Thread Number: 38949  /  Tag: Brand New Vacuum Cleaners
Why I think canisters aren't popular in United States anymore
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Post# 413474   9/6/2019 at 21:33 (1,665 days old) by fan-of-fans (USA)        

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I've noticed, when I go to stores to look at vacuums, even if there are a variety of canisters on display, most people don't pay any attention to it. They look at the uprights only or uprights and lift off style vacuums.

Also, I noticed with a lot of the younger collectors, they say that they only collect uprights. And some have said they really don't like canisters at all.

Which I don't understand, I mean, I collect and like both uprights and canisters, even though I mostly grew up with canisters.

But my thinking is the younger collectors only like canisters because that's what they grew up with. Which makes sense because that's what has been popular in the last few years.

In the end we like whatever we like. And that's great. But I wish there was more variety in the market today, at least in US. Because I like both uprights and canisters and would like to see them become more popular again.


Post# 413477 , Reply# 1   9/6/2019 at 23:34 (1,665 days old) by MadMan (Chicago, IL, USA)        

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Yeah, I don't have much interest in canisters. I suppose it is what you grew up around. Personally, when collecting anything, I like things that are odd or different or uncommon. I'm not gonna go out there and look for a Kirby, for example, because they're everywhere and everyone has one. On the other hand, I bought a baby GE Tidy canister, because I just came across it, and it was so odd, that I had to have it.

idk


Post# 413484 , Reply# 2   9/7/2019 at 01:30 (1,665 days old) by kirby519 (Wisconsin)        

Personally I find canister vacuums a pain to manipulate around furniture. The power unit gets caught on the furniture as you move around. Also my preferred cleaning pattern is starting in the far corner of a room and vacuum walking backward out of a room. Hence an upright lends itself well to my approach to cleaning.

Also having to backup to get out of a corner with a canister is frustrating. The power unit is always in the way like in a small bedroom. With an upright you don't have that challenge.

In some cases you may be limited to what you can get under. How ever that doesn't bother me. I don't feel the need to vacuum under everything every time I vacuum or all the furniture, lamp shades and anything else one would chose to use a vacuum to clean.

Then of course there is all the hype about the bag less vacuums with Hepa filtration that was only available on uprights at the time. Unless you already owned a Rainbow. Manufacturers had to respond with dust bags that claimed Hepa filtration. In addition the new uprights were also designed with hard floors in mind. Some commercial machine already had Hepa filters however John Q public didn't know that unless they were in commercial cleaning or in a health care facility. Therefor the new uprights got attention along with above floor capabilities in the form of a live hose you pull free to clean above floor at will. It wasn't until a few years later that the bag less canisters (that had similar dirt cup and filters as the new uprights) appeared on the market that wasn't a Rainbow.

I know that I wouldn't want to use my Kirby on engineered wood floors or stone floors. I wouldn't want to risk scratching the thin layer of laminate on the wood flooring. Stone floors would be hard on the rug guard and also noisy. And vacuuming grouted ceramic floors with a Kirby in upright configuration is just far to noisy going over all the grout lines. Thankfully I'm a carpet guy.


Post# 413486 , Reply# 3   9/7/2019 at 07:20 (1,664 days old) by fan-of-fans (USA)        

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I know some uprights can have the brush roll shut off for hard floors. But to me I don't care for the scratchy noises they make on these floors, and like you say the noise level is amplified. To me a canister is best for that.

Also I know some uprights can have extension hoses where you just leave it sitting and can do above floor or hard floor cleaning that way. But the majority of the newer ones with the stretch hoses were far too short and doing any cleaning results in the unit falling over because the suction is far too strong.

For that I also prefer a canister.

Carpet cleaning I fully agree an upright is great. But for this I prefer a soft bag upright rather than trying to maneuver a bulky, heavy bagless plastic vacuum around furniture.


Post# 413487 , Reply# 4   9/7/2019 at 08:24 (1,664 days old) by n0oxy (Saint Louis Missouri, United States)        
canisters

I'm not sure what would be considered a younger collector, I'm 44, when I grew up, we originally had a Eureka upright and then we got an Electrolux special edition canister.
I don't like uprights and have none in my collection. I much prefer canister type cleaners whether that's a pull around machine, backpack or central vacuum. I find that these types of cleaners are much easier to work with and far more flexible. An electric power nozzle canister will clean carpets as well as an upright and it's so much easier to get under and around things. I've never had issues with my pull around canisters getting stuck on things but in those cases I would suggest a backpack or central vacuum. Even if you don't want to install pipes for a central vacuum, you can use any central vacuum unit without pipes by attaching a utility valve to the intake and connecting the hose. This is far more powerful than any portable cleaner. Even though some uprights have hoses, this set up does not work near as well for above the floor cleaning. The only upright I have ever thought about getting was the Sebo Felix because it can be used in some ways like a canister cleaner.
Mike


Post# 413488 , Reply# 5   9/7/2019 at 08:57 (1,664 days old) by Oreck_XL (Brooklyn, New York 11211)        
Perhaps history will someday repeat itself

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In the 1950's canisters were all the rage as it was the new, modern way to clean homes. In reality, it was taking a step backward in terms of cleaning carpets. Straight suction alone is no where near as effective. The Electrolux model F and the Lewyt 121 "zapper" were only a handful of canisters offered at the time with a power nozzle. Having a revolving brush is essential to deep clean carpets. Growing up we always had an upright, and while the power nozzle has evolved, I always felt an upright did a better job cleaning carpets. Plus, years ago you always had those annoying cords on the outside of the pipe that plug into the hose and sometimes a separate pigtail to plug into the body of the canister. And those rubber straps to support the cord to the outside of the hose (ala Electrolux). Nowadays, most people have as much or more bare floor surfaces in their home in which case a canister is best suited. But it is awkward with a clunky power nozzle plus all the attachments. I've always had a soft spot for the Hoover Dial-A-Matic as it was the first with an easy to use hose port. Kind of a happy medium between upright and canister.

Post# 413489 , Reply# 6   9/7/2019 at 09:09 (1,664 days old) by human (Pines of Carolina)        
Yeah, what n0oxy said...

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I have to agree. I find canisters to be much more maneuverable in tight spaces. You just have to be strategic about where you place the motor unit, relative to where you're vacuuming. Also, as the tendonitis gets worse in my elbows, I increasingly appreciate having to push around less weight since a power nozzle and a wand are a whole lot lighter than an entire upright machine. If I'm going to get into some deep down dirt suckin' carpet cleaning, I'll break out one of my Kirbys but for everything else, my Electrolux canisters are a far better general purpose choice.

Post# 413495 , Reply# 7   9/7/2019 at 12:09 (1,664 days old) by n0oxy (Saint Louis Missouri, United States)        
power nozzle canisters

It's interesting that two of the biggest vacuum manufacturers, Hoover and Eureka were so late to the game with their first power nozzle canisters. I think Lewyt was actually the first company to do it, Electrolux was close behind and Kenmore, Compact and G.E. followed soon after. Eureka did not introduce their first power nozzle until 1972 and Hoover in 1974, perhaps they had a good reason for this but from a competition perspective it sounds like it was a big mistake.
The 1950's did bring us some of the best canister cleaners, that seems to be the decade when many manufacturers really focused their efforts on those.
Mike


Post# 413497 , Reply# 8   9/7/2019 at 13:53 (1,664 days old) by ralph123 (Little Rock, AR)        

Look at the Shark uprights that are so popular right now. Many convert into canisters (i.e. liftaway - the canister comes off the upright). Bypass type uprights are canisters in upright configuration. Some stick vacuums also take the place of a canister in function.

Post# 413504 , Reply# 9   9/7/2019 at 15:57 (1,664 days old) by crazykirbydude (Lexington, KY)        

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I think canisters are going to grow in popularity once hardwood floors become more popular.


Post# 413511 , Reply# 10   9/7/2019 at 19:15 (1,664 days old) by beagledad (Florida)        

Agreed. It's much easier getting a power nozzle under and around furniture. One step of the quick release and you are able to suck up anything high or low. Then back to the carpet. They also take up less space to store. A Miele canister can be stored inside a cabinet if needed. Just collapse the wand and wrap the hose around the body.

Post# 413514 , Reply# 11   9/7/2019 at 19:44 (1,664 days old) by Lesinutah (Utah)        
Hmm

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Hardwood isn't going to be the fad. Engineered wood and tile and engineered laminate will be flooring for forseeable future.
I see cordless vacuums growing. I see central vacs or various forms of them will dominate the market.
If you think central vacuums are in infancy. You can't get a vacuum to touch what central vacs do for cfm. Battery powered vacuums are even less advanced. Vacuums won't have cords or they connect to your wall.
Les


Post# 413519 , Reply# 12   9/7/2019 at 20:34 (1,664 days old) by rivstg1 (colorado springs)        
tanks vs uprights

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Well, similar to what a few of you have already mentioned, I can understand why cordless lightweight vacs are becoming so popular...and tanks/canisters that are 'convertible'....due to the rapidly growing market of hairstyle floors. I bet this WILL continue as well. The public just doesn't NEED the power house uprights as much with the demise of carpeting everywhere in the house.

I can see how many of you feel canisters are more maneuverable in tight spaces ( ie the hose/head, not the canister itself)....but I've always been frustrated by them. The Rainbow was my first canister as an adult, and while I really liked/like it, I'd get irritated at it ...for getting caught on corners of the house layout. Ironically....I"ve since added a few more tank/canister to my collection! how, I came to do that I'm unsure.... I like the styling/feel/look of my Filter Queen and Royal Deluxe Power Team's....the FQ has a SHORT cord by comparison though, and that ends up bothering me too. haha, the Royal....long hose and real long cord doesn't bother me much. I'm a upright fan overall though...just find them easier to use/maneuver overall....thus, I don't get perturbed using them ( not getting 'caught' on furniture/walls etc.


Post# 413535 , Reply# 13   9/7/2019 at 22:53 (1,664 days old) by n0oxy (Saint Louis Missouri, United States)        
cordless and central vacuums

I have no interest in anything cordless, they are simply not as powerful as corded vacuums and probably will not be for some time if they ever are. Central vacuums are awesome, they are far more powerful than any pull around canister or upright and this removes the issue of the pull around canister getting stuck on things, but you still have all of the flexibility that a canister cleaner provides. I find myself using my central vacuum units for cleaning more than anything else, I have the units all around my apartment, including 3 240 volt units, those are really powerful, connecting a hose directly to those is incredible, each unit has two motors.
My apartment is all hard floors and I would not change that, even if carpet was offered to me for free I would say no thanks. Even though I have several power nozzles and could clean carpet easily, I think bare floors do not hold dust and dirt in as much and cleaning bare floors is somewhat easier.
When it comes to the lift away uprights, I would think the Sebo Felix is the best vacuum in that category. But again, once you try a central vacuum unit, you may not want to go back to anything else.
Mike


Post# 413544 , Reply# 14   9/8/2019 at 00:43 (1,664 days old) by tolivac (Greenville,NC)        

240V central units are good for really LARGE homes and commercial use where more than one user is using it at a time.Otherwise see NO advantage in a 240V machine for average size places and one user.You can only force so much air thru a 1.25" or 1.5" hose no matter what size motor the machine has.Like with image projection-you can only force so much light thru say a 35MM film opening no matter what size lamphouse the projector has.I am sticking to 120V central units-would be too expensive to have a 240V outlet wired for them.

Post# 413555 , Reply# 15   9/8/2019 at 09:15 (1,663 days old) by n0oxy (Saint Louis Missouri, United States)        
240 volt outlet

Having an outlet wired was not as expensive as I thought it would be, but this is probably because the wiring was already there, the outlet that was used was probably used at one point for a window air conditioner. One thing that is really strong with the 240 volt units is the water lift, the hose can definitely restrict the amount of airflow but the water lift is noticably stronger with a 240 volt unit, it's amazing to watch a turbine nozzle spin with one of those. There are some pretty strong units that run on 120 volts though, the unit that really comes to mind is the Drainvac Viper which I will provide a link to, it has 144 CFM and 151 water lift, for the price, this is by far the best central vacuum unit you can get. The 240 volt units are definitely louder since they use two motors, no getting around that.
Mike


CLICK HERE TO GO TO n0oxy's LINK


Post# 413559 , Reply# 16   9/8/2019 at 10:07 (1,663 days old) by fan-of-fans (USA)        

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Yeah I always thought canisters were the best all around machines. You have everything with you and if you want to go from carpet to hard floors, just pop off the power nozzle and add floor brush. Cleaning above floor, just pop off the wand and you have the attachments, or add wands for up high cleaning.

Uprights can do some of this but aren't as easy to maneuver in hose mode unless you use a long extension hose and let the unit stay in one place. Or the older pan converters that had rollers so you could pull the upright by the hose, although they were a bit likely to all over still. And of course the Kirby setup too which was basically converted to a canister but more work to set up.

Cordless vacuums are advancing - and many have a nice assortment of attachments now to clean everything. Still not a huge fan of battery power, but they have advanced far ahead of the old Black and Decker Dustbusters.

I still see in many homes for sale with all hard laminate or tile, the bagless uprights.


There just isn't a huge selection of canisters in stores. If they do have any it tends to be just one or two models, usually small and bagless and no power nozzle. Though I have seen a Bissell power nozzle model at a Walmart in my area. And they used to sell the Eureka models with a small power nozzle too when they were still sold.


Post# 413579 , Reply# 17   9/8/2019 at 17:23 (1,663 days old) by electromatik (Taylorsville, North Carolina, U.S.A.)        
I completely concur

You have to be cautious about vacuum sales statistics in the U.S. because the door-to-door models are still selling nationwide and they don't show up in the sales statistics because they aren't sold at stores and they don't usually record with a barcode scanner. Vacuum sales are measured by purchases at major stores and vacuum shops mostly. People who are buying vacuums today are buying rapid replacement machines. I know people that go through 3 or 4 cheap vacuums in a 10 year period. Whereas an Aerus, Filter Queen, Kirby, Patriot, Rexair, or TriStar buyer is keeping it usually for decades.

I have never understood the thrill of uprights. To me canisters were always much more interesting. Especially the power nozzle equipped models. They impress me much more than any upright.

The idea that canisters don't apply today is silly. With the growth of hardwood floors and such, the canister provides the best total home cleaning ability. With the hose and attachments you can clean carpets, rugs, and above floor.

Canisters are more viable today than ever, and it pains me to see them withering.


Post# 413586 , Reply# 18   9/8/2019 at 19:45 (1,663 days old) by MadMan (Chicago, IL, USA)        

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I think the general market for vacuum cleaners is probably almost entirely affected by the current era's preferred flooring type.

Post# 413590 , Reply# 19   9/8/2019 at 21:05 (1,663 days old) by dartman (Portland OR)        

I have just about every style of vacuum made right now. I have 2 Royal canisters, 2 Royal uprights, a Compact C9, a Eufy 11+ basic robot, and a Shark Ionx2 duo clean cordless that has 2 batteries and runs quite a while on one. For super deep carpet cleaning the Royal uprights are best, for everything I like my 4650 as you can vary the suction and turn off the brush, it also has great suction and grooms the carpet about as well as the uprights. The Compact was my mom's and it's light and easy to drag around for quick touch ups. However my current cleaning routine is the Robot starts every day at 1pm and randomly wanders around till the battery gets low and it either parks itself to charge or we rescue it and start it again. It has a powered brush and 2 side brushes and usually all the main living areas are clean and then I break out the Shark to clean the missed spots and the places my Parrot Dobby likes to hang out and make a mess on.
House stays clean with hardly any effort on our part now and I don't break the big machines very often but I still like their strong builds and heavy deep cleaning abilities, plus they'll still be working long after my newest toys are done.


Post# 413593 , Reply# 20   9/8/2019 at 21:40 (1,663 days old) by panasonicvac (Northern Utah)        

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I grew up with my parent's central vacuum. I was never really that fond of them until my teen years. Before then, I actually appreciated canisters more than central vacuums. But as experiences grow over the years, the canisters are my least favorite to use out of uprights and central vacuums. Most vacuums I grew up with were uprights. Not just because they were more popular than canisters, but because a lot of homes that I vacuumed before had mostly carpets which that's what uprights are usually capable of. Now I lived in places before where they were both carpets and bare floors. I could not stand with bare floors, I even hate vacuuming bare floors which is perhaps my least favorite areas to vacuum. I'd rather use a broom or a dustmop to sweep all the dirt into a central vacuum vacpan. If I want to enjoy vacuuming, I would rather have something that is not only fun to vacuum on but also something that is super easy to use and something that I don't have to drag too much around. Unfortunately canisters do not meet my list. Unless if I had a place with mostly bare floors, rugs and carpeted stars, the canisters would be my only exceptions to use if a central vacuum is passed on.

Post# 413601 , Reply# 21   9/8/2019 at 22:43 (1,663 days old) by rivstg1 (colorado springs)        
on central vacs

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I haven't owned a central vac, but used one at a customers' home last month. I found it interesting to use...quiet and effective ( was use on hard floors) but....I find them 'characterless....by that I mean it felt just so 'utilitarian' ....just a detached tool of sorts...and had none of the character/attractiveness of a vacuum enthusiast like myself. I don't dis any user of these...but a tank/upright vac ...in using it...was more...I don't know...involved...connected. Part of the attraction, for me, on collecting / restoring/ using older vacuums is there individual quirks or uniqueness I( if I can describe it that way). If I wasn't into vacuums....like I used to be...I'd be more attracted to the 'tool/appliance' outlook of central vacs. Instead, I find polishing.....improving and displaying the MUCH more involvement more satisfying. Can you central vac fans relate to those points?

Kelton


Post# 413604 , Reply# 22   9/9/2019 at 01:46 (1,663 days old) by tolivac (Greenville,NC)        

For my place new wiring would have to be run-and the outlet-as well as additional breakers.Not worth it for me.And since I have a septic tank a vacuum that drains into it is not practical.I like my MD Silentmaster machine.Works well powerful enough for me and uses Filtrete type bags that can hold 6Gal.Don't need the wet pickup inside.The watermatics I have work for that use.

Post# 413605 , Reply# 23   9/9/2019 at 01:50 (1,663 days old) by tolivac (Greenville,NC)        

The Drainvac Viper would work for me since it uses a bag.The Drainvac units that dump into the plumbing I can't use.May get a Viper someday.

Post# 413611 , Reply# 24   9/9/2019 at 08:36 (1,662 days old) by Rolls_rapide (-)        

Undoubtedly, a good upright not only makes carpets look much better, it also removes damaging grit. And they are usually self-contained with small storage footprint, quick to use, with less physical effort. The ones with a suitable hose on board, allow for easier access for above floor cleaning. A decent upright can be very energy efficient too.

Cylinder cleaners are awkward in terms of storage. I find that you expend far more physical effort manoeuvring the blooming machine out of the way; it gets caught on furniture corners, and the rigid plastiflex hoses are a pain (I preferred Hoover's double-stretch concertina version). They are good for car cleaning, under beds, and nooks a crannies. But they need much user participation to clean carpets.

I currently use a Sebo D2 cylinder, and having used it for some time now, I have decided that my next machine will definitely be an upright with an integral hose. Far less hassle all round.

Whereas with this cylinder I have to make a conscious effort to even think of hoovering the place, with an upright it was a fairly automatic unconscious decision.

(Pull upright from cupboard, release flex, plug in, switch on, handle release, away you go)

versus...

(Pull cylinder from cupboard, pull hose from cupboard, unhitch extension tube/cleaning head from storage slot, assemble tube to hose, click hose into cleaner - and the usual fight with the hose! - withdraw flex, plug in, switch on, away you go)

Oh, and I will not give these cordless things the time of day.



Post# 413628 , Reply# 25   9/9/2019 at 15:41 (1,662 days old) by n0oxy (Saint Louis Missouri, United States)        
Drainvac

Drainvac does make a lot of other central vacuum units besides the ones that automatically drain the contents, I think having one of those would be neat but I can't think of any way to install that in an apartment. I do think that Drainvac makes some of the best central vacuum units that are available, another great model is the powerhouse.
Mike


CLICK HERE TO GO TO n0oxy's LINK


Post# 413633 , Reply# 26   9/9/2019 at 19:37 (1,662 days old) by fan-of-fans (USA)        
Department Stores

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I do have to wonder if the decline of Sears could be partly responsible for decline in canisters as well. Since many of the canisters I saw here were Kenmore, I imagine a large percentage of them were bought there. And Sears has traditionally been one of the last stores promoting the traditional large power nozzle canisters and bagged machines, apart from brands sold at specialty shops.

And with many Sears closing, those who were/are wanting a canister found there weren't any available in their area, so had to resort to an upright?

Possibly even the same could be said with the closing of Montgomery Ward and other similar retailers, who offered a similar selection.

Even JCPenney, was probably once a pretty good seller of them, before they began to transition out of offering hardlines in stores. Although, technically JCPenney does still sell vacuums, but probably not a big selection. And they too, are on the way out.


Post# 413648 , Reply# 27   9/10/2019 at 01:50 (1,662 days old) by tolivac (Greenville,NC)        

One disadvantage of canisters-usually they have to be assembled before using.The upright is ready to go!Canister fans are used to the assembling and setup.Upright users may not.I do use BOTH!!!
I like the idea of the bagged Drainvacs-will get the Viper at some point.It would have a larger bag than the Atomic.The Atomic is handy for cleaning the car!Just would like to see them make bags for it without that stupid zipper.


Post# 413653 , Reply# 28   9/10/2019 at 10:29 (1,661 days old) by gottahaveahoove (Pittston, Pennsylvania, 18640)        
I think part of the decline is

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the new vacuum with 'onboard tools'. These are stronger than the old uprights with 'dusting tools'. We never had a canister until I got a Constellation. Now, I have them all: Slimline, Portables, Connies, Celebrities. They're all great for all of my needs. But, we grew up with Convertibles and attachments, which worked fine in this big, old place.
Some people, (my sister) for example, always preferred a canister over an upright.


Post# 413657 , Reply# 29   9/10/2019 at 11:50 (1,661 days old) by Tseg (World Traveller)        

My first "high end" vacuum was a Miele C3 cannister... it was the Alize non-powered head, but I then proceeded to spend a lot more $$ to get the powered hose, wand and head, along with about every attachment. When I want to do a thorough house cleaning nothing beats it. But I agree in somewhat cramped quarters maneuverability can be challenging. I then got the Miele U1 (upright), an upright Shark Duo Clean stick vac, and now, most recently, ordered an upright Sebo Felix.

I found for a "quick hit" an upright is just more efficient with my time. My additional uprights are because I do have 3 floors in use in my house and I wanted a good vacuum on each floor and the stick vac for quick use around the kitchen and foyer.


In summary, my personal experience suggests uprights are winning over cannisters due to perceived time efficiency, which may also be why bagless are winning out(? - I think there is perceived time efficiency, but it really does not exist in my opinion). While I like the Shark functionality, being diligent about wet-cleaning the filters monthly is a PITA. I was reminded why a switched from Dyson to Miele a few years back.


So there you have it, the industry switch to uprights is due to consumers' perceptions about time efficiency in vacuums, which trump cleaning effectiveness.


Post# 413659 , Reply# 30   9/10/2019 at 13:13 (1,661 days old) by dysonman1 (the county)        
I have a vacuum shop

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What I've been finding is that people either have total bare floors with one or two area rugs (for the coffee table or dining room table to sit on). Or, they have a mixture of some carpets (bedrooms) and some wood floors (living room) and some vinyl (kitchen).

It's a rare person who has a wall to wall carpeted home any more (I do).

Half my customers who are looking at vacuums are looking at the wrong type for their home. But, they don't know better. And Wal-Mart doesn't sell canisters.

Yesterday, a man came in looking for a new vacuum. His rice car bit the dust. I sold it to him 10 years ago, and he got all his use out of it. He has 3000 square feet of flooring in his home, 2000 square feet are bare floor with 1000 square feet of carpeting (medium plush).

I showed him the Felix from Sebo. I became a Sebo dealer recently at the request of a trusted friend, who loves his Felix. I love them too. But that's not what I sold my customer.

I sold him a Sanitaire upright and the Sanitaire (Mighty Mite) canister. I was perfect for his needs. They have carpeted stairs, and kids are going to use the machines (the family is Mennonite - so the kids have 'chores'). The Sanitaire canister is light weight, fits on the steps, and has wonderful attachments and a bag you cannot get in wrong. The upright has the 7 amp motor and VGII so I know those rugs will be clean.

I have been selling a good number of Titan canisters, ever since Sears closed. People who have a Kenmore canister for a long time, and bring them in to be fixed, are easily sold a new Titan. I just show the improvements, like the on-board electric mini power nozzle for stairs.

I also sell the Electrolux (aerus), and have been very happy with those sales. I have gone to the customer's home to demonstrate (after the customer has been into my store), so I get the great feeling of being an "old time" Electrolux salesman, without having to hard close the sale (she already knows how much it costs before I come). I sell the Classic canister, since it's already perfect. Only one customer of a new Electrolux had a canister before (a church). Everyone else has had an upright. The light weight of the hose/wand as well as the versatility has sold every one of those upright users a tank type cleaner.


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Post# 413662 , Reply# 31   9/10/2019 at 15:26 (1,661 days old) by gottahaveahoove (Pittston, Pennsylvania, 18640)        
Cole,

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there are 2 all ceramic tile bathrooms, the kitchen is both ceramic tile and parquet floors. All of the other rooms have hardwood floors with wool Chinese rugs in the centers of the room. Only my room is wall to wall carpet...white Karastan. The big staircase is red Karastan. I find a nice Hoover brushvac is great for that staircase, and I use canisters with a nice floor brush for all hard surfaces, upholstery, mattresses, etc. Handivacs, I find, are great for a quick go over on the hard surfaces. Hoover(s)., "Convertibles", excel on all of the carpeted areas. There's always a Slimlines, Connie, etc at the ready, on each floor. So, I'm ready at all times to get the place spotless. And, I have several GUV(s) for the cellars and the car.

Post# 413688 , Reply# 32   9/11/2019 at 15:18 (1,660 days old) by n0oxy (Saint Louis Missouri, United States)        
Sebo dealer, uprights and Drainvac units

Tom, that's awesome that you are now a Sebo dealer, and I think you said you are a Miele dealer as well. The only other brand I would suggest you look at selling is Lindhaus, they are very high quality but not as widely available.
Even though many uprights have on board hoses now, they are still more difficult to use than a canister. It's almost impossible to pull an upright around by the hose without it tipping over. With a canister cleaner that is a nonissue and switching to cleaning floors to above the floor cleaning is very easy and fast.
I love the Drainvac units, I have the powerhouse, viper, atomik, and the Twin Turbo 240 volt unit. They are definitely some of the best units in the central vacuum industry.
Mike


Post# 413690 , Reply# 33   9/11/2019 at 15:37 (1,660 days old) by jake1234 (greasby)        
Canisters and Uprights

I have always preffered uprights. I only have a few canisters in my collection and lots of them are the vax 3 in 1 multifunction machines which I love. My house is mainly carpet, hard floors are in the kitchen, bathroom and hall though. I have loads of uprights around the house and only 1 canister, a vintage Hoover Constellation. I just feel like canisters are all too similar, lots of them just using the same generic floor head and extension tubes. There is a lot more 'going on' with an upright if you know what I mean. I do think canisters have their uses though as has already been said, car, garage, D.I.Y and the sort. I wouldnt use anything but an upright on my carpets though.

Post# 414954 , Reply# 34   10/14/2019 at 23:28 (1,627 days old) by ridgidwd0670 (se wood co ohio)        

ridgidwd0670's profile picture
I grew up with canisters (Electrolux & Compact/TriStar)

After I moved out on my own I owned a Eureka Dial-A-Nap ESP upright with VG2. This was my 1st experience using a upright (my Eureka didn't come with any tools; but I used my Electrolux for above floor & hard floor vacing)

Now I use my Ridgid WD0670 shop vac for vacing hard floor & above floor vacing; & the Eureka for carpet only

Sometimes I would use my old Compact or Lux


Post# 415003 , Reply# 35   10/16/2019 at 23:13 (1,625 days old) by myles_v (Fredericksburg, VA)        

myles_v's profile picture
I am definitely a younger collector, and I hardly have any interest in uprights at this point. While I do have a few, I much prefer my Electrolux, Filter Queen, and Miele canisters. My Miele C2 Electroplus has been my daily driver for the last year and a half, and it will remain my daily for the foreseeable future. I grew up with uprights and both of my parents always preferred them, but lately I've found them more and more boring for some reason. They tend to be good for carpets and not much else, using the hose ends up being clumsy in many cases and they're often times so-so for hard flooring. I recently converted a friend to a canister, she asked me for a vacuum recommendation for her house which is 80% hard floor/20% carpet. I suggested a Miele, she told me that she's always hated canisters because her parents had one when she was a kid and she hated using it. I loaned her my Miele for a week and she changed her mind. I think that 40-50 years ago the canister was half-baked, they often weren't the best at cleaning carpeting and they were typically heavy and awkward to pull behind oneself. Now, modern canisters have solved both of those issues, but many modern vacuum consumers only have the negative memories of canisters from their childhood. This is something that I'd like to see change, especially as the typical American home shifts away from wall-to-wall carpeting to more hard flooring.

The talk of cordless and central vacuums is interesting. I think that cordless machines will continue to gain traction, especially as people shift to living with hard floors rather than carpeting. Hard floors don't require much deep cleaning power like you'd need with plush carpeting. As much as I prefer bagged corded canister vacuums, the market is definitely switching toward cordless bagless stick vacs. Whether this will be a fad or not will be something that only time can tell, I once believed that messy bagless vacuums would be a fad but apparently they're sticking around so I may be wrong about cordless machines as well. I have a Shark Ion P50 which is an excellent machine, it cleans well and it has the traditional upright design that I prefer. It reminds me of my old Westinghouse Unplugged and my Bissell Anna.

I think that the central vacuum fad has seen its heyday. They were popular in an era where people were building new single family homes and stuffing them full of every feature they could think of in order to seem better than their neighbor. I am personally a huge fan of central vacuums, but the fact is that I have yet to meet a single person who isn't a collector who actually likes central vacuum systems. A close family friend has a system in her million dollar home, but instead she uses a $200 Shark. She doesn't like the weight and bulkiness of the hose, which I don't blame her for. Central vac hoses are big and clunky, it's easy to scuff up walls with them and damage furnishings. As much as I'd like to see central vacuums gain popularity, I just don't think it'll happen. They have a high initial investment for something that's so utilitarian and hidden. People would rather spend $400 on a flashy Dyson that they can hang on the wall near their entryway, just to let all of their visitors know that they are the kind of person who spends $400 on a vacuum cleaner. Central vacuums just don't have the same cachet.


Post# 415017 , Reply# 36   10/17/2019 at 10:08 (1,624 days old) by Turbo500 (West Yorkshire, UK)        

turbo500's profile picture
Interesting that it’s widely considered that people stick to what they grew up with. I’m the opposite. My mother was and still is an upright user, but I personally prefer a good cylinder/canister. When I was growing up, most people around me had uprights except a few. On our street, only 2 houses had cylinders and one of those was a Vax 3-in-1 which were incredibly popular at the time. But these days, I prefer a good cylinder, though I do tend to have both on the go at home

Post# 415018 , Reply# 37   10/17/2019 at 10:18 (1,624 days old) by cbimmer (USA)        

To me, the biggest advantage to having a central vacuum is the filtration. Especially if you have pets. Most every vacuum will get that stale pet hair odor eventually. Since the exhaust is vented outside you will never have any odor in your house. I have a hose on both floors and it takes less than a minute to take it off the holder and plug it in to an inlet. It needs to be emptied every few months and I'll never have to worry about a battery running down on me. My sister is proud of her Dyson stick vacuum that requires multiple charges and multiple times emptying the dirt cup each time she wants to clean her house. So I really don't see how a battery powered stick vacuum saves any time. I agree with the posted above. If more people actually tried something like a Miele canister they would probably prefer it.

Post# 415034 , Reply# 38   10/17/2019 at 17:39 (1,624 days old) by myles_v (Fredericksburg, VA)        

myles_v's profile picture
I completely agree, I prefer central vacuums mainly because of their filtration. Unfortunately, the average consumer finds them more of a hassle and more cumbersome to use.

Post# 415097 , Reply# 39   10/20/2019 at 09:41 (1,621 days old) by n0oxy (Saint Louis Missouri, United States)        
love my central vacuums

I love my central vacuum units, you can check my profile to see which ones I have. I use them all without pipes, just put a utility valve on the intake and connect the hose. Of course, by using them this way, you lose some of the benefits of a central vacuum such as no motor noise and having the exhaust taken out of the building. All of my units use bags though and filtration has never been an issue. It's awesome getting the full power of the unit. Some of the units are actually quiet enough that you can still have a normal conversation while you are in the same room. The loudest ones are the two motor 240 volt models, even with a muffler you would not want to stand right next to them for too long. I don't fault them for that though, it's assumed that they will be installed in a place that is not commonly occupied, not in the dining room of an apartment which is where I have them.
Mike


Post# 415106 , Reply# 40   10/20/2019 at 20:04 (1,621 days old) by cbimmer (USA)        

I remember seeing an infomercial in the early 2000's. It was a quasi-central vacuum that was a self-contained unit that fit into the wall. It resembled the shape of a wall furnace. But it contained the motor, bag area, and a retractable electric hose. The hose was probably around 40 ft long. I think you could also store the power nozzle inside of it too. It was an interesting concept but I guess it didn't catch on. I'm not sure who built them.

Post# 415131 , Reply# 41   10/21/2019 at 09:29 (1,620 days old) by n0oxy (Saint Louis Missouri, United States)        
portable central vacuums

Actually there are a few central vacuum units that are designed to provide the conveniences of central vacuums but not require pipes. Of course, any central vacuum unit can work without pipes by attaching a utility valve, but these are designed to work this way out of the box. I have all of these and they are really nice.
First is the Intervac H120.
www.thinkvacuums.com/inte...
Next is the Drainvac Atomik, this one comes with a utility valve attached but you can remove it and use it with central vacuum pipes if you wish.
www.thinkvacuums.com/drai...
And finally there is the Vacumaid garage vac pro.
vacumaid.com/product/garage-vac-...
All three of these will work with any central vacuum hose including electric hoses so you could use electric power nozzles with them.
Mike


Post# 415132 , Reply# 42   10/21/2019 at 10:28 (1,620 days old) by human (Pines of Carolina)        

human's profile picture
The only central vacuum I've ever had my hands on was built into our Winnebago that we had in the late '70s. The funny thing was we never used it. We had a Bissell SweepMaster electric broom that we kept in the closet. Dad was a car salesman and any vehicle we had, the Winnie included, Dad always had an eye toward resale from day one.

Post# 415769 , Reply# 43   11/11/2019 at 12:56 (1,599 days old) by kb3pxr (Waynesboro PA USA)        

This post has been removed by the member who posted it.



Post# 415783 , Reply# 44   11/11/2019 at 15:03 (1,599 days old) by kb3pxr (Waynesboro PA USA)        

Pardon the earlier deleted post, I went off on a tangent. Marketing is the issue. Most if not all vacuums in big box stores are uprights. If power team canisters would be marketed as hard as uprights are, you may be seeing more of them. Additionally, if people knew how well they could clean above floor with the longer hoses and clean their carpeted stairs with the small power nozzles they may become more common.

Lastly, two things need to change. Gas pump style handles (I'm looking at you Kenmore) need to go away. These handles make above floor cleaning horrible, integrate an adapter into the power nozzle wands to convert from pistol grip to gas pump if that is an important feature. Lastly, put the suction motor switch in the handle along with any speed control if applicable. This may be a bit difficult to keep the handle lightweight and easily maneuverable, but I remember the old Kenmores from the mid to late 80s had this and I grew up with handle control.


Post# 416434 , Reply# 45   11/24/2019 at 17:40 (1,586 days old) by DJub85 (Virginia)        

I think I prefer canisters because they remind me of cars. When I was a kid, I would sneak my mother's canister out of the closet and line it up with my toy cars. It was proportioned like a car, had wheels similar to a car. One grandmother had a a Rainbow, which never interested me. The other had uprights that never interested me. For me, it was that these old metal canisters looked a lot like a toy car, and they even had motors inside, like a car.


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