Thread Number: 25240
Miele S8 Alize vs. Sebo D1 Airbelt |
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Post# 283678   6/8/2014 at 10:55 (3,609 days old) by eurekaprince (Montreal, Canada)   |   | |
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I gave away our 10 year old Kenmore Progressive/Elegance canister to a friend in need. With the shifting around of our family's vacs, I may soon be in the market for a new suction only canister vac. We have two new Hoover uprights that are great deep carpet cleaners, so we only need a suction only canister to clean everything else (I prefer two separate vacs for the two very different tasks)
Looking at the new lines of Sebos and Mieles, my interest has focused on the Sebo D1 Airbelt and the Miele Alize. Though I know the Sebo has a longer cord (an amazing 40 feet!) I think the Alize has a more secure way of storing tools onboard. The Miele is also less bulky. There are three basic questions that maybe some of you can answer: From your personal experience, which of the two new vacs has better airflow through the hose for cleaning with attachments? Secondly, does the Airbelt sufficiently diffuse the exhaust air so that dust on bare floors does not get blown everywhere? In other words, does the Airbelt diffuser really work? Finally, ignoring the specs provided by the companies, and ignoring the length of the hose handle, which one truthfully has a longer hose? Buying the Miele will require me to drive to Plattsburg, NY because the Alize is not yet available in Canada. Buying the Sebo D1 will require me to drive to Ottawa because the suction only version is not yet available in Montreal. Both are a 2-hour drive away. The Alize will cost me USD650. The Sebo D1 (in a cool cappucino colour) will cost me CAD600. Thanks in advance for your advice friends! |
Post# 283680 , Reply# 1   6/8/2014 at 12:00 (3,609 days old) by pr-21 (Middletown, OH)   |   | |
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I have a Sebo D4 and a Miele S8 Marin. In my opinion, the Miele would have more suction and airflow than the D1, while the long cord on the D4 is really great. The hoses would be about the same length. I like the sebo tools better and two of them are stored in the back of the machine, at least on the D4. The dust brush is stored on the wand. I personally like the S8 Marin better than the D4, but that is just my opinion.
PR-21 Bud |
Post# 283681 , Reply# 2   6/8/2014 at 12:10 (3,609 days old) by piano_god (British Columbia, Canada)   |   | |
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Post# 283695 , Reply# 3   6/8/2014 at 12:47 (3,609 days old) by sebo_fan (Scotland, UK, member AKA ukvacfan, & Nar2)   |   | |
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I have a Miele S5211 with 1800 watts and a Miele S8340 Ecoline with 1200 watts. My SEBO D2 (UK model) has 2100 watts.
I haven't noticed any difference where pick up is concerned on all three of these models - all of them are as good as each other, although the Ecoline model is slightly noisier than the standard 1800 watt model by Miele The D1 Airbelt / non-power nozzle model has three cleaning tools stored on the back. I find pick up is better using the tools, particularly the triangular dust brush over Miele's similar round design. The brushes don't clog up as much compared to Miele. There should be 3 tools on the back of the SEBO straight suction model. The Canadian market model also has a turbo brush which is far lighter to move around than the Miele's air driven counterpart. Where airflow is concerned, I find there isn't much of a thrust from the Airbelt even when the suction is increased to the max. It won't blow dust around the floor when you find it will be quick to clean up and the SEBO doesn't really require full power all of the time. I find it far better than the top exhaust layout on PREVIOUS Miele vacuums - I am impressed that Miele have managed to diffuse the air slightly away on top of the S8 as the controls can be changed via foot pressing rather than constantly bending down and using my finger. In the UK, Miele's top ranges like the S8 have a 1.8 metre hose - the SEBO D2s (as we don't have the D1 in the UK) all have 2.1 metre hoses, so you get added stretch there. At the end of the day, whilst I adore the basic design of the Miele S8, the D series by SEBO is a bit better thought out. It also offers far better value for money too - you get 8 dust bags for the same price of Miele's 4 bags in a box - but of course this may be different in Canada. Hope it all helps you. |
Post# 283696 , Reply# 4   6/8/2014 at 12:57 (3,609 days old) by eurekaprince (Montreal, Canada)   |   | |
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Thank you Bud! That's very valuable advice. To me airflow is most important. I can always use an extension cord with the Miele, and once I replenish the bank account, I may buy one of Miele's Home Care Kits with the better attachments and extension hose.
The Sebo Upholstery Nozzle does not look as effective as Miele's. What do you think when comparing the 2? |
Post# 283697 , Reply# 5   6/8/2014 at 13:02 (3,609 days old) by sebo_fan (Scotland, UK, member AKA ukvacfan, & Nar2)   |   | |
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I prefer the SEBO design - it is similar to the ones supplied on the X uprights - Miele's upholstery tool with lint pickers are okay but they need constant cleaning. With SEBO's stiff bristles, they are located on a comb that can be taken out, giving two uses compared to the generic Miele design. But it really depends on what you are cleaning at the time.
If you are referring to Miele's 1.5 metre extension hose that fits onto the existing vacuum's hose, it snaps back too much and has wire coils fitted. I have one of those. I hardly use it. It is not as convenient as the design would have you believe. |
Post# 283698 , Reply# 6   6/8/2014 at 13:10 (3,609 days old) by eurekaprince (Montreal, Canada)   |   | |
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Thank you Scott and Nar. Good to keep in mind that I need to buy Miele in Canada in order for the warranty to be valid.
I hope the suction-only Canadian S8 will come in a nice colour. I love the colour of the Alize! Can't stand all the reds and blacks Miele sells in Canada. Can I hope for a nice basic white S8? Indeed, the crevice tool and dusting brush stored on board the D1 are nicer than Miele's. But I heard on a YouTube clip that the upholstery nozzle has a tendency to fall off it's nook on the back of the Sebo. |
Post# 283700 , Reply# 7   6/8/2014 at 13:16 (3,609 days old) by eurekaprince (Montreal, Canada)   |   | |
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Post# 283701 , Reply# 8   6/8/2014 at 13:28 (3,609 days old) by sebo_fan (Scotland, UK, member AKA ukvacfan, & Nar2)   |   | |
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It is friction fit only and it will stay connected provided you tighten it. It is a flexible rubber end so it does stay put, making it easy to unscrew off when you're finished using it.
I also forgot to say, the SEBO crevice tool is slightly longer than the one Miele supply and isn't as noisy when in use. Out of interest how much are the dust bags for the S8 /style GN compared to SEBO's dust bags for the D series? Id be interested to know how much they are in Canada. |
Post# 283702 , Reply# 9   6/8/2014 at 13:35 (3,609 days old) by sebo_fan (Scotland, UK, member AKA ukvacfan, & Nar2)   |   | |
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Post# 283703 , Reply# 10   6/8/2014 at 13:45 (3,609 days old) by piano_god (British Columbia, Canada)   |   | |
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Bags are $19.99 for the four pack, including the standard filters. A "Value Pack" for $35.00 is available that contains two of the above packages (eight bags plus filters total), as well as a Miele shopping bag. The above applies to both GN and FJM in Canada. Sebo bags for the D series are $30.00 for eight, but do not include filters. Those must be purchased separately. |
Post# 283704 , Reply# 11   6/8/2014 at 13:48 (3,609 days old) by sebo_fan (Scotland, UK, member AKA ukvacfan, & Nar2)   |   | |
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Post# 283729 , Reply# 12   6/8/2014 at 19:43 (3,609 days old) by eurekaprince (Montreal, Canada)   |   | |
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Thank you for all this input. I think I will now wait to see the new suction only S8 coming to Canadian stores from Miele. I may also wait to see what Consumer Reports has to say once they get around to testing all the new canisters that have been born in the last year (Miele S8, Sebo D4/D1, Aerus Platinum, etc)....
Love that little handle spotlight on the Alize.....what a great idea! |
Post# 283776 , Reply# 13   6/9/2014 at 04:01 (3,609 days old) by oliveoiltinfoil (England, UK)   |   | |
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So you are in Canada my friend ? Well I don't know about over their but I imagine its the same; miele bags are quite a bit more expensive than sebo bags. Sebo bags over here work out at just over £1 sterling, although the quality of miele bags are slightly better. They are tougher and don't leak as much (they don't leak at all, some sebo ones can, but not badly.)
I would go for the sebo. Replacements parts are easier to obtain and less expensive, they are easier to work on and in my experiences, sebo are quite a bit more robustly built. I had an S7 and was quite disappointed with the build quality. The switch "collapsed" as its called where it wouldn't stay on the "on" position and the plastic used on the lower parts of the machine felt quite thin and fragile. Put it this way, many vacuum shops in North America and Britain refuse to work on mieles because they are so awkward. The sebo may possibly be slightly cheaper, but I think they have the edge over miele. Regarding strait suction cylinders, I would imagine both are pretty much the same. I would go for the sebo my friend, although the miele is a very good cleaner. Not much to choose between them. |
Post# 283781 , Reply# 15   6/9/2014 at 05:51 (3,608 days old) by sebo_fan (Scotland, UK, member AKA ukvacfan, & Nar2)   |   | |
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Well, I think it comes down to ACTUAL ownership of both the Miele models in question and the SEBO.
For example, you'd never know you'd be able to reuse the SEBO dust bags, or indeed the filters on board... and in CANADA the prices for the bags aren't exactly the SAME for both models. I adore the Miele S8, it is a luxury experience. However, it is a luxury experience at a cost. Id be interested to know what CR say about the SEBO D1 if they do test it. In the UK, the equivalent base model, the SEBO D2 Storm has already won a Best Buy award from Which UK. |
Post# 283786 , Reply# 16   6/9/2014 at 07:14 (3,608 days old) by kirbylux77 (London, Ontario, Canada)   |   | |
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Brian, if I was you, I would pick the Sebo D1. I have 2 Miele's & a Sebo Air Belt C3.1 canister. Yes, the Miele does have a bit more suction & airflow- but not by much. Also, my 2004 Miele Red Velvet has been a nightmare to own! Since purchasing it second hand a few years back, the quick-release neck on the SEB236 has needed replacement TWICE! And the cordreel failed late last year & needed replacement as well. As well, I have heard the circuit boards in the canister fail long before the motor does, & are expensive to replace. These issues, plus the ridiculous cost of repair parts, makes me vote for the Sebo....which in contrast has given me NO problems at all.
Rob |
Post# 283787 , Reply# 17   6/9/2014 at 07:29 (3,608 days old) by eurekaprince (Montreal, Canada)   |   | |
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Thanks again for all these contributions to the discussion.
This is extremely helpful. You know, I am actually not that concerned about the comparative cost of bags and filtres. I do not (yet) own a cat or dog, and I live in a small rental flat. With both Miele and Sebo, I am prepared to invest in the right bags/filtres to keep the vacs running at top performance. But remember, my carpets are being cleaned by an excellent Hoover Platinum Bagged upright with an enormous bag. So my second vac may only need a bag change twice per year as it will only be used once per week for bare floors and furniture and books. Speaking of my wonderful lightweight Hoover Platinum: this would make a great vac for homes in the UK. It's basically a copy of an Oreck but quieter and better at deep cleaning carpets. Hopefully, TTI will offer our friends overseas a nice Vax version of this carpet cleaner. The Stair Handle will make it a breeze to vacuum carpeted stairs and it has a nice long 40 foot cord! |
Post# 283790 , Reply# 18   6/9/2014 at 08:14 (3,608 days old) by eurekaprince (Montreal, Canada)   |   | |
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Hi there Neighbour Rob! Thanks for you post. My biggest concern with the Sebo is the location of the exhaust. Though Nar has already confirmed that Sebo's Airbelt sufficiently diffuses the blowing wind from the unit, I'd be curious to get a second opinion. To me, the placement of the exhaust on top of a canister vacuum is one of the wisest innovations to come from European vac-makers. How we in North America have tolerated the dust storms created on bare floors by our canisters' "face-down" or "face-back" exhausts is amazing to me. It is the major reason I sold my beautiful Stainless Steel floating Hoover Constellation. And it was the only problem I found with Eureka's great little Mighty Mites.
So when I see the location of the exhaust on the Sebo AirBelts, I am a little concerned. What do you think? |
Post# 283794 , Reply# 19   6/9/2014 at 09:09 (3,608 days old) by sebo_fan (Scotland, UK, member AKA ukvacfan, & Nar2)   |   | |
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Best ask Roger if you don't believe me - after all, its who everyone respects these days for the video reviews he does, and I would also agree. That way you'll get a closer opinion of what the model is like when the suction is increased all the way.
I can assure you, you won't get a forceful thrust from this machine like normal vacuums - SEBO lead the way with this is concerned. It is far more hygienic than having to be forced to breathe in motor air when changing suction setting. If you live in a small rental flat, then perhaps the Miele would be better. But the SEBO leads the way for a medium to large sized home. The SEBO also protects furniture better with the bonus of that fabric air belt design - an element that Bosch and other German brands have since gone onto copy. As for the Platinum -the stair cleaning handle sounds like a great idea. Is this on the upright? The only TTI product in terms of bagged uprights that the UK has had is the Vax VCU02 - a model that I own and love to use from time to time. Its like an updated Oreck but upright only and no tools. |
Post# 283795 , Reply# 20   6/9/2014 at 09:12 (3,608 days old) by sebo_fan (Scotland, UK, member AKA ukvacfan, & Nar2)   |   | |
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Post# 283796 , Reply# 21   6/9/2014 at 09:15 (3,608 days old) by suckolux (Yuba City, CA)   |   | |
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The Miele bags are pricy, but from my use of my Titan, yes the cheap model, they last a LONG time.650sq ft home, wood floors and room size area rugs,3, I vacuum every day, sometimes twice due to long haired cat. The Miele gets out a few times a week, its very good on suction and the floor and upholstery tool works well for me, the last bag I changed 8 months ago? and it is not even showing any red in the window for suction resistance.The bag is fairly full of cat hair, but airflow working fine.This is what keeps me from using the bag-less anymore.Just nice not to think about dealing with dusty mess every couple days. Either machine I am sure you will enjoy.
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Post# 283800 , Reply# 22   6/9/2014 at 09:27 (3,608 days old) by eurekaprince (Montreal, Canada)   |   | |
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Hi Nar,
Thanks for your advice. As long as the Sebo does not blow around dust on a bare floor, I will be happy with it. I actually don't mind the upflow from top exhausts - I usually use my foot to adjust suction on Mom's Electrolux UltraSilencer Green. The Hoover Platinum Bagged Upright is an amazing machine - powerful and easy-to-use. The WindTunnel segregated suction channels actually DO improve pick-up. Though the companion Portapower canister is very noisy and next to useless, I got the package at a nice deep discount price (CAD$340) at Sears Canada, so I considered that the canister was a free add-on! Here's a videoclip - hope you guys get it for your multistory homes in the UK: CLICK HERE TO GO TO eurekaprince's LINK |
Post# 283802 , Reply# 23   6/9/2014 at 09:36 (3,608 days old) by kirbylux77 (London, Ontario, Canada)   |   | |
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Brian....as to the air belt exhaust issue, I wouldn't worry about it. When I use my Sebo, you can barely feel the exhaust coming from the canister. Probably because it's diffused around the entire vacuum. There's no way the exhaust would blow dust & dirt around on your floors. And for that matter, it does a great job cleaning floors with the included floor brush.
Rob |
Post# 283808 , Reply# 24   6/9/2014 at 10:09 (3,608 days old) by sebo_fan (Scotland, UK, member AKA ukvacfan, & Nar2)   |   | |
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Post# 283820 , Reply# 25   6/9/2014 at 11:05 (3,608 days old) by eurekaprince (Montreal, Canada)   |   | |
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Hi Nar....this particular Hoover features a very large bag, probably twice the volume of those installed in most newer hard body "bag-first" vacs. It's a bit of a throwback to the classic fan-first uprights of yesteryear, and so it will definitely hold more dirt like the old Eureka/Sanitaire F&G bags. After 2 months of use, I have not yet needed to change it! :-)
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Post# 283834 , Reply# 26   6/9/2014 at 11:35 (3,608 days old) by sebo_fan (Scotland, UK, member AKA ukvacfan, & Nar2)   |   | |
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