had surgery, the other is going). I think it's important that I wait for the updated bag. I'd been looking at the Riccar and Simplicity websites and wondering whether they were shipping 2014 models. Likewise, I figured if I waited a bit, there would be more stock available at my local dealers (although I don't think I want to go back to the Simplicity dealer that really just wanted to sell me the top of the line Miele). Where do you usually go near Middletown? Tacony told me the Maytag is coming to Kirkwood Sweepers in Cincinnati in a couple of weeks (the zip code they gave me is for the shop on Kemper Rd). I can wait that long to see it. Fussneckers has so little stock that I wonder whether I could ask them to order something for me, too, or at least let me know when something arrives.

So, I've spiffed up my ancient Panasonic (found a new brush roll, fixed the flat belt, washed the secondary filter), and it's functioning reasonably well. Between it and the Kenmore Progressive canister, I can hold out for either the Maytag or some 2014 model.


Post# 271324 , Reply# 42   3/11/2014 at 17:47 (3,692 days old) by pr-21 (Middletown, OH)        
I go to Kirkwoods and.....

 pr-21's profile picture
Kramer's Sew and Vac off of 275 take the Montgomery Rd exit and turn left. It will be in a shopping center 3 or so miles down the road on the right. If you have eaten at the Montgomery Inn, then you have went past Kramer's. These are the two I visited before buying online.....They both had limited stock and that must be because they knew the new models were coming out and trying to sell their stock.



PR-21

Kramers sells Riccar and Kirkwoods sells Simplicity.

Post# 271564 , Reply# 43   3/12/2014 at 20:02 (3,691 days old) by rosiembanks (Dayton, OH)        

PR-21: Thanks for the tip on how to find the newest dust bag models on the website. I spoke with Fussneckers today, and they say they now have some new Riccar models in stock. I'll check that tomorrow. I also learned that there's a Kirkwoods Sweeper in Centerville, although this one doesn't plan to order the Maytag line.

One comment I heard today about the Maytag (when i was making inquiries) was about the two motors: "They will draw a lot of power, and two motors will make it heavy. Plus, there's more to go wrong." I've seen similar comments about the Tacony Tandem Air machines elsewhere on this forum. Are they valid? Does any of that have anything to do with why you chose the Symmetry instead of a Tandem Air model?



Post# 271575 , Reply# 44   3/12/2014 at 21:25 (3,691 days old) by pr-21 (Middletown, OH)        
I actually bought......

 pr-21's profile picture
A tandem air model when the first ones came out from Kramer's. It did not hold up well at all and was expensive even then. Had trouble with the switch for the brush roll, hose suction through the tools wasn't as great as it should have been, and back then it seemed top heavy. I also had to go over the same area several times.

With that said, Tom Gasko not too long ago said that when they first came out they did have problems, but that was addressed pretty soon by Tacony. I actually did think about buying a new one instead of the Symmetry, due to the easy bag change, which they had back when they first came out, now they have made the bag change easier again. I get Consumer Reports and they rated the airflow with tool use as fair on the Tandem Air Machines and Very Good on Carpet,
excellent on bare floors, noise good, emission excellent, handling good, and pet hair excellent. This was for both the Riccar and Symplicity Tandem Airs. Not the new models coming out.

One thing about Consumer Reports, I use it as a reference only, they rated some of my best vacuums very bad......They did not rate the Symmetry in their report. I tested the tool air flow at Kirkwood's on the store model for the Symmetry and found it to be excellent. That made my decision.

If I am not mistaken, Tacony was coming out with a new motor...for the Tandems....
but you would need to verify that for sure.

Anyway that is why I went with the Symmetry. It is a great machine, but I would have waited for the new models, due to the new bag change feature.



PR-21



This post was last edited 03/12/2014 at 21:52
Post# 271628 , Reply# 45   3/13/2014 at 08:50 (3,691 days old) by rosiembanks (Dayton, OH)        

Thanks for your candor. Like you, when it comes to vacuums, I take Consumer Reports with a grain of salt (or sand and talc)! When I was last in the Riccar shop, I had the sense the Sales Associate preferred the Vibrance line of uprights but I didn't really spend time looking at them. Of course, if the Tandem motors have been redesigned, maybe it's less of an issue; something for me to ask about. The Riccar website shows new self-sealing bags for the Vibrance line, as well as the Tandem Airs--so perhaps those are among the new models the shop has received. I'll soon find out.

Post# 271642 , Reply# 46   3/13/2014 at 10:01 (3,690 days old) by dysonman1 (the county)        

dysonman1's profile picture
There ARE new motors and fans for the Tandem Air models. The fan has been redesigned out of "Kirby fan" material (polyphthalamide) and has wider spacing between the blades so debris (during bare floor cleaning) will pass right through. In addition, the new Tandem's have the new bag closure and charcoal pre-motor filter. They feature the new 15 foot hose, and full length extension wand.

The brand new Vibrance and Symmetry line both have five models. The new Top Of The Line (Ultra Premium) model features the dual fan DuraTec motor that powered the excellent 7000 series vacuums for more than a decade. With the new metal telescopic wand, the new bag closure, as well as the new body shape for easier use (not to mention the full bag light is on top, where you can see it), the new-for-2014 Vibrance and Symmetry models are fantastic.

Pictured is the Riccar Ultra Premium (in red) and the new M1200 Maytag. In House testing (durability and motor life) has been excellent. The factory runs a treadmill room, where vacuums run 8 minutes on and 2 minutes off, 24 hours per day until the motors fail. That way, we know exactly how long a motor will last. We can also test for carpet wear, as the vacuums are propelled by a mechanical arm across the same patch of carpet for the entire test. The sound of 30 vacuums running can be heard from my front porch (I live close to the factory).

Post# 271644 , Reply# 47   3/13/2014 at 10:30 (3,690 days old) by rosiembanks (Dayton, OH)        

Thanks for weighing in, Tom! Having the two pictured side by side doesn't help make my decision any easier--they're both beautiful machines! I know you put the note about the Bag Full Light in parentheses, but it's just that kind of thoughtful feature that can be a real selling point when you go to make a decision. I'm going to the dealer this afternoon--I'm anxious to see what they have.

I do plan to purchase the Prima when it's available. I think it's the perfect size and weight for me--plus, the right combination of power nozzle and accessories. I need an upright as well to keep the housekeeper happy. Do you have a favorite upright in the Riccar line? Or attachment set? I'm specifically asking about Riccar because dealer location is becoming a factor, and all other things being equal, it's very nearby.

Post# 271717 , Reply# 48   3/13/2014 at 19:38 (3,690 days old) by rosiembanks (Dayton, OH)        

So...I bit the bullet and bought a Riccar Brillaince Premium. Beautiful black (the better to show dust, I guess). The dealer had received just two of the latest models so far, this one and a mid-level Vibrance. I chose this one because of the two it had a true HEPA filter, which is better for my asthma, and I liked the accessories a bit better. The hose is 15 feet, and it maneuvers very well. I asked about the Radiance, and was told it would likely be heavier, which is not a plus for me, so I saw no reason to wait. A lifetime belt--hard for me to take in, really. And, I bought a supply of bags (they had those, they were almost surprised, they said they'd arrive in advance of the machines).

Thanks for everyone's advice--I do mean everyone's!

My husband's first question was what's to become of the Panasonic. I just laughed.

Post# 271827 , Reply# 49   3/14/2014 at 11:45 (3,689 days old) by dysonman1 (the county)        

dysonman1's profile picture
Congratulations on the new Riccar. Great choice. I'm assuming it's a 2014 model since you mention the 15 foot hose. When the Prima is ready for launch, I'll send you a private message. You could get one of the very first ones. They will be ready to go very soon - the factory is making Power Nozzles for the Prima this entire week.

Post# 271910 , Reply# 50   3/14/2014 at 20:27 (3,689 days old) by rosiembanks (Dayton, OH)        

Thanks, Tom! I paid careful attention to your advice, and how to read the serial numbers for production dates! I'm very grateful for your guidance with regard to this since it was important with my asthma to have the newly designed dust bag. So, yes, a 2014--a R30P, and serial number 0314001300. It feels good to use, easy to find controls. The only thing it's missing I'd have liked is a dirt sensor, and that's more of a gimmick, I suspect, but they're fun to have. I still need a floor tool and would also like to have a handheld turbo brush attachment, but it's probably better to use that in conjunction with a canister, so I may just wait for the Prima to get that.

Thank you for offering to notify me about the Prima--I'll look forward to that! It was so much fun to use! I can't wait to own one.

This is a wonderful forum. Thanks again for advice with this purchase, everyone.

Post# 271960 , Reply# 51   3/15/2014 at 11:19 (3,688 days old) by dysonman1 (the county)        

dysonman1's profile picture
Congratulations on your new Vacuum. We have developed a wonderful bare floor tool for the Maytag line, and it will fit your machine as well. If you'll send me a private message with your address, I'll send you one for free. All I ask is that you let me know how you like it.

Post# 272071 , Reply# 52   3/16/2014 at 09:06 (3,688 days old) by rosiembanks (Dayton, OH)        

Thank you, message sent. It looks like a nice tool, and I'll be happy to tell you what I think--I'm not shy.


Forum Index:       Other Forums:                      


Comes to the Rescue!

Woops, Time to Check the Bag!!!
Either you need to change your vacuum bag or you forgot to LOG-IN?

Discuss-O-MAT Log-In



New Members Click Here To Sign Up.



                     

automaticwasher.org home
Discuss-o-Mat Forums
Vintage Brochures, Service and Owners Manuals
Fun Vintage Washer Ephemera
See It Wash!
Video Downloads
 Audio Downloads
Picture of the Day
Patent of the Day
Photos of our Collections
The Old Aberdeen Farm
Vintage Service Manuals 		Vintage washer/dryer/dishwasher to sell?
Technical/service questions?
Looking for Parts?
Website related questions?
Digital Millennium Copyright Act Policy
Our Privacy Policy