Vacuum Cleaners

The vacuum cleaner owes its existence to the rug. Had it not been for rugs, we would have kept our cleaning behavior tied to the broom. But once rugs were introduced into the mix, we needed something to clean them with. And viola … Mr. Hubert Cecil Booth and his late 1800s vacuum cleaner.

In the beginning, like most inventions, vacuum cleaners were reserved for the elite. Hoover began mass-producing them come the 1940s, and by the 1950s they were a part of most households. Vacuum cleaner technology has really advanced over the years. In 2020 many have been converted into “smart devices,” capable of absorbing dirt, grime, fur and other particles quickly and efficiently. We’re going to run through some popular choices, and strategically position you for a killer vacuum purchase!

Oreck XL2100RHS

Oreck is a leading vacuum brand and consistently ranks in the top 5 in terms of customer satisfaction and performance. This heavy-duty number is an excellent addition for large homes that require something at a “commercial scale” to get the job done. The cord length is roughly 35 feet, and while the RHS is noisier than your average vacuum, because it has been designed to cover large spaces, the noise issue is unfortunately what it is.

While vacuums were initially designed for carpets, vacuums these days can handle any surface. The idea is to do away with your broom and navigate towards brands like Oreck. This model moves effortlessly from carpets to vinyl to hardwood flooring with ease. It’s close cousin, the Oreck Commercial Upright is a great choice if you have tight corners in large spaces. The flexibility is unparalleled at this level.

Miele Dynamic U1

Pets are great. Their hair however can be a deal-breaker. Anyone who has owned a cat or dog that is prone to shedding understands this issue intimately. Pet hair left to its own devices can ravage a home. Allergic reactions ensue, having to pick hair off clothing is a constant challenge, and all anyone wants is some “cleaning relief.” The U1 from Miele is considered one of the best vacuums for scooping up pet hair. The cord length is an impressive 46 feet and the filtration system (AirClean) is one of the best on the market, hands-down.

Some other cool features with the U1 are it comes with a handheld turbo attachment and the wattage is otherworldly – 1,200-watt vortex. If you’ve got a pet, this vacuum is your next purchase.

Eureka Bagless Upright Vacuum

Picture this scenario – it’s the morning after an epic party, you stumble downstairs only to find your gorgeous white rug absolutely ruined with red wine stains and overturned guacamole dip. Don’t fret, if you had an Eureka Bagless Upright Vacuum, engineered to provide a deep carpet clean, you wouldn’t be worried in the least. This model, like the Oreck we touched on earlier, is loud. When you need to get at a red wine stain or green guacamole particles, an industrial sized vacuum is a must. So, if you’re turned off by a little noise every now and again, pass on this model. But if you need something that can tackle the nightmare scenario we laid out, the suction power and wattage on the Eureka is a must-have.

Some interesting options here. If you don’t live in a large space with pets and throw insane red wine bashes, there are other models for you. A good vacuum is obligatory though; living without one is a dirty proposition.