Electrolux Economy Models


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Thread Number: 39694 / Tag: 50s/60s/70s Vacuum Cleaners
Electrolux Economy Models

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Post# 421186 3/6/2020 at 18:02 (1,509 days old) by electrolux137 (Los Angeles)
Checkrate/Likes 2 ~ ~ I've always had a soft spot for Electrolux's low-tier economy models. I guess that's because when I was a boy, more people had those models than the deluxe models. The Models E, T, S, R & L in particular have always appealed to me, most especially the Model E. What about y'all? "Discuss!" Photos... < > Photo 1 of 5 View Full Size

Post# 421190 , Reply# 1 3/6/2020 at 19:42 (1,509 days old) by vacuumlad1650 (Wauponsee, IL)
Checkrate/Likes 1 The L was the only Economy model I ever added to my collection. One beautiful hammertone factory rebuild from the late Toby Glenn and a Franken-Lux L in blue with a bronze cordwinder and a bojack hose out in the garage for cleaning out the car. So nice and lightweight for the exact same cleaning power as a G!

Post# 421195 , Reply# 2 3/6/2020 at 21:04 (1,508 days old) by Jo (Dallas,TX)
Checkrate/Likes 3 Yes, the wonderful thing about these economy models is that while they were less expensive and very basic...there was a wonderful added luxury to these models...they were very light weight, so for anyone concerned about weight, these models were the perfect solution. I�ve found that my Mother and an older friend (who has since passed on) really came to enjoy these models as they have aged and had difficulty lifting heavy things. My Mom has an Olympia and an Ambassador...she likes the Ambassador because it is lighter weight so that one she uses upstairs where most of the carpet is and also for when she has to do the stairs. We shouldn�t forget some of the other economy models...the 1453 �special� model in brown, grey, or sand beige which were stripped down versions of the Olympia, Silverado, and Diamond Jubilee using their motors, and main metal body but with minimal trim and features...no automatic control, etc. My Mother�s first Electrolux was a Model S which was given to her by her Mother when my parent married and moved into their first apartment together. My parents still have it today, but it was recruited to be the �basement vacuum� in the early 70s when Mom bought a new Model L since they bought new yellow carpet and she wanted to get the new power nozzle feature. My parents mostly tend to choose �basic� models of things such as cars and appliances figuring it does the same job, less to break down, and costs less overall, though Mom has loosened up a bit over the years to choose some nicer things such as a car with leather seats instead of the cloth model, a fancier washer and dryer, but with features she does use from time to time, etc. My Father, on the other hand, still tends to always want the basic no frills models though he says he will buy my Mother whatever she wants. Dad balked at the price of a new Electrolux hose for the Olympia some years ago....he�d rather put tape on the old one to save the money but my Mother doesn�t like rigged stuff like that, so he paid the price with some grumbling to boot. Sorry a bit off subject... anyway...the Model S is barely surviving as the basement vac. I used it this past holiday season when I visited to clean in the basement and it wouldn�t turn on when I plugged it in, I was able to determine I needed to see if the motor turned and after I moved it a bit, it then started on the next try. Not sure what was up with it. It�s due for a hose as the Silverado era hose on it is leaking so I duct taped it to last a bit longer but I�ll try to get Dad a rubber hose for it. A con of these economy models is that they have a tendency to tip over and get dented or dragged along on their sides resulting in damage to the paint finishes and dents in the metal bodies. With no automatic control to stop the vacuum, monitoring the bag is a manual process but that�s about normal for most bag type vacuums. I had a Model E for a while...I thought the non hinged bag door was an unusual design with its spring loaded metal plate inside. I was able to use it with both paper bags and a cloth bag marked for Automatic, E,F,G and 1205. Though it was a bit tight getting the bag door to latch but it worked. Always felt the switch on the E, thrift model, S, R, and White L�s were not very good...we had to replace them on our S more than once. They were improved on the bronze era L�s and were a slide switch with a plastic cover that could better be operated by foot. Have had many Model L�s picked up used over time in the various family homes and Mom still has her original purchase blue one but moved it from their primary home to their vacation home in 1990 when they bought the vacation home. It still runs beautifully today and is on its second hose...from 1983 and second power nozzle (Omni-flo automatic) replaced in 1987 including wands and sheath to �upgrade� to the new automatic electric connection method instead of the plug in wire that hung from the original blue power nozzle sheath. I notice a lot of people fail to use the cord wrap halo on most of these models and think the combination dusting brush upholstery tool clip is for the cord. Mom never used the cord clip on her model S or model L...instead wrapping the cord under itself to keep it from unraveling. Once I realized the cord clip was just that...I began to use it...though not sure if others in the family using their Models of this series use the cord clip properly...though I think my Sister and her husband do on their Gold L. I�ve found the handles on these models to not be as sturdy as other models, but often are available on eBay and Aerus still has them so no fret if yours is broken or ripped, it�s easy to fix with a Phillips screwdriver. I made my Sister�s Christmas once getting her a new handle to replace the ripped one on her Gold L. Though I�ve seen interesting do it yourself handle fixes...even ones made of leather straps which actually look quite nice. Never had a Model R, though my Aunt did and may still have it. Interesting model...sort of between and S and an L, with cream and beige AF coloring. Has the cord Halo of the L and plug in cord of the L, the power nozzle plug, but a slightly improved version of the S bag door which has no hinge or method to prevent use without a bag installed. The front wheels went to dual like the L, but were thin and not as good as the ones on the L. Clearly by studying the chronology of these models, you can see these were a (work in progress) with improvements made from one model to the next with finally the 1453 special models turning the bag horizontally so as to address the tipping over problem and also eliminate the dated metal body design started with the E in 1953. Never had a thrift model but it clearly was very thrifty indeed, using parts from various other models, the handle and bag from an XXX most notably. Would be interesting to experience one in my life as an Electrolux fan, but have yet to have that opportunity. Always felt the coloring of the model S was unique...and it was truly indeed unique to this model. During the years surrounding it no other high end model was the same coloring. The dusting brush is a two tone gray and so was the flip over rug and floor tool specifically to go with this model. This is about the only time I saw attachments colored specifically for the economy model that did not go with any other models coloring. I�m not sure what hose came originally with my Mother�s model S when my Grandmother bought it but the first one I remember was blue with the double white stripe on it. Similar to the blue model L and 1205 original hoses. Not sure if the Electrolux man sold her a new hose for the Model S when she bought her model L with power hose and power nozzle to improve the S�s condition. I was just too young to remember the hose on the S before Mom bought her L. My good older friend who passed some years ago at age 94 had a blue Model L but it has a Golden Jubilee colored non electric hose, the external hose wires in blue, a blue power nozzle sheath, and a Golden Jubilee power nozzle complete with the anniversary sticker on it. It was clearly one of the last of the blue L�s perhaps old stock and they no longer had the blue arrow plastic power nozzles (pn-1). Though I know the pn 2 was introduced during the end of the blue 1205 era. Anyway, I thought it was interesting her model was a mix of two models and personally I preferred using her L with the PN2 to Mom�s with the PN1 and still do to this day. I was paid to vacuum her house every three weeks and she had 3 cats...filled a fresh bag every time I vacuumed the house! She had a generic shag rug attachment I didn�t understand! Seemed stupid....it had holes low and high and I felt it wouldn�t pick up much so I ignored it and always insisted on using the power nozzle on the shag rug and eventually wore out the rug but I had to get that cat hair and crumbs deeply embedded in the shag up, I just felt the rug was left too dirty otherwise.

Post# 421197 , Reply# 3 3/6/2020 at 23:13 (1,508 days old) by Keither (California )
Checkrate/Likes 4 I�ve grown to absolutely adore the Model L and have been lucky enough to add a few of these to my collection . The rebuilt Model L with the industrial grey hammertone finish is pretty outstanding in both style and performance! Photos... < > Photo 1 of 3 View Full Size

Post# 421199 , Reply# 4 3/7/2020 at 00:28 (1,508 days old) by electrolux137 (Los Angeles)
Checkrate/Likes 1 ~ ~ Jon, I thoroughly enjoyed reading your post. Thanks for taking the time to post it!

Post# 421202 , Reply# 5 3/7/2020 at 01:45 (1,508 days old) by tolivac (Greenville,NC)
Checkrate/Likes 2 I have a Model L that I got from the dump place I go to.The operator saved it aside for me.The vacuum works-didn't come with tools or wands.Just the hose.Someone used it without a bag-so I had to clean it out.Motor runs fine.Adore these vacuums-Not embellished,gaudy,fancy,--They just WORK!!!!And were simple to fix.

Post# 421208 , Reply# 6 3/7/2020 at 05:31 (1,508 days old) by huskyvacs (Gnaw Bone, Indiana)
Checkrate/Likes 1 I really love the soft motor sound of the old Electrolux canisters, you could fall asleep to that sound! Not my video - just found it

Post# 421222 , Reply# 7 3/7/2020 at 08:49 (1,508 days old) by Compactelectra (Palm Springs)
Checkrate/Likes 3 *I Wouldn't Call Them Economy* They were true Electroluxes without the bells and whistles. I've owned just about every model of Lux since the classic XXX. The S, R T and L were modeled after the E which was touted as light as a baby if you remember the ad. The LX had become so heavy with the wrapper ejector it reminded me of a boat anchor. The E was completely redesigned and much lighter. I have the Super J and owned a Gold L at the same time. I remember it was so much easier to use to vacuum the stairs in our three story townhouse in Chicago. Light and powerful. The Model L was manufactured for at least 13 years and then came back rebuilt after that. You can still get the bags hoses and attachments for these machines. The development of these models was a brilliant marketing move on Electrolux's part. When the salesman encountered a recalcitrant buyer of the more expensive machine out came the lower priced model. These models had the same build quality of the more expensive models and I am sure many are still in service today. There was nothing cheap about them, they were built to last. They sure can't say that about the plastic Walmart machines of today. When, in the unusual circumstance that they needed service, it was easily done and usually by a visit to your home by the Electrolux man. Who gives such service today? View Full Size This post was last edited 03/07/2020 at 09:17

Post# 421223 , Reply# 8 3/7/2020 at 08:50 (1,508 days old) by rugsucker (Elizabethton TN)
Checkrate/Likes *E,T,S,R & L* Charles, Great vacs with same quality attachments(one small difference was friction fit rug/floor elbo on E)as the deluxe Electrolux.In some ways the best of these could be the one you found(only one I know of)with factory Power Nozzle outlet added later.You would then have-PN,after filter and stronger rear wheels.I find the T to plain,dislike no cord halo on S and like the R with 1st PN outlet included. Jon, Great to hear someone who knows and understands Elux.I assume TX had lots of 'Friendly Electrolux Men'who would STP(see the people,show the product,stay thinking positive)and customers who knew"Electrolux is Better,Better Buy Electrolux".There is an Elex News article of the salesman who sold to many of the astronauts families in Houston.(Actually the switch on R & others is same as Mo G with different housing.) Keither, Your gray L is a perfect vac for hard floor homes.Rebuilt like new,new atts,new style flexible hose.(That style swivel lock was also used on CB2000.)

Post# 421226 , Reply# 9 3/7/2020 at 09:17 (1,508 days old) by n0oxy (Saint Louis Missouri, United States)
Checkrate/Likes *special edition model* My mom has the special edition, she bought it in 1983 I think. It uses the same motor as the 1205 so it was not quite as powerful as the higher end model but still cleans very well. The cord winder was also optional on that model but she chose to get it. It still runs great. Mike

Post# 421228 , Reply# 10 3/7/2020 at 09:37 (1,508 days old) by dysonman1 (the county)
Checkrate/Likes *The first Electrolux economy model* The model 20 View Full Size

Post# 421229 , Reply# 11 3/7/2020 at 14:13 (1,508 days old) by Vinvac (Dubuque IA)
Checkrate/Likes I love the economy models of the Lux machines. Same great quality, built like tanks...just with out all the extras I have a question, did they not use the same motor as the deluxe version. It always seemed like they had the same amount of airflow as their big brothers.

Post# 421237 , Reply# 12 3/7/2020 at 18:34 (1,508 days old) by Jo (Dallas,TX)
Checkrate/Likes 1 Keither...does that manual have a date on it? That remanufactured model actually looks recent! Rugsucker...yes, I love the Electrolux models, hard pressed to find something better. I grew up in Northern New Jersey, seemed like 75 percent or more of households had Electrolux. When I moved to Texas in 1993...it seemed like no one had Electrolux..or very few. I�ve since noticed there�s more than I realized however Dallas, TX has only one Aerus Electrolux store. In NJ...we had them all over, at least one in every town...they seemed to be a 10 to 15 minute drive apart and still are. Perhaps Aerus Electrolux was and still is more popular up there. Though I noticed the store in Bayonne NJ where both my Grandmother�s lived has since closed. My Sister says I should go to work for Aerus Electrolux or a vacuum store.

Post# 421238 , Reply# 13 3/7/2020 at 19:23 (1,508 days old) by Keither (California )
Checkrate/Likes @ Jon Jon thanks ! This rebuilt was found at an estate sale of a former Electrolux salesman! It was still in the clear plastic wrapper. I will check the manual for the date when I get home .

Post# 421240 , Reply# 14 3/7/2020 at 20:16 (1,508 days old) by crazykirbydude (Lexington, KY)
Checkrate/Likes *dysonman1...* Wasn't the Electrolux Model XII considered the "economy" alternative to the Model XXX for the first few years? I remember hearing that somewhere. It may not be correct though.

Post# 421241 , Reply# 15 3/7/2020 at 20:43 (1,508 days old) by Jo (Dallas,TX)
Checkrate/Likes 1 *Economy models still offered today!* While we are taking a look back at vintage economy models...it�s interesting to note that Aerus still continues the tradition of the economy model offering the �Classic Lux� as their least expensive canister model. In keeping with economy models It does not have automatic control to shut off due to the bag filling with dirt, nor does the power nozzle have a headlight like the other models. It appears to not have any circuit board technology which could prove to make the unit more reliable than the upper 2 models which appear to possibly if not definitely have small or major circuit boards in them for some of the advanced features. Also, it uses the traditional Power nozzle metal wand and plastic sheath and handle system introduced with the Golden Jubilee (and for a very short time at the beginning of the 1205). (Perhaps because they still need to produce these parts to supply parts for so many older units that use this system that they just decided to continue using it for their base model wand system...and there are a lot of people that just like the older wand system versus the new plastic wand system I am guessing). For hard floors, a basic plastic single sided brush hard floor tool is included with two, now plastic pipe wands, and a short stubby crevice tool along with the traditional combination dusting brush upholstery tool are included. These two small tools can be attached to the canister top via two clips for onboard storage. After filtration is also provided in a basic style, not Hepa. It does include an integrated cord winder. And still uses the same C style bag design since 1952..though the bag material has been improved over the years. It is a lightweight and easy to use vacuum and is plenty powerful and is easily opened for servicing by sliding off the side bumpers and the whole thing comes apart. The sidekick mini power nozzle is sold as an available accessory and not included with it. The traditional flip over straight suction rug and floor tool is available as an upgrade option as well but only comes standard on the top of the line model. These accessories likely are not included as a help to close the sale as they can be �thrown in� to negotiate or sweeten the deal...or to help raise the profit if a customer wants them and is willing to buy them.

Post# 421242 , Reply# 16 3/7/2020 at 20:54 (1,507 days old) by Caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut)
Checkrate/Likes *The model XII was not originally made in America.* The model XII was imported from the parent company Electro-Lux and was manufactured in Stockholm, Sweden. They were the third model, preceded by the V of 1924, and the XI of 1927. The XII was introduced in 1930. The factory in Old Greenwich, Connecticut didn't open till sometime between 1932 and 33. Once the factory was up and running they made the last of the model XII's before introducing the XXX around December of 1937. Therefore it could not be considered an economy alternative to the XXX. However, after 1937, the XII could be considered the low end model as the XXX would itself be to the Model LX after 1952. View Full Size

Post# 421260 , Reply# 17 3/8/2020 at 09:46 (1,507 days old) by human (Pines of Carolina)
Checkrate/Likes 1 I'm more a fan of the square canisters (1205 and newer) but I do like the looks of these economy models. I'm thinking Kiether's remanufactured Model L might have left the factory for the second time during the Silverado era (early-mid '80s)

Post# 421272 , Reply# 18 3/8/2020 at 16:02 (1,507 days old) by Keither (California )
Checkrate/Likes @ Jon the manual is dated 1988. So Charles , Jon and others ..I don�t want to risk hijacking the thread or moving off topic, but were the other rebuilt units considered economy machines as well? In the manual you had a choice between the following rebuilts : Model G, Model L and the 1205. The Model L we already know was the standard economy vac before the special models were introduced. Let�s not forget the model 1401 HPR ( High Performance Rebuilt ) . Again I don�t want to move off topic so if I need to jumpstart a separate thread please let me know 😊😊😊😊 What an awesome conversation piece , discussing the Elux special models !!!! View Full Size This post was last edited 03/08/2020 at 16:18

Post# 421274 , Reply# 19 3/8/2020 at 16:43 (1,507 days old) by electrolux137 (Los Angeles)
Checkrate/Likes ~ ~ I have a nearly mint-condition* 1453 Special that I found at an estate sale. (It's the machine that I've been looking for a cord halo for because I don't like the cord winder.) It's a nice-looking machine but I don't care for all the plastic. And it's kinda loud. --- * other than the hose, which is an unraveled mess. But I have found a perfect-condition hose for it. Photos... < > Photo 1 of 3 View Full Size

Post# 421276 , Reply# 20 3/8/2020 at 16:57 (1,507 days old) by Keither (California )
Checkrate/Likes It�s a fine looking specimen Charles !!!! I love it 💕💕💕

Post# 421277 , Reply# 21 3/8/2020 at 17:03 (1,507 days old) by Keither (California )
Checkrate/Likes Thanks for spurring me on Charles 😊 View Full Size

Post# 421278 , Reply# 22 3/8/2020 at 17:23 (1,507 days old) by Compactelectra (Palm Springs)
Checkrate/Likes *Keith* I have generally used the Electrolux Model chart as a guide. I watch the dates. When there was overlap the smaller machine was generally the economy model of the time. Still don�t like that way of referring to them. I just dug up this chart which appears to be very complete. It includes the late European models which I don�t consider to be true Electroluxes. Sometimes the lower tier model is called Special Edition. CLICK HERE TO GO TO Compactelectra's LINK View Full Size

Post# 421284 , Reply# 23 3/8/2020 at 21:07 (1,507 days old) by Jo (Dallas,TX)
Checkrate/Likes 1 Keither: Thanks for taking the time to look for the date on that remanufactured model L. Interesting they were still remanufacturing L�s that late...at that point they were at least 10 years old or older. Likely the best of the trade ins were used for this purpose. Since you mention the manual shows a choice of rebuilt models....the 1205 was not an economy model originally since it had the automatic control feature, this was the top of the line but as a remanufactured machine I guess pricing would have been lower than even a 2100 LE which was the lowest level model in 1988. One of our members who was an Electrolux rep at that time would likely be able to best answer this question as they would know the pricing levels. What I do know is that I didn�t see much �push� of remanufactured models by salesmen or the stores that I ever visited. Never saw one in the store or talk of them, though my Aunt did have a remanufactured one which I think was an L, but I know it was replaced some years later by a Miele. I also stayed in a summer rental home on Nantucket once, and the owners had equipped the house with a remanufactured Electrolux...not sure if it was a G or an AF....I just can�t remember but it was one of the two as I remember it was the automatic model for sure. Another time When I was just a teenager we arrived at a vacation rental house my parents rented from a friend and a cleaning crew was there using a remanufactured 1205 in the Silverado era gray coloring. It had to have been a recent purchase because we stayed there in the summers of 1982 and 1984 and the Silverado gray coloring was from 82-84. I thought that it was a nice looking unit. I often wonder what the specifications were for remanufacturing these machines...did they replace or recondition the motors? What parts were replaced if any by default. I wonder what their cost was to actually do this process versus just make a new machine. If they kept the old motors but cleaned them thoroughly and replaced motor brushes, it could see that lowering production cost and therefore being a profitable procedure. Maybe someone knows more detail on these...though it seems we might be getting off topic to remanufactured machines versus economy models. Back on topic though...my Brother sent his 1453 Olympia brown era special model off to the town dump...it was beat to hell...had a cordwinder but with no cord end and he said the motor wailed horribly upon start up and shut off when it was usable. It was something he picked up from somewhere free long ago. I brought him a nice Aerus Lux Classic I picked up at Goodwill last May that was in excellent condition to replace it and I suggested he just delete the 1453 because it was so far gone. Apparently it seems the special models were sold with or without power nozzles or electric hoses. My Brother�s did not have the electric hose nor does the nearly unused one Charles has pictured here. I think by this time in the 80s the top of the line included the power nozzle and electric hose as standard equipment in the box. If you didn�t want it you had to get the 1453 but it seems the 1453 was sold with or without the electric hose and power nozzle as I�ve seen many with the hose and power nozzle included. Not sure why Electrolux suddenly decided to manufacture a new single sided floor brush to include with their less than top of the line models. The double sided flip over combination rug and floor tool seemed to always be a standard then suddenly, primarily with the introduction of the plastic bodied canisters they went to the single sided brush only option. I�ve noticed the plastic bodied canisters were derived from Canadian models and essentially were the current Canadian models but once the US and Candadian Electrolux companies merged some of the Canadian models and features were kept...perhaps the Canadian models had the single sided floor brush pre merge and that�s where that came from...I�ve derived this info about the Canadian models because after careful observation of pre merge 1980�s Canadian models the end of the hose where it attaches to the front of the canister body is the exact design the plastic body canisters use, and is still in use today on the Aerus Lux Classic and Lux Legacy models. Pre merge, the US Electrolux�s only used the hose end started with the model XXX and adapted it to fit for a direct electric connection with the addition of the two slot pins to fit the 1205, Golden Jubilee, Olympia, Silverado, Diamond Jubilee and the Ultralux models...and all 1453s. This way these models could use either the standard non electric hose or the direct electrical connecting power hose...(braided ones had the word TOP marked on them but it could be inserted and work either way...eventually the word top was removed I believe when they discontinued the braided hose design and went to the rubber hoses. I�m desperate to get a rubber pigtail electric hose to work with the power nozzle optioned economy models. Might have to break down and just order it from Aerus. I�d like it to make my model G nicer. Speaking of hoses and electrics... It seems these economy models had three hose options...a non electric hose if one opted for no power nozzle...a non electric hose with an external wire clamped and wrapped around if one opted for the power nozzle, or finally...the full electric hose with pigtail cord on the canister end to plug the wire into the canister outlet. My Mother opted for the full electric hose when she bought her L and never liked the wire wrap around �lash up� but others opted for that. I wonder if this was a cheaper option than the full electric hose with built in wiring. Clearly the wire wrap was invented to help people who wanted to add the power nozzle at a later date... not have to replace their hose to get the power out to the power nozzle wand once the G era power nozzle with solid wand and the one long cord coming from the power nozzle long enough to go all the way to the canister was discontinued. (I have one of those long cords, and fitted it on a pn1 so I can use my AF without an electric hose or special power nozzle wands...I just take the rug and floor tool off the wands put the power nozzle on the standard wands and plug the long power nozzle cord into the canister outlet. It works...but the power nozzle cord is always getting in the way as I don�t aphabe any of the plastic quick clamps that were originally included to clamp the cord to the hose...I think three were included originally as shown on the cover of Model G manuals. Jon

Post# 421387 , Reply# 24 3/10/2020 at 12:15 (1,505 days old) by Rdwdcp (UK)
Checkrate/Likes My GrandDad had an Electrolux when my dad was a kid. The cylinder type Electrolux. Electrolux Don't seem to make many vacuums anymore.

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