Thread Number: 34923  /  Tag: Recent Vacuum Cleaners from past 20 years
Vacuums That Sold Poorly & Died An Early Death
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Post# 376781   8/13/2017 at 12:36 (2,419 days old) by carolinaguy1996 (Candler, NC)        

Name a vacuum that sold so poorly it died an early death. Also, give reasons why it happened.

Post# 376789 , Reply# 1   8/13/2017 at 13:34 (2,419 days old) by jscarlato (Clairton, PA)        
Hoover's Models Z . . .

. . . would be high on my list. They were advertised as "The SUV" of vacuum cleaners. They were a pricey piece of equipment when they hit the market. It took about as long for them to sink as did the Titanic (and they were as about as heavy). They were clunky, didn't clean that well, and that spinning filter was a tech idea gone wrong. My local Hoover store (back when Hoover had stores to sell and service their vacs) were selling out their stock of Z's before long at $99 new. I bought two as collector items. They sit here today with almost no use. Certainly, they are a curiosity to look at.

Post# 376799 , Reply# 2   8/13/2017 at 15:18 (2,419 days old) by n0oxy (Saint Louis Missouri, United States)        
Regina housekeeper

I believe the Regina housekeeper had a similar fate, apparently it wasn't made very well and was not around long.
Mike


Post# 376808 , Reply# 3   8/13/2017 at 20:37 (2,419 days old) by KirbyClassicIII (Milwaukie, Oregon)        
Kirby Ultimate G Diamond Edition

kirbyclassiciii's profile picture
The Ultimate G Diamond Edition was an example of this in Kirby's stable because it was the only Kirby to have a separate auxiliary "delicate" switch for use on throw rugs and thinner carpets. Most users didn't know how to properly use this switch and mistook it for the rug nozzle's BPI light, or did not turn off the "delicate" mode before using the hose or the Carpet Shampoo System.

~Ben




This post was last edited 08/13/2017 at 21:17
Post# 376814 , Reply# 4   8/13/2017 at 23:37 (2,419 days old) by S2_82 (Ohio)        

Garry, and Fantom vacuums

Post# 376823 , Reply# 5   8/14/2017 at 06:36 (2,418 days old) by kenkart ()        
Haileys Comet!

For obvious reasons...its a monstrosity!

Post# 376841 , Reply# 6   8/14/2017 at 12:02 (2,418 days old) by vacerator (Macomb Michigan)        
Electrolux

Oxygen 3 and bagless machines made in Hungary. The versatility also. Maybe not the ultra silencer because it is simpler without all the auto suction motor speed pressure transducuers and fused circuit pcb boards that fail.

Post# 376850 , Reply# 7   8/14/2017 at 15:20 (2,418 days old) by RainbowD4C (Saint Joseph, Michigan )        

rainbowd4c's profile picture
The Bissell Pro Lite didn't seem to stick around to long. It really looked like a failed science project. I think the use of attachments may habe done it in. They looked really awkward.

Post# 376857 , Reply# 8   8/14/2017 at 17:17 (2,418 days old) by buster1849 (-)        
Fantom wildcat

Failed poorly and was returned alot.

Post# 376865 , Reply# 9   8/14/2017 at 19:32 (2,418 days old) by blackheart (North Dakota)        
What about...

blackheart's profile picture
The Miele Art?
I'm not sure how long they were around but they were only meant for hard floors as they relied upon straight suction.
They seemed to have run anywhere from about $200-$350
They did have an onboard hose but it was a tiny little thing.
The bags were tiny as well.

Perhaps if it had larger bags and a brushroll it could have been more successful. It was a neat looking machine and despite having a chance to buy one i passed it up due to the bags and lack of carpet cleaning.


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Post# 376867 , Reply# 10   8/14/2017 at 19:49 (2,418 days old) by S2_82 (Ohio)        

Almost forgot LG vacuums, LG Kompressor

Post# 376877 , Reply# 11   8/15/2017 at 06:35 (2,417 days old) by eurekaprince (Montreal, Canada)        

eurekaprince's profile picture
I can think of a few.

The orange Electrolux Oxygen Upright. Fantastic performer and very convenient to use as it offered a cord reel, hidden onboard tool compartment, and an electronic mechanism to adjust the height of the power head. It seems electrical circuitry problems killed it.

The Hoover WindTunnel 2 with a pair of beltless counter-rotating brushes. Also a victim of technical breakdowns landing them in repair shops.

It seems that weird Martian-looking Panasonic upright with the two air hoses connected to the brush-roll chamber was quite short lived.

The most mysterious case: the 2 or 3 year appearance of excellent Samsung bagged vacuums - winners of some prestigious German industrial design award. Even Consumer Reports top-rated the "Quiet Storm" power nozzle canister. But in Canada, these were all over the place in every vac shop for 2 ir 3 years....then they suddenly completely disappeared overnight.


Post# 376878 , Reply# 12   8/15/2017 at 06:38 (2,417 days old) by tolivac (Greenville,NC)        

Electrolux upright,canister vacuums.The giant rear wheels on the uprights broke all of the time.The hoses,motors,control boards in the Oxygen canisters broke a lot.Lowes stopped carrying these because of all the returns and refunds.

Post# 376879 , Reply# 13   8/15/2017 at 07:23 (2,417 days old) by eurekaprince (Montreal, Canada)        

eurekaprince's profile picture
But the suction-only canisters from Sweden's Electrolux that do not have power in the hose (like the UltraSilencer Green) are fine. Mine was bought 10 years ago and it is a great canister cleaner with no problems since bringing it home.

Post# 376887 , Reply# 14   8/15/2017 at 09:45 (2,417 days old) by kirbyvertibles (Independence, KS)        

kirbyvertibles's profile picture
Sanyo transformax

Post# 376888 , Reply# 15   8/15/2017 at 10:01 (2,417 days old) by Kirbysthebest (Midwest)        

Electrolux Intensity


Post# 376904 , Reply# 16   8/15/2017 at 15:34 (2,417 days old) by floor-a-matic (somewhere)        

Eureka Europa (I dont know why so short production if it was a great vac)

Post# 376915 , Reply# 17   8/16/2017 at 07:39 (2,416 days old) by vacerator (Macomb Michigan)        
Eureka Europa

was made in Sweden. Probably Vastervik. The final product from there was the Oxygen first series, and the Cyclone Power single stage bagless cylinder.
Electrolux AB made good machines then, but their planned obsolescence scheme was/is more frequent.
The Excalubur preceded the Europa, and was a Volta design, as Electrolux owned them as it does Eureka. There were two Europa designs, one having a small hepa filter on the rear exhaust. The other was identical to the Excellio which was much quieter, and had a top exhaust and mounted hepa filter.
The first series Oxygen was marketed in the UK as the Smart Vac cylinder.

I see a lot of Sharks in the trash these days. I don't even bother with them.


Post# 376926 , Reply# 18   8/16/2017 at 16:51 (2,416 days old) by vacuumdevil (Vacuum Hell )        

vacuumdevil's profile picture
Kenmore professional the rebranded sebo x2.

Miele red velvet the s6000 series. This was the second vacuum named red velvet.
Actually had crushed red velvet glued to the outside of the case and was the straight suction only machine.

Hoover Platinum Series Bagless.

As mentioned before the Hoover Z Transformer vacuum in mint condition would be a lovely addition to any collection.
The WindTunnel 2 that came after both bags and Bagless are kind of rare.


Post# 376933 , Reply# 19   8/16/2017 at 18:58 (2,416 days old) by Rolls_rapide (-)        
Electrolux 4x4

Succeeded the 'Dolphin' Series.

Had four independent castors (like modern Sebo's), high filtration electrostatic dustbag, and an automatic feature of winding in and out the flex as it was moved about. Available in such colours as 'British Racing Green', and blue. Probably also had remote control hose and 'Pulse Power' booster.

Z4440 and Z4460.


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Post# 376934 , Reply# 20   8/16/2017 at 19:15 (2,416 days old) by Rolls_rapide (-)        

Here's the Electrolux bags for the 4x4.

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Post# 376935 , Reply# 21   8/16/2017 at 19:29 (2,416 days old) by eurekaprince (Montreal, Canada)        

eurekaprince's profile picture
If I remember correctly, the Eureka Europa was a Swedish-made Volta "Gemini" canister married to a Eureka Express or World Vac power nozzle. The American-made electrified hose had a pigtail connection on the canister end.

Electrolux's Volta division provided its North American Eureka division with many good canisters since the early 1990's.


Post# 376936 , Reply# 22   8/16/2017 at 19:39 (2,416 days old) by carolinaguy1996 (Candler, NC)        

Good one. Samsung's machines quit due to blowing up like the Note 7. The Dutchtech failed because it was not as successful as the 8-pound uprights. The Euro-Pro Fantoms failed due to poor tech support and being cheap and unreliable. The Bissell DigiPro failed because it was a failed attempt at a Miele knock-off (check out fantomlightning's video on it from 2015). The Dirt Devil Ultra hand-vac is still around, but it fails due to poor suction, awful motors, harder belt changes, and just being loud even on the low-speed setting.

Post# 376943 , Reply# 23   8/17/2017 at 06:18 (2,415 days old) by eurekaprince (Montreal, Canada)        

eurekaprince's profile picture
Forgot to mention: the Kenmore Glide stick vac. Excellent machine that came and went in a year or two. Not sure why.

Also: the Eureka Two-Motor Excalibur Upright. Electrical switch problems sent this model to an early grave.


Post# 376950 , Reply# 24   8/17/2017 at 09:52 (2,415 days old) by fantomfan57 (Central Texas)        
Interesting information...

I actually have a Eureka Europa. The unit's burgundy color is darker than the PN's.

Never really have used it, just cleaned and prepped to sell on CL.

I have had it for a couple of years and keep forgetting to list it.

Any interest?


Post# 376954 , Reply# 25   8/17/2017 at 12:02 (2,415 days old) by carolinaguy1996 (Candler, NC)        

Uh, no. Also, the Hoover Duros wasn't around for long due to being like the Bissell DigiPro (Asian vac sold in America, parts are hard to track, unreliable, weak hoses, poor suction power, and no bare floor tool). At least it's not made in China. The Kenmore Cyclonic Home Cleaning System from Electrolux wasn't around for long, due to design and reliability issues. The Hoover Elite Cyclonic canister wasn't around for long due to being cheaply made and for having issues of its own.

Post# 376955 , Reply# 26   8/17/2017 at 12:37 (2,415 days old) by human (Pines of Carolina)        
+1 on the Electrolux Intensity

human's profile picture
We got a bunch of those in when I worked at Tuesday Morning circa 2010. They were priced attractively and sold briskly--but then they started coming back. Cheap plasticrap. I pitched several in the Dumpster after they were returned and was never tempted to try and save one. It gave me a renewed appreciation of my ever faithful--and comparatively indestructible--1205 canister.

Post# 376970 , Reply# 27   8/17/2017 at 21:38 (2,415 days old) by carolinaguy1996 (Candler, NC)        

I forgot about the Intensity. Seems Electrolux after Eureka took them meant a drop in quality.

Post# 376984 , Reply# 28   8/18/2017 at 09:24 (2,414 days old) by dysonman1 (the county)        

dysonman1's profile picture
There used to be a water filtration (no separator) vac called "The Oasis", made in Arkansas, and then Springfield, MO. Huge, monstrous, overgrown, ineffective, astronomically priced. Think of a Thermax AF but even bigger. It didn't last any time at all.

Post# 376988 , Reply# 29   8/18/2017 at 11:22 (2,414 days old) by Air-WayCharlie (USA)        

air-waycharlie's profile picture
Let's not forget the Bison and what a stellar performer that was. Quiet, easy to use and lightweight............NOT! It lasted about 5 minutes.

Post# 376993 , Reply# 30   8/18/2017 at 12:49 (2,414 days old) by carolinaguy1996 (Candler, NC)        

I don't know Bison. The Oasis was a Rainbow clone but not as effective.

Post# 376995 , Reply# 31   8/18/2017 at 12:53 (2,414 days old) by kirbyvertibles (Independence, KS)        

kirbyvertibles's profile picture
Ah the Oasis, how did I forget that one. I have both models they made. lol Terrible but yet fun to have. I have also seen an "oasis" labeled New Star on Springfeild craigslist.
From what I can find on the web it looks like Oasis started 1997 by tradewinds inc and was gone by 2001 and the patents are currently for sale if someone wanted to start producing it again.


Post# 376997 , Reply# 32   8/18/2017 at 13:03 (2,414 days old) by kirbyvertibles (Independence, KS)        

kirbyvertibles's profile picture
The first model Oasis.

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Post# 377011 , Reply# 33   8/18/2017 at 18:41 (2,414 days old) by carolinaguy1996 (Candler, NC)        

It looks so much like a Tristar.

Post# 377033 , Reply# 34   8/19/2017 at 03:16 (2,413 days old) by tolivac (Greenville,NC)        

The Oasis looks more like a Vortech Force vacuum than a TriStar-and it does so resemble a Thermax.Had two of those loser machines I got FREE from a Kirby trade in pile-sold them to a vac shop as parts machines!The Kirby folks hated them so bad and got rid of them to me.The Thermax is more of an upholstery cleaner machine than a vacuum cleaner.

Post# 377060 , Reply# 35   8/19/2017 at 14:47 (2,413 days old) by carolinaguy1996 (Candler, NC)        

The Hoover Platinum shampooer died an early death due to being not as good as the Steam Vac. The 2006-2009 Constellation died an early death because it was not as ideal as the classics. The Samsung vacs went away because Samsung now makes devices that blow up-yes I said it-Samsung is now a terrorist and not just a poor designer (from the Note 7 cases). The Dyson DC18 went away because it was for a Dyson, ass (no offense to the Dyson fans out there).

Why else would Bissell destroy the bagged Lift-Offs? They were designed better than the POS bagless units. Why can't people realize the fact that bagged machines tend to last longer and be better for allergy sufferers? To people who don't like spending money on new bags, shake-out bags exist for a reason.


Post# 377066 , Reply# 36   8/19/2017 at 15:17 (2,413 days old) by fan-of-fans (USA)        

fan-of-fans's profile picture
Also on the note of the Excalibur upright - they had a commercial model as well under the Sanitaire version. I have a leaflet that shows it.

As for the bagged Lift Off - it was on the market for at least 7-8 years. I think it went away because bagless vacuums were getting very popular by the time it was time to replace it.

The Oasis vacuum above - never seen one in person. The power nozzle looks the one that Singer had on some canisters and also as a dry power nozzle on the Kenmore Home Cleaning System.


Post# 377135 , Reply# 37   8/21/2017 at 12:01 (2,411 days old) by Mike811 (Finland)        
Powerteams

mike811's profile picture
All powerhead canisters in Finland. They just don't sell. People are so used to use straight suction canisters with the light nozzles. Weight of the powerhead is too much and it's clumsy for the majority of the people.
There is need for the ph canisters and many homes has hard to clean plush rugs. Average home what I have seen over the years has 50% hard floors and 50% carpets (no wall to wall).
Surprisingly Lux (with the ph) and Kirby sell fairly well. Both are only sold door to door. No uprights at all in walmart style supermarkets. Kirby and Vorwerk are only uprights that sell in here.
I can think of just one canister vacuum cleaner with the ph, what is available in the "normal" stores. That is Electrolux Ultraone Quattro with big ph.
We don't have vacuum shops. Only household appliance stores and those naturally also sell vacuum cleaners.


Post# 377175 , Reply# 38   8/22/2017 at 12:04 (2,410 days old) by carolinaguy1996 (Candler, NC)        

Possibly the Eureka Atlantis failed. Easy fold down handle, but it was way worse than the Bissell units. It was sold at Lowes from it's 2004 debut. Then it got sold at Wal-Mart only and then killed off. The Express compact was worse than the Little Green.

Post# 377220 , Reply# 39   8/24/2017 at 00:53 (2,409 days old) by man114 (Buffalo NY)        

I wouldn't say Fantom died quickly they were around for a good 12 years and killed themselves. They sold in droves though and I still regularly see them in thrift stores. When I worked in housewares in college I literally ordered pallets of Furys and they sold like hot cakes.

Samsung still technically sells a robotic vacuum. As far as their uprights I bought one for $50 on clearance at Sears and I like it, I think it does a better job than the Dysons it obviously rips off.


Post# 377223 , Reply# 40   8/24/2017 at 10:55 (2,408 days old) by kirbyvertibles (Independence, KS)        

kirbyvertibles's profile picture
fan-of-fans,
Yes that is the singer power nozzle. I'm not sure who makes it but it's pretty awful. When I do use my Oasis machines I use other power nozzles with them.


Post# 377224 , Reply# 41   8/24/2017 at 11:00 (2,408 days old) by kirbyvertibles (Independence, KS)        

kirbyvertibles's profile picture
Another one that's very rare, sold poorly, was not mass produced and on everyone's wish list is the Compact ABC (Always Beauty Clean) power nozzle in the late 50's and very early 60's.

Post# 377225 , Reply# 42   8/24/2017 at 11:08 (2,408 days old) by kirbyvertibles (Independence, KS)        

kirbyvertibles's profile picture
oh and we can't forget the Compact upright.....
I wonder how many of you just went WHAAAAAAAT? an upright?

During the c-8 c-9 era they had a private label Eureka full(continental)hood F-G style upright with a chrome hood and black label leading me to believe it went with the C-8 around 74-78ish
I've only ever seen one and it had a replacement bag. Never seen any literature on it or anything in my life BUT one did pop up on Ebay years ago. Sometimes I can google image it and it comes up.

In addition to the Compact there were also a few models also labeled for Silver King. I have one so I'm not sure how rare those are.

Do any of our more knowledgeable folks on here know anything about the Compact and Silver King "Eureka" uprights? Like were they sold in janitorial or door to door with the tanks, or sold in the dealership, or vacuum shops?



Post# 377241 , Reply# 43   8/24/2017 at 21:24 (2,408 days old) by crazykirbydude (Lexington, KY)        
What about this?

crazykirbydude's profile picture
It's a Shark stick vacuum I used to have. I never remember seeing this one in stores and I don't remember much advertisement for it either

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Post# 377276 , Reply# 44   8/26/2017 at 09:44 (2,406 days old) by carolinaguy1996 (Candler, NC)        

The purple color means it was released around 2010 or so.

Post# 377873 , Reply# 45   9/4/2017 at 20:22 (2,397 days old) by jfalberti (Visalia, CA)        
Kirby Ultimate G and Diamond Edition

jfalberti's profile picture
I have to respectfully disagree with a comment made about the Ultimate G Diamond Edition. The Ultimate G was released in 2002, and the Diamond Edition was released in 2003. The DE ran until 2006, when it was replaced by the Sentria. I do agree that the DE delicate switch did confuse some owners. The original Sentria had a 6 year run,

CLICK HERE TO GO TO jfalberti's LINK


Post# 378137 , Reply# 46   9/9/2017 at 07:28 (2,392 days old) by carolinaguy1996 (Candler, NC)        

The Bissell Butler/Butler Revolution canisters anyone?

Post# 379441 , Reply# 47   10/8/2017 at 18:01 (2,363 days old) by huskyvacs (Gnaw Bone, Indiana)        

huskyvacs's profile picture
What about Garry vacuums?

Or maybe, the Amway ClearTrak? Although it was not a bad vacuum at all (it is a very good one), the legal war between Thomas Dyson and Amway killed it off early.

They were only sold through industrial catalogs and never sold to the general public for home use. They had to pull the models out of the market before it barely even was produced due to the patent violations, so not many were purchased. I've never seen anyone to this day with a ClearTrak or a Garry (besides me).


Post# 380133 , Reply# 48   10/22/2017 at 11:48 (2,349 days old) by carolinaguy1996 (Candler, NC)        

You guys got more to say?

Post# 380448 , Reply# 49   10/30/2017 at 21:01 (2,341 days old) by singerman (Missouri)        

singerman's profile picture
The samsung dual chamber canisters. They were expensive to the point I could buy a dyson for the price. You also can only find them in best buys (Around me at least)

Post# 380469 , Reply# 50   10/31/2017 at 08:30 (2,340 days old) by kirbyvertibles (Independence, KS)        

kirbyvertibles's profile picture
The Amway was actually still sold until a couple years ago and the refurb department purchased it and changed the name to Workhorse and is still being made today with no changes other than the name.

Post# 380485 , Reply# 51   10/31/2017 at 18:42 (2,340 days old) by carolinaguy1996 (Candler, NC)        

The Samsung vacuums that ripped off Dyson blew up like the Note 7. For real.

Post# 380502 , Reply# 52   11/1/2017 at 08:10 (2,339 days old) by singingrainbow (Texas)        

I've had one of the samsung "dyson rip off" canisters for about three years. No explosions to report and I actually really like it. Nice to use and quiet.

Post# 380567 , Reply# 53   11/2/2017 at 07:03 (2,338 days old) by AlexHoovers94 (Manchester UK)        
This...89-90

alexhoovers94's profile picture


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Post# 380571 , Reply# 54   11/2/2017 at 08:53 (2,338 days old) by kirbyvertibles (Independence, KS)        

kirbyvertibles's profile picture
Alex, that's so weird that this didn't sell well oh last long over there.
It sold VERY well herein 88-90 and then got a reissue and hung around for a little while longer.


Post# 380861 , Reply# 55   11/7/2017 at 18:35 (2,333 days old) by AlexHoovers94 (Manchester UK)        

alexhoovers94's profile picture

 

I think it is because we already had the traditional Junior (right at the end of its life, however, still on sale) Turbopower Junior as well as the regular hardbox Turbopowers and of course, the Turbomasters...There wasn't really much of a market for it, I don't think and it was still no cheaper than a Turbopower Junior...In many cases, the Turbopower Junior had other features, like the height right control and a headlight.

 

Another thing was, it wasn't sold in Argos, which is most likely where many people would of bought their vacuum cleaner, it was sold in Index and probably Currys and/or Comet.

 

It is a shame, as it is a really nice machine.


Post# 381022 , Reply# 56   11/9/2017 at 21:10 (2,331 days old) by huskyvacs (Gnaw Bone, Indiana)        

huskyvacs's profile picture
RE: Post# 380469, Reply# 50 10/31/2017 at 08:30 by kirbyvertibles

I am aware of that, yes, but I meant during their original production run. The company does have enough spares, yeah. Like the DeLorean car factory and how they make and sell reproductions from the spare parts stock.


Post# 381023 , Reply# 57   11/9/2017 at 21:12 (2,331 days old) by KirbyClassicIII (Milwaukie, Oregon)        
Hoover Quik-Broom (2 Motors)

kirbyclassiciii's profile picture

I wonder if Hoover's two-motor Quik-Broom was a failure of sorts? Only two models were available regarding the first generation sold in the mid/late 1970s, the S2037 and then the S2043.

 

It seemed a failure because the Powermatic nozzle tended to lift up the carpet too much, and the size of the disposable bag was minuscule. 

 

Hoover would revisit the 2-motor Quik-Broom once more in the late 1990s/early 2000s, but it too flopped.

 

~Ben


Post# 381037 , Reply# 58   11/10/2017 at 09:08 (2,330 days old) by carolinaguy1996 (Candler, NC)        

I'm pretty sure the Hoover stick vacs of the late 90's/early 2000's weren't bad.

Post# 381051 , Reply# 59   11/10/2017 at 10:58 (2,330 days old) by human (Pines of Carolina)        

human's profile picture
Yeah, I've got a couple of Hoover QuickBrooms from the late '80s and early '90s. The earlier design is much better. It's bagged, has reasonably good suction and its open nozzle design allows it to pick up debris effectively without clogging. Before I got an Electrolux Discovery II upright, it had regular duties sweeping up cat litter in the hall bathroom. The QuickBroom Supreme, with its two-speed motor is also good but I'm not fond of its bagless design and perpetually nasty dirt cup. Also, its nozzle design is inferior in that it is more prone to clogging, requiring periodic dismantling and cleaning. As a result, it remains hanging in the laundry room.

Post# 381346 , Reply# 60   11/14/2017 at 23:00 (2,326 days old) by icee (Indiana)        
Not a new observation, but

icee's profile picture
Hoover z and the Lg kompressors. I just got a hoover z today and my lg kompressor died a few weeks ago, so basically traded one for the other lol. Still kinda sad, I really liked my Lg.

Post# 381356 , Reply# 61   11/15/2017 at 02:30 (2,325 days old) by Ultralux88 (Denver, Colorado)        
LG Kompressor

ultralux88's profile picture
A good performer, but definitely a monstrosity!



Post# 381358 , Reply# 62   11/15/2017 at 04:03 (2,325 days old) by tolivac (Greenville,NC)        

There was an LG Kompressor vacuum traded in to the Sew&Vac place here-it was a wreck-the ONLY thing that worked on it was the musical tune when you plugged it in-the motor was blown-this is the only vacuum cleaner that has a "paddle packer" like in some auto-side load trash trucks.On "Classic Refuse Trucks" they show paddle packer trucks in use----one fellow even rode in the trash compartment while the packer was working----VERY DANGEROUS-he got the drivers permission and the driver was careful what was loaded into the truck hopper-anyway the action inside the truck was interesting-also the person that filmed it had a light with him.

Post# 381362 , Reply# 63   11/15/2017 at 08:34 (2,325 days old) by rugsucker (Elizabethton TN)        
Tolivac

"very dangerous"Yes!!!

Death in a trash truck was one of the events that brought M L King to Memphis in April 68.


Post# 381370 , Reply# 64   11/15/2017 at 10:58 (2,325 days old) by Ultralux88 (Denver, Colorado)        

ultralux88's profile picture

That compactor paddle thing is what gives the machine its name, it, "Kompresses" the dirt so you don have to empty it as much, or so they say... Its very gimmicky.


Post# 381374 , Reply# 65   11/15/2017 at 13:21 (2,325 days old) by Oldskoolguy (Chicago and Orlando)        
Oreck

I think a machine that died an early death was the oreck radio vac. It was basically a yellow oreck XL with a radio. I don’t know much about it, but I do remember it from my childhood when my dad would connect to the internet and show me pictures of vacuums. I can confirm its existence with the way back machine’s snapshot of the oreck website from the 2000’s, but I can’t seem to find any info other than that on the old oreck website. It’s possibly so rare that we may never come across one ever again. I did, however come across a YouTube video of it, and the title actually gives us the more number: XL2800hay. I also managed to find a newspaper ad for it via a google search. As for why it sold badly, my guess is that the radio feature was not really popular or was faulty. Besides, who would put a radio on a vacuum?

CLICK HERE TO GO TO Oldskoolguy's LINK


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Post# 381522 , Reply# 66   11/18/2017 at 04:44 (2,322 days old) by tolivac (Greenville,NC)        

Did anyone mention the Royal Powercast of several years back?Have a couple in my collection.NOT used-The Metal direct air Royals and my Kirbys do better-and use less power.

Post# 381523 , Reply# 67   11/18/2017 at 04:48 (2,322 days old) by tolivac (Greenville,NC)        

In older days trash trucks didn't have the safety features as the ones have today-but still folks that use them-like other machines--take their chances!A compactor-either in a trash truck or stationary is nothing to fool with!And users are being better educated about the trash industry dangers-not so in MLK's days.

Post# 382618 , Reply# 68   12/13/2017 at 20:45 (2,297 days old) by Eureka89 (Rochester)        
Innovation and emperor

The eureka emperor, those are as rare as hens teeth. It was a 70s machine with a vertical fan, eureka wouldn't attempt that set up again until the bravo. Also the Hoover innovation failed in the states, but had great success as the turbomaster in the UK. A real power house.

Post# 382633 , Reply# 69   12/14/2017 at 14:35 (2,296 days old) by thecarolinaguy (Carolina)        

How did the Innovation fail in America?

Post# 382640 , Reply# 70   12/14/2017 at 17:04 (2,296 days old) by rugsucker (Elizabethton TN)        
Hoover Innovation

This seems to have been a case of a good vac with bad sales.It was at Sears with an exclusive cordwinder and tool rack when they stared selling appliances with other than the Kenmore name.It may be that Hoover dealers didn't feel they needed a new and different model.After it was dropped the last of them was a close out at Big Lots.It did clean well but among the few problems could be a broken handle assembly at switch or near rear wheels.
Carolinaguy,
I am sometimes in Asheville area & further south and will always stop for a good thrift store.Last time I found a new one and then found a Celebrity with Electronic nozzle at one I often stop at.If interested call and next time we might find twice as many thrift stores and vacs.Also I am an easy drive over the mountain with LOTS of vacs that need new homes(as well as 2 Innovation att kits).
Jimmy
423-268-4841


Post# 382655 , Reply# 71   12/15/2017 at 01:03 (2,296 days old) by panasonicvac (Northern Utah)        

panasonicvac's profile picture
Alot of Panasonics in the US market also didn't sold much and were later discontinued.

Post# 382662 , Reply# 72   12/15/2017 at 10:24 (2,295 days old) by carolinaguy1996 (Candler, NC)        

What Panasonics didn't sell well in the US? Why would they suffer death? I mean, you're the Panasonic expert, you might get those for your collection.

Post# 382663 , Reply# 73   12/15/2017 at 10:26 (2,295 days old) by carolinaguy1996 (Candler, NC)        

What Panasonics didn't sell well in the US? Why would they suffer death? I mean, you're the Panasonic expert, you might get those for your collection.

Post# 382672 , Reply# 74   12/15/2017 at 13:44 (2,295 days old) by Ultralux88 (Denver, Colorado)        
Rugsucker

ultralux88's profile picture
You’re talking about the Sovereign, it was the hard bag version with the cord winder, the innovation is a soft bag with cord hooks.

Post# 382679 , Reply# 75   12/15/2017 at 16:36 (2,295 days old) by rugsucker (Elizabethton TN)        
Ultralux88

It was a Sears only version of the Innovation with cordwinder on back and rack for small attachments at top rear of bag compartment.I have found some of my catalogs that may show it.

Post# 382702 , Reply# 76   12/15/2017 at 23:12 (2,295 days old) by panasonicvac (Northern Utah)        
Reply #72

panasonicvac's profile picture
Panasonic was mainly sold through vacuum stores and online. Besides the Panasonics that were sold under the Kenmore brand through Kmart and Sears, they were rarely sold through department stores. I've only seen maybe three of them through the isles of Target and Walmart but it was very uncommon. Panasonic was very popular through the late 80's to the mid 90's until Panasonic got more competition with other brands such as Sharp, Sanyo, Bernina, Riccar, and Simplicity. Alot of dealers back then preferred other brands particularly Riccar or Simplicity mainly because of their quality and performance. And not alot of consumers back then bought Panasonics online because they were wanting other popular vacuums like the Hoover Windtunnels for example that were heavily advertised.

Also to answer your other questions. Pretty much any of the newer Panasonics that were ever sold after the mid 90's like the Performance Plus line ups, the Cord Reels, the Dual Sweeps, the Optiflows, or the Quiet Forces for example.

And lastly, I would only collect the Panasonics that matter to me the most which there's actually alot that I would love to find unless if there are some that are not on my list which evidently I could just grab if I ran into some. But what I think would be really cool is if I could get a photo collection and have all the pictures of the Panasonics that were ever sold here.


Post# 382723 , Reply# 77   12/16/2017 at 08:39 (2,294 days old) by rugsucker (Elizabethton TN)        
Turn to pages 1008,1009 in the Sears 1989---

---Annual Home Catalog and you will see--"Hoover's most versatile upright vac"(Innovation)with"7 amp motor with Power Surge--Quadraflex Agitator--24 foot cord and cord reel with rewind control for pushbutton convenience--Lighted 4 position-adjustment--air freshener system--built in carrying handle--check bag indicator--high impact plastic housing."Picture caption-"Only at Sears will you find this Hoover vac with the added convenience of rear tool storage and attached hose."Price--"Thru 7/31/89 $349.99 After 7/31/89 $499.99"
I have only seen the one I sold years ago on EBay.
This seems to be the beginning of Sears having appliances other than Kenmore name.The vac pages also introduce blue/white Hoover Convertibles,show a self propelled Eureka Precision,Black & Decker cordless vacs and many KM including built-in.


Post# 382749 , Reply# 78   12/16/2017 at 15:08 (2,294 days old) by Ultralux88 (Denver, Colorado)        

ultralux88's profile picture
Interesting, was it a hard bag machine? Unfortunately I don't have the 89 catalog myself, so I'll ave to rely on someone posting a scan. Definitely a version I am not familiar with.

Post# 382763 , Reply# 79   12/16/2017 at 21:26 (2,294 days old) by Kenkart ()        
I have

Both soft and hard bag versions. Just another plastic monstrosity that will hopefully be sold in january

Post# 442670 , Reply# 80   6/6/2021 at 19:10 (1,026 days old) by huskyvacs (Gnaw Bone, Indiana)        

huskyvacs's profile picture
Got some fresh meat for this thread. The Eureka Powerline Plus 7773.

Based on the research I have gathered up, this is the conclusions I have made.

It was only sold for one month in 2005 - it evidently was an officially sold refurbishment from Eureka that was assembled with bits and bobs of spare parts stock and given this specific model number.

Numerous complaints of poor fitment and mismatched parts were posted right after it was sold. Later in the same year and following year, reports came in of motors dying out. Also comments about it being extremely loud, which seems about right.

It was sold on Overstock.com exclusively for $79.99, and then shortly later it appeared on Amazon w00t for $49.99. Based on user comments on that website, there was only a stock of 850 of them and they completely sold out fast. This was in 2005.

Evidently they had a very short lifespan as none can be found today. Absolutely 0 information online about it - and no collectors have one.


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Post# 442704 , Reply# 81   6/7/2021 at 17:06 (1,025 days old) by KirbyCollector (Columbus Ohio USA)        
The Dirt Devil Broom Vac

kirbycollector's profile picture
And the Dirt Devil Roomate didn’t seem to last too long either. In my experience, the Broom Vac can clean pretty well. Though I’ve heard about how a lot of them burn out, or the fan breaks and they get thrown away. I have one and it’s motor burned out after I used it a few times (not a whole lot). They’re neat little machines, but don’t seem to be the most reliable.

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Post# 443195 , Reply# 82   6/22/2021 at 19:47 (1,010 days old) by Hoover300 (Kentucky)        

hoover300's profile picture
Husky - Is this the same thing? www.facebook.com/marketpl...

Post# 443201 , Reply# 83   6/22/2021 at 21:26 (1,010 days old) by RegularRett69 (San Clemente California, USA)        
Broom Vac

regularrett69's profile picture

I'm going to have to disagree with that statement on Dirt Devil Broom Vacs not selling very well- I see them all the time everywhere for sale used. They also came out in the mid to late 1980's and stopped production in 1997. This means they had a 10+ year production run with many people loving them. As for the roommate, those also sold relatively average. They were first sold under the Touch Up model name, then was called the Roommate. The Roommate had two versions- a non filter and a microfresh filter version. And then there was a yellow colored Touch Up, and a blue colored Touch Up. These 4 changes over time and the 5 year production run also shows they sold just fine.

 

Regards, Garrett


Post# 443204 , Reply# 84   6/22/2021 at 21:30 (1,010 days old) by Lesinutah (Utah)        
Dirt devil

lesinutah's profile picture
I noticed a common theme. I have a canvac which is 11 amps and 12 with power nozzle. Imagine a mighty mite from eureka. It jams a 11-12 amp motor in very small chamber. It's like a Corvette with a4 cylinder loaded up with nitrous.


Post# 443207 , Reply# 85   6/22/2021 at 21:42 (1,010 days old) by huskyvacs (Gnaw Bone, Indiana)        
Hoover300

huskyvacs's profile picture
Yes, that looks like the vacuum that was the new/original model. Then they must have rebranded that one and called it a new name when they sold it as "refurbished". All they would have had to do is change the bag door and hood assembly for that, very minimal cost.

Post# 443228 , Reply# 86   6/23/2021 at 11:29 (1,009 days old) by Mieles5380leo (Virginia)        

mieles5380leo's profile picture
The Dyson DC56 Hard

Post# 443657 , Reply# 87   7/7/2021 at 03:40 (995 days old) by huskyvacs (Gnaw Bone, Indiana)        

huskyvacs's profile picture
Samsung Motion Sync canister. Great vacuum but exceedingly heavy. The vacuum did not last long because Sir Thomas Dyson found out about it and sued Samsung into the ground over this vacuum for what he perceived as copyright infringement in how the vacuum can flip itself around and rotate with your movements. I think it was about the wheel design or the hose connection style.

The lawsuit was settled out of court via arbitration. The offical court proceeding held in Korea though was ruled in Samsung's favor and Dyson agreed to drop all lawsuits and withdraw patent rights from the European Patent Office as well as pay back Samsung any and all court costs plus damages.

Nevertheless, despite the ruling, this vacuum was never seen or heard from again in US or UK markets and its time on the market was cut short. It was only sold for just a little bit over 12 months based on reviews I could gather from US websites.

Looking up the copyright and trademark information for the Samsung Motion Sync patent - it has indeed been confirmed dead because Samsung never applied for an extension period on the patent. It was filed as "Cancelled-Section 8".

www.trademark247.com/moti...



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