Need opinions for new vacuum please!

It sounds like my upright is on it's last leg. I'm thinking of biting the bullet and buying a Dyson. I need one that I can use safely hardwood flooring without scratching the finish. I'm very picky about that. I don't use my current upright on my hardwood because I'm afraid of the wheels will scratch it. The upstairs and stairway are carpeted. I'd like one I could use on both surfaces with strong enough suction for all the cat hair.

Please let me know if there is a vacuum you recommend or one you think I should stay away from. Thanks

I use my Dyson on hardwood and carpet with no issues at all. And use the attachments to vacuum lampshades, picture frames, furniture, fans, etc. from all of the cat hair

I have had mine since around 2007 and it's still going strong. I will look for the model #, but they have certainly come out with newer and better ones (according to the commercials lol)

Here is the one I wish I had, just because that ball seems like the maneuverability would be so easy.... I do believe many of the Dyson's are made for multi floor surface.

http://www.dyson.com/vacuums/ball/dc...ght_vacuum.asp

Would you be better off with a canister-type since you have hardwood floors, carpet and stairs? They usually have a dual rug/floor tool, and some have a parquet brush. I've got a Miele Air Clean 1400 watt canister vacuum with a Hepa filter that has done better than the Dyson in tests, and is recommended for allergy/asthma sufferers. I've had it for more than a dozen years now and it's still going strong.

Dyson also has canister vacuums.

i'm in love w/ my shark vacuum...altho i don't have wood floors so i can't tell you if it's good for that.

I have an upright Dyson Animal. I can use it in its upright state either on the carpet or floor. Or I can detach the wand/hose and put a floor tool on it and use it as a cannister type vaccum that is pulled behind me. I typically just use it in its upright state and if I need to get into corners I put the crevice tool on the end of the wand.

The furniture tool has a beater bar like that for the carpet, but it's air driven instead of being motor driven. The first time I used it on my loveseat and couch, there was an inch of very fine powder in the cannister. That fine powder was cat dander that my other vaccum had missed over the years.

I love my vaccum!

I've had my Dyson Animal (DC-17) for 3 years now and I've never had a problem with it! It's absolutely the best cleaning tool I've ever used! It's worth it!!

Shortly after I posted, it died much sooner than even I expected. I sent DH into Home Depot since the Animal was on sale and have already had to empty the canister. I should be ashamed to admit that I'm sure I will be pleased with it. I am already happy about the cat hair it picked up off the sofas.

Thank you for your input. I guessed I should have asked a few days earlier!

I was shocked the first time I used mine, too. I could not believe all of the stuff that came out of the rugs LOL

90% of my house is tile, and the remaining carpeted rooms will be converted to hardwood as soon as the existing carpet deteriorates.

If I didn't already have the roombas, hands down, the Hoover LINX system would be where I'd put my money:
1) http://www.amazon.com/Hoover-LINX-Co...6916199&sr=8-1
2) http://www.amazon.com/Hoover-Platinu...6916568&sr=1-3

726 reviews, almost all 5 stars, of which 85% were 4-5 star ratings.

The trick is that unlike cordless NiCad poopy ones of yesteryear, this is using Lithium Ion technology, same as in laptops. I'm done with schlepping 100 pound vacuum cleaners dragging a cord that gets caught up on everything. Been there, done that!

Originally Posted by Ducman69

90% of my house is tile, and the remaining carpeted rooms will be converted to hardwood as soon as the existing carpet deteriorates.

If I didn't already have the roombas, hands down, the Hoover LINX system would be where I'd put my money:
http://www.amazon.com/Hoover-LINX-Co...6916199&sr=8-1

726 reviews, almost all 5 stars, of which 85% were 4-5 star ratings.

The trick is that unlike cordless NiCad poopy ones of yesteryear, this is using Lithium Ion technology, same as in laptops. I'm done with schlepping 100 pound vacuum cleaners dragging a cord that gets caught up on everything. Been there, done that!

Click to expand...

When our laminate flooring dies (the study had water coming in under the French doors; over the past year, the floor is actually bowed up in a large area), we're going to install tile all throught the downstairs. I have to vacuum the large area rugs every day, which is a pain (I have a bagless Hoover Elite Upright; the cannister is full each day. It really picks up cat hair you can't even see.) The pet hair brush was the best I've ever had--but they break fast (I have 1 vac upstairs; 1 downstairs). In fewer than 2 years, I've been through a few replacement brushes. I've stopped buying them, and use the Pledge pet hair brushes instead.

Originally Posted by Ducman69

90% of my house is tile, and the remaining carpeted rooms will be converted to hardwood as soon as the existing carpet deteriorates.

If I didn't already have the roombas, hands down, the Hoover LINX system would be where I'd put my money:
1) http://www.amazon.com/Hoover-LINX-Co...6916199&sr=8-1
2) http://www.amazon.com/Hoover-Platinu...6916568&sr=1-3

726 reviews, almost all 5 stars, of which 85% were 4-5 star ratings.

The trick is that unlike cordless NiCad poopy ones of yesteryear, this is using Lithium Ion technology, same as in laptops. I'm done with schlepping 100 pound vacuum cleaners dragging a cord that gets caught up on everything. Been there, done that!

Click to expand...

Ducman,

How exactly do you program/get the Roomba to know what to do? My MIL had one of the first ones; she hated it. With the amount of vaccing I do, I don't think I could discard my uprights, but a supplementary Roomba for in-between cleanings might be nice. I was thinking I could get other chores done while it cleans! Thanks.

I've had the Dyson Animal for about 4 years and LOVE it. Cannot believe how much stuff it gets out of the carpet! I also use it on my Pergo floors as well.

Good luck with your new vacum cleaner. I have an Electrolux I have had since the 80's. It is a cannister. In my other house, I had all carpet, so I used the powerhead attachment. In this house I use the attachment for bare floors. It doesn't bother the floors. However, I have been very careful with my wood floors since we moved here January 2003. I do have some scratches on them. I think there is no way to have wood floors without getting some dings and scratches. I have just decided it adds personality to my house. I am just glad I don't have small children.

I'm thinking about replacing my old Hoover upright --- have had it for more years than I care to remember. It is very very heavy and pain to work with. Has anyone tried an Oreck? I was saw a demo of Oreck and it was very right and seemed to do the job. I think it's less expensive than a Dyson --- our house h as carpeting just in the bedrooms, rest is tile, so I don't want a super expensive vac.

I have the best recommendation!!!!! Just bought this one and also wanted the Dyson (but too pricey).. Got it at Kohls. It is a Eureka - Air Speed Gold - and is yellow in color. Just amazing. Made me realize how bad my Hoover was. The carpet lifts up as you go. Incredible powerful suction. And the price was right at about $120.00 with a 20% off coupon. I love this vacuum and highly recommend it for us cat lovers swimming in cat hair!!!!!! Compares to the Dyson.