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(Fark)   Hi, can you recommend a vacuum cleaner that doesn't weigh a ton, is easy to empty and won't break the bank? I don't have much carpeting so I don't need anything fancy. Can I get a shop vac instead?   (fark.com) divider line
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107 clicks; posted to Discussion » on 31 Jan 2023 at 5:20 PM (7 weeks ago)   |   Favorite    |   share:  Share on Twitter share via Email Share on Facebook



49 Comments     (+0 »)
View Voting Results: Smartest and Funniest
 
arrogantbastich [TotalFark]
2023-01-31 3:49:29 PM  
Break the bank. Buy a Miele. Be happy for once in your damned life!
 
fuzzface00 [TotalFark]
2023-01-31 3:51:42 PM  
Frankly, I was always happy with the results from the Shop Vac. It isn't stylish. iat is clunky. But it always gets the job done.
 
Rene ala Carte [TotalFark] [OhFark]
2023-01-31 3:55:09 PM  
I got one kind of like this at Walmart several yeares ago. It was less than $50, is easy to empty, and has worked fine for several years.


i5.walmartimages.comView Full Size
 
Breaker Moran [TotalFark] [OhFark]
2023-01-31 3:58:07 PM  
Bissell Zing.  Priced well, powerful, and, if you take care of it -- like clean the filter -- it will last years.  Great for a tall and narrow house like this that has lots of stairs [lots], carpeted bedrooms, and wood floors everywhere else.
 
raerae1980 [TotalFark]
2023-01-31 3:58:31 PM  
When you figure it out, let me know Subby.  Mine broke too and I'm looking for a new one.
 
offacue [TotalFark]
2023-01-31 4:01:04 PM  

arrogantbastich: Break the bank. Buy a Miele. Be happy for once in your damned life!


We've got a Miele that is awesome but the plug in the hose is wonky and a replacement is  inobtanium.  Also have an Electrolux Aerus that came from my mom's house and honestly it rivals the Miele.  Search for a used 10-15 year old Aerus and you won't be disappointed.  Also get it serviced, it's worth it.  We've also got a Dyson that's handy for touch ups and doing the stairs, but I wouldn't want to do the whole house with it.  I've had to replace the battery in that which I think was $40 for the part.
 
fragMasterFlash [TotalFark] [OhFark]
2023-01-31 4:06:07 PM  
If you see a Dyson V10 for sale in your price range then pull the trigger. Hopefully someone reading this thread knows of a current deal on those or of a knockoff that is close to the original in terms of cleaning power and reliability. Order extra filters before you need extra filters as they seem to dry slowly after being cleaned, and they do need periodic cleaning.
 
markie_farkie [TotalFark] [OhFark]
2023-01-31 4:07:45 PM  
Do the Japanese thing and stop wearing your outside shoes inside.  You'll be amazed at how much less crap gets into your place.

Of course if you have pets and/or kids, all bets are off in that department.  Just open a few doors and use one of these:

cdn.shopify.comView Full Size
cdn.shopify.comView Full Size

$60 delivered.
 
optikeye [TotalFark]
2023-01-31 4:10:56 PM  
Ebay around for 'hotel' vac cleaners. They stand up to use/abuse and fairly light weight.

https://www.ebay.com/b/Sanitaire-Vacuum-Cleaners/20614/bn_7522923

that's a good brand.
 
west.la.lawyer [TotalFark]
2023-01-31 4:23:50 PM  
Dyson Cyclone works well
 
Marcus Aurelius [TotalFark] [OhFark]
2023-01-31 4:28:04 PM  
Panasonic canister.
 
Ker_Thwap [TotalFark] [OhFark]
2023-01-31 4:28:51 PM  
I have a $120'ish Panasonic canister, that I use to collect dog hair from a wooden floor.  The bags are available at the local hardware store.  It's not going to beat a carpet and loosen dirt and all that, but the rotating brush can remove dog hair from a sofa at least.  It's been working for maybe 8 years or so.

If I replaced it, I'd probably try a bagless version to be even cheaper, but I assume those make a mess to empty indoors.

I considered a basic shop vac type, but those are the definition of annoying to empty.
 
BretMavrik [TotalFark] [OhFark]
2023-01-31 4:33:55 PM  

fuzzface00: Frankly, I was always happy with the results from the Shop Vac. It isn't stylish. iat is clunky. But it always gets the job done.


Same here. I need one anyway and we don't have any carpet. Even if we did have more carpet, I'd probably still just use the shop vac for day-to-day stuff and rent/hire a cleaner once every year or two.
 
Bathia_Mapes [TotalFark] [OhFark]
2023-01-31 4:37:29 PM  
I bought one of these because it picks up pet hair and even cat litter. However, it's meant for hard floors like tile, linoleum and the like, so no good if you have carpet or rugs.  Going by the link it looks as though it's no longer available.


https://www.bissell.com/poweredge-pet-hard-floor-vacuum-81L2A.html
 
markie_farkie [TotalFark] [OhFark]
2023-01-31 4:53:05 PM  

Bathia_Mapes: I bought one of these because it picks up pet hair and even cat litter. However, it's meant for hard floors like tile, linoleum and the like, so no good if you have carpet or rugs.  Going by the link it looks as though it's no longer available.


https://www.bissell.com/poweredge-pet-hard-floor-vacuum-81L2A.html


They replaced that with the Crosswave, which is cordless and works on wet or dry floors.  They are a little over $300 but will save tons of time and effort, especially if you have pets.
 
Phaedrus the Vague
2023-01-31 5:08:09 PM  
Shark bagless. I bought one a few years ago for $190 that was highly rated on Consumer Reports. It has a small light head that makes it easy to use. 10x better than my old one.

Dysons are good but waaay over-priced.
 
labman [TotalFark]
2023-01-31 5:28:33 PM  
I have a neato botvac and it gets most of the crap up, but I do bring in the shop vac to get the places it can't reach once a month or so.
 
oldfarthenry [TotalFark]
2023-01-31 5:36:12 PM  
Tennis racket & a clothesline. Vintage classic for the win!
 
realmolo
2023-01-31 5:49:28 PM  

arrogantbastich: Break the bank. Buy a Miele. Be happy for once in your damned life!


Meh.

Miele isn't really any better than any of the other brands. It's just more expensive.

I've bought a lot of vacuums over the years, and here is the deal:

If you want a vacuum that works great and lasts forever, you need to buy and "industrial" upright. The kind that motels/hotels use. They are big, and heavy, and expensive. But nothing else really compares.

And if you don't want to go that route (for whatever reason)...then it doesn't matter what you buy. It will last for 5 years or so, then it will start falling apart.

The simplest thing to do is to buy a cheap vac at Walmart, use it until it breaks, and replace it with another cheap vac from Walmart.

Vacuums are definitely one of those things that are just not built like they used to be. The desire to make them cheap and lightweight means durability and functionality has gone out the window.
 
Troy Aikman's Giant Thumbs
2023-01-31 5:52:53 PM  
Light, easy, and cheap. Problem solved

Fark user imageView Full Size


This is why people need to be specific on requirements
 
phygz [TotalFark] [OhFark]
2023-01-31 5:55:55 PM  
I got a shark pet pro corded and it works like a dream on both carpet and hard floor, is very easy to empty and collapses for easy storage. 5 stars.
 
pdieten
2023-01-31 6:01:41 PM  
I have an Oreck XL, it is very light and works great for the wall-to-wall carpeting in the house. You just have to keep it in bags and belts, which are cheap.
 
revrendjim [TotalFark] [OhFark]
2023-01-31 6:31:08 PM  

fragMasterFlash: If you see a Dyson V10 for sale in your price range then pull the trigger. Hopefully someone reading this thread knows of a current deal on those or of a knockoff that is close to the original in terms of cleaning power and reliability. Order extra filters before you need extra filters as they seem to dry slowly after being cleaned, and they do need periodic cleaning.


When my previous unit died I bought a used Dyson. Don't remember the model, but it was advertised as being good for pet hair (I have a lab/golden mix). Best vacuum I've ever had. Still going strong years later.
 
Needlessly Complicated [TotalFark]
2023-01-31 6:34:19 PM  
Wow, I can't believe this got greened.

Subby here. I moved not long ago. I have a smallish apartment with one carpeted room (bedroom, medium pile) and I just bought a 5'x 7' area rug (low pile) that I'm not supposed to use a brush attachment on. After looking at some of the suggestions, a stick, bagless vacuum seems the easiest (would be nice to be able to navigate under the bed, etc.) Also, it is a nice-to-have if I could use it on hardwood flooring (wet floor not necessary). Upholstery attachment is also a nice -to-have (but not a req). I have a small, washable carpet by the door and never wear my shoes in the house. I have one cat, no kids (so I'm not getting the leaf-blower).

I would be willing to spend more on a nice, quality vacuum but looking at the Mieles and the Dysons, I'm sorry, $500+ is just more than I can afford right now. (They seem SO nice, though.... but one of the Mieles was >$1600, wtf) I guess I would give $300ish an upper limit.

Also mentioned the shop vac because I've seen some with carpet attachments and if I just need it to suck up stuff, is a shop vac really that different than a vacuum cleaner? I also wonder if with these really expensive vacs, if I'm really getting better performance or if I'm paying for marketing, you know?

I appreciate the (earnest) suggestions so far.
 
Gordon Bennett [TotalFark] [OhFark]
2023-01-31 6:37:34 PM  
Henry Hoover.

Fark user imageView Full Size
 
Needlessly Complicated [TotalFark]
2023-01-31 6:58:56 PM  
p.s., to answer "what did you use before?" I had a hand-me-down Hoover upright. I hated it. It didn't work that well, it could not handle my long hair (I had to constantly stop it and take my hair out of the roller brush. Yes, I shed worse than my cat), and it overheated then shut off a lot. I just couldn't find any room for it in the moving cube. (That's my story and I'm sticking to it.)
 
Isitoveryet
2023-01-31 7:13:33 PM  
Vacuums are probably one of the hardest items to research before you buy. a lot of the top-rated ones cost way too much (do they pay for those reviews?) and do i really need to spend 1k on farking vacuum? no.

cordless or corded?

I wouldn't go shop vac because i wouldn't want to drag the unit around while i vacuum, and they don't seem to be built for everyday household use, are there rollers on them to make the job easier?

my wife found a cordless stick vacuum from Black & Decker that works on tile/wood floors and carpet. it was rated highly on Amazon. the first one had a battery defect and couldn't hold a charge, so it went back, and we got another one. the second one has worked so far (6 months).

i have a Bissell bagless upright i've been dragging around for about 25 years or so, i'm sure i didn't spend more than 140$ for that and i will purchase another when this one goes.

this one is corded and at 33$ practically disposable.
Amazon.com - Bissell Featherweight Stick Lightweight Bagless Vacuum With Crevice Tool, 2033, One Size Fits All, Blue -

this is the one the wife got:
Amazon.com: BLACK+DECKER POWERSERIES+ 16V MAX Cordless Stick Vacuum with LED Floor Lights, Lightweight, Multi-Surface, White (BHFEA420J) : Everything Else
 
vudukungfu [TotalFark]
2023-01-31 7:17:07 PM  

raerae1980: When you figure it out, let me know Subby.  Mine broke too and I'm looking for a new one.


Took it on a dig, did you?
 
raerae1980 [TotalFark]
2023-01-31 7:23:01 PM  

vudukungfu: raerae1980: When you figure it out, let me know Subby.  Mine broke too and I'm looking for a new one.

Took it on a dig, did you?


😇
 
wooden_badger [TotalFark] [OhFark]
2023-01-31 7:35:21 PM  

revrendjim: fragMasterFlash: If you see a Dyson V10 for sale in your price range then pull the trigger. Hopefully someone reading this thread knows of a current deal on those or of a knockoff that is close to the original in terms of cleaning power and reliability. Order extra filters before you need extra filters as they seem to dry slowly after being cleaned, and they do need periodic cleaning.

When my previous unit died I bought a used Dyson. Don't remember the model, but it was advertised as being good for pet hair (I have a lab/golden mix). Best vacuum I've ever had. Still going strong years later.


Probably the Animal.
Has a small rotating brush attachment run by vacuum as well.
Yes, it DOES suck.
 
Diagonal [TotalFark]
2023-01-31 7:42:27 PM  
Which reminds me of my first two wives....
 
arrogantbastich [TotalFark]
2023-01-31 7:55:31 PM  

realmolo: arrogantbastich: Break the bank. Buy a Miele. Be happy for once in your damned life!

Meh.

Miele isn't really any better than any of the other brands. It's just more expensive.

I've bought a lot of vacuums over the years, and here is the deal:

If you want a vacuum that works great and lasts forever, you need to buy and "industrial" upright. The kind that motels/hotels use. They are big, and heavy, and expensive. But nothing else really compares.

And if you don't want to go that route (for whatever reason)...then it doesn't matter what you buy. It will last for 5 years or so, then it will start falling apart.

The simplest thing to do is to buy a cheap vac at Walmart, use it until it breaks, and replace it with another cheap vac from Walmart.

Vacuums are definitely one of those things that are just not built like they used to be. The desire to make them cheap and lightweight means durability and functionality has gone out the window.


Miele is preferred by every museum curator I know. Being really good is what makes it expensive.

My pearl model is over 20 years old and it'll suck the life right out of you, nevermind the golf balls.
 
Reek!
2023-01-31 8:09:13 PM  
Kirby still going strong after 25 years. Only have had to buy bags and the occasional belt.

/ not particularly light tho
 
Billy Liar
2023-01-31 8:40:04 PM  
They have small canister models that are often popular in apartments, where there isn't much area to cover, and you can switch from bare-floor to carpet easily.  Vacuum cleaner stores will have a better selection of models than the big box stores.
 
markie_farkie [TotalFark] [OhFark]
2023-01-31 8:43:50 PM  

Needlessly Complicated: (so I'm not getting the leaf-blower).


Fine.

Be that way.

I see my useless, counterproductive, and borderline insulting advice has fallen on smarter ears than mine.

Actual useful advice section begins here:

FYI most shop vacs have hideously powerful suction and may damage finer fabrics or pull loops out of rugs, and also may not work well on non-porous surfaces like engineered lumber or tile due to so much suction keeping the cleaning tool from moving freely. Some of them do come with a grated nozzle to allow airflow in around the suction area, but those will leave scratch marks on floor finishes and fabrics.

We have two Dysons (Animal ball corded one) and a cordless one) from about 12 years ago and they're still going strong. I did have to replace the power beater on the corded one about five years ago, and it was only $60 on Amazon. The corded one also came with an upholstery brush that's powered by suction, and works well on most fabrics.

The cordless one needed a new battery, and I bought a knockoff one from Amazon with double the capacity of the original for about $40, and it's been going strong for well over six years, and still runs for close to 30 minutes on a full charge, even on high suction and running the motorized beater brush.

I really need to check into the newer power heads for the cordless one tho.   The later models supposedly don't collect hair, and since both me and my wife have long hair, it's a constant struggle to keep the beater/brush thingie unclogged.

As far as the filter and dust collector go, despite Dyson's claim that they never need major cleaning and don't lose suction, after a while, pet dander and assorted human filth eventually do clog up some of the pores in the cyclone chamber.

I remove the filter and dust collector, and spray 409 or Windex in it, let it soak for a bit, and then blast it out with hot water.  The amount of crud that comes out is AMAZING.

I also do the same with the synthetic filter, and leave them all out to dry for 2-3 days.

Aside from being more efficient, it also removes funky pet odors that blast out when you vacuum, so that's a plus.

So if you know someone selling an older Dyson for cheap that might need a little TLC, aftermarket spare parts are relatively inexpensive, and may help you save money in the long run.

/end vacuum cleaner rant.
 
markie_farkie [TotalFark] [OhFark]
2023-01-31 8:47:40 PM  

Reek!: Kirby


HAH years ago when I was working at a sporting goods store for college money, I was vacuuming up after closing, and some moran apparently opened a box of .22s and spilled some.

I didn't see the one that was under the lower shelving lip, and sucked it into the commercial Kirby that we had.  Being a percussion round, it went BAM and a shower of sparks and smoke shot out of the motor housing, and that was the end of that.  One dead Kirby.

Thankfully most ammo rounds aren't lethal if discharged outside of a firearm, and the only real damage was to the Kirby and my underwear.
 
GlamrLama
2023-01-31 8:47:59 PM  
Filter Queen.  $900 more than 32 years ago. Runs like new.
 
Billy Liar
2023-01-31 10:10:32 PM  
Earworm For Vacuum Cleaner Shopping

Gap Band - I'm Gonna Git You Sucka
Youtube GdmGOsJCofg
 
foo monkey
2023-02-01 12:56:18 AM  
Shop vacs have shiatty filters and seals. They'll get the big stuff, but you'll still be breathing whatever blows out the exhaust. I'm sure you can pay a premium for better, but then wtf are you doing?  Not the right tool for the job.
 
Telephone Sanitizer Second Class
2023-02-01 1:47:19 AM  
I've had a Shark Rocket for 10+ years and I still love it. Lightweight, easy to get into tighter spaces, easy to clean, has lots of handy accessories, and you get to say SHARK ROCKET every time you vacuum. What's not to love?

Only downside is you do have to empty it fairly frequently, but that just means more beer breaks during cleaning time.
 
cyberspacedout
2023-02-01 2:29:27 AM  
Check out your local thrift stores. You might find something for a good price that could simply use some new filters, or a brushroll or something.
 
sensitive yet dangerous
2023-02-01 5:47:13 AM  
For typical use, it's hard to beat Bissell on value: they're inexpensive, fairly long-lived, and have really good performance. Dysons are overpriced and overrated. Hoover hasn't been worth a damn for decades. Kirbys are probably too intensive for casual use, and they're kinda heavy (though you can occasionally get good deals on used ones and they generally last for ages, though they do use bags which is a dealbreaker for some people). I have an LG upright and it's pretty decent. Orecks are light but last I checked they also use bags, and they aren't great on bare floors; you'd probably have to switch from the upright to the companion handheld canister vac for that. I haven't heard bad things about Shark, but battery-powered vacs aren't really my thing. Honestly if it's not a Kirby I prefer canisters with powered brush roll attachments because they tend to have better suction than uprights with a hose attachment. And if it's not a Kirby, bagless is usually superior, especially the cyclonic canister types.
 
LZeitgeist
2023-02-01 6:57:14 AM  

Needlessly Complicated: Wow, I can't believe this got greened.

Subby here. I moved not long ago. I have a smallish apartment with one carpeted room (bedroom, medium pile) and I just bought a 5'x 7' area rug (low pile) that I'm not supposed to use a brush attachment on. After looking at some of the suggestions, a stick, bagless vacuum seems the easiest (would be nice to be able to navigate under the bed, etc.) Also, it is a nice-to-have if I could use it on hardwood flooring (wet floor not necessary). Upholstery attachment is also a nice -to-have (but not a req). I have a small, washable carpet by the door and never wear my shoes in the house. I have one cat, no kids (so I'm not getting the leaf-blower).

I would be willing to spend more on a nice, quality vacuum but looking at the Mieles and the Dysons, I'm sorry, $500+ is just more than I can afford right now. (They seem SO nice, though.... but one of the Mieles was >$1600, wtf) I guess I would give $300ish an upper limit.

Also mentioned the shop vac because I've seen some with carpet attachments and if I just need it to suck up stuff, is a shop vac really that different than a vacuum cleaner? I also wonder if with these really expensive vacs, if I'm really getting better performance or if I'm paying for marketing, you know?

I appreciate the (earnest) suggestions so far.


My wife has run her own housecleaning business for nearly 30 years, if that carries any weight with you. For our home, she chose a Shark bagless with swappable power and hardwood floor heads. It's awesome.
 
LZeitgeist
2023-02-01 9:24:09 AM  

Needlessly Complicated: Wow, I can't believe this got greened.

Subby here. I moved not long ago. I have a smallish apartment with one carpeted room (bedroom, medium pile) and I just bought a 5'x 7' area rug (low pile) that I'm not supposed to use a brush attachment on. After looking at some of the suggestions, a stick, bagless vacuum seems the easiest (would be nice to be able to navigate under the bed, etc.) Also, it is a nice-to-have if I could use it on hardwood flooring (wet floor not necessary). Upholstery attachment is also a nice -to-have (but not a req). I have a small, washable carpet by the door and never wear my shoes in the house. I have one cat, no kids (so I'm not getting the leaf-blower).

I would be willing to spend more on a nice, quality vacuum but looking at the Mieles and the Dysons, I'm sorry, $500+ is just more than I can afford right now. (They seem SO nice, though.... but one of the Mieles was >$1600, wtf) I guess I would give $300ish an upper limit.

Also mentioned the shop vac because I've seen some with carpet attachments and if I just need it to suck up stuff, is a shop vac really that different than a vacuum cleaner? I also wonder if with these really expensive vacs, if I'm really getting better performance or if I'm paying for marketing, you know?

I appreciate the (earnest) suggestions so far.


https://www.sharkclean.com/exclusive-offer/HV371WK/shark-rocket-pro-dlx-corded-stick-vacuum/
 
crzybtch [TotalFark]
2023-02-01 9:26:23 AM  
I miss my old school vacuum with a bag.  I hate emptying the plastic thing on the new one, no matter how you do it, some of that dust comes flying out.  Not to mention I hate looking at dust and cat hair all jumbled together, always wants to trip my gag reflex.
 
CheekyMonkey
2023-02-01 11:04:58 AM  

Phaedrus the Vague: Shark bagless. I bought one a few years ago for $190 that was highly rated on Consumer Reports. It has a small light head that makes it easy to use. 10x better than my old one.

Dysons are good but waaay over-priced.


2nd recommendation for a Shark bagless.  I have one of the Navigator models where the canister detaches from the upright thingy, to make it more versatile.  CSB: When my girlfriend moved in, she bought one of those little stick vacs "because it was lighter".  I told her to vacuum the living room rug with it.  While she was doing that, I emptied the Shark canister.  After she was done, I vacuumed the same rug with the Shark.  When I showed her all the dirt and dog hair in the not-empty-any-longer Shark canister, she sent that POS stick vac back the next day.

I'll also agree that Dysons are good, but overpriced.  My ex had a Dyson, the pet one, I believe.  Once I got rid of her, I bought the Shark, which I will say is just as powerful as the Dyson, for a third of the price.
 
Al Tsheimers
2023-02-01 12:35:52 PM  
Inherited an Oreck XL when MIL died. We use it for the stairs because it is very lightweight. For the rest of the house, we have a Riccar on each floor, 20 and 30 yrs. old. The old one has needed a few parts replaced, but I think they will outlast me.
 
Needlessly Complicated [TotalFark]
2023-02-01 6:08:57 PM  

markie_farkie: Needlessly Complicated: (so I'm not getting the leaf-blower).

Fine.

Be that way.


FWIW, the idea DID appeal to me. That, or a flamethrower :)
 
markie_farkie [TotalFark] [OhFark]
2023-02-01 6:14:07 PM  

Needlessly Complicated: markie_farkie: Needlessly Complicated: (so I'm not getting the leaf-blower).

Fine.

Be that way.

FWIW, the idea DID appeal to me. That, or a flamethrower :)


I actually use one by the back door where the mat that's supposed to trap what the dogs drag in between their paws. Open door, open storm door, blast dirt back from whence it came!
 
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