Thread Number: 35739  /  Tag: Recent Vacuum Cleaners from past 20 years
What do you think about Oreck Vacuums?
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Post# 383642   1/5/2018 at 23:48 (2,274 days old) by FantomTechGuy (US)        

fantomtechguy's profile picture
Greetings!

So, I've been repairing vacuum cleaners for a long time. I mostly deal with Fantoms, but I do like other brands of vacuums too. I have come across a lot of Oreck vacuums and I personally do not like them. Here's why:

1. Orecks are all the same; each model is the same, the only difference is the shell and color.

2. The motor; Each Oreck I've taken apart has the exact motor. Which means they all preform the same.

3. Over priced; Orecks sell for over $300. The Oreck Elevate is $300, and is the cheapest model they currently sell. They sell multiple versions of the same vacuum for different prices. If you have the $300 motor inside the $800 version, it will be the exact same. The only difference is the color of the bag and base.

Well, that's my take on Orecks. What do you guys think about it?


Post# 383655 , Reply# 1   1/6/2018 at 04:25 (2,274 days old) by huskyvacs (Gnaw Bone, Indiana)        

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They are old folks vacuums, that's what I think of them. lol All my grandparents used Orecks, and "the Oreck man" himself was a pensioner. I been to senior homes before, and there was an Oreck somewhere around there, guaranteed. Also, Orecks are not expensive when you thrift them. I never paid over $15 for an Oreck.

They do the job and perform as they are supposed to for their targeted market demographic. I always liked how they groomed the pile carpet at my grandma's house.


Post# 383659 , Reply# 2   1/6/2018 at 06:52 (2,274 days old) by blackheart (North Dakota)        
Oreck.

blackheart's profile picture
They do a respectable job. I once ran an oreck 4090 daily for a week then cut open it's bag. I have a fairly small living space, and it's just my cat and my myself.

While it's true that most of them are the same machine a few models, like the xl-21, gold, platinum, the elevate command (I think), and the elevate Conquer though use a 3.5 amp motor, instead of the standard 4. They have a more pleasant sound to them. Their fill tubes and fans are larger, the brushrolls are stiffer, and they have more airflow than the older style design

XL 4090 (old style) 50.35 CFM
XL-21 85.29 CFM


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Post# 383732 , Reply# 3   1/7/2018 at 08:59 (2,272 days old) by Luxkid1980 (Richmond, Virginia)        

Orecks are great. They aren't "old folks" vacuums; they're for everyone. They may be liked by seniors due to their low weight and helping hand handle, but they clean well, have large dust bags, and are super easy to repair. For an upright, they are great vacuums. I wouldn't pay full price for any vacuum; you can buy great used models for much less money.

Both of my Orecks were either refurbished or purchased from a thrift shop and have never once required any significant repairs, other than a brushroll or belt replacement. Just simple cleanups.



Post# 383737 , Reply# 4   1/7/2018 at 09:59 (2,272 days old) by Hank (Cali)        

hank's profile picture
I like orecks always have. The xl, people seem to always forget they were originally made for low pile carpet. The commercial industries loves them for this, they were never truly meant for home use though David sold them as such due to a ton of demand for them. They are also very reliable as long as they weren’t abused. The xl21 and it’s newer cousins rival the Tacony made supralite on cleaning performance And are better made.



Post# 383745 , Reply# 5   1/7/2018 at 12:05 (2,272 days old) by FantomTechGuy (US)        
Hank...

fantomtechguy's profile picture
I will say, the XL21 is my favorite Oreck. I really like the design of it.

Post# 383754 , Reply# 6   1/7/2018 at 14:17 (2,272 days old) by human (Pines of Carolina)        

human's profile picture
When my girlfriend and I first got together, she had a green and white Oreck XL. It hardly picked up anything from the standard 'realtor beige' carpet in her apartment. A few months later, two Kirbys came into my hands almost simultaneously--a Gsix that I rescued from a dumpster at my apartment complex and a Heritage 1 that my dad had bought at Goodwill but mom didn't like using because of its weight. The Heritage stayed at my apartment for maybe a month or two before my girlfriend asked to borrow it to deep clean her apartment and it's basically been there ever since.

Shortly after she "borrowed" it, I was at her apartment and noticed the Oreck was missing. When I asked her about it, she said she'd pitched it into the dumpster, so at that point, I realized I wasn't getting the Kirby back anytime soon; however, I did take it to my house to service it once after she'd been "borrowing" it for a couple of years. The brush roll was completely encased in hair, which leads me to believe that could have been a contributing factor in the Oreck's (non) performance as well. I never had the opportunity to properly check it out before she tossed it.

Right before Christmas, we were in a store and she started looking at the plasticrap vacuum cleaners on display and said she wanted to get one because it weighed less than the Kirby, which she now finds tiring to use. So maybe I'll eventually get the Heritage back. It's only been at her apartment since 2013.


Post# 383764 , Reply# 7   1/7/2018 at 17:37 (2,272 days old) by lux14 (Leawood Kansas)        

Okay I have an interesting story. I was house sitting for my neighbors and discovered that they had an Oreck. I turned the vacuum over to see if I could determine the model and it's age. I realized that the brushroll was completely worn down. I mean worn. No brisels what so ever. I have to tell you that I have NEVER seen this on a newer machine. The vac is probably at least 10 years old. Nothing all brisels gone! But anyway I can't amagine how my neighbors are cleaning their home. The are vacuuming with a spinning brush roll that is not touching the carpet and I have to believe don't know it. The belt will last forever so there is no reason to flip over the bottom so I am thinking they will never know they have a non working brush roll. Crazy! These machines are like a stick power nozzle to me. Could the airflow still be cleaning the carpets??? I like Orecks are great for low traffic areas and quick pic ups.

Post# 383776 , Reply# 8   1/7/2018 at 19:09 (2,272 days old) by kirby519 (Wisconsin)        

I have used them.

Wouldn't have one of those over rated, over priced power nozzles with a bag attached. Nothing about it impressed me. In fact I found it to be even more of a struggle to push on certain carpets than my beloved 30 year old Kirby. The only thing going for it is the fully tufted brush roll that moves the nap on a plush carpet.


Post# 383785 , Reply# 9   1/7/2018 at 20:32 (2,272 days old) by kenkart ()        
Orecks

Are a great quick pick up vacuum, but they are NOT a heavy duty upright, a 3 or so inch fan can not move the same amount of air as a big Kirby fan or Eureka or Hoover fan, it just is not possible.

Post# 383790 , Reply# 10   1/7/2018 at 21:45 (2,272 days old) by Luxkid1980 (Richmond, Virginia)        

@lux14: It wouldn't surprise me if a majority of folks (who are not vacuum fanatics) treat their machines like anything else, very little maintenance if any, or until an issue occurs. I know people who hardly ever change the oil in their car and never think about their transmission or differential fluid. If they don't take care of a high dollar item, I doubt they would bother to flip the vacuum over to check out the brushroll.

I tried a Kirby once, but it was too big and bulky and wouldn't fit under any of my kitchen chairs and was a bit awkward to move around. Also, I didn't have enough carpet in the house to make it worthwhile.


Post# 383852 , Reply# 11   1/8/2018 at 13:41 (2,271 days old) by josh (Forest Park, IL & Spring Grove, IL)        

josh's profile picture
I've rebuilt 3 Orecks recently. A commercial model, a curved headlight model, and an XL21. I liked that they were simple to work on, and I see the appeal of their light weight. I did find the regular models to be noisy and not clean the greatest, but thought the XL21 was good. A lot quieter and cleaned a lot better.

Post# 383862 , Reply# 12   1/8/2018 at 15:33 (2,271 days old) by lux14 (Leawood Kansas)        

Thnaks Lux kid for the comment. I would think my neighbor would notice that the nap is not getting groomed. Although she has low nap rugs. I would notice if a brush roll was completely gone on a machine without flipping it over as you would not hear the bristles agitating the rug or for that matter anything agitating the rug.

Just baffles me!


Post# 383878 , Reply# 13   1/8/2018 at 17:16 (2,271 days old) by S2_82 (Ohio)        

I dont have experience with any Orecks, but I do have a Simplicity Freedom S10S and I think it does a fine job all around. It's supposed to be 40% more powerful than an Oreck as it does have a larger fan and motor.

Post# 383880 , Reply# 14   1/8/2018 at 17:54 (2,271 days old) by Vinvac (Dubuque IA)        

vinvac's profile picture
I own a XL21 and love it. Some think they don't deep clean but I tend to disagree. I think they clean well and like most have stated here they are so easy to work on.

I have no experience with the Tacony Supralite products, but realize the prize is equally as high as the Oreck. I believe they have a larger fan and perhaps a better brushroll. However consumer reports did not rate them as well as the Oreck.

Remember Hoover, Eureka, Royal, Kirby and many others relied on a 3 amp motor for many years. If you disconnect the belt on an Oreck, remove the brush roll and place your hand over the air chamber you will find the air movement as strong as any Hoover and possibly Eureka. Perhaps not Kirby or Royal...but again, what makes a good vacuum is air flow and a good brush roll, Oreck has it all.

The new Sainitaire line with the 7 amp is almost to strong, it seals to the carpet way to quickly. Kirby is still only using a 7 amp motor and will out clean most 12 amp machines on the market.





Post# 383893 , Reply# 15   1/8/2018 at 20:18 (2,271 days old) by kirby519 (Wisconsin)        

What happened to the Oreck model that had the ultra violent light to rid carpets of dust mites? I haven't seen or heard of them in quite a few years. Did anyone buy one and was it effective?

Post# 383936 , Reply# 16   1/9/2018 at 11:53 (2,270 days old) by FantomTechGuy (US)        
kirby519

fantomtechguy's profile picture
The vacuum you're referring to is the Oreck Halo. I thought it was a pretty good machine, but the Halo Vacuum was bought by Oreck. I have the early edition before they were sold to Oreck.

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Post# 383976 , Reply# 17   1/9/2018 at 21:21 (2,270 days old) by kirby519 (Wisconsin)        
FantomTechGuy

That is what I was thinking of. Thought it was originally an Oreck machine. I haven't seen any advertising for the Halo in a long time. Any Idea what happened? I don't know of anyone that has one. (That is that I personally know)

Post# 383995 , Reply# 18   1/10/2018 at 07:07 (2,270 days old) by Kirbysthebest (Midwest)        
The Halo

If I remember correctly, the halo was frought with lawsuits; it didn't work as advertised. The contact time needed to kill dust mites etc. Was far !inter than most people would spend with the vacuum.

Post# 384009 , Reply# 19   1/10/2018 at 11:56 (2,269 days old) by luxkid1980 (Richmond, Virginia)        

Seemed like a silly lawsuit to me. People will try to sue over anything. If you want to kill germs on the floor in your house, wash your floors regularly or better yet, steam clean them.

Post# 384030 , Reply# 20   1/10/2018 at 19:09 (2,269 days old) by kirby519 (Wisconsin)        

Just as I thought. Mostly all hype to scare people into spending good money on something that was ineffective.

Post# 385689 , Reply# 21   2/9/2018 at 19:09 (2,239 days old) by thegen5gal (Alabama)        

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I (briefly) owned a commercial XL model and that blasted thing was SO LOUD. Don’t get me wrong, I know it’s a vacuum cleaner so it is going to make some noise, but the pitch of the motor was a bit to high for comfort.
Reminds me of Shark Vacs, they sound like drills from the dentist.
They, in my opinion, aren’t worth the price you pay considering they aren’t deep cleaners. You will receive the same benefit if you buy the $50 Bissell at Walmart.


Post# 385696 , Reply# 22   2/9/2018 at 21:42 (2,239 days old) by crazykirbydude (Lexington, KY)        

crazykirbydude's profile picture
Absolutely hate them. They are noisy and do not clean well. I once paid $70 for a used one at an Oreck shop and I have never used it.

Post# 385702 , Reply# 23   2/9/2018 at 22:04 (2,239 days old) by HonestJoe68 (Mansfield, Ohio)        

As a collector I own four Oreck Vacuums. I have an Oreck Edge, an Oreck Axis (Purple) an Oreck Forever Series Gold and the Oreck Ultimate Handheld. They are part of my collection and I enjoy using them. Yes, my USA or German Made Vacuums might clean better or are quieter, but it is what it is and I love all my vacuum cleaners. I find with my low pile carpeting and area rugs, the Axis does a nice enough job and it’s light and easy to maneuver. The Oreck Edge was just for fun as I love the futuristic design and the attached suction hose is very convenient since most Oreck don’t have built in tools. The Forever series I got for a steal and I like the Gold color. I would never buy the latest Oreck Elevate vacuums unless I could find one for under $200. I didn’t pay more than $150 for any of my above Oreck and they were all brand new. Similar vacuums I own are the Maytag M500, Lightweight Upright and the Hoover Platinum Lightweight Bagged Upright and the Riccar Cordless SupraLite Model R10CV. It’s funny how similar considering TTI Floor Care and Tacony make them, but each has it’s own unique features and different build quality and style. I just realized I need to update my photos, I have over 250 vacuums in my collection and some I’ve not taken pics of yet.

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Post# 385796 , Reply# 24   2/11/2018 at 02:02 (2,238 days old) by panasonicvac (Northern Utah)        

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I remember saying this in another thread but Orecks are alright in my opinion. Not all Orecks perform the same, the XL21 for example cleans about three times better than the regular XL models. I have a Neighbor that owns both a XL21 and a XL2, I will admit that everyone's opinions might change overtime but recently when I used their XL21 again, at first I thought it was alright. But now, wow I can't believe how good of a machine it is because it had just been fixed and serviced. The XL2 which also just got fixed and serviced as well, I still have the same opinion on that one which means that I still don't like using it. But does that still mean that I don't like Oreck? No. They're not really bad vacuums but I've used other vacuums that are better than Oreck and there are definitely some vacuums that I've used that are even worse than Oreck. I still like to collect them. And they actually have great support services that they provide.

Post# 385956 , Reply# 25   2/13/2018 at 13:43 (2,235 days old) by luxkid1980 (Richmond, Virginia)        

@thegen5gal - "You will receive the same benefit if you buy the $50 Bissell at Walmart."

Hmm, that's not true. The only $50 bagged Bissell available on Walmart's website is the Powerforce bag 1739, which is a sad vacuum indeed. I've seen this vacuum in person. The materials are very cheaply made. The Orecks are much better.


Post# 385963 , Reply# 26   2/13/2018 at 14:50 (2,235 days old) by Kirbysthebest (Midwest)        
I like them

I am sure the villagers will be chasing me with torches soon, but I like the Oreck.

Recently I bought a Refurbished Oreck Edge. I am very impressed with this little vacuum.

The first thing you will notice with the Edge is that it has a metal frame up the back that connects the handle to the nozzle part of the vacuum. The bag slides up and down on the frame. Most other Orecks handle attaches to the fill tube, which tends to wear and wobble over time, giving the vacuum a more flimsy feel.

The addition of the frame adds weight, so the Edge is not an 8lb vacuum, more like 13lbs, but sturdy and well balanced.

The other thing that is noticed with the Edge is it has a light duty hose attached. This is one of the only if not the only Oreck upright that I know of with a hose. The hose comes with a crevice tool permanently attached it activates when the handle is in the upright, locked position. Suction is not great through the hose, but it does serve "light duty" to clean base boards and edges.

Another thing that I noticed with the Edge was it is much quieter than previous Orecks I have used. It almost has the Electrolux power nozzle buzz/hum. I am surmising that this comes from the long life belt this unit uses.

Very bright LED headlights, and a nice bag system rounds out the vacuum. With a stiffer brush roll for better grooming and cleaning. There is also a multi-speed motor that you can step through about four steps from fastest to slowest. This is a bagged machine with a HEPA/Charcoal bag that is very large, expensive, but large.

A Kirby or Electrolux it is not, but this Oreck, like the other light weight machines serve the purpose of being easier to handle, maneuver, and maintain than attachment laden heavier vacuums on the market. True they still do better on lower pile carpeting, or bare floors, but I have always maintained: A light weight vacuum that is used often, is more effective than a heavy machine that sits in the closet.


So prepare yourself, Villagers, light your torches. Orecks are not that bad of a vacuum.


Post# 385966 , Reply# 27   2/13/2018 at 15:28 (2,235 days old) by HonestJoe68 (Mansfield, Ohio)        
@kirbysthebest

I will bring a fire extinguisher to fight off the villagers! Lol

See pics of my Oreck Edge.. LOVE it too fir all the reasons you said and I Love the electronic variable speed too! I really love the attached crevice tool hose, it extends so long I can get all the nooks and crannies Lol.

I just wish I’d bought the matching Edge canister vacuum.. I’d pay top dollar for one if I could FIND one in excellent condition.. can’t find one anywhere! :-(

I’ve attached pictures to Rile up the Villagers! Lol (Joking guys.. Love ya all!)



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Post# 385969 , Reply# 28   2/13/2018 at 16:38 (2,235 days old) by Kirbysthebest (Midwest)        
HonestJoe68

I have seen several of the Edge canisters on Ebay, but top dollar is what they are asking. I think the lowest I saw one was $149.

Post# 385983 , Reply# 29   2/13/2018 at 19:24 (2,235 days old) by luxkid1980 (Richmond, Virginia)        
HonestJoe68

Thank for posting pics of the Oreck Edge. Looks really cool! What's the build quality like on the hose? I've always liked the simple design of the Oreck machines.

Post# 385994 , Reply# 30   2/13/2018 at 20:53 (2,235 days old) by huskyvacs (Gnaw Bone, Indiana)        

huskyvacs's profile picture
Does anyone here have an "accepable price guide" when buying used Orecks? I know everyone has an opinion, but it's like every single time I see an Oreck here at ANY thrift store, it's $29.99 - $39.99. I got a deal on getting one for $7.00 but the motor is on its last legs and someone thought it was a bagless vacuum (it was run with no paper bag installed - inner bag is full of lint).

Post# 385997 , Reply# 31   2/13/2018 at 21:16 (2,235 days old) by HonestJoe68 (Mansfield, Ohio)        
@luxkid1980 @kirbysthebest

Hi guys!

I really Love my Oreck Edge and it feels well built with quality materials. The hose is very durable but still easily flexible and has a nice handle and extendable creavice tool built in. I really wanted it when it first came out but didn’t take the plunge, then when I did they had just run out of the canister Vacuums. The handle is metal and much more sturdy than the others, I don’t mind the little added weight as it’s still very easy to pick up and to use. I also love the bright headlights and the digital fingertips power control is really nice. It’s got slow start like high end machines and variable speed. Also, it’s much quieter than the lower end Orecks. Plus I just Love the colors too.. like a metallic dark bronze/brown and the bag is really high quality. It’s just a very nice Oreck, I can see once I got mine that it would have been worth its original price because it’s made well.

Speaking of the Edge Canister.. I never thought to check eBay so thanks Kirbysthebest, I will check and if I can find one closer to $100 I’d buy it but $150 is too much unless it’s brand new, unused, Not refurbished.

Thanks guys!



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Post# 386004 , Reply# 32   2/13/2018 at 21:39 (2,235 days old) by Kirbysthebest (Midwest)        
Acceptable is what you are willing to pay

I have always paid from $20 - $40. The factory refurbished and warranted Edge I paid $49.95 with free shipping. I bought two.

My signature series I paid $20 and $15 shipping. I replaced the belt and brushroll, and it was like new.

Another thing i like about Orecks is they are extremely easy to work on. Usually all you need is a Phillips head screwdriver.


Post# 386005 , Reply# 33   2/13/2018 at 21:52 (2,235 days old) by Kirbysthebest (Midwest)        

There is a brand new ultimate canister on ebasy now $149.99 free shipping. The ultimate is the same as the edge canister.

Post# 386018 , Reply# 34   2/14/2018 at 01:53 (2,235 days old) by HonestJoe68 (Mansfield, Ohio)        
@kirbysthebest

Thanks for the info on the canister! I already own the Oreck Ultimate Canister, the Oreck Compact Canister and the Oreck XL Pro 5 Canister Vacuums. Sadly I didn’t buy it fast enough and I just checked eBay and other places online with no luck on buying the Edge Canister. I only want one because they look so cool and I Love the colors and look of it.

Live and learn I guess, now if I’m on the fence about any vacuum and have the money, I just buy it so I don’t regret it if it isn’t available again. I also wanted the other Oreck XL Edge (in Silver) too but missed out. But the one I did get was my top choice, and the more deluxe of the two. As far as all my research it was and still is the only full sized Bagged Oreck Upright to have a built in hose. Now that doesn’t include the Oreck Touch Bagless Upright that had a hose and tools on board, the Edge was the only Bagged with a hose.

Thanks again everybody!


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Post# 386024 , Reply# 35   2/14/2018 at 02:49 (2,235 days old) by huskyvacs (Gnaw Bone, Indiana)        

huskyvacs's profile picture
Alright, well these are all 90's Oreck XL series, so I'll just wait and hope the vacuum might still be there this tuesday when it's half off.

Post# 386038 , Reply# 36   2/14/2018 at 07:59 (2,234 days old) by luxkid1980 (Richmond, Virginia)        

Nice looking Oreck canister there! Thanks for posting!


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