Vacuum Guides

Shopping for vacuums? Wondering which vacuum brands have the best quality, features and value? The Viewpoints community can help you shop smarter for vacuums.

On our search to find the best vacuums, we sent out a survey asking Viewpoints members to rate their upright vacuums, as well as their washers, dryers and microwaves. Thousands of people responded to tell us what they think about their home appliances.

Now we've compiled their responses into a comprehensive info guide on vacuums to help you make a better buying decision. Ready to see whether or not your vacuum makes the grade? Find out which vacuums received top marks - and which ones just "sucked."


Vacuum Survey Results - See what Viewpoints members really think about their upright vacuums

Vacuum Guide
SEP
28
2009
rma288
Chicago, IL

It can be really hard shopping for a new vacuum. Everything seems questionable. "Is the sales guy actually helping me, or is he just trying to make a sale?" "Is this vacuum really worth spending that much money?" "I love the features this vacuum has - but how long will it last?"

So to help make the process a little bit easier, we sent out a survey asking Viewpoints members to rate their own upright vacuums. Over 8,000 people responded to tell us what they really think about their vacuum.

Members rated their vacuum on a scale from 1-5, with 1 being "very satisfied" and 5 being "very dissatisfied," on the following criteria:

  • Overall performance
  • Value
  • Reliability/Durability
  • Features/Technology
  • Style

So are you ready to finally get some unbiased advice about which vacuum you should get? Let Viewpoints help you shop smarter for vacuums!

 

Overall Performance

On the whole, people are pretty happy with their vacuum. 74% of respondents said they were satisfied with the overall performance of their vacuum.

Moreover, 82% of people who purchased their vacuum less than a year ago said they would recommend it to a friend. But only 68% of respondents who bought their vacuum more than five years ago said they'd recommend it.

The Winner - Dyson
"I love my Dyson.  I'm convinced that it sucks up dirt from the neighbors in the condo below mine."

Middle-of-the-Road - Bissell
"It is not very stable, and does not hold up well to minor bangs and drops."

Just Sucks - Panasonic
"I think I could have gotten something for much less money that worked as well and was easier to maintain."

 

Value

When it came to vacuum value, 71% of respondents said they were satisfied, but only 34% of these people said they were very satisfied with the value of their vacuum.

The Winner - Kenmore
"I'd recommend a bagless model for added value."

Middle-of-the-Road - Oreck
"Great value for product as well as great performance. This is my second Oreck and probably not the last."

Just Sucks - Kirby
"For the purchase price, I do not think it is a good value. It has last a very long time, but...the cost to replace bags and even parts seem expensive."

 

Reliability & Durability

72% of respondents said they were satisfied with the reliability and durability of their vacuum, but only 36% of these people said they were very satisfied.

The Winner - Dyson
"I love the Dyson. I tell all my friends that the only thing you can't really clean with it is the fireplace."

Middle-of-the-Road - Bissell
"It's all right, but you should spend a little more to get something more durable."

Just Sucks - Panasonic
"In the years I have had it, it is not as reliable now.  I am getting a new vacuum soon.  This one has seen better days."

 

Features & Technology

Only 67% of respondents said they were satisfied with the features and technology of their vacuum. Of these people, only 31% said they were very satisfied.

The Winner - Dyson
"Our Dyson vacuum is amazing.  It could literally pick up a bowling ball.  Highly recommended!"

Middle-of-the-Road - Bissell
"It works all right, but I am constantly having to unclog the filters and hose so that I will get the same suction power."

Just Sucks - Panasonic
"It doesn't clean a lot of spaces in the room. The technology needs improvement."

 

Style

People who bought their vacuum less than a year ago were a lot more satisfied with the style of their vacuum than those who purchased five or more years ago.

The Winner - Dyson
"You have to buy a Dyson. It rolls very easily and efficiently and looks really cute."

Middle-of-the-Road - Kirby
"It is very heavy - you can only move it when the motor is running.  It works pretty well, but it was quite expensive."

Just Sucks - Panasonic
"A joint in the neck that has to do with locking the machine is troublesome."

 

And the award for best vacuum brand goes to...Dyson! Agree? Don't agree? Share your own vacuum review with the Viewpoints community.

Want to find out what the best washer, dryer and microwave brands are? Take a few minutes to check out the other home appliance info guides.

Get more info about washers.

Get more info about dryers.

Get more info about microwaves.

Best Vacuums

latest posts in vacuums
vacuums discussion board
silver king wet/dry vac pbg October 27, 2009 at 03:16PM