How to Find a Great Vacuum For Me

I have been in the vacuum industry for over 20 years and have seen the process change but the question is still the same, "What is the right vacuum for me." Over the years I have seen companies such as Consumers Reports and Consumers' Digest rate and rank vacuums of all sizes and shapes.

All the time the question still remains the same, "What is the best vacuum for me?" The one thing I can tell you is that you need to start by asking yourself what you like or think you like from the variables that are on the market before you even consider a brand. I am referring to whether you should purchase an upright or canister vacuum. Should it be bagged or bagless? Should it have tools on board or not? Is weight a consideration? Are the health concerns of the vacuum worthy of consideration and then how much consideration. Should it be self-propelled or not? Too many variables and I just want a good vacuum at a fair price.

If it begins to sound like you just got into more than you bargained for then you are not alone. In the 20 years I have been involved in the industry this is the point at which folks turn and look at me and say, "what do you like best." I then simply ask some questions as to what your home, condo, apartment or office is like from floor surfaces to how large and how important all of these things are to you. Do you have a budget? I have heard sales people say never ask this question and I would say to them that they need to spend more time shopping and not selling and see how it appears when someone does not take your money into consideration as they are asking you to spend it.

I have recommendations based upon what is important to my customer. I let them know a few things about vacuums such as canisters were the original tools on board vacuum and have advantages in cleaning certain areas. Uprights are popular for Americans with a lot of carpet. Tools on board are handy but add weight and some are better and easier to use than others. Finally as more bagless vacuums are on the market I simply explain that typically the consumer is buying bags for bagged vacuums and filters for bagless vacuums. In the end it equates to about the same amount of money or time spent finding these consumables.

I think there are two things I would put above all else when making a decision on what is the best vacuum for me;

   1. Try it. A box may be pretty and the marketing great but they don't let you try if for yourself. I have seen some great marketing in my 20 years sell a lot of vacuums that may not have been the "right" machine for everyone.

   2. Where you buy may be as important as what you buy. Daily I see customers come into my stores with problems with their vacuum. Many are simple problems and some are not. Had the vacuum been purchased from a local dealer the customer would be handled as a patron of that business and not forced to try and jump through any warranty claim process or have to endure hearing "that is not covered by (insert company) warranty process. Simply said where you buy may be as important as what you buy. Most local dealers will allow for a trade in and encourage the long term relationship that is established. I can only speak for myself but it is nice to have a local dealer take care of my problems typically for free or at a discount but always at a reasonable amount.

Simply said if you put a little bit of time and effort into finding out what is right for you I think you will be rewarded with a great product that suits your needs. I am always asked, "what is the best vacuum?" My answer is still the same, "the one that works best for you." Look for a good demonstration so that you can actually see if there are any performance differences. If the pitch sounds too good to be true, well... my happiest customers invested a bit more time into the process and sometimes a bit more money. They learned that all vacuums are not created equal even from the same manufacturer. In my opinion you will typically get what you pay for but there is a limit to what you need to spend to get a great vacuum that will last you for years to come.