Inexpensive vacuum buying advice

[DianeH]

We would like to pick up a little vacuum cleaner as a gift for someone (who wants one!).

Mostly short pile carpets in their apartment.

We don't want to spend more than $200 - she really isn't a cleaner, so the basic will do.

I've looked at the Dirt Devil canister, but 12 amps doesn't seem like it will do a good job. And its a 2 bedroom suite so it needs to work for a while.

We have a nice little bissell upright in our trailer but I'm thinking an upright is not a good choice.

What do Tuggers think?

Diane

 

[AwayWeGo]

Buy Vacuums Resale -- Save $ $ $

What do Tuggers think?

Shop Craig's List for a good late model vacuum cleaner with a few miles on it.

-- Alan Cole, McLean (Fairfax County), Virginia, USA.​

 

[PigsDad]

but 12 amps doesn't seem like it will do a good job.

Most household circuits are 15 amps. Any more powerful and you start blowing circuit breakers!

Kurt

 

[EJC]

I'm beginning to think a choice of vacuum is very subjective. I've owned, and still own, several vacuums. I guess I keep buying them thinking the next one will make vacuuming less of a chore. I've owned Kirby, Eureka, Hoover, Sears Kenmore, Panasonic, and Sharp uprights. My favorite was/is a basic Sharp upright. It was only about $100., it's lightweight, and it does a great job. I think I'd recommend the next model up in the Sharp line to have a better assortment of above-floor attachments. Regarding canisters, I've had Sunbeam (circa 1975), Electrolux, Sears Kenmore, and Rainbow (the last three had/have power nozzles). Canisters are a pain to lug around, though they are, perhaps, the best choice if a person can only have one vacuum. If the apartment is mostly carpeted, an upright with above-floor attachments would be the best choice. If the person isn't into cleaning particularly, then, for ease of use, an upright is the better choice. Consumer Reports is a good resource when researching vacuums.

 

[DianeH]

Thanks for the good advice!