# I need an inexpensive vacuum cleaner **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [December 27, 2006, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-an-inexpensive-vacuum-cleaner/385787 "2006-12-27T21:05:18Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 19\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Lissla\_Lissar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/8491ac/32.png) [@Lissla\_Lissar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lissla_Lissar)\ **Post date:** [December 27, 2006, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-an-inexpensive-vacuum-cleaner/385787/1 "2006-12-27T21:05:18Z")
Part of my Christmas present from my parents was money for a new vacuum cleaner. I lust after a Dyson, but they gave me $300, and I can’t afford the other $300. Plus, it’s big and clunky, and I live in a small apartment. I’m planning on getting one if maybe five years, when we’ll have a bigger place (I hope). So. I have hardwood floor, two cats, and no rugs. I need something that will be good on hardwood. I am thinking about the bagless Dirt Devil that they have at Costco for about $150, and a customer at work just highly, highly recommended [this vacuum](http://www.epinions.com/pr-Kenmore_24195_Vacuum/display_~full_specs) as the one with the best suction she’s ever had. (Heh) Tell me of your vacuums, particularly if they’re not too expensive, and smallish. ---
**Author:** ![JSexton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/96bed5/32.png) [@JSexton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JSexton)\ **Post date:** [December 27, 2006, 9:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-an-inexpensive-vacuum-cleaner/385787/2 "2006-12-27T21:13:19Z")
You can get a Dyson for 350-400. And I highly recommend doing so. I’ve spent far more on multiple crappy vacuum cleaners for the past 10 years than I did on my Dyson, and I have no reason to complain. It’s also amazing on hardwood (which I have), as it just grabs everything instead of blowing it all around. Honestly, I think you’ll be far, far happier spending the extra 80 bucks or so. ---
**Author:** ![saoirse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/5daacb/32.png) [@saoirse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/saoirse)\ **Post date:** [December 27, 2006, 9:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-an-inexpensive-vacuum-cleaner/385787/3 "2006-12-27T21:13:24Z")
Apparently, you need two. ---
**Author:** ![Aunt\_Flow](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ed655f/32.png) [@Aunt\_Flow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aunt_Flow)\ **Post date:** [December 27, 2006, 9:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-an-inexpensive-vacuum-cleaner/385787/4 "2006-12-27T21:54:29Z")
o.O I got my vacuum for like $40 brand new and it works like a dream. _can’t imagine paying more than $50 for a vacuum_ ---
**Author:** ![Winston\_Smith](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/e95f7d/32.png) [@Winston\_Smith](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Winston_Smith)\ **Post date:** [December 27, 2006, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-an-inexpensive-vacuum-cleaner/385787/5 "2006-12-27T21:58:09Z")
I bought a dirt devil for around $90 almost 2 years ago. It _really sucks_. I’d highly recommend it. ---
**Author:** ![Cemetery\_Savior](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/439d5e/32.png) [@Cemetery\_Savior](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cemetery_Savior)\ **Post date:** [December 27, 2006, 10:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-an-inexpensive-vacuum-cleaner/385787/6 "2006-12-27T22:03:12Z")
My wife and I got a Fuller Brush vacuum. It’s the downmarket Riccar. I think Comsumer Reports has a very recent vacuum comparison. I don’t have a link, but I’m sure your library has a copy. I think it rated a Kenmore the very best value. Try starting there. -Cem ---
**Author:** ![yellowval](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/919ad9/32.png) [@yellowval](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yellowval)\ **Post date:** [December 27, 2006, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-an-inexpensive-vacuum-cleaner/385787/7 "2006-12-27T22:07:02Z")
If there is a store (besides the ‘Marts’) that sells vacuums near you, you could check to see if they have any floor models/slightly used vacuums on hand. That’s what we did, and were able to get a much nicer vacuum than we could have afforded otherwise. ---
**Author:** ![cowgirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/8c91f0/32.png) [@cowgirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cowgirl)\ **Post date:** [December 27, 2006, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-an-inexpensive-vacuum-cleaner/385787/8 "2006-12-27T22:36:57Z")
The [Shark Plus Canister Vacuum](http://www.canadiantire.ca/home.jsp). I LOOOOOVE it. And so do all my friends who also own one. It’s often on sale at Canadian Tire but even at regular price it’s cheap because it’s so great. It’s small and very powerful, and the best part is, when you carry it around you look like a Ghostbuster. ---
**Author:** ![Don26](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/edb3f5/32.png) [@Don26](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Don26)\ **Post date:** [December 27, 2006, 10:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-an-inexpensive-vacuum-cleaner/385787/9 "2006-12-27T22:44:32Z")
Have you considered Pawn shops? Someone may have fallen on hard times and hocked their dyson… That’s how I got my camcorder. ---
**Author:** ![Sarahfeena](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sarahfeena/32/519_2.png) [@Sarahfeena](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sarahfeena)\ **Post date:** [December 27, 2006, 10:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-an-inexpensive-vacuum-cleaner/385787/10 "2006-12-27T22:44:38Z")
I have a Dirt Devil Breeze, which costs about $100. I got it specifically because it is a canister vacuum (I hate uprights because they are hard to get under furniture and hard to do stairs with), and because it does not have a beater brush, which do not work well on hardwood floors, in my experience. I have been extremely happy with it, and my sister bought it on my recommendation and loves it, too! ---
**Author:** ![StuffLikeThatThere](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bc8723/32.png) [@StuffLikeThatThere](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StuffLikeThatThere)\ **Post date:** [December 27, 2006, 10:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-an-inexpensive-vacuum-cleaner/385787/11 "2006-12-27T22:52:55Z")
Despite the TV ads, I love my [8 Lb. Oreck Upright](http://www.oreck.com). You can get the base model (with a free small canister vac) for $300 and no shipping. ---
**Author:** ![Frank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Frank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frank)\ **Post date:** [December 27, 2006, 10:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-an-inexpensive-vacuum-cleaner/385787/12 "2006-12-27T22:57:00Z")
I’ve merged the threads, since they both had replies, and deleted the duplicate OP. ---
**Author:** ![Lissla\_Lissar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/8491ac/32.png) [@Lissla\_Lissar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lissla_Lissar)\ **Post date:** [December 27, 2006, 11:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-an-inexpensive-vacuum-cleaner/385787/13 "2006-12-27T23:23:14Z")
Thanks. I got three error messages trying to post the OP. Oops. ---
**Author:** ![Runs\_With\_Scissors](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/278dde/32.png) [@Runs\_With\_Scissors](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Runs_With_Scissors)\ **Post date:** [December 27, 2006, 11:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-an-inexpensive-vacuum-cleaner/385787/14 "2006-12-27T23:44:45Z")
I have hardwood floors and I sweep them. When they need cleaning, I have special hardwood floor cleaner. Why do you want to vacuum hardwood floors? Still, a vacuum cleaner is nice to have for odd jobs. I’ve always had a shop vac style. I’ve never had to use it wet, but it’s to know it’s there when I need it. I just got a new one for $40…six gallons and two horse power. It’s great for vacuuming in areas I can’t get to, such as behind the bed, cracks and crevices, etc. $300 for a vacuum! $600??? ---
**Author:** ![BoBettie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/4af34b/32.png) [@BoBettie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BoBettie)\ **Post date:** [December 27, 2006, 11:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-an-inexpensive-vacuum-cleaner/385787/15 "2006-12-27T23:47:18Z")
[QUOTE=cowgirl] The [Shark Plus Canister Vacuum](http://www.canadiantire.ca/home.jsp). I LOOOOOVE it. And so do all my friends who also own one. It’s often on sale at Canadian Tire but even at regular price it’s cheap because it’s so great. It’s small and very powerful, and the best part is, when you carry it around you look like a Ghostbuster. [/QUOTE] I came in to post about the same vac. I’ve had mine for a year and it’s going strong. I have 3 dogs and a cat and all tile floors, and this vac rocks. It would suck the paint right off the walls, I swear. It’s quite loud, though. ---
**Author:** ![Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spectre_of_pithecanthropus/32/12343_2.png) [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2006, 12:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-an-inexpensive-vacuum-cleaner/385787/16 "2006-12-28T00:00:35Z")
[QUOTE=JSexton] You can get a Dyson for 350-400. And I highly recommend doing so. I’ve spent far more on multiple crappy vacuum cleaners for the past 10 years than I did on my Dyson, and I have no reason to complain. It’s also amazing on hardwood (which I have), as it just grabs everything instead of blowing it all around. Honestly, I think you’ll be far, far happier spending the extra 80 bucks or so. [/QUOTE] For about the same, or a little less, you can get a Roomba. I believe they work on hardwood, too. It does work, even if you have cats, and it will go to any part of the floor that isn’t actually blocked, like under beds and tables (both important as cat-hangouts, and hence important as vacuum hangouts as well). We got ours about 8 months ago, and have been extremely happy with it. Roombas are quiet too. I can play acoustic guitar, read, or watch TV in the same room where the Roomba is working. ---
**Author:** ![freckafree](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/freckafree/32/3050_2.png) [@freckafree](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/freckafree)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2006, 12:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-an-inexpensive-vacuum-cleaner/385787/17 "2006-12-28T00:50:32Z")
[QUOTE=StuffLikeThatThere] Despite the TV ads, I love my [8 Lb. Oreck Upright](http://www.oreck.com). You can get the base model (with a free small canister vac) for $300 and no shipping. [/QUOTE] My sister and BIL have this combo. Sister has mobility issues, so the light weight is important for her. BIL is a housecleaning maniac (where DOES one find a husband like that?) who has pretty high standards for a vacuum, especially in regard to dog hair. They are now devoted Oreck users. ---
**Author:** ![Lissla\_Lissar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/8491ac/32.png) [@Lissla\_Lissar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lissla_Lissar)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2006, 12:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-an-inexpensive-vacuum-cleaner/385787/18 "2006-12-28T00:54:30Z")
I vacuum because I have two cats, and hardwood floors. Also, I have waist-length hair. It means a lot of dust bnnies hiding under furniture. Cat litter (the bloody cats kick it around) is pretty hard to sweep up perfectly. We’ve thought about a Roomba, but we’re a little worried about the deaf cat having a heart attack. He doesn’t even like it when the _couch_ sneaks up on him, and it doesn’t move. ---
**Author:** ![StuffLikeThatThere](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bc8723/32.png) [@StuffLikeThatThere](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StuffLikeThatThere)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2006, 3:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-an-inexpensive-vacuum-cleaner/385787/19 "2006-12-28T03:37:11Z")
[QUOTE=Runs With Scissors] $300 for a vacuum! $600??? [/QUOTE] Yes, indeedy. A good friend who is a cleaning fanatic, bless her spotless little heart, used to go through a $100 vacuum every two years or so. She’s a seriously heavy user. She’s on year seven with her trusty Oreck, and it seems pretty much brand new. She fully expects it to last till her kids are out of college (they’re 6 and 8). Besides which, she likes it much better than any other vacuum she ever had, which is worth a lot if you use it as much as she does.