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General Vacuum Advice

Think for a moment. Have you ever heard someone say "You get what you pay for"? At age 73, I have found that phrase to become more true the older I get.

It is definitely True for Vacuum Cleaners!! Do you need to buy a $1500-$2000 import from Germany? (Miele or Sebo) No you don't. They are excellent vacuums but truth be told they really don't clean much better than $500-$800 vacuums assembled in the USA! The German machines are perhaps a bit more durable (with proper maintenance). But if a really good domestic vacuum lasts 30 years and costs approximately $750, do you really need a $1500+ vacuum that lasts 35-40 years? Invest the $750 difference for 30 years in the stock market and you will be money ahead! (gotta love capitalism)

Ok....... What about low priced products sold at mass merchants like Walmart, Lowes, and Target and especially ONLINE. All vacuum cleaners work great for about 4 months. Then gaskets start to loosen, plastic parts develop cracks, and the vacuum sends pollen and particulates back into the air in your house. Also dirt gets into the filters and if you don't do proper filter maintenance, the dirt causes excess belt and motor strain and increased wear. Some of the newer models actually shut themselves off when the motor begins to be stressed or overheat.

Most lower priced vacuums use motors with plastic parts (gears, brackets, etc). Once these begin to overheat those plastic parts warp or crack and break. You wind up buying a new vacuum every 3 years or less! At $300 each that's almost $1000 in 9 years.

A domestically assembled vacuum purchased at a local dealer for $750 often lasts 30 years. The local dealer also stocks parts and provides service should it become necessary over the life of your vacuum cleaner. So......would you rather spend about $3000 over 30 years to keep your floors clean or $750 for the same results.

Obviously your budget will dictate your choice to some extent but you really do get a much better product for a relatively modest additional investment when you shop locally and buy a better quality product.

Please read our advice on cordless, bagless, and robot vacuums elsewhere in this section of our website. Thank you.

Final note: Yes I am prejudiced to American designed and assembled vacuums. I have learned from several very experienced vacuum repair people, that these products offer the best value for your money! That's the goal.

Fred Jury, Owner
West Florida Vacuums