Oreck Vacuum Cleaners

Oreck vacuum cleaners claim to be unique, and offer a limited range of vacuum cleaners: four uprights and two cylinders. They were developed by American David Oreck as a lightweight vacuum cleaner, powerful enough to be used in hotels in preference to the heavy models that had been used to that date.

The company have claimed success in that objective, and have turned to vacuum cleaners for domestic use. However, do the claims match up with reality? It really depends on what you are looking for from a vacuum cleaner that has a relatively high price tag compared to its cyclonic competitors. The Oreck is a bag cleaner, with a 7-way filtration system. It is filled from the top, and claims that the suction is not impaired as it fills because of this.

Here is our analysis:

Pros

• Weight is a definite plus. At around 9 pounds this is definitely a lightweight vacuum cleaner.

• The top-of-the-range XL 7 features HEPA filtration, filtering out the lightest of dusts such as pollen. This is a definite plus for those will allergies and breathing problems.

• It is easily maneuverable, and simple to vacuum round obstructions, under furniture and its side brushes remove dust from the skirting boards.

• The canister models are more suitable for those difficult to get at areas. There is a standard and a compact model available. The price of the canister is significantly lower than that of the uprights.

• It lies flat to get under beds, tables and cabinets.

• The upright models come with a free compact canister; however one has to wonder why a canister is essential when you purchase an upright.

These positives aspects are generally what you would expect of a good quality vacuum cleaner. Now let's look at some of the negatives:

Cons

• The price tag. At almost $400, the upright model seems overpriced for what you get, but it does have a canister thrown in. However, most people would rather pay less and pass on the canister.

• The 350 watt motor is very underpowered for a vacuum cleaner, even for a lightweight one. It does not have the power needed for really deep cleaning of carpets, and don't believe their claim about the cylinder picking up a bowling ball. That is a trick of physics that is performed by use of a specially designed funnel.

• The narrow tubes in the cleaner get clogged easily and have to be frequently cleaned out.

• The bags are unwieldy and the filtration system needs frequent cleaning.

• The overall impression is of a lightweight low powered vacuum cleaner suitable for hard surfaces or very short pile carpets. It might be suitable for quick vacuuming of hotel rooms, but not for normal domestic use.

Oreck vacuum cleaners are light and useful for quick run over but not real cleaning. Unfortunately, the price tag does not reflect that use. They claim that it is very economical with electricity which is understandable considering they have such a low powered motor. This cleaner is not recommended where you want to remove dust and dirt from below the surface of the pile of your carpet, and needs a bit more power to be a significant player in the domestic vacuum cleaner market.