Need a vacuum cleaner. Is Vax good? Is cordless better/cheaper to run?

Bigphil1474

We've had a Dyson before that was great but too expensive for me. We currently have a Vax 3 which is about 10 years old. Still works well and we use that for the main vaccing, and works well for clearing up the mess from my endless DIY push. We had a Vax before that that was as good. We also have a shark cordless, and it's pretty good for normal vaccing, but comes into it's own when you detach the handheld bit and blast round the nooks and crannies, on the stairs etc. Also great if you just need to clean up a spillage. Not had any problems with it so can't comment on repair or CS issues.

My one and only experience with Vax customer service was great - the clip on bit for the hose attachment broke, rang them up, and they sent a new one out in the post. The VAX is on its last legs, and we can't seem to find any replacements for the 2 filters it has, so I have to carefully wash them every few months, but the machine can easily be dismantled for a thorough clean down inside and out. I don't think we'll go Dyson again, but would probably get a Vax when this one packs up for good. 

pallyman

I have a AEG FX9 & its great ,good battery life & the best it stands upright so i can leave it anywhere.

the_midnight_Wolfboy

Hi it really does depend on what the priorities are for the vacuum

Main choices in your vacuum decision tree are:

1) Cordeed or cordless (e.g. power vs mobility)

2) Upright versus Canister (e.g. price versus mobility)

3) Buy it for life versus budget (e.g. how long do you expect it to last)

Also if you are using a vacuum for DIY you may want to get a vacuum that is tough enough e.g. A Henry hoover or titan wet and dry vac.

Ben1989

TELLIT01 said:

We have a Vax Blade 4 cordless and a Miele corded cylinder vacuum.  Since we bought the Vax, the Miele has hardly been used.  The only thing against this particular Vax is that the dust container is small.  It has a 3 year warranty, and I don't agree with the comments above about it being poor build quality.

I agree. I've had a VAX for the last 6 years and it's never skipped a beat and still running fantastically.

However, we're getting cats soon so it'll be put through a thorough test!

dllive

the_midnight_Wolfboy said:

Main choices in your vacuum decision tree are:

1) Cordeed or cordless (e.g. power vs mobility)

2) Upright versus Canister (e.g. price versus mobility)

3) Buy it for life versus budget (e.g. how long do you expect it to last)

Wise words, thanks.

I think Im going to get a corded, canister, budget model.

TELLIT01

My experience of Vax customer service was good too.  The battery failed after 8 months, I contacted them and a new battery was sent out within a couple of days.  2 weeks later I had an e-mail saying a battery was being sent under warranty, and one arrived a couple of days later.  Contacted Vax who said it was their mistake and to keep the additional battery.

daveyjp

Vax airlift does what I need it to do at a far lower price than a similar Dyson model.

GDB2222

We have a Vax and a Henry. 

Everybody likes the Henry. It's simple to use, robust, and they last a very long time. We bought this one a year ago to replace one that was over 20 years old.

I like the Vax, but nobody else does. I read the manual, but nobody else has. It picks up the dirt well, and it's easy to use (but only once you've read the manual).

It's a personal preference, but I prefer vacuum cleaners with a disposable bag. The Henry has a bag that catches all the dirt and has a HEPA filter built in. No mess. 

Cisco001

dllive said:

the_midnight_Wolfboy said:

Main choices in your vacuum decision tree are:

1) Cordeed or cordless (e.g. power vs mobility)

2) Upright versus Canister (e.g. price versus mobility)

3) Buy it for life versus budget (e.g. how long do you expect it to last)

Wise words, thanks.

I think Im going to get a corded, canister, budget model.

How about this?

Shark Bagless Cylinder Vacuum with Dynamic Technology, Anti Hair Wrap - CZ250UKT £100
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Shark-Cylinder-CZ250UKT-Technology-Flexology/dp/B099SD3SXD

ciderboy2009

Whichever vacuum you go for I would always recommend buying one or two spare filters for it so you've always got one to put in when you're waiting for the original one to dry after washing it.