Vacuum cleaner recommendation?

  • Come along to the amazing Summer Moot (21st July - 2nd August), a festival of bushcrafting and camping in a beautiful woodland PLEASE CLICK HERE for more information.

spader

Native
Dec 19, 2009
1,356
106
Scotland
We have had this old Dyson DC40 for 15 years. Have replaced some parts and filters, and it kept on running.
It seems now is the time for a new vacuum cleaner for the house.

Which ones are the best? Which one have you had, and was it good? What are the good and weak points for the model you have owned and used?

I am looking for a simple but robust construction and design, parts available for long trouble free uses.
Easy to clean and maintain, and reliable like Dyson DC40 had been.
 
Last edited:
Was looking at another Dysons, but many new models came out. Couldn't tell which one would be the best.
And there are many other new makes seem to be available too.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Toddy
Had a couple of Sharks, the corded upright was brilliant, I only got rid of it because I moved to somewhere smaller with more hard flooring. Now use one of the battery stick models, which works fine but you just don’t get the performance of a mains motor. It was really handy being able to remove the main unit from the stick and attach a pipe to do the stairs or in the car.

Parts, don’t know, I never had to replace anything other than the pad filter.
 
  • Like
Reactions: spader
Was looking at another Dysons, but many new models came out. Couldn't tell which one would be the best.
And there are many other new makes seem to be available too.

I like my Dysons but I think they're overly expensive, especially since they are no longer made here, and while innovation is a good thing, constant change just annoys and confuses.

Watching thread with interest; I really ought to replace the 25 year old one.
 
  • Like
Reactions: spader
Used Vax mains upright cleaners for years, very impressed with them, always buy the ones aimed at pet owners, even though we dont have cats or dogs, two settings on the header for carpet or hard floors and the cable length is insane, you can detach the main body as well and use the hose and attachments with a smaller unit, handy for steps/stairs and those hard to reach places.

Link to Vax Hoover on Amazon

51Juhe+7JSL._AC_SL1500_.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: spader
Dyson DC01:
About 16 years ago my neighbour gave me a Dyson DC01 because the wand hose had detached and a wheel was wobbling. Still using it. I reckon it needs a new brush bar. Repaired the wheel about five years ago.

Numatic Henry:
For wand, detail work and hard floors, I bought a Numatic Henry around 17 years ago. Modern versions used by professionals for office cleaning. Works well, spare parts available. Bomb proof. Mine fell down the stairs and didn’t break anything.

Miele C3 Complete (SGFE1)
Around eight years ago I thought the Dyson was on its last legs and wanted the Henry in the workshop, and parents recommended a Miele cylinder. They had had one for many years. So I got a C3 with a turbo head.
Two years ago parents Miele developed problem with its powered head, and mum in 70s was finding it heavy, so bought them a new Miele, which she was happy with. I found a working power hose on eBay and sold the old vacuum with the acquired hose to a happy new owner.
Miele filters can be ££££ but the do work well, and last pretty well too.

I cannot recommend Vax, based on the carpet cleaner I bought in 2012, very wobbly construction, brittle plastic, and when one of the two clips holding a wash bucket snapped in an obvious stress spot, there were no longer spares available a mere 5 years after buying. Handle for a bucket has also broken. Given it has been wheeled out only about three times in 13 years, that is very poor durability.
 
Had an upright corded Shark for 5 years now and it’s great. Use it on hard floor and carpet (it has a switch on the handle to select which you need) and it does a great job.

Being able to take the main cylinder off and carry it up the stairs is great. Seems no less sturdy than my old Dyson and the suction is at least as powerful, but I think Dyson is far too expensive for what you get now. I also feel the bit you push along the floor rotates and fits the contours of the house better than the Dyson did, so it hugs the edges and you can get right up close to stuff. Also the little lights are surprisingly helpful at highlighting dirt/detritus especially on hard flooring, which is great in the kitchen.

I have a Labrador whose favourite hobby is spreading a three inch layer of fur throughout the entire house every day, so it gets a lot of use and shows no sign of slowing down.
 
  • Like
Reactions: HillBill and spader
It’s amazing me that a forum of sooty, smelly, sawdust strewn outdoors people who don’t mind leaves in our hair and beards, know so much intricate detail of vacuum cleaner brands :D
 
  • Like
Reactions: Broch
It’s amazing me that a forum of sooty, smelly, sawdust strewn outdoors people who don’t mind leaves in our hair and beards, know so much intricate detail of vacuum cleaner brands :D

The forum reviews and recommendations on any gadgets, gears and tools seem to be far more accurate and reliable to trust than the ones on the online shopping sites. :D
 
  • Like
Reactions: Toddy
We have a Sebo...err... Automatic...something.
It uses bags, parts are easy to get hold.of and easy to replace, seems like the design has had a long production run.
Thats for home.

For work I have a Festool CTM extractor with Bluetooth so it starts when my cordless ripsaw starts.
It also starts when a 110 volt powertool thats plugged into it starts up so for instance when I start a router it extracts the dust. Cost a bleedin fortune but its the best I've ever seen on a site yet.

At home the Sebo does what I need though.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Toddy and Big Si
Numark Henry. Light, robust, sucks well, good range of tools, made in UK, what's not to like?

We have a couple of Dysons over the years, battery replacement when they fail is costly. And they are notoriously fragile.

I got a Henry (well actually a Hettie, same machine tho) for the new place, other half loves it, it works really well and is a fraction of the price of Dyson- and it's robust. The cable is long too.

GC
 
Are they? I've often wondered about Roombas ( for Inside and Robot lawnmowers for outside ) - so does the roomba work well ??
My place is 95% hard floor so it works fine to keep things in check. I do have a manual vacuum cleaner for when I need to use one but it’s not needed very often. The robot cleans while I’m at work.

I have been tempted by a robot mower for some time but just other things higher on the list.
 
  • Like
Reactions: TeeDee

BCUK Shop

We have a a number of knives, T-Shirts and other items for sale.

SHOP HERE