Vacuum cleaner for hardwood floors + carpets?

CKdesigner

Yes I like to think I do - I have worked in the industry for more than 20 years, for both retailers and manufacturers in product design, testing, training and retailing.

Norman_Castle

CKdesigner wrote: »

Yes I like to think I do - I have worked in the industry for more than 20 years, for both retailers and manufacturers in product design, testing, training and retailing.

Fair enough. In the vacuum industry?. Are Miele's designed for hard surfaces?

angel_of_dartford

Also beware of the Dyson Ball Cleaner, doesn't quite do what the name would lead you to believe, as my local A & E department will attest

srm1

So it has been narrowed down to Henry vs Dyson vs Miele.
What has not been mentioned is that all new machines are far lower wattage then the good old 2000 watt machines.
Do they actually clean as well or does it take twice the time as the newer machines are a bit asthmatic?

Infidel

srm1 wrote: »

So it has been narrowed down to Henry vs Dyson vs Miele.

I guess so.

But then there are quite a number of models....and not all are equal.

boliston

I'd be surprised if it's possible to scratch a wood floor simply by vacuuming it - shifting furniture by dragging rather than lifting seems to be the main cause of scratching.

srm1

If you have to buy a vacuum cleaner - it may be an idea to do so before 2017 as the wattage will be limited to 900W then.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2730624/Brussels-wants-ban-powerful-vacuum-cleaners-theyre-not-eco-friendly.html

Presumably the same Brussels test lab that passed Volkswagen diesel cars:rotfl:

Norman_Castle

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2730624/Brussels-wants-ban-powerful-vacuum-cleaners-theyre-not-eco-friendly.html

‘A best buy 2,200-watt vac costs around £27 a year to run in electricity – only £8 more than the best-scoring 1,600-watt we’ve tested.’

"only £8 more". On mse thats an extra 1/3.

If a 2200 watt vacuum costs £27 per year to run then an 1100 watt vacuum will cost £13.50 per year. The £13.50 saving x 8 years = £108 or about the cost of a Henry.

Only Daily Mail readers need to panic buy vacuum cleaners. Everyone else will understand dust can be collected with a more energy efficient motor.

The new Henry has a 580 watt motor. Read the reviews regarding suction. Theres no reason other manufacturers cannot work as well with more efficient motors.

srm1

I'm afraid, not just Daily Mail readers - there are many such reports from August 2014.
http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/news/article-2730642/Buy-powerful-vacuum-cleaner-BANNED-New-EU-rules-ban-best-models-September-warns-Which.html

Infidel

I'm not panic buying, but I might get in a panic soon as I really need to get one now (or yesterday would have been better).

Regarding the watts - well the old vacuum was a 2200 watts Vax and it's the worst vacuum I have ever had the misfortune to use. Even after following all the cleaning and clearing instructions to get maximum out of it, it was pathetic - and it sounded like a jet engine to boot.

Anyway, I think today has to be decision day...so at the moment it's probably going to be a Henry or Dyson...(Maybe Miele - but if they're hard to get hold of in quick time I'd have to give them a miss).

Just have to chose a model number now (and check out whether the wattage actually makes much of a difference to the suction). I'd get a 10,000 watt model if it meant I didn't have to go over the same piece of floor or carpet several times.

Surely a decent vacuum should mean you only have to cover the floor once over?

So guys, any advice on the actual model numbers? Then I'll make a top 5 list and then possibly the quickness of delivery will play a fateful hand (I saw some sites take 2-4 weeks to deliver some items - possibly because they order on demand - the slow boat from China).