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Thread Number: 36490
/ Tag: Brand New Vacuum Cleaners
Electrolux vacuums to become extinct? |
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| Post# 390897 4/22/2018 at 19:17 (2,188 days old) by completenutt (West Hollywood, California) | ||
Wondering what you all think are the future chances that Electrolux, now that it has sold off it's Eureka vacuum cleaner division (which I believe co-created and manufactured all Electrolux vacuums during the past few decades) to Midea from China, will continue it's legacy product line of good to excellent vacuum cleaners.
I know it's overly sentimental, (and I have no vested interests in Electrolux except for my appreciation of their industry innovations over the years...up to and including the UltraOne, UltraFlex ,and UltraCaptic machines), but I think Electrolux's absence in the future vacuum marketplace will not be filled. It's a niche that they filled...a high brand recognition association (and mid-priced affordable product) with the expectation of high quality; that has lately been delivered in gorgeous product design and performance, but not high craftsmanship or durability; which did seem a perfect match to today's consumer acceptance of planned obsolescence appliances that perform well during their limited lifespan. It seems like such a waste of decades of their work to discontinue advancing what we all here on Vacuumland consider as the quest for better and more advanced, more powerful, and more hygienic vacuum cleaners and for them to lock up, perhaps forever, all the design and engineering research that was learned and refined since Lux AB originated and that Electrolux/Eureka continued to research and develop up until very recently. Their absence would create a vacuum in which a strong competition to challenge and win market share is necessary to push forward new innovations in a future marketplace. I believe the new Miele Blizzard, released recently and years after the Electrolux's UltraCaptic and UltraFlex, used the same technology...seemingly improving on what Electrolux created with a separated dust bin from the cyclone which sits on top of the machine horizontally. I thought that was revolutionary at the time. Not quiet sure how I feel about Miele's rotating pre-motor filter. It actually reminds me of my Hoover Z's in which the rotating filters were tapped constantly to theoretically remove the fine collected into dust into a collection bin, but never really worked well as the tapper was too gentle to be effective. I think it's actually irresponsible of Electrolux to not take the bull by the horns and promote pro-actively, if they are developing, any upcoming vacuum releases and to just leave their customer base hanging like this. Not cool. Also, what will happen to the availability of parts and filters, if they have no longer interest in keeping vacuum customers loyal? Has anyone heard anything about their continuing to produce Vacs in the future? What do you all think? A loss to our community and to the creative competition of higher end machines which keep advancing technology and in their efficacy of one of our most iconic appliances in our homes? This post was last edited 04/23/2018 at 01:12 | ||
| Post# 390956 , Reply# 2 4/24/2018 at 09:07 (2,187 days old) by Real1shep (Walla Walla, WA) | ||
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I agree. Good riddance on"Electrolux" and long live Aerus.
Kevin | ||
| Post# 390967 , Reply# 3 4/24/2018 at 13:34 (2,187 days old) by completenutt (West Hollywood, California) | ||
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Mike, thanks for the very interesting detailed history on the brand. I am impressed by another enthusiast's knowledge!
I knew some of what you layed out, but learned some new things as well... I actually looked up and found a video (attached) of the Cyclone Power! So cool, but still using the in-line configuration, that is still used by Aerus today, which, albeit classic, hasn't advanced the industry with any new direction or evolvement of what we can now manufacture with advanced knowledge of motor technology and air flow, better machine weight distribution, and maneuverability. It appears that when Aerus, who apparently was originally formed solely as the distribution company for Electrolux, divested the Electrolux name, but not the original streamlined architecture of the wonderful early models, it seems they never until this day thought to expand and be creative to compete with other popular brands like Dyson, who really reimagined and tested other configuration's efficacy, i.e. DC39 et al, and were able to capture a large market share by doing so. I remember studying some tenants of Architecture, namely "form follows function", which seems common sense and, what Aerus has still adhered to, is clearly still used today. This configuration, although recently re-imagined by Dyson in the new V10. I do understand the dilution of the original contributions given by the original Electrolux, and really think that the later models, like the Ultra Active, Ultra One, etc. have advanced using updated design styles while hopefully adhering to the purpose of a vacuum which is performance in all regards. I really think they added to that conversation, wherein Aerus has not contributed. For example, it appears that the first separated cyclone and dustbin were in the UltraFlex and UltraCaptic.. this seems to be copied currently by Miele in the Blizzard, and Hoover in the Air Pro Canister. What I deduce, is that aside from advancement the "new" Electrolux namesake made in appearance, albeit cheaper construction, they still advanced to the point of being imitated in what are still current alternate configuration releases by other companies. Surely, that is not a good riddance scenario! CLICK HERE TO GO TO completenutt's LINK | ||
| Post# 390975 , Reply# 5 4/24/2018 at 15:39 (2,187 days old) by completenutt (West Hollywood, California) | ||
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Kevin, your response is predicated on the assumption that I didn't consider classic tech. as worthwhile. So, in your thesis, a Model T would be better than a new car because it was heaver, hand made, and more identifiable as a classic. No?
Also, if the Aerus tank configuration were the best then many vacs on the market today would echo that format. Where do you see that happening... Miele? No! I am happy to respectfully agree to disagree, but you seem to have implied that all I'm looking for was shiny plastic. Where in my intelligent dissertations is that even mentioned? I'm talking about using computers and other deducing equipment to analyze what is stronger, better, and more user friendly. Those technologies didn't exist when the original "tank" canister was invented...so why stick to that? Finally, you're also inferring that classic Aerus/Electrolux machines inherently have more suction and higher CFM. Is that an existing quantifiable measurement that you have apples to apples? You seem to be coming across as a fan boy (total enthusiast that counterpoints any criticism of something regardless of merit presented) for that brand and not considering my pertinent posed questions at all. I owned 2 classic Swedish manufactured Saabs, before GM bastardized them and then sold the company. Saab invented many still used technologies offered in most other cars today.. i.e. traction control. I do understand and agree that perhaps the Sweeds do dilute their masterpieces.. So, even there you see how what a good set of brains (i.e. current Electrolux vacuum engineers) can create for other companies to mimic..e.g. why on earth would Miele, a better materials made product, then work off of and improve based off the Ultraflex for their first ever bagless to utilize the configuration I spoke of with a cyclone separated from the dust bin that seemingly, unless I'm mistaken, Electrolux developed first? Seems they must have thought it had merit. Also, manufacturing things in mass and making them affordable to more people improves more lives in total than sticking with a less affordable priced well made classic as you are promoting. Who did more business this past year? Electrolux or Aerus. Of course there is a market for high end well made and ultimately durable products, but that thesis is not necessarily what the majority of Vacuumland users are looking for. We are not all at that income level...so all brands and price points should be viewed comparatively on performance levels and not directly to a the pen-ultimate vacuum that you imply is the Aerus/classic Electrolux! But please remember that I too was enamoured with vintage Electrolux products! They were gorgeous and coveted! I just don't think their contributions to the industry ended until they just now sold off Eureka. This post was last edited 04/24/2018 at 16:54 | ||
| Post# 391040 , Reply# 9 4/25/2018 at 19:10 (2,185 days old) by completenutt (West Hollywood, California) | ||
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@Kevin, I admit I'm a novice, with strong middle-aged opinions (53 y/o next month), I'm afraid, even though I played with vacs since I was a kid back in the 70s and feel like I know more fact than I do. You make a great point how older reconditioned vacs certainly are a good option for those on a budget, per se. Good point. Also, I have two dysons, the DC39 was given to me by a neighbor who was moving and I took it to one of their dedicated service centers for a cleaning and refurbishing (just over $100US), and got the bug on it's quietness and on their unusual attachment selection and interesting design of those attachments. My second was a compact DC47 I got factory reconditioned that I keep unused and pristine as a Vacuum art piece on a display shelf, but have never turned on even once since unboxing and is in new condition, with a new dust bin (I bought as a part from Dyson) for clear view of the shapes and colors inside the bin. (Yes, I'm a complete nut!) As far as their engineering and technology.. I have limited opinion.. please tell me why you don't care for it. I'm happy to learn something I may not have noticed, and really only have the new V10 on my wish list for another product from them, as it does seem, per Dyson, to compete with corded vac strength for the first time (how they mean that, or if it's true, I couldn't say, certainly it's operating time is still very limited by current battery tech.). This post was last edited 04/25/2018 at 22:34 | ||
| Post# 391052 , Reply# 11 4/25/2018 at 21:17 (2,185 days old) by eurekaprince (Montreal, Canada) | ||
Electrolux vacuums are not becoming extinct due to the sale of their Eureka division to Midea. In fact, they have just introduced a new line of canisters called the Pure D9 - see the link below.
Also, the Sanitaire division in North America has been retained by Electrolux. It was not sold to Midea. CLICK HERE TO GO TO eurekaprince's LINK | ||
| Post# 391056 , Reply# 12 4/25/2018 at 22:04 (2,185 days old) by Completenutt (West Hollywood, California) | ||
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@ Brian, Awesome! Good sleuthing! That "it follows you" thing has me curious.. does it have sensors to avoid furniture? Does it follow the handle with the user by bluetooth... I'm dying to know. Literally, I think I'm flying to Scandinavia. Just the fact they spend money on developing that ahead of everyone else. So fun.
As I posted the vintage and modern Electrolux ads, I noticed they both had really similar, almost exact detail. Both women as portrayed as they are "seen" in that time, both with one foot behind the cleaner, both with the hose in the same hand and swirling in front of the leg, the cleaner positioned as it is in each ad, with the supporting character up and to the right rear.... really too coincidental. So, I wonder if they have indeed followed a "maintain higher quality product image" path and had maintained a dedicated Electrolux division with heads who were familiar with the original designs and concepts, etc. that worked within Eureka but mandated additional things to Eureka, perhaps all the motors were similar or something else that saved money, but they may have given more R&D funds to "what it takes to please the average upscale family" which still could be higher expectations of appearance and genuinely making cleaning easier ergonomics, or the engineering division to create more interesting and quieter shells, had superior filtration.. whatever... and that resulted in the UltraOne, etc., which was clearly touting better design and performance, I didn't even remember to mention the "brushroll clean", seemingly gimmicky thing before, but it does thoughtfully solve a previously unaddressed and annoying problem that other companies don't utilize, but actually needed a solution in order to more keep the intake area unobstructed to attain the best cleaning result each time... it was kind of a game changer, I thought. It really reminds me of how the original machines brought a better experience to the customer at that time, and I really see continuity in that regard. This post was last edited 04/26/2018 at 02:35 | ||
| Post# 391067 , Reply# 13 4/26/2018 at 07:00 (2,185 days old) by eurekaprince (Montreal, Canada) | ||
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Post# 391082 , Reply# 16 4/26/2018 at 09:12 (2,185 days old) by n0oxy  (Saint Louis Missouri, United States) |
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Electrolux vacuums I have the Ultra One classic, it's a great canister, and probably one of the quietest vacuums available. Wonder if those new machines will ever be made available in the United States. Even though they sold Eureka, Electrolux still owns the Sanitaire brandd, I doubt their vacuums are going away any time soon. Mike | ||
| Post# 391092 , Reply# 17 4/26/2018 at 12:21 (2,185 days old) by completenutt (West Hollywood, California) | ||
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@Brian, Yes, it's gorgeous in it's simplicity. It seems streamlined with not too many visible bells and whistles, which I think makes it look very solid. Also, matte finishes do make the plastic look more durable. The pink color really will attract the iPhone generation looking for subtle elegance. Also, it seems that Electrolux has adopted for the first time the technology that I think Miele originated by using a thicker hose/greater diameter at the base where it enters the machine and less thick where it joins with the handle. Very nice, indeed.
@Rolls_rapide, so true, Dyson had momentum to create the no loss of suction claim and that became a mantra for most lemmings looking for a vacuum apparently. People use that term Dyson with the same fervor they used Hoover back in the day. The plastic on my UltraFlex really is visually the cheapest. Not sure about resistance to abuse or aging, but looks like the quality of a child's toy, especially the top part of the dust bin that becomes the cap to the cyclone, my goodness, it's almost embarrassing for them to have used that grade of material, albeit to lighten weight, it lessens the feel of quality that should have been matched with the high level of ingenuity. It is a shame about Hoover. What's left to absorb by conglomerates? The only thing I found interesting about them lately is the new React line they just released here in the US. It apparently automatically adjusts to floor type by adjusting the brushroll speed. Otherwise, they do seem like they're one step behind in tech. @Kevin, I'll check out some of those threads you mentioned. Not sure I'll acquire a collection of their products, but the only cordless stick vac I have now is a 2in1 Hoover Air Stick vac the is seriously weak, and moderately fugly! So, when I decide to upgrade that tool, I'll see what's available, but the V10 really does seem to match style with substance in that category specifically. Otherwise, with Dyson, it will be interesting to see, since they claim to not be developing corded vacs going forward, (and I heard a clip of him saying that included any uprights at all, since the V10 series would replace that category), if indeed they will develop any true contenders in the world of canisters by making a cordless machine that performs. Could start a competitive trend that would free us from cords. Who knows. @Mike, I don't have an UltraOne, but do admire them. The new Pure series that Paul has a link to in this thread seems quiet impressive, so there is hope! | ||
| Post# 391093 , Reply# 18 4/26/2018 at 13:08 (2,185 days old) by dysonman1 (the county) | ||
Ultra Captic
I bought an UltraCaptic multi-cyclonic canister when they were available. It was a great machine until both of my Border Collies grew up. Then, it couldn't hold enough hair, meaning I had to stop and empty several times in just the living room. Too much hassle. I stopped using it a few years ago and it just sits. So much for the EurekaLux.
I always go back to my Diamond Jubilee. I put a clean bag in each time I use it, and can clean the whole house without stopping. That's a "real" Electrolux in my book. I buy genuine Electrolux bags at flea markets, garage sales, etc. I probably have 400 or more bags, costing me pennies each. Enough to last a lifetime, and I still pick up more because I find them dirt cheap. EurekaLux was never the quality of the real Electrolux, BUT, they were sure gung ho on jumping on the bandwagon of "my mother had an Electrolux for decades" when they were trying to sell them on QVC (conning the public into believing that the Electrolux mother bought and the new "Electrolux" were the same.) That's why we distinguish them by calling them "eurekalux" and the real Electrolux is, was, and always will be "Electrolux" even if Aerus makes them now. | ||
| Post# 391097 , Reply# 19 4/26/2018 at 16:46 (2,185 days old) by completenutt (West Hollywood, California) | ||
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Omg, EurekaLux... that's so funny! First time I've heard it! Well, now that they're out of the picture, will Sanitaire build a higher-grade materials product? Hope so! And I totally get how the original Electrolux's were so addictive, I just watched the attached video of a Model 30, I saw you have one in the pic (btw, I love the two old GE vacs on the top shelf behind you in that pic... quite a pair!) being disassembled and inspected. Absolutely stunning art deco design and built to last forever apparently! What a well thought out machine for that time! I can imagine the difference in owning one at the time and absolutely having a superior and more powerful machine to use compared to your neighbors. Probably was a status symbol. Fantastic.
Attached are my current collection of contemporary vacs. Small and limited, but I love 'em all for different reasons. That's a second UltraFlex in the box that I'm giving to my friend as an Xmas gift next year. I can't even tell you what she's using now.. it's horrifying! All my friends, after they've given me the customary amount of sh_t for being a vacuum collector, actually then are very supportive and seem interested in hearing a little about why I like them.. so she's my bestest, so she get's what I like the most at this moment.
In the rear, under all the tools under the Coach bag, is a brand new, never opened, factory sealed Hoover Z700. I know it was a dud success wise, but I still think if it had maintained suction longer, had stronger suction, and had filtered better and was about 10 Pounds lighter, it could have been a big hit. I'm saving it for the day when someone who just needs one to complete their collection, per se, contacts me to buy it. I'm sure it's one of the last factory sealed ones anywhere in the world.. I mean, what other nutt would hold on to a random thing like that!
My newest purchase is the Hoover Air Revolve. It came with 6 attachments including the power nozzle (no headlights, though. That's a "cheaped out" pet-peeve of mine). I couldn't believe it, no other non-specialty vacuum has ever included that many out of the box that I've ever opened before. Not the best quality at all, but handy when needed.
Tomorrow my new in-box UltraCaptic arrives.. Same model that you have, Tom. I'll probably keep that one pristine for a while and use the UltraFlex when I feel like it. I'm moving the unused UltraFlex and UltraCaptic machines as floor art pieces on either side of my tv, and before the speakers, so they'll be on display, as well, in full view as variations on a theme.
After tomorrow's arrival, I'll be on Vac. purchasing hiatus for a while (space and budget), but one day, I'd like to get a Connie, and also the Model 30 that reminds me so much of the Art Deco trains I was fascinated by in magazines as a kid. CLICK HERE TO GO TO completenutt's LINK This post was last edited 04/26/2018 at 17:16 | ||
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I saw an ad for Dial a Matics that were originally touted as the first convertible vac. They were so cute! Looked from the rear view like they had a little tummy with a bellybutton that you attached the hose to, with the suction dial above it. I doubt any more "convertible" vacs will ever be developed.;){kind=link}
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