Our vacuum died (I think it's a hoover), it was a hand me down to begin with so I've never actually bought one personally. I don't want to spend a massive amount, after looking and seeing there are $500 vacuums, I think my max is $250. Any suggestions? I was looking at a Dyson refurbished DC40 or a Shark Navigator Lift-away. We have carpeted stairs, so one that has a long attachment for them would be nice. Ideas? Not super excited about Santa bringning me a vacuum, but I guess that's how it goes sometimes!
We own this one: http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/1/1/107514-shark-rotator-...
I love it. It's an exceptional vacuum, and much lighter than the Dyson. Sign up for emails with BB&B and you'll get the 20% off coupon. Also, this vacuum specifically from BB&B comes with a vehicle cleaning kit and some attachments that you won't get if you buy it on Amazon or at Walmart. I did the research. :-)
Skip the Dyson. WAY overhyped. My husband has OCD and thought the Dyson was going to be amazing and make him feel things were clean, but it picked up far less than our old Hoover. We bought a middle of the line model. We sold the Dyson on Craigslist less than six months after we bought it.
I would check for a Dyson within your price range. We went through all sorts of "cheap" (under $100.00) vacuums for years and then purchased a Kirby Sentria (about $700). It is really powerful and has lasted much better (about 6 years so far, I hear those Kirbys last forever though- my MIL has one that is at least 30 years old) BUT they are HEAVY. Lifting it up the stairs is hard even for a healthy young adult. I have used a Dyson at other people's houses a few times and they are sooooo light but really get that job done. If I ever get a new vacuum, that is what I would choose.
I have an old Hoover that is at least 20 yrs old and still works well. We did pay less then $250 for it.
However, about 6 yrs ago, I bought a top of the line Oreck and I LOVE this vac. Very lightweight, easy to use.
My mom got rid of her Dyson because it was so heavy and difficult to use. She hated it.
You can go to Bed Bath and Beyond with a 20% coupon and get a deal!
Dyson is closing out some of their models so you could easily get a new Dyson between $250-300. I wouldn't buy refurbished. I would shop around and pay a few more dollars to buy new.
Here's a bundle deal from Walmart for the DC-33 for $259.99
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Dyson-DC33-Multi-floor-Bagless-...
Home Depot $299
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Dyson-DC14-Bagless-Upright-Vac...
I have an Oreck. I had one that lasted 15 years. They recommend annual maintenance, which I never did, and it lasted that long anyway. When I replaced it, it needed a new fan housing and a few other more minor parts to be tip top again. I decided not to spend $180 to repair a 15 year old vac and they STILL gave me $200 to trade it in on a new one. My new Oreck also came with a certificate for free maintenance/tune ups annually for the 1st 5 years. It weighs only 7 lbs and has "ball" type steering similar to some Dysons, so it is SUPER easy to maneuver. I highly recommend it. Oreck Magnesium RS is the model.
We were in a similar spot and got a Shark Navigator. We are very happy with this purchase. We got the best deal at Best Buy, but see what promos are going on with the holiday season.
ETA: today I got this ad in the mail. Dyson, ships free, $249. In case anyone wants one.
http://www.shopko.com/product/Home/Home-Appliances/Vacuum...
I love my new Shark Lift Away. It's light way, easy to use, works on both carpet (with carpet head attachment) and hardwood, has a bunch of other attachments, including the long handle, etc. I got mine at BB&B, so look for the 20% off coupon.
After speaking to a salesperson at another store who sells both Shark and Dyson, I took his advice and went Shark (even though he would have made more commission on Dyson). He explained that Dyson's break often and that the replacement parts are hard to get; whereas Shark is not hard to find replacements for (and doesn't break as often).
Hope that helps!
