Buying a vacuum cleaner would seem to be an easy thing to do, But there are a great many things to take into consideration Buy a vacuum cleaner that is too big and you can spend more that you need to. Buy one too small and you will not get the performance you need. So what do you choose, canister or up- right, bag or bagless, with a lot of attachments or very little. Will one vacuum cleaner be enough? Or will you need more than one?
Choosing between canister and up-right Seems to be more of a matter of choice. And where you plan to store it. You have to decide which will fit. Also if you need to do more than just the floor like upholstery and drapes, make sure the vacuum cleaner you choose is not an up-right without a hose. No way to use one of them on the drapes. In choosing the size, take into consideration a number of factors. First of all, do you have a lot of carpeting? And it is thick pile? Do you have cats and/or dogs? Pet hair can clog up a smaller vacuum cleaner fast. Believe me I know. And is one enough. If you live in an apartment, or a ranch style house, yes, but in a multi- level house, with a finished basement, maybe not. The first floor of the house is a heavy traffic area, and the second floor, with bedrooms where people usually go only twice a day, and the basement that is used only occasionally, are light traffic areas. What is best for you, to have one vacuum cleaner that is big enough for the heave traffic areas, and carry it up and down the stairs to do the other floors, or is it worth the extra expense to by one or two smaller ones and leave one on each floor.
There is quite a difference of opinion about which is best, bag or bagless. Both have pros and cons. With a vacuum, cleaner that uses bags, you have the cost of replacing them, but you just throw out the bag with the dirt in it. No cleaning of a dirt cup. With a bagless, you save the cost of the bags, but you have to empty the cup into the garbage, there is usually some left in the vacuum cleaner itself that needs to be cleaned out and there is always the chance of spilling some right back on the floor you just cleaned. If the vacuum cleaner comes with a cloth bag, you have the problem of cleaning it, which basically puts it in the same category as a bagless,
So with this in mind, it is time to begin your hunt, Theses are just a few of the many options available and they represent the best in their price range.
Canisters
Panasonic MC-V9634 Canister Vacuum with Covered & Recessed Attachment Storage suggested price $249.99
This is one that comes with attachments. There are four height adjustments and an auto cord rewind
Hoover Model number: S3590 suggested retail $159.99 – $179.99
Easy to handle, lightweight and bagless Cleans everything from carpet to bare floors, from upholstery to drapes Everything is able to swiver 360 degrees and the cord has an automatic re-wind Brush is 14 inches wide
Dirt Devil Breeze Canister w/ Power Nozzle M082550 suggested retail $149.99
This o ne is bagless, lightweight and easy to maneuver. It has a long 20ft power cord that will cover most rooms.
Guacamole Kenmore Canister Vacuum model #2621 suggested retail $199.99
Has a nice, long 24 foot cord, attachments are easy to change, and 4 height adjustment levels.
Hoover Model Portable Canister number: S1361 suggested retail $59.99 – $79.99
This would make a great second vacuum or it would be perfect to send to the college dorm. Has cord rewind
UP Rights
Panasonic Platinum MC-V5009 Suggested price $299.99
Platinum is the top of the Panasonic line. It automatically adjusts to the height and pile of the carpet. The dust bag is an extra-think 2 ply.
Kenmore Progressive Upright Vacuum model #35922 suggested price $299.99
This one has a sensor that detects how much cleaning power you need and automatically adjusts the power to the right level. Has a cloth collection bag and 4 manual height adjustments.
Hoover Self Propelled WindTunne Ultra Upright U6454900 suggested price $279.99 – $299.99
Extremely powerful this one is self-propelled, will pick up everything and tell you when the carpet is clean.
Westinghouse Unplugged Cord-Free Vacuum WET1600B suggested price $199.99
An unusual one, this one runs on a power pack and you get two interchangeable ones so you are never left without power.
Hoover Bagged Tempo Widepath suggested retail $59.99 – $79.99
Another nice economical one, good for small apartments or as a second vacuum
Dirt Devil Jaguar Bagless Upright M085835 suggested price $69.99
Very light weight and very reasonable price and bagless. Makes a good extra vacuum
Remember, before you go out and shop, make a list of what is important to you in your choice of a vacuum cleaner. Check prices at different stores and resist impulse buying. And ask questions Happy hunting.
