Vacuum Cleaner Reviews: What You Need To Look For When Shopping For A Vacuum
If you’ve been shopping for a vacuum cleaner and want one that meets your standards of cleaning then it’s usually smart to purchase one that’s been highly rated. Since doing research yourself can be time consuming, it’s a good idea to go by recommendations of friends or family.
Researching Vacuum Cleaners
When you shop for a new vacuum cleaner its important do as much research as possible. This is a big decision, if done right could last the rest of your lifetime. Many times quality machines may cost a bit more, however in the long run they will be well worth it. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that it won’t have to be replaced a few years down the road.
Testing Vacuum Cleaners
It’s important to test the vacuum if at all possible. This will not only give you an idea of the weight of the machine, but you’ll have a better understanding of the “feel” of it in your hands. It’s true that stores that allow you a test cleaning might be more expensive. But it will be worth knowing that the cleaner you’ve chosen is right for you.
Customer Satisfaction Counts
Most websites that sell vacuum cleaners allow for customers to post reviews of their purchase. Looking at these reviews, will give you a good idea of how “real” people feel about the machines. Not only that, but people tend to be more honest when posting reviews online. This should be the first thing that’s done before going to any retail stores. That way you’ll have a good foundation to start your comparison.
The following is a list of things to take into to consideration:
- Suction: It should maintain constant suction. Sometimes vacuums can lose suction as bags or filters get clogged.
- Surfaces: It should work well on all types of surfaces, ranging from carpets to hard-wood floors.
- Exhaust: Make sure it only expels clean air. It’s possible that some vacuums may put dirt back into the air.
- Maintenance: It shouldn’t cost anything to maintain. Replacing bags can add up significantly over time. Repairs should also never be an issue with a good vacuum.
- Bag vs bagless: Most vacuums use bags, however there are a few that don’t. While bags are more traditional, in the long run they can be more expensive, because the bags need to be replaced.
- Attachments: You should make sure the right kinds of attachments are available so you can get into all those hard to reach places. They should be easy to put together, take apart and also be airtight.
- Warranty: The manufacturer’s warranty is important however you should also check to see if it can be extended by the place where you make the purchase.
- Price: Naturally we all want to spend as little as possible; however keep in mind vacuums that are less expensive may not be adjustable for carpet height. They also may not include various attachments that may be needed. Sometimes it’s better to spend a little more up front to save money in the long run.
After reviewing this list, please take the time to browse our site. We offer extensive reviews for all the major vacuum manufactures: Dyson, Dirt Devil, Shop Vac, Miele, Hoover, Eureka, Oreck and Kirby.
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TotalVac.com: This is an excellent place to shop for all of your vacuum cleaner needs. With over 4,000 items you'll be sure to find what you're looking for. They offer world class customer service as well as free ground shipping on orders over $50 and free 2nd and day shipping on orders over $325. Be sure to visit TotalVac.com
today!
Who Invented The Vacuum Cleaner?
The first cleaning appliance that used vacuum principles was invented in 1868 in Chicago by a man known as Ives W. McGaffney. He called his invention the “Whirlwind.” McGaffney got his patent for his cleaning machine in 1869, and sold it through the American Carpet Cleaning Company. While this machine was compact and lightweight, it was difficult to operate because you needed to push it across the floor at the same time as turning a hand crank. The race to develop the vacuum cleaner was on… over the next several decades, many people turned their talents to developing the best method of cleaning household carpets.
In 1876, Melville Bissell created a carpet sweeper for his wife. He marketed it on his own under the name of Bissell Carpet Sweepers. When he died, his wife took control and helped make Bissell one of the most popular vacuum companies today.
In 1901, Hubert Cecil Booth invented the first powered vacuum cleaner. He thought an appliance that sucked up dust would be better at cleaning than one that merely blew the dust around. He created a large vacuum that was driven by an oil engine, and then switched to an electric motor. The vacuum was so large that it was hauled around the city by horses and parked outside the building that needed to be cleaned. He established the British Vacuum Cleaner Company and worked on refining is cleaning machine. While he eventually lost out to Hoover for the household market, Booth went on to great success building larger industrial vacuums to be used in warehouses and factories. Today, his company is part of Quirepace, Ltd.
In1905, Walter Griffiths of Birmingham, England invented the “Griffith’s Improved Vacuum Apparatus for Removing Dust from Carpets.” This was a manually operated cleaner that was portable, easy to store, and was able to be used by a single person. The operator needed to compress a bellows to create the suction in a flexible hose to which one of many nozzles could be attached. This was the first early model that resembled what we use today.
In 1907, James Spangler, a janitor from Ohio, created an electric vacuum from a pillowcase, a fan and a box. It also incorporated a rotating brush to loosen debris. Lacking the money to develop his design, he sold his patent to his cousin-in-law, W. H. Hoover. Hoover took Spangler’s design and marketed it until today; they are one of the most popular vacuum cleaner companies in the world.
Over the years various companies worked on refining the original designs. Time has brought about many features, including a robotic vacuum that cleans the house all by itself. It’s easy to see how far the vacuum cleaner has come over the past century.
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TotalVac.comVenturi Vacuum Cleaners
Venturi refers to a pipe that’s flared at each end. Since the middle is narrower then the ends, a vacuum is created which allows air to be drawn through the tube. This is called the “venturi principle”. Several vacuum cleaner manufactures use this idea in the design of their machines. They simply include a special tube which effectively increases the suction power. The trick is to make the openings large enough, while making sure the middle of the tubes are narrow enough to work.
So what the point for consumers?
For consumers, this means that it’s possible to get extra suction power without using up more power. Therefore in the long run they can be more cost effective because you’re not wasting energy. It’s always good to get more bang for your buck after all!
If you’re looking to save energy while you clean, make sure you look for a vacuum cleaner that uses the Venturi Principle
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TotalVac.comVivanco Vacuum Cleaner Bags
It can be a nightmare, especially when a quick trip to the corner turns into driving all over town looking for the right kind of bag. Vivanco vacuum cleaner bags are a boon for harried shoppers for this reason; they manufacture bags for almost every model.
Pros:
- Compatibility: Vivanco makes bags compatible with many brands including Hoover, Electrolux, Dyson and Dirt Devil
- Convenience: The relative ease of locating Vivanco bags for your model is one great advantage. There is often a Vivanco display where vacuum cleaner bags are sold; making it a painless process to locate your model (they are color coded by make of vacuum cleaner).
- Price: Vivanco brand bags tend to be cheaper than those made by other manufacturers. Vacuum cleaner manufacturers tend to see their customers as a captive market and price there accessories accordingly, reaping a tidy profit for themselves in the process. Vivanco has no such agenda, having no vacuum cleaner of its own to promote or sell.
Cons:
- Not available for some models: If you have one of the more exotic or uncommon models, Vivanco may not make a bag for your particular cleaner. Most people will find this not to be the case. Be sure to look on their website to make sure your particular model is compatible with Vivanco’s offerings.
So if you’re looking to end the ordeal that shopping for vacuum cleaner bags can be, Vivanco is certainly worth your consideration. The compatibility of these bags with so many different brands is a great selling point in itself; few if any other manufacturers make bags usable by so many different makes and models.
There are quite a few different choices on the market for the consumer in search of a vacuum cleaner bag solution, but not many of those can give the consumer as many options as the fine folks at the Vivanco company; with their low cost, high quality, wide availability and compatibility with so many brands, they seem poised to all but capture the entire vacuum cleaner bag market for home users.
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TotalVac.comWater System Vacuum Cleaner
A water system vacuum cleaner uses water as a filter. The water goes into the filter tank of the machine, and while the carpet is vacuumed, the air is forced through the water before being returned to the carpet or surface. The concept is that the water is supposed to remove particles from the air as it is forced through the water, which means the particles won’t return to your home.
Key features include the following (some vary between models):
- These vacuums operate without a bag attached (no added replacement expense)
- They have variable power (suction) controls
- Hard surface brushes
- Squeegee for smooth surfaces
- On-board storage caddy for easy transport
- Tools may include a hard surface brush and crevice tool for small places
- Require minimal amounts of water to fill the tank
Pros:
- Remove 100% of all particles in the carpet and from smooth surfaces
- This style of vacuum makes water pick up quick and easy
- It’s terrific for pet owners. Cat litter can be cleaned up neatly, without creating another dusty mess
- Models of vacuum cleaners with a water filter system are beneficial for people who suffer from allergies because they remove dust and allergens from the air.
- This style of vacuum removes not only dirt, but bacteria and germs as well, using water as a cleansing agent.
Cons:
- They are very heavy and bulky, making it difficult to carry and store
- The water filter doesn’t work as well as it is marketed
- Research conducted shows that some dust creeps back into the air even after being forced through the water filter
- The water vapor containing dirt may allow allergens back into the air
- If not cleaned properly, mold and bacteria can grow inside the tank
- It can be messy. It’s easy to spill water when filling the tank.
- The tank, once full of smelly, contaminated water, has to be dumped each time it is used; a messy job that may cause more work
- These vacuum cleaners are usually accompanied by chemical fragrances that the company recommends you add to the water tank. This actually covers up the odors that are emitted from the vacuum while in operation
- People with allergies or asthma react adversely to the fragrant chemicals
- Several companies have added a HEPA filter alongside the water filter. Replacing these filters is an added expense to the owner.
