Thread Number: 39739  /  Tag: Brand New Vacuum Cleaners
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Post# 421738   3/16/2020 at 13:48 (1,499 days old) by O0John0O (North Carolina)        

I have mostly bare floors with a few dense area rugs. I do have pet allergies. The vacuums I have narrowed it down to are the Sebo Felix, Riccar R30d, and a claimed to have never been used except during demo Kirby Avalir for $700. All seem to be in the same price range. I know that the Sebo doesn’t have HEPA filtration, but I believe it will filter out pet dander. I can’t seem to make my mind up. They all seem like great vacuums. Could you all help me with my decision? Right now I seem to be leaning toward the Sebo. I’ve heard great things about the powerhead. From what I’ve researched, it has the least CFM at the head in the 70s, but the powerhead does a magnificent job of sealing to the floor making the most of it. Thanks!

Post# 421740 , Reply# 1   3/16/2020 at 13:53 (1,499 days old) by vacuumdevil (Vacuum Hell )        

vacuumdevil's profile picture
The Felix is definitely the best by far of the options you listed.
Oddly enough it's also the best filtering of the 3.
















Post# 421747 , Reply# 2   3/16/2020 at 14:21 (1,499 days old) by crazykirbydude (Lexington, KY)        

crazykirbydude's profile picture
I'd skip an upright and go for a canister. An old Electrolux Model L is a great choice, despite being over 40 years old at this point. They are amazing cleaners and are damn near indestructible. If you want a brand new vacuum, a Sanitaire Mighty-Mite is a good choice.

Post# 421771 , Reply# 3   3/16/2020 at 21:23 (1,499 days old) by O0John0O (North Carolina)        

Thanks for the filtration tests. I didn’t even realize those other vacuums leaked that much! Is $669 a good price to get aFelix? He said they are normally $799, but he can do $669.

Post# 421775 , Reply# 4   3/16/2020 at 22:42 (1,499 days old) by Lesinutah (Utah)        
Mm

 lesinutah's profile picture
There is a site called eBay.
If there is a lower price it would be there.
Les

Post# 421785 , Reply# 5   3/17/2020 at 01:18 (1,499 days old) by O0John0O (North Carolina)        
eBay

 eBay is never a good place to market gauge. Some appliances sold on eBay are gray market. If you took the lowest priced gray market item on eBay and compared it to a warrantied dealer unit it would be a totally unfair price comparison. I’m really looking for answers from individuals working inside the business.

Post# 421791 , Reply# 6   3/17/2020 at 09:07 (1,498 days old) by dysonman1 (the county)        

dysonman1's profile picture
Don't buy the Riccar. All the dirt from the rug is pulled through a fan. Fan is fragile - I worked at the factory where they were made. The Chinese plastic isn't strong. Fixing one is a nightmare (there are a million screws). Avoid the Riccar, go with the Sebo.

Post# 421798 , Reply# 7   3/17/2020 at 10:28 (1,498 days old) by O0John0O (North Carolina)        

Ok thx dysonman. That sounds like a disaster.

Post# 421799 , Reply# 8   3/17/2020 at 10:35 (1,498 days old) by vacfan1982 (Cardiff)        

vacfan1982's profile picture
I don't know about in the US but in Europe the Sebo Felix has a Pet model that has an F9 Exhaust filter it's thicker than the other filters and is HEPA standard

CLICK HERE TO GO TO vacfan1982's LINK




This post was last edited 03/17/2020 at 10:52
Post# 421813 , Reply# 9   3/17/2020 at 17:15 (1,498 days old) by Blackheart (North Dakota)        
Go with the Felix.

 blackheart's profile picture
I've got a felix, an avalir, and a Simplicity S40p which is similar in design to the R30, but of the lot the Felix is the most bare floor friendly and may fit your needs the best. While it's true that the Felix doesn't have a hepa filter they filter well regardless.

My one concern is your rugs you said they were dense are they a deep pile? I've never used my Felix on a deeper pile carpeting but the 3 wheel design on the head just makes me wonder how it copes with that. I mean you can always turn down the suction and that may be the solution. or perhaps there won't be an issue at all. I would, just in case, check the return policy.

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Post# 421814 , Reply# 10   3/17/2020 at 18:25 (1,498 days old) by O0John0O (North Carolina)        

Thanks for your input Blackheart. It’s about 1/2 inch long 1.5 million points per square meter backless Persian rugs. I have them carpet taped to the floor.

Post# 421819 , Reply# 11   3/17/2020 at 18:58 (1,498 days old) by Lesinutah (Utah)        
Ebay

 lesinutah's profile picture
eBay has a markup that's true.
Vacuum dealers markup is in 300-700 percent markup.
eBay cuts out middlemen among other things. Unless you get whole sale cost at a dealer you will find it cheaper on eBay.
You just have to look.
Les

Post# 421821 , Reply# 12   3/17/2020 at 19:40 (1,498 days old) by huskyvacs (Gnaw Bone, Indiana)        

huskyvacs's profile picture
Yes - the prices at the vacuum dealer are just like buying a 15-20 year old car at a used car dealership. They add on money over the price it cost them so they make back the commission from what it cost them to buy it and any repairs, then they have to pay the staff, make the dealership money on storage, and all that.

Prices on eBay are wholesale price - so you are paying what it cost to buy it from factory, and without the dealer markup. Why would you overpay money out to strangers so they can buy a new speedboat and vacation in Florida?

Also a warranty is useless because for warranty repair they will fight you every step of the way - I guarantee it. They do not want to lose money - and mostly every warranty you get will not be honored. LG does this with their products. They accuse you that you broke it right off the bat, and if you continue to harass them, then they only pay for 20-30% of the cost or something like that. Utterly useless. The days of "free repair" or "free item for warranty" are over. Too many people have scammed the system. Also nobody has a repair shop anymore so they don't even repair your stuff, they just send you another used one from the warehouse that they cleaned up.

I have never paid over $60 for any vacuum brand new. More expensive doesn't mean better, and vacuums depreciate fast. Sebo and Riccar both do not stock spare parts for their vacuums - so if it breaks might as well put your wallet into the garbage disposal.

Post# 421832 , Reply# 13   3/18/2020 at 01:02 (1,498 days old) by vacfan1982 (Cardiff)        

vacfan1982's profile picture
Sebo in the UK are very good at honouring the warranty and they do have spare parts. Plus Sebo have an excellent reputation for reliability.

Post# 421836 , Reply# 14   3/18/2020 at 08:02 (1,497 days old) by vacfan1982 (Cardiff)        

vacfan1982's profile picture
Devin they do have a Hepa rated filter now. When we had thje EU Ratings this filter got an A rating, the standard filter got a C rating.

Here is a link

CLICK HERE TO GO TO vacfan1982's LINK
Post# 421855 , Reply# 15   3/18/2020 at 14:56 (1,497 days old) by Blackheart (North Dakota)        
oh

 blackheart's profile picture
Well at only 1/2 inch it shouldn't be an issue.

Mark, I don't see anything about a hepa rating on that page do you have a source for that? Not that i'll be changing mine for it, it's fine as is.

Post# 421856 , Reply# 16   3/18/2020 at 15:02 (1,497 days old) by vacfan1982 (Cardiff)        

vacfan1982's profile picture
It says A rating. Do you remember the EU rating we had for carpet pick up ,filtration etc? They went from A to F. Well that filter got an A which is the highest filtration. I'll see if I can find any more info. It's quite a bit thicker than the standard filter Devin. More expensive too. The standard filter is fine for most people, this filter is for the severely allergic I'd say.

Post# 421859 , Reply# 17   3/18/2020 at 15:11 (1,497 days old) by vacfan1982 (Cardiff)        

vacfan1982's profile picture
Annual Energy Consumption 27.5 Kilowatt Hours Per Year
Carpet Cleaning Performance Class B
Hard Floor Cleaning Performance Class C
Dust Re-emission Class A
Noise Level 79 dB

This is all I can find atm.

Post# 421865 , Reply# 18   3/18/2020 at 19:52 (1,497 days old) by n0oxy (Saint Louis Missouri, United States)        
go with the Sebo Felix

 Of the ones you mentioned, the Felix is the best one by far. This is coming from someone who really prefers canister cleaners, but I love the Felix. It is probably the best upright cleaner you can get.
Mike

CLICK HERE TO GO TO n0oxy's LINK
Post# 421866 , Reply# 19   3/18/2020 at 20:02 (1,497 days old) by Jo (Dallas,TX)        

Personally, I recommend a US made Electrolux (which would be a used machine) or now named Aerus if you want new. Very versatile machines, easy to use. They have both canister or upright form and all of the canister models have after filters and the top of the line Aerus models are fully sealed and have great filtration. Even for the ones that don’t have the top level after filtration...between the bags being very thorough at trapping dirt and dust and the bag system quite good at not spewing dirt into the bag compartment, they stay very clean over the life of the machine. The service Aerus provides is pretty much next to none these days...parts will be available for years to come as they stand by the product and will come to your home for service, deliver bags, or a free in home demonstration. Yes, the “Electrolux man” (should really say “person” not man) still exists. Or you can go to a local Aerus store if there is one close enough to you to be convenient.

I’ve had primarily Electrolux (now Aerus per the 2003 name change) all my life and I’m almost 51, somhas my Mother at 84 and so did her Mother...and so have many family members and most of the machines are still going strong after 35 or 40 years or even longer...maybe a servicing once or twice to fix a switch, or part. Yes, they cost more, but on average cost about the same as the amount of time you’d own and throw away a $60 machine every few years. The warranties are excellent and likely will last long after the warranty runs out. Changing bags is easy, you never see, touch, or breath dirt and some models shut off when full. The tools are simple and some are 2 tools in one such as the combination dusting brush and upholstery tool. The power nozzle self adjusts automatically with each and every stroke to all sorts of carpet taking any guesswork out, on both the canister and upright model. Hard floor cleaning is accounted for as well and the canisters especially are good for hard floor cleaning with a floor brush where only the bristles glide on the floor sweeping the floor and sucking up the dust and debris simultaneously. I’ve used them on all sorts of carpet and flooring surfaces and never had an issue with their tools gliding properly over any surface except maybe a small bathroom rug which is a challenge for most any vacuum for it not to get sucked up by it.

The flexibility of tools and attachments is quite good and you mention delicate rugs, they even have the flip over rug and floor tool option available on all machines which has been a staple since it came out in 1953 and which is currently standard on the top of the line canister to provide straight suction but thorough cleaning over those most delicate rugs where a rotating brush may be too rough. But even the bristles on their power nozzle rotating brush are designed for thorough but delicate care of fine expensive carpeting instead of the stiff plastic bristles most provide to really lift up the most matted carpet but will wear fine more fine and expensive or delicate carpet. A small mini fully electric power nozzle is also standard on most models for ease of cleaning of stairs thoroughly and easily and furniture for those tougher pet hair challenges. The belts on both power nozzles virtually never need changing as they and the shafts are geared and the belts are poly cord reinforced with a material similar to dental floss. Lights are provided on most models as well.

I would seriously consider looking at the web site Aerushome.com to learn more about the machines and or request an in home demonstration to try the product out on your personal “real world” cleaning needs. I’ve tried several other brands repeatedly being into vacuums and just keep coming back to the Aerus/Electrolux as my all time easiest to use, most reliable, hassle free, throughly cleaning, least likely to clog, and longest lasting vacuum. I even use a 59 year old model as a shop vac because I hated my shop vac it was so nasty to empty among other things and my health was more important so trapping the dirt in clean sealed throw away bags was more important to me than saving a bit on bags and having to deal with allergens and the nastiness of cleaning out dust clogged non washable filters. I so yearned for a shop vac that was as easy to deal with dirt as my Electrolux ....so when the shop vac’s motor didn’t last and burned up after 10 years I didn’t replace it with another, I was so disgusted I just got an older Electrolux (48 years old at that time) for about the same price as a new shop vac off eBay and it has already outlasted the one shop vac I had in years of use (been using the old Electrolux for 11 years now as a shop vac) and it is showing no signs of stopping anytime soon and all the attachments are still working great. The generic 4 ply bags are cheap enough that I can buy 100 for $40 on eBay for my “shop vac” needs and they filter great.

You can get nicer vintage Electrolux models off eBay or even newer Aerus models used off eBay as some vacuum refurbishes sell them there if you are not looking to spend the price for a new one and an a Aerus store will service your product no matter where you bought it but just won’t honor any warranty since you were not the original purchaser, but they will always be happy to service any of their products.

Whether you decide on an upright or canister is really personal preference. Some people prefer one or the other. I have back issues so the lighter the vacuum the better so for me a canister works the best plus I like to use the vacuum for a variety of tasks beyond floor or rug cleaning, such as furniture vacuuming, windowsill dusting, getting behind furniture or in tight places every time I vacuum and I don’t like to have to switch machines or visit a room multiple times for different cleaning tasks, so for me having the canister I can do everything in one visit including vacuuming the dust off my lampshades as we have several that seems to attract quite a bit of dust, just by changing attachments.

I know my recommendation may not be one of the models you asked about but it’s just my two cents of what I like about this product and why you might give it some consideration.

Jon



Post# 421870 , Reply# 20   3/18/2020 at 20:57 (1,497 days old) by panasonicvac (Northern Utah)        
Hi there John

 panasonicvac's profile picture
Have you also considered looking into the cheaper versions of the Felix such as the Dart, the commercial Windsor Axcess 12, or the commercial Karcher CV 300? They're basically the same as the Felix as far as quality, reliability, and performance goes but they just don't have as many fancy features that the Felix would offer, yet far cheaper than the Felix. But if you're all set on going for the Felix, I would personally go for the quote on the Felix that they are offering you.

Wish you the best of luck on your choice!

Post# 421875 , Reply# 21   3/18/2020 at 21:53 (1,497 days old) by Lesinutah (Utah)        
Titan

 lesinutah's profile picture
They came out with the Titan 9000. I remember Tom showing pics of it a few months back.
I found it on eBay $399 free shipping.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/173918420316...
Les

CLICK HERE TO GO TO Lesinutah's LINK on eBay


Post# 421885 , Reply# 22   3/19/2020 at 10:32 (1,496 days old) by crazykirbydude (Lexington, KY)        

crazykirbydude's profile picture
I'd buy both a SEBO Dart and the hard floor attachment for the Felix. I'll attach a picture of the attachment in question.

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Post# 421913 , Reply# 23   3/19/2020 at 22:41 (1,496 days old) by mpbyrd (Connelly Springs, NC)        
I have a Felix for sale

mpbyrd's profile picture
Bought new in October. Has all the attachments and it’s in pristine condition. If you’re interested send me an email.
paytonbyrd1992@gmail.com

  Photos...       <              >      Photo 1 of 4         View Full Size
Post# 421935 , Reply# 24   3/20/2020 at 14:15 (1,495 days old) by O0John0O (North Carolina)        
Got a Sebo Felix!

 Hey y’all. Just wanted to report back that I ended up getting a Sebo Felix. I’ve been super busy and have only vacuumed up a bit. When I have more time with it I will report back. Thanks so much for all your help. It’s greatly appreciated. It’s nice to have a forum like this with so many knowledge all folks! Thanks again!

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Post# 421943 , Reply# 25   3/20/2020 at 16:46 (1,495 days old) by Blackheart (North Dakota)        
ooh

 blackheart's profile picture
Onyx model! A nice choice they look so stylish.

Post# 422031 , Reply# 26   3/22/2020 at 13:27 (1,493 days old) by n0oxy (Saint Louis Missouri, United States)        
congratulations on the Felix

 I think you made a great choice, those are awesome machines. I much prefer canister cleaners but the Felix is the one exception, really the Felix is a power nozzle canister in the form factor of an upright. I think you will be very happy with it.
Mike

Post# 422061 , Reply# 27   3/23/2020 at 00:56 (1,493 days old) by O0John0O (North Carolina)        
It's A Great Vacuum

 Thanks Blackheart!

n0oxy, I agree! It reminds me of an cylinder canister with a powerhead that they turned upright.

So, I was able to clean my entire house this weekend. Here are some of my thoughts:

The exhaust is genius. On my previous vacuum (Kenmore Elite) the exhaust was a major problem as it would kick up dirt, pet hair; you name it. The exhaust filter on the Felix also acts as diffuser which is great! I will say that the air it does diffuse can get a bit toasty though.

The portability is awesome. Almost like going back to the cylinder canister vacs of the old days where they had a handle on them. It's nice with the Felix to be able to disconnect the powerhead and carry it to dust. The variable suction adjustment is nice when vacuuming things like curtains. I will need to purchase the extension wand though so I can get to my crown molding.

The powerhead is as advertised. I really like it. I had no issues with edge cleaning on my hard floors. It did great on my area rugs as well. I just followed the instructions to set the correct height. The brush roll seems powerful and did a great job on my area rugs.

I guess if I were to sum everything up; I would say that its just an effective, efficient, and well designed machine. If I go over something with this vacuum it picks it up. If I run it along the edge of the wall its going to get everything. It's a vacuum that does everything that I need it to do for my home. Purchasing the extension wand will make this the perfect vacuum for me.

I never even thought of the Felix until I went on this forum. Thanks for all your advise!



Post# 422603 , Reply# 28   4/1/2020 at 19:33 (1,483 days old) by O0John0O (North Carolina)        
Height Adjustment on Felix

 So far I’m loving my Felix. I ordered the anti-odor carbon motor filter and the extension wand.

I do have a question however. The manual says when on carpet to lower the height adjustment until the the red light turns off. So that’s what I’ve been doing which is level 3. My rugs are only 1/2 cm or 1/4 inch deep, but they are thick 1.5 million point wool. I’ve tried taking it a step further and lowering it to 2, but the motor does bog a bit and the back stroke is a bit of a chore. I’m thinking I should just leave it at 3. I was thinking about putting a bit of sand deep in the fibers and doing a visual inspection. What are your thoughts?

Post# 422627 , Reply# 29   4/2/2020 at 03:27 (1,483 days old) by Shattered (Sheffield)        

I'm not really sure if that height control works as it should. We've got thin carpets and I can vacuum on any height and the warning light doesn't come on at all. Obviously it's much harder to push on lower settings though.

So I was wondering if it cleans efficiently on each setting..
It copes with pet hair amazingly on each setting.

You got there a very nice looking machine. We also have the black version. Sadly it shows off scratches very easily..

Post# 422650 , Reply# 30   4/2/2020 at 17:50 (1,482 days old) by O0John0O (North Carolina)        
Scratches

 I agree. They buff out pretty easy though with a white scotchbrite pad though. My favorite Felix is the Classic. Those machines look beautiful.

Post# 422653 , Reply# 31   4/2/2020 at 19:10 (1,482 days old) by myles_v (Fredericksburg, VA)        

myles_v's profile picture
I think the height adjustment is mainly useful as the brushroll wears down. I keep mine set at 4 for most of my carpets, only the lowest pile rugs that I have cause the red light to turn on when it's set to level 4. I figure this will change as the brushroll wears down. I seem to get good performance on level 4, so I leave it there since that's what Sebo suggests.

Post# 423055 , Reply# 32   4/8/2020 at 23:52 (1,476 days old) by O0John0O (North Carolina)        

Yeah, I have just kept mine at level 3 on carpets. When the red light starts turning on, I'll move it down to 2. I see a lot of Youtubers setting theirs to 2, but I forget that they might have had theirs longer than mine and that it can sometimes be hard to judge the actual height of a carpet by just looking at a video.

I did get my charcoal filter and extension wand from Sebo. Not really much to say about the extension wand. It's solidly built like all Sebo products and will help me be able to reach my crown molding. The charcoal filter is definitely thicker due to being filled with charcoal. The original was thin enough to see through. This one doesn't really snap into the motor guard, as the connector just has a bit showing due to the thickness of the filter. It does seem to help.

Unfortunately, I ordered a F9 exhaust filter from a third party on Amazon and it ended up being just a regular exhaust filter. So, I will be returning it. I wish they sold the F9 filters in the U.S.

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Post# 423131 , Reply# 33   4/10/2020 at 10:53 (1,474 days old) by n0oxy (Saint Louis Missouri, United States)        
height adjustment

 Glad your Felix is working so well, in my opinion it is the best upright you can get and that's coming from someone who much prefers hose cleaners.
The Sebo power nozzle is one of the best, if not the best one you can get. I think it measures the resistance of the brush in order to determine whether the red light should come on. It sounds like setting 3 works for you.
Mike


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