Good, Moderately-Priced Vaccuum Cleaner?

[qos]

I've purchased one or two new vaccuum cleaners in my life and have been thoroughly disappointed by both. Neither was very good at picking up dirt, and both broke down quickly.

I need something reasonably robust, because Wolfling's floor can get pretty bad. I need it to be light enough so we won't have trouble getting it up and down the stairs.

Any suggestions?

Comments

[neversremedy.livejournal.com]

It's not exactly "moderately priced," but when looking for a vacuum that works, I highly recommend the Dyson pet vac (it's purple!) and is something even my geeky, pet-loving friends enjoy using. We don't need one here because in Craig's house, we have the magical vacuum that runs through the walls, but if ever I need a vacuum in the future and can afford it, the Dyson wins my vote.

[oakmouse]

We have an earlier version of this one, and love it. It's been a reliable workhorse for something like ten years. Light, maneuverable, efficient (so long as you remember to empty it often enough), and reasonably priced for the features.

http://www.dirtdevil.com/Products/productDetail.aspx?id=32667

[9thmoon.livejournal.com]

Having had floofy kitties and chow chows most of my adult life, vacuuming is a big hairy deal in my house. When I moved to Texas and let yet another $350 Hoover with the ex, I decided to invest in a good vacuum. My $800 Oreck is wonderful, and I don't think I will ever have to buy another vacuum again. It picks up everything, it's easy to clean the brushes, and the bags are HEPA (and snap closed when you remove them) and it's one-handed-lifting light. And it comes with a portable (cannister) with attachments, that's just as nice, and that reverses in a moment from suck to blow (nice for clearing dead leaves from the garage or dust from my PC). So it's two vacuums for $800, with lifetime warranties.

[don-negro.livejournal.com]

Buy a used Kirby off of ebay or craigslist. They last forever (by which I mean 30-40 years) and you can get them serviced and/or refurbished anywhere.

I love George Dyson and everything he's done, and a Dyson is what I'd say to buy if you wanted to buy a new one. But if you want to spend ~$200-300 and be very happy for a long time, a Kirby is the way to go.

[sashajwolf.livejournal.com]

I third the recommendation of a Dyson.

[royalbananafish.livejournal.com]

Hoover wind tunnel. Go look at the latest Consumer Reports before you buy anything.

[amqu.livejournal.com]

Although I myself covet the Dyson pet vac, when I worked at Target I had several of them returned because they are so powerful, they take the nap right out of your carpet.