Thread Number: 21640
Which April 1993 & 1996 Scans
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Post# 242113   7/25/2013 at 22:36 (3,899 days old) by sebo_fan (Scotland, UK, member AKA ukvacfan, & Nar2)        

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Apologies for the quality but here is a report dating from Which UK Magazine 1993 and later on 1996.





This post was last edited 07/25/2013 at 23:06
Post# 242114 , Reply# 1   7/25/2013 at 22:36 (3,899 days old) by sebo_fan (Scotland, UK, member AKA ukvacfan, & Nar2)        

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page 2



Post# 242115 , Reply# 2   7/25/2013 at 22:37 (3,899 days old) by sebo_fan (Scotland, UK, member AKA ukvacfan, & Nar2)        

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page 3



Post# 242116 , Reply# 3   7/25/2013 at 22:38 (3,899 days old) by sebo_fan (Scotland, UK, member AKA ukvacfan, & Nar2)        

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page 4 (you can see where Which got the photos wrong with the "Aqua Vac" and Hoover models using the same Vax machines).



Post# 242117 , Reply# 4   7/25/2013 at 22:39 (3,899 days old) by sebo_fan (Scotland, UK, member AKA ukvacfan, & Nar2)        

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Similar models page



Post# 242118 , Reply# 5   7/25/2013 at 22:40 (3,899 days old) by sebo_fan (Scotland, UK, member AKA ukvacfan, & Nar2)        

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Similar cylinder/canisters page.



Post# 242120 , Reply# 6   7/25/2013 at 22:58 (3,899 days old) by sebo_fan (Scotland, UK, member AKA ukvacfan, & Nar2)        
Which April 1996

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Page 1

Post# 242121 , Reply# 7   7/25/2013 at 22:59 (3,899 days old) by sebo_fan (Scotland, UK, member AKA ukvacfan, & Nar2)        
Which April 1996

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Page 2



Post# 242122 , Reply# 8   7/25/2013 at 23:00 (3,899 days old) by sebo_fan (Scotland, UK, member AKA ukvacfan, & Nar2)        
Which April 1996

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Page 3



Post# 242123 , Reply# 9   7/25/2013 at 23:00 (3,899 days old) by sebo_fan (Scotland, UK, member AKA ukvacfan, & Nar2)        
Which April 1996

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Page 4



Post# 242124 , Reply# 10   7/25/2013 at 23:01 (3,899 days old) by sebo_fan (Scotland, UK, member AKA ukvacfan, & Nar2)        
Which April 1996

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Page 5



Post# 242125 , Reply# 11   7/25/2013 at 23:03 (3,899 days old) by sebo_fan (Scotland, UK, member AKA ukvacfan, & Nar2)        
Which April 1996

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Page 6



Post# 242128 , Reply# 12   7/25/2013 at 23:36 (3,899 days old) by beko1987 (Stokenchurch, United Kingdom)        

Great read over breakfast! Odd to see Which NOT fawning over dyson just got the heck of it too back in the day (last page DC02)

Post# 242148 , Reply# 13   7/26/2013 at 07:01 (3,898 days old) by Turbo500 (West Yorkshire, UK)        

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Fantastic read, thanks for sharing Ryan! I love that the Sebo X1 and Hitachi Powerhouse uprights were awarded best buys - 2 of my favourites! Although the Hoover fans might not be best pleased about it lol.

Post# 242151 , Reply# 14   7/26/2013 at 08:13 (3,898 days old) by sebo_fan (Scotland, UK, member AKA ukvacfan, & Nar2)        

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The most surprising aspect for me is that the Hitachi, though a Japanese company chose Singapore to produce that vacuum cleaner in - early proof perhaps then a company chose another company for cheaper production costs - though not reflected in the performance and Which's testing.

I also remember the 1993 report well as my father was so impressed with the Vax Powa, this is exactly why we bought it, based on this report - but still had our classic Hoover Junior and later on, an Oreck XL in the home.


Post# 242162 , Reply# 15   7/26/2013 at 08:56 (3,898 days old) by thekirbylover (Warrington, cheshire )        
reply9

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I dont think thats a turbo power 2

Post# 242165 , Reply# 16   7/26/2013 at 09:03 (3,898 days old) by sebo_fan (Scotland, UK, member AKA ukvacfan, & Nar2)        

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You're right - they got the photos listed wrongly, as shown up again with the Vax/Aqua & Hoover tubs.

Post# 242169 , Reply# 17   7/26/2013 at 09:20 (3,898 days old) by Turbo500 (West Yorkshire, UK)        
though a Japanese company chose Singapore to produce that va

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the original Hitach CV50D was probably one, if not the sturdiest vacuums of the 1980's. That was also manufactured in Singapore

Post# 242184 , Reply# 18   7/26/2013 at 11:28 (3,898 days old) by Ultimatevacman ( Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK)        

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Thank you for sharing these Ryan! Very interesting :)

Joe


Post# 242198 , Reply# 19   7/26/2013 at 13:43 (3,898 days old) by turbomaster1984 (Ripley, Derbyshire)        

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Brilliant Ryan!

Provided mewith a good half hour of interesting reading to say the least.

Im not surprised that Hitachi beat the TP2's 3's 1000's as they are a much nicer cleaner to use.

They have the 'stick to the floor' performance that the Turbopower 1's had whereas I never felt the TP2 range did quite manage to vibrate the carpet on a cushion of air like its older brother's and thus not clean anywhere near as well.

My Mum had a later Hitachi Powerhouse 1300 that was a fantastic all round performer and tolerated the best part of 6 years heavy use in a heavy handed household.
It was only scrapped due to user error in that it was used to clean up plaster dust and decorating rubbish with a split bag. I tried my best to get the rubbish out but the motor eventually became shot.

The hose arrangement certainly seemed more convinient than hoovers with a comfy hose grip and sturdy tools. Tool storage was also infinitely better with the 2 most used tools stored at the top of the machine tucked behind the hose so they wouldnt fall off.

All in all a brilliant cleaner its easy to see why they beat the competition at the time.

I have a slightly earlier minty fresh version of the 1300 in our collection that is fantastic to use.


Post# 242205 , Reply# 20   7/26/2013 at 14:02 (3,898 days old) by Turbo500 (West Yorkshire, UK)        

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Rob, I couldn't agree with you more.

Hoover may have been unrivalled dirty fan cleaners, but by 1995 they couldn't compete with such high performing and far more convenient clean air machines. They were struggling to do so even before then.

Not only was the Turbo 2, 3 and 1000 ridiculously over priced, thet weren't a patch on Hoover's earlier machines and certainly not a patch on competition from Electrolux, Hitachi and Panasonic of the time.

Despite Hoover's success, from the 70's onwards they were always 1 step behind the competition. Put a 1980 Junior side by side with a Hitachi CV50, Lux 502s or Panasonic Jetflo and just look at how outdated it looks.

Times were changing and Hoover either couldn't or didn't want to keep up


Post# 242209 , Reply# 21   7/26/2013 at 14:08 (3,898 days old) by sebo_fan (Scotland, UK, member AKA ukvacfan, & Nar2)        

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A few years ago someone gave me a Hitachi 1100 (OR it might have been 800) upright - pretty similar to the one shown on the Test start page of Which's 1996 but with a dark grey dial and no variable suction - the owner found that it "wasn't working as well as it should." Famous last words...

I agree Robert about the tools - very well placed and so well designed.

Getting parts for it was difficult though as the main front door had split and the brush roll was practically threadbare. When I glued up the door and used the upright the suction was tremendous but so much abuse had happened to it, it had to be turfed as it was impossible to get spares for it.


Post# 242214 , Reply# 22   7/26/2013 at 14:19 (3,898 days old) by thekirbylover (Warrington, cheshire )        
not a patch on competition from Electrolux

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because the electrolux contour is far better than a turbopower 2...........



This post was last edited 07/26/2013 at 14:36
Post# 242218 , Reply# 23   7/26/2013 at 14:42 (3,898 days old) by AlexHoovers94 (Manchester UK)        

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"Although the Hoover fans might not be best pleased about it lol. " You can say that again!

 

But Ryan Thanks a bunch for uploading these to vacuumland, really appreciate it!!


Post# 242249 , Reply# 24   7/26/2013 at 17:34 (3,898 days old) by AlexHoovers94 (Manchester UK)        
I have used a Hitachi Powerhouse...

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They are quite a nice vacuum but I much prefer the Turbopower 2, it has a far better quality sounding motor and a better brushroll, it may be heavier to use and carry but I think it is higher performing than the Powerhouse.

I don't understand this thing people have with the tools falling off a Turbo 2 because it is a slight effort to push them into there little "garages".

 

Also, I noticed that the Powerhouse was £20 cheaper than the Turbopower 2 which is hardly a difference really to put someone off when they are buying into a top selling brand.


Post# 242251 , Reply# 25   7/26/2013 at 17:44 (3,898 days old) by turbomaster1984 (Ripley, Derbyshire)        
whos responding here? you ?

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Higher performing?

The results above tell you which is higher performing and they concur with what I have found.

Are you sure?

Better quality sounding motor? What hooey. How do you decide what makes a quality sound? The Hitachi makes no difference in quietness at 1300/1100w to a TP2 on full power.

Better brushroll? defined by what?

The tools are easy to push onto a TP2 but they are friction fit with plastic clips that could and did snap off. The Hitachi relied on a friction fit which was aided by the hose keeping them in place too. The upholstery tool had a pocket to actually slot into.

And 15 years ago £20 was 5 to 6 hours wages to a worker on minimum wage standards so it WAS alot of money.




Post# 242254 , Reply# 26   7/26/2013 at 18:03 (3,898 days old) by AlexHoovers94 (Manchester UK)        

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HA...please!


Post# 242257 , Reply# 27   7/26/2013 at 18:06 (3,898 days old) by turbomaster1984 (Ripley, Derbyshire)        

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I beg your pardon?

Post# 242258 , Reply# 28   7/26/2013 at 18:08 (3,898 days old) by turbomaster1984 (Ripley, Derbyshire)        

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Remeber Which? was testing BRAND NEW from the box cleaners to test.

Saying you have used one is irrelevant unless you tested a new TP2 and a new Hitachi.

Was the belt on the Hitachi in good condition, was the brushroll?

Were the filters clean? What state was the bag in?

Too many variables - come back and diss when you have tested like for like!


Post# 242259 , Reply# 29   7/26/2013 at 18:16 (3,898 days old) by AlexHoovers94 (Manchester UK)        
Ok...

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Well which are clearly talking out of their ar** because they said a DC02 performed well on carpet...

 

I believe that the Turbopower 2 is higher performing because it has a better brushroll with very close together stiff brushes unlike the sparse brushes on the Powerhouse and who doesn't love the Activator?

 

How do I decide what is better quality sounding? Because the hitachi makes that screaming noise like most cheap motors do unlike the wuuuuhhhh noise the Turbo 2 makes.

 

How on earth you would manage to snap those clips off that hold the tools in is beyond me...What about the dusting brush on the powerhouse? That doesn't rely on that wonderful hose to hold it in place which by the way the cuff on it, in my opinion is short and stuby and uncomfitable to use.

 

Also it seams that the Powerhouse lacked in the two carefully balaced carrying handles front and back, didn't it? only one at the back, right?

 

Lastly the "HA, please!" comment went to the 5-6 hours someone would have to work to get 20 quid, do you really think that is that much? that is not even a full days work!

 

Alex.


Post# 242260 , Reply# 30   7/26/2013 at 18:23 (3,898 days old) by turbomaster1984 (Ripley, Derbyshire)        

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Wages

Go and do 5 hours graft when the sun is shining and you want to be down the pub with your mates who are having a good time without you perhaps then you will realise its value.

Quite frankly your attitude stinks and all because you cant handle a balanced criticism ofyour favourite cleaner.



Post# 242262 , Reply# 31   7/26/2013 at 18:29 (3,898 days old) by turbomaster1984 (Ripley, Derbyshire)        

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The brushes are far from sparse, the brushroll has beater bars too. Just like hoover.

Was the Hitachi you used brand new? The one I have is virtually brand new and it far from screams. My mothers didnt 'scream' until plaster dust got the better of it.

Nobody mentioned carrying handles. I didnt say it was THE most perfect cleaner EVER, did i?

No idea how anybody snapped the crevice tool clips and extension rod clips on TP's but they did.

Dusting brush, I didnt big that up and yes your right its not held in by the hose BUT it was placed appropraitely. The most used tools were to hand at the top and due to the design of the bag chamber the onlyplace the DB could go was sensible for the least used tool.

No idea what you mean about the cuff I have not personally found it uncomfy.





Post# 242263 , Reply# 32   7/26/2013 at 18:30 (3,898 days old) by AlexHoovers94 (Manchester UK)        

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Fine then, answer your own questions? why is the Hitachi better? If you are more in favour of it why do you own nearly every Turbopower 2 from the entire production line.

 

I am not usually like this and don't take it personally but if someone is going to be rude about me expressing my opinion then I might turn a little bitchy, sorry, but I am only human.

 

Alex.


Post# 242264 , Reply# 33   7/26/2013 at 18:35 (3,898 days old) by sebo_fan (Scotland, UK, member AKA ukvacfan, & Nar2)        

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There's more to come! (As in scans - but I think I'll create another listing.)



This post was last edited 07/26/2013 at 19:50
Post# 242265 , Reply# 34   7/26/2013 at 18:38 (3,898 days old) by turbomaster1984 (Ripley, Derbyshire)        

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I own every one because I like the for what they are! I dont worship the ground they stand on. They are not the bee alland end all like somethink they are.

I said why I felt the Hitachi was better in my first post.

Lastly your opinions are opinions but in your were stating it as a FACT. Big difference.

my point is that the Hitachi you tried may well have been abused, knackered and damaged beyond your knowledge. How can you compare then?

Dyson?? Well how old were you back then? Did you ever try one FRESH out a box?


Post# 242266 , Reply# 35   7/26/2013 at 18:44 (3,898 days old) by turbomaster1984 (Ripley, Derbyshire)        

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Im still reeling from someone who has probably never done a full days graft stating that 5 hours work is nothing.

Just shocking!

5 hours work pays 1/3 of my monthly council tax bill. or
a months water bill. or
a weeks food shop. or
2 weeks car insurance, or
a months gas bill in summer.

just shocking.


Post# 242267 , Reply# 36   7/26/2013 at 18:47 (3,898 days old) by AlexHoovers94 (Manchester UK)        

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The Powerhouse I used was Chris's and it was in perfectly functional condition, like I said, it was a good vacuum but I do like the Turbopower 2 better for it's shape, style and functionality.

 

No, well, I have used a DC01 back when it was new not really old enough to form a good opinion now but I have used many DC01's and DC02's they are all the same...I have not used a Turbopower 2 fresh out of the box either, but I don't need to, to know that it is good, I have 4 variations of the Turbopower 2 and I fully cleaned and restored them all, is that not close enough to new out of the box?

 

Alex.


Post# 242268 , Reply# 37   7/26/2013 at 18:50 (3,898 days old) by AlexHoovers94 (Manchester UK)        
Yes you are right...

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I haven't yet worked, I am still in college/education...

 

Is it honestly my fault that you have an underwhelming paying job to have to worry about 20 pounds? Again don't take it personally.


Post# 242269 , Reply# 38   7/26/2013 at 18:55 (3,898 days old) by turbomaster1984 (Ripley, Derbyshire)        

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Restored is one thing,

Were the motors new? Carbon brushes new?

With respect to Chris's vac his was 2nd hand and a good few years old. Used to clean up whatever wedont know about.

Fans could of been unbalanced as you mentioned it was a SCREAMER.

Did Chris put a brand new belt and brushroll in it?

My Hitachi was second hand but barely used. Nevertheless it WAS used. Yet it performs a better job than the BRAND NEW IN BOX TP2 I have. and yes I did swap the belt for a new one to ensure that the fact it has stood for 17 odd years and was stretched and deformed.

When you can compare like for like that is when you can from TRUE comparisons......

YOU feel that Tp2s are the best thats opinion. Like for like comparisons come up with FACTS.



Post# 242270 , Reply# 39   7/26/2013 at 18:58 (3,898 days old) by turbomaster1984 (Ripley, Derbyshire)        

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Alex lets stop this chat right here before I make you look more of a muppet than you really are.

£20 is not a big deal to me - its 3 hours work THESE DAYS but 15 years ago it was 5 hours work!

5 hours of work for me THESE DAYS PAY FOR ALL I MENTIONED ABOVE SO IT IS A BIG DEAL.

5 HOURS WORK IS A BIG DEAL FOR ANYONE REGARDLESS. 5 HOURS OF LIFE YOU WONT EVER GET BACK!

Sorry but when you grow up come chat to me then. not before.


Post# 242276 , Reply# 40   7/26/2013 at 19:06 (3,898 days old) by thekirbylover (Warrington, cheshire )        
Alex may come across as abit of an a******e

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but he doesn't mean to be he is more maturer that what meets the eye on here

Post# 242278 , Reply# 41   7/26/2013 at 19:07 (3,898 days old) by AlexHoovers94 (Manchester UK)        

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Fair enough, this chat stops here...But you were the one who started it by being inordinately rude to me...I have never known anybody to be so loathsome to someone they have never spoke to or met before!

 

Now...Back to the topic this thread was originally about.


Post# 242284 , Reply# 42   7/26/2013 at 19:13 (3,898 days old) by turbomaster1984 (Ripley, Derbyshire)        

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Michael,

If Alex was mature he wouldnt of stated unfounded comparisons nor started his string of gabble.

If ALex was mature he wouldnt need a friend to apologise for his outburst.

ALEX?

Where was I being rude in challenging what made you come up with your findings?

Your wording such as 'a better quality motor sound' makes no sense whatsoever.

I suggest you grow up sharpish and lose the one track mind.



Post# 242287 , Reply# 43   7/26/2013 at 19:22 (3,898 days old) by thekirbylover (Warrington, cheshire )        

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this sums it up we are here for the joy of vacuum cleaners, arguing with another collector is like being in a microwave everything's getting heated but you're going round in circles

Post# 242295 , Reply# 44   7/26/2013 at 19:50 (3,898 days old) by AlexHoovers94 (Manchester UK)        
Where was I being rude

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In your first post, the way you worded it, it was very arsey for somewhat no reason at all...It wasn't like I was saying it in reply to you or anyone else, I just posted my opinion and thought that would of been it but my thoughts obviously made a liar of me.

 

To the part where you said it didn't make sense that I said a better quality sounding motor, I am sorry, I probably should of put something like 'The Hitachi had an inexpensive sound to the motor, a kind of noise which cheaper vacuums make, the more higher pitch sound unlike the calm hum of the Turbopower 2'. But that seams a little long, lol, hopefully you get what I mean now.

 

"I suggest you grow up sharpish and lose the one track mind." Oh, the hypocrisy!


Post# 242298 , Reply# 45   7/26/2013 at 20:46 (3,898 days old) by sebo_fan (Scotland, UK, member AKA ukvacfan, & Nar2)        

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Hypocrisy? My, my are you sure you've been writing all these comments yourself ?- some sound like JM too much.

As for JM, he seems to have gone mute at these Which test results.

End of the day, a restored vacuum cleaner is no way the same as one fresh from a manufacturer fit for testing - especially in light of what Which had done to them in the first place to get the grades - most of the grading and their tests are given in the first couple of pages.

Secondly whilst you may be of the opinion that the Hoover TP range is better, the Which test clearly indicates that the TP range is not a best buy = other brands such as SEBO, HITACHI and ELECTROLUX were better - also taken into account reliability, with Hoover being the sole brand at the bottom.

Furthermore, in the early report given in the other scan post I've added, you'll see that both the Hoover TP and Turbomaster were also tested - but yet the classic Junior U1104 has only been considered as a worthy buy.

Of course it is infinitely possible to believe what you want to read - but I added these scans for the interest of others, and of course for yourself and those who are younger, who weren't around at that time.


Post# 242345 , Reply# 46   7/27/2013 at 04:15 (3,897 days old) by AlexHoovers94 (Manchester UK)        
But if they were so acurate...

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Why would they say that the DC02 performed well when it has underwhelming suction and tools. They also said a Turbopower 1 was a Turbopower 2.

Ryan - I think your right, I did sound a bit like JM last night but that was simply because Rob jumped straight on me pointing the finger, it was the way he said it in his first post that annoyed me.

With all this said, Ryan, thanks for all these they were great to look at even if I didn't completely agree with their testing


Post# 242359 , Reply# 47   7/27/2013 at 09:39 (3,897 days old) by Turbo500 (West Yorkshire, UK)        

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Alex, what you seem to be forgetting here is that Which? reports are aimed at the general consumer. As collectors, over time, we all of course find out own preferences in things purely through using a shed load of different vacuums. A general consumer doesn't give a flying fig about brush rolls and motor noise and other things mentioned. A general consumer does not always enjoy vacuuming. In 1995, your average house cleaner wanted something that did a good job, easy to use and quick.

Look at my Mum for example. We had a Kirby - far higher performing than the Panasonic she used but being a single Mum of 4, she simply did not have the time to be lugging around a big heavy vacuum when she could whip round with the Panasonic in half the time.

Look at the DC01. We all know they're pretty poor but they sold like hot cakes and people loved them. Why? Because the carpet looked clean and it was quick and easy to use.

Stop thinking like a collector for a minute. For your average vacuum buying public Hitachi, Lux and Panasonic of 1995 were ticking way more appealing boxes than the T2. Do you really think a busy working Mum walking in to Comet to get a new vacuum really gave a toss about the brushroll as long as the carpet was clean?

It wasn't the 1950's anymore. Women didn't stay at home and have hours of time to spare vacuuming. The cleaner had to be good and it had to be quick! And whether you like it or not, the Hitachi is lighter and a lot easier to use than the T2.

Also, in 1995, £20 was a full weeks family shop. National minimum wage didn't come in until 1999. The value of the pound was a lot higher than it is now. To put in perspective, I remember a bar of Dairy Milk being 25p in our local corner shop. A day rider on the bus was 50p. Rob is spot on with regards to the price difference. You also have to remember that any price difference doesn't represent value for money. Even if the T2 was "only" £20 more expensive, it was still £20 less better value than the Hitachi.

Finally, regardless as to how you have taken what Rob said, your comments about him being on a low paid job are totally inappropriate and offensive. Regardless of what Rob does or how much he gets of paid (neither of which are any of your business) we should all be thankful and proud that Rob is out there working his arse off and not taking a penny off the state. Him and his other half have also completely self funded their collection of 300+ vacuums, so he's obviously doing something right! I think somebody is owed an apology.



Post# 242362 , Reply# 48   7/27/2013 at 09:48 (3,897 days old) by Turbo500 (West Yorkshire, UK)        

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Also, do I need to remind you of the issues that the Turbo 2 had?

Weak bag doors, which split over time
Suction channels too narrow and blocked up, resulting in Hoover having to add an easily removable clear plastic cover on the sole plate
Weak motor bearings and handle release on the earlier models

The Hitachi's, though not perfect, were far more solid and didn't have half the issues the T2 had.

I also never found the activator to be that effective in the T2, largely because it spun too quick (which it was never designed to do) and didn't really get into the pile and groom it like the T1.

Michael made a comment about Which? getting the picture wrong, but as far as I'm aware, Which were provided with the pics by the manufacturer (like most catalogues do), so this is largely Hoover's error


Post# 242367 , Reply# 49   7/27/2013 at 10:25 (3,897 days old) by sebo_fan (Scotland, UK, member AKA ukvacfan, & Nar2)        

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Actually no Chris - Hoover did not supply the wrong photos to Which - or any other brand - as you can see from reply 3. the Aqua vacuum and the Hoover tubs have been wrongly placed. As an avid fan of Which in the 1970s due to my father's economic tight string budget ideas, and later as a subscriber only a few years back, Which don't always get it right with their photo placements, or indeed information where testing is concerned - cue the Light n Easy upright that has been printed but its test results have not been added.

The more current example is when they had a first look at the SEBO D cylinder vacuum and couldn't find the bag indicator - if they had only looked behind the hose mount on top of the machine, they'd have located it!


Post# 242376 , Reply# 50   7/27/2013 at 11:38 (3,897 days old) by jmurray01 (Scotland)        

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Good grief - A Hoover debate I've missed!

Having owned the Hitachi Power House and currently owning a Turbopower 1000 I can say that PERSONALLY I prefer the Turbopower.

The Hitachi is not a bad vacuum cleaner and did us proud for a number of years - but I always found the motor didn't have a good quality sound to it (too high pitched for my liking). It wasn't unpleasant by any means, but compared to the hum of the Turbopower it was clear it was a budget cleaner.

Secondly, although I never had any problems with the way the hose cuff felt to hold, it actually snapped off our Power House and that was the reason for it going off to the dump (you must remember this was back before I cared about vacuum cleaners or repairing them).

Thirdly, the hose did not stretch all the way up the stairs. I remember having to move the vacuum up with me as I went. Whereas with the Turbopower 1000 I can vacuum my full flight of stairs with the cleaner at the bottom.

Both the Hitachi and Hoover were/are good cleaners and I don't dislike either, but to me (taking my personal preference for Hoovers out of the equasion) the Turbopower 2 was a superior vacuum cleaner in performance and build quality. Was it superiour enough to warrant the price tag? That is not for me to decide as I never purchased it new, but it obviously didn't put too many people off judging by the amount of Turbopower 2/1000/3s still in circulation compared to the practically extinct Power Houses.


Post# 242378 , Reply# 51   7/27/2013 at 11:45 (3,897 days old) by Turbo500 (West Yorkshire, UK)        

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"but I always found the motor didn't have a good quality sound to it"

I fail to see how the sound of a motor is an indication of the quality of it. Look at Miele - one of the highest quality vacuums you can buy - and they have a rather high pitched motor. The Dyson YDK motor was also very high pitched, yet still of decent quality.

The only reason that the T2 was any quieter than the Hitachi, was purely because it had far more sound insulation, which in turn made the cleaner a lot heavier.

"Whereas with the Turbopower 1000 I can vacuum my full flight of stairs"

Sorry Jamie, but I don't believe you. The whole reason that the Turbopower 3 was launched was purely to add a full stair cleaning hose as the original T2/1000 hose wasn't long enough to do so.

However, Jamie, as much as I disagree with you, I'd like to thank you for putting your point across in the way you did. The T2 is your preference and based on your own experience, works better for you. At no point in your post did you say anyone else was wrong or get personal. So nice one! That is what we should ALL be doing in these conversations.


Post# 242379 , Reply# 52   7/27/2013 at 11:48 (3,897 days old) by jmurray01 (Scotland)        

jmurray01's profile picture
I never said the motor sound meant it wasn't good quality - just that it didn't SOUND good quality.

As for the hose - I'll take photo some time of me vacuuming the stairs to show you.



Post# 242380 , Reply# 53   7/27/2013 at 11:50 (3,897 days old) by kirbymodel2c (Nottingham, England)        
Hi

kirbymodel2c's profile picture
Hi, It's nice to see and read through the reports. To be honest I am surprised at some of the things consumer mags come out with. But I suppose like all opinions you read it then take it or leave it. Just because it's printed in a magazine doesn't mean it's true.

James:o)


Post# 242387 , Reply# 54   7/27/2013 at 12:11 (3,897 days old) by sebo_fan (Scotland, UK, member AKA ukvacfan, & Nar2)        

sebo_fan's profile picture
Whoops sorry JM, unless you have statistical evidence to support sales of the actual TP1/2/3 models, it doesn't mean that just because the model has been out long enough, it justifies 'wider circulation."

One could argue and easily say that Panasonic's current uprights that have been out for more than 10 years sell better than Hoover but I don't have that kind of info to hand.

The main problem I found (and as I have almost said in every post on here) with my TP2s was the weight and later in life when I grew to 6ft, the shorter feeling handle, inclined to make me stoop to ensure the floor head was always on the floor. Models from Hitachi, Panasonic and of course SEBO with its sensor head were far lighter to push and pull. Again, we're both speaking here as vacuum cleaner collectors, rather than average consumers though.

James - sadly as you know there has only been one "independent" testing organisation in the UK where appliances and cars are concerned - and that's Which? Which's car testing was so thorough that it actually formed "What Car," out of its subsidiary organisation.

Whilst it is possible to believe/not believe, the company itself has had weight to certain brands who continually use the advertising to benefit their vacuums. Even in general conversation with various people who are buying new appliances, they still go by the hanging carrot of "ooh its been awarded by a Which sticker!" attitude, in the same way that many buyers believe in the BAF/British Allergy Foundation approval with bagless vacuums.




Post# 242417 , Reply# 55   7/27/2013 at 14:01 (3,897 days old) by kirbymodel2c (Nottingham, England)        
Ooh...

kirbymodel2c's profile picture
Hi, Ooh I know what you mean about them sticking a sticker on something and people putting over value on something. It even mentions it in the above article about the Electrolux Airstream and National pollen and hay fever bureau.

It's like when the manufacturers stick "Animal" "Cat & Dog" "Pet" on a machine.
It doesn't always mean it's going to be better than something else.

I was talking to my supplier today about Which reports and he laughed.
Quite a few years ago. He said he thinks it was in the 60s/70s but they rated one vacuum poor and another good but they was both the same machine made by the same factory but rebadged and in different colours.

Hay ho...James:o)





Post# 242418 , Reply# 56   7/27/2013 at 14:04 (3,897 days old) by jmurray01 (Scotland)        

jmurray01's profile picture
"I was talking to my supplier today about Which reports and he laughed.
Quite a few years ago. He said he thinks it was in the 60s/70s but they rated one vacuum poor and another good but they was both the same machine made by the same factory but rebadged and in different colours." Why ever would that be? As if we don't know :)


Post# 242425 , Reply# 57   7/27/2013 at 14:32 (3,897 days old) by sebo_fan (Scotland, UK, member AKA ukvacfan, & Nar2)        

sebo_fan's profile picture
Well, nothing very different there when the sales companies do the same thing - cue the scans that Anthony put on showing a "Selex" cylinder vac that was £1 or something more expensive than the same Spinney version, all for a different colour, not that the buyer would know unless they scrutinised the photos!

Post# 242588 , Reply# 58   7/28/2013 at 11:28 (3,896 days old) by Turbo500 (West Yorkshire, UK)        

turbo500's profile picture
Which? still get different results with different models. They did it a few years ago with the DC14, I believe it was. They absolutely slated the Allergy model (or maybe All Floors) on carpet performance but gave the Animal a glowing review. It's the same machine, just with different attachments!!

Personally, the hype around "cat and dog", "pet" and "animal" cleaners irritates the hell out of me. Surely a decent vacuum should cope with pet hair anyway and you shouldn't have to spent the extra to get one specifically for animal hair?


Post# 242595 , Reply# 59   7/28/2013 at 11:53 (3,896 days old) by sebo_fan (Scotland, UK, member AKA ukvacfan, & Nar2)        

sebo_fan's profile picture
I know Which isn't perfect but then neither are GHI/Good Housekeeping Institute.

In recent years I do think Which have stopped actual testing of each model for fear of brands no longer sponsoring them. Miele are the brand that springs to mind here - I have one magazine from Which that clearly favourites the brand but yet gives different ratings for two of the same Miele cylinder vacs by spec but may have a better filter aboard it - yet Which make out the one with the Super Air Clean filter lacks edge cleaning when the same Miele they've just awarded a better result features the same motor and same ruddy floor head!

Maybe I'm showing my age here, but a long time ago cylinder vacs never came with turbo brushes - and they certainly appear to sell now with the additional words "pet" tagged onto it. The upright brands are just copying what originally was twinned with upmarket/price increased TOL cylinder/canister vacs.

Though I've never been keen on cylinder vacs with turbo brushes, only a few brands have surprised me as to the actual efficiency of them and though they use similar Wessel Werk designs, some brands go the extra mile to provide a slimmer floor head that is far lighter than the rival brand and picks up well. I like functionality best of all in later life - so a cylinder vacuum that comes with additional floor heads is welcomed - but the brands have tapped into selling phrases like "pet," "animal" and so forth to emphasise the different floor head you get.

Miele Europe of course have hit themselves in the foot = whereas other countries (the U.S springs to mind here) are given specific models for a specific job, Miele UK's accesories line mean you can buy a basic Miele canister vacuum and within reason spend money on the additional tooling that would effectively upgrade the vacuum cleaner in question instead of paying out more for the "Cat and Dog" version or "Allervac" version. UK buyers are however slow to pick up on this idea, preferring to spend the extra on the purpose titled vacuum because they can't be bothered to wait in the post for those accessories to arrive. They want to use it in an instant.



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