A.E.
I have a Dyson that works pretty well..but does not fit under beds well. One solution I have used is to have a nice vacuum downstairs and a cheap one upstairs (so I don't have to lug one up an down the stairs..)
OK, I LOATHE my vacuum and need a new one. Would love some recommendations.
Here is what I am looking for:
INEXPENSIVE!
Lightweight (mine is a beast)
easy to clean out (mine is a nightmare to clean out)
retractable cord or rechargeable (I keep tripping over or vacuuming up my own cord!)
fits under the couches
Does such a vacuum exist? Thanks!
Sure would make my life a little easier!
I have a Dyson that works pretty well..but does not fit under beds well. One solution I have used is to have a nice vacuum downstairs and a cheap one upstairs (so I don't have to lug one up an down the stairs..)
Dirt Devil for inexpensive. I couldn't get over how well mine cleaned. I just bought it to put in the suitcase and take with me - back then it was $70. When my son moves into an apartment, I'll give it to him - I'll keep my Electrolux (which I love.)
I don't know if you can get it under your couch though - you'd have to check that. My couches are low and even my Electrolux won't do that.
Dawn
Use about.com to search for a vacuum that fits your needs. I don't mind a little heavier for a stronger beater bar and that can pick up pet hair from three dogs and one cat, so we have different needs, but I found it by using the search filters on about.com and I love my vacuum. You'll want a canister if you need the long stick to go under the couches rather than moving the couches. Good luck!
It is not cheap up front, but will last you over a life time is a Rainbow. With a Rainbow you will also do away with other cleaning products like brooms, dusters. They also don't use bags. You fill a basin wiht water adn when you are done, jus tflush away. Used ones are hard to come by, but you may have luck finding one. If there are alergies in the family, there is not other vacuum better to help relieve them.
Well bottom line go cheap = cheap and you'll spend more over time with replacing the broken cheap machine. A lovely cycle!
I have a top of the line Oreck and love it. No it was not cheap bit it is a good machine.
They do sell used, refurbished ones a lot cheaper than the new machines. You might give that a try.
You can't get something perfect for nothing, unless of course you get a freebie hand me down from a friend or relative.
I love my shark navigator lift away. It is an lightweight upright but converts so many ways. It can be a canister for stairs or under furniture. It swivels just like the dyson and is bagless. I have had mine for two years and you just clean the filters and it is good as new and doesn't lose suction. Mine cost about $150 but well worth the price.
Sharks!
You are not going to find a retractile cord because who is that lazy. :p Seriously though do you understand how much more a unit would weigh and cost for such a feature unless it had a six foot cord?
I have bought a million rechargeable vacuums. None will clean more than one room. Again it goes to cost and weight and what the market will bear.
My shark stick vac will go under my low sofas but I doubt anything with a beater bar will.
Hands down, the Shark Navigator Liftaway. I was just recently in the market for a new vac after having been SADLY disappointed by my Dyson (will never buy another). So, Kohls was having 30%off all items (just pulled up the online code and ordered it that way). I can't BELIEVE what this thing sucked up out of my carpets, and continues to suck up each time we use it! We are a messy family of 6 with a lot of carpets, and this vac is super fantastic! I think I ended up paying about $125, and shipping was free.
You get what you pay for. A good vacuum is so worth it. I swear you spend half your life vacuuming! I've had a SEBO for 15 years now. Not one problem to speak of. I love it. It has a hospital grade filter (allergies). I love knowing I'm not breathing what comes out of my vacuum. It does hard floors & carpet and automatically adjusts the height. It's the best thing I've ever owned. I say buy one good vacuum instead of one every 2-5 years. It saves money in the long run and a lot of time & frustration.