Who Makes These Vacuums?

[neptunebob]

If you ever worked cleaning in a commercial setting, you will want a commercial quality vacuum in your own home too. I always had the Windsor models when the employer provided the vacuum. For other places I worked I often would bring in my vacuums that I were used by my extended family (and the employer was too cheap to provide a good vacuum) and they did not last long, although one of the "toughest" vacuums I had was a Eureka The Boss, but they don't make that anymore. When it came time to replace our central vacuum attachments I bought a SEBO power nozzle and it has always worked well. One will never see Shark or any bagless vacuum in a commercial setting. So buy the SEBO from a dealer and you won't have any trouble with your vacuum and it will be one thing in your life that makes you happy, and it seems like you could use more happiness.

 

[panasonicvac]

Wait, the SEBO X4 has the fan before the bag or am I mixing things up? Can the SEBO swallow paper clips? I know my Intution can suck up anything and everything hard as long as it is not to big and not damage the vaccuum.

The Big Green appears to come with a bag, and if I ever do go that route I'll choose that over the Sanitaire.

Interesting how everything is so different and varied with Vaccuums.

The SEBO is a "clean air" or a "bypass" design so that means all the dirt is going directly into the bag before the motor. You should check out this review video where you'll notice this guy would suck up things that you shouldn't like screws or bolts and it will not damage the machine. I wouldn't do that with either a Sanitaire or a Bissell because they'll easily break the fan. The Bissell should have a metal motor, because it's being made by a separate company out in China. Sanitaires are made in Mexico. Sounds confusing because Bissell owns Sanitaire, Bissell is only licensing the brand to a company that makes the Big Green commercial machines.

 

[Chetlaham]

Marvelous!

Thank you for all the knowledge. I can't thank you enough. I owe you.

And thank you for exposing me to the Bissell and Sanitaire. While they might not be for me entirely due tot he lack of hardwood floor cleaning and removable hose they are certainly fascinating designs.

The Kenmore has a brushed main motor, correct? And switched across the line, no electronics? Does the same hold true for the SEBO? I notice a circuit board, obviously in part for the auto life adjust but it makes me wonder what else is being controlled.

I looked for the non reversing Kenmore upright on Amazon but it seems it is not available at the moment.

 

[phillymatt53]

That SEBO vac is in several ways similar to the Hoover WindTunnel bagless that I also have.
It also has impressive suction that pulls in dirt when it gets near.
And a jiffy dirt container that empties in a flash.
But without the "electronics" and high price.

 

[panasonicvac]

There's actually two motors in the brushroll. Yours only has one. That's why I mentioned you'd be getting a downgrade if you got that Kenmore cause it's an extra thing that can go wrong. Looks like you missed your chance on the other Kenmore cause it appears it's already been discontinued. The whole point of a direct drive brushroll is you'd never have to replace a belt again. Well, the SEBO has a geared belt that's design to last a lifetime so you'd never have to replace the belt at all. But, you have a lifetime warranty on the belt should it ever break. I've honestly never seen one break on a SEBO but I have in fact seen the direct drive brushrolls fail. Yes the SEBO has a circuit board but if you hadn't watched the other review video, I'll break it down to you of why it does. Not only it senses the height adjuster but it also senses the brushroll and the bag. If the brushroll is worn out, the brushroll light will come on letting you know it needs replacing. Or if something got caught in the brushroll, it'd shut the vacuum off and the red light will start flashing to let you know that something is stuck. If the bag is full or if there's a clog, the bag light will come on. Or if the bag light stays on for 30 seconds while the machine is running, it'd shut the vacuum down to prevent from overheating. Even though it's electronic, it's very simple and has a track record of being extremely reliable. That's why these are so popular for commercial use. Here's something you'd really like on the SEBO, not only the brushroll is so easy to remove but SEBO also advertises that the brushrolls are dishwasher safe. In fact, I've washed so many SEBO parts in the dishwasher without any problems.

 

[Chetlaham]

That SEBO vac is in several ways similar to the Hoover WindTunnel bagless that I also have.
It also has impressive suction that pulls in dirt when it gets near.
And a jiffy dirt container that empties in a flash.
But without the "electronics" and high price.

I tried bag-less around 2011. I returned the vacuum promptly and ran to Sears for the Intuition. Emptying out the container was a desert dust storm and the vacuum lost suction rapidly. The filter would get dirty fast. It was one of those Model T moments of "never again"

Forgive my crass / negative reply

 

[Chetlaham]

There's actually two motors in the brushroll. Yours only has one. That's why I mentioned you'd be getting a downgrade if you got that Kenmore cause it's an extra thing that can go wrong. Looks like you missed your chance on the other Kenmore cause it appears it's already been discontinued. The whole point of a direct drive brushroll is you'd never have to replace a belt again. Well, the SEBO has a geared belt that's design to last a lifetime so you'd never have to replace the belt at all. But, you have a lifetime warranty on the belt should it ever break. I've honestly never seen one break on a SEBO but I have in fact seen the direct drive brushrolls fail. Yes the SEBO has a circuit board but if you hadn't watched the other review video, I'll break it down to you of why it does. Not only it senses the height adjuster but it also senses the brushroll and the bag. If the brushroll is worn out, the brushroll light will come on letting you know it needs replacing. Or if something got caught in the brushroll, it'd shut the vacuum off and the red light will start flashing to let you know that something is stuck. If the bag is full or if there's a clog, the bag light will come on. Or if the bag light stays on for 30 seconds while the machine is running, it'd shut the vacuum down to prevent from overheating. Even though it's electronic, it's very simple and has a track record of being extremely reliable. That's why these are so popular for commercial use. Here's something you'd really like on the SEBO, not only the brushroll is so easy to remove but SEBO also advertises that the brushrolls are dishwasher safe. In fact, I've washed so many SEBO parts in the dishwasher without any problems.

Good, but I still don't like the drive motor being controlled by anything other than a switch. The Kenmore also has a bag light that is controlled via a pressure switch and neon light, at least the old model. The Kenmore has a bi-metal breaker in series with the brush roll motor that pops out if something gets caught underneath, at least the old one did.

I see two belts on the SEBO, at least in the model you showed, it appears power is transferred to some type of yellow cylinder, and then over to the roller. Further it appears that one motor drives the lift and the brush in addition to the suction.

Personally I like having one motor for the suction and another for the drive roller.

 

[panasonicvac]

Then you may want to look into the FELIX. It's a dual motor upright, one for suction and one for the brushroll. They also make a DART model which is similar but doesn't have the extra features that comes with the FELIX such as a swivel neck for the power nozzle, variable speed controller, telescoping handle, the barefloor tool, and the switch to turn the brushroll off when using the hose. Or what I'd recommend instead is the K3 since those have more advantages being a canister design like reaching underneath the beds, no tilting over when using the hose, maneuverable to use on barefloors, etc.



That yellow part is the sensor for the brushroll. It's used to indicate the height and indicate if the brushroll is worn or gets jammed. It's also being used on the MECHANICAL models if you just only specifically want to keep it simple since there's no electronics on those but it's only single motor like the X4 (if you're not counting the transmission for the height adjuster since that's being controlled by a small motor).

 

[Chetlaham]

Alright, you've given me a lot to think about here. At some point I think I will be buying a second vacuum in addition to the one I am order now.

SEBO, Kenmore and Sanitaire all catch my eyes.

The Bissell and Santaire are particularly smittening due to their extreme simplicity and few parts. And they have a vintage "look" to them.

I notice that there are a lot of similar looking Sanitaire and Bissell Vacuums. Obviously its the same design. What is the build quality difference between the two brands, if any? I know you mentioned the Bissell having a metal motor and the Santaire a plastic motor.

https://www.sanitairecommercial.com/collections/upright-vacuums

https://www.bissellcommercial.com/vacuums/upright-vacuums/page/2/


In so far I see a few things options for each brand:

1) 12 and 16 inch wide

2) shake out bag, dirt cup and replaceable paper bag.

3) One model has a 500 hour motor the others have a 2000 hour motor.

4) Some say their fan blade is indestructible.

5) Some have their motor listed at 5.5 amps, others at 870 watts. So I am guessing one motor is 660 watts the other 870 watts.

I am eyeing a 12 inch model unless the 16 is somehow better. It will be used exclusively upstairs where its carpeted.

I saw the springs holding the cover in place in the video. Truly a made to service vacuum.

Is there anything else I should consider or know about the Bissell and Sanitaire?

 

[Chetlaham]

As an example, the SC888N and SC688B seem identical and I can't figure out what is the difference between them.

https://www.sanitairecommercial.com...ums/products/tradition™-upright-vacuum-sc688b

https://www.sanitairecommercial.com...ums/products/tradition™-upright-vacuum-sc888n

 

[vacerator]

I have a few antique vacuums. My grandmother's Electrolux 30 from around 1950, and my mom's 1980 Eureka model 1279 power team in Brandywine and the top of the line 1289 push button two speed canned ham shaped in the same color. Both still run perfect. The motors must be ball bearing and are still quiet. The Vibragroomer 1 power nozzle has a metal seweing machine motor.
New motors including the Miele Vortex are non repairable.
We were not a family that ever preferred upright vacs. My parents wedding gift vacuum was a pea green Eureka 1010 Vibra beat canned ham. Suction driven rows of rollers beat the carpet. Loudest farts ever! I still have one.

 

[phillymatt53]

I tried bag-less around 2011. I returned the vacuum promptly and ran to Sears for the Intuition. Emptying out the container was a desert dust storm and the vacuum lost suction rapidly. The filter would get dirty fast. It was one of those Model T moments of "never again"

Forgive my crass / negative reply

I've always insisted on "Bagged" machines, and since I had worked for Eureka, chose that brand. - they were always sturdy machines.
The Hoover bagless "Air Steerable" machine was given to me by a neighbor who claimed it didn't work right, and was going to trash it.
Well, The machine was clogged with pet hair due to lack of cleaning, which I did.
I also performed a complete overhaul, and wound up with a pretty damned good vac!
It's got surprisingly strong suction, I like the way it "steers" around furniture, and it's lighter than most other uprights.
It's also quieter than my Eureka's, and the brush roll automatically adjusts easily for carpet to hard floors. - the brushroll motor can also be turned off manually, and it automatically turns off if the handle is upright, as is the case when using the hose.
That dirt cannister is easily removed by pushing the top button, taken to a trash can and push the bottom button which pops open the bottom and the dirt simply drops out. - no muss, no fuss.
On occasion, that dirt cannister is easily washed out too.
The main filter also is washable, and the Hepa Filter is also easily replaceable.
It also had a whistle alert if the suction is blocked by something.

The only thing that annoys me is when using the hose and optional turbo attachment on stairs is that the suction causes the hose to "shrink" and retract.

So even though I was always a dedicated Eureka fan, I have to give the Hoover my honest positive review.

 

[combo52]

I always preferred canister, vacuums over upright vacuums for their superior suction and just general greater utility

But I will second the idea of a central vacuum my brother Jeff gave me a brand new Kenmore central vacuum power unit 1984 I installed it and never looked back.

I got rid of all the dusty, portable vacuum cleaners I won’t even let the cleaning companies, bring a vacuum cleaner into this house and contaminate the air.

I know portable vacuums have come a long way and have better filters in them now but when I’m working in these multimillion dollar residence and they bring out these beautiful Miele canister vacuums they still smell like the dog, no thanks

I empty my central vacuum once every year or two, it has a dirt container that holds over a half bushel of dirt. It does not even use a bag. I take the container out. Of the garage and I dump it into a plastic bag and put it in the trash, have never had to buy any type of bag or accessory since the mid 80s.

John L

 

[phillymatt53]

I have a few antique vacuums. My grandmother's Electrolux 30 from around 1950, and my mom's 1980 Eureka model 1279 power team in Brandywine and the top of the line 1289 push button two speed canned ham shaped in the same color. Both still run perfect. The motors must be ball bearing and are still quiet. The Vibragroomer 1 power nozzle has a metal seweing machine motor.
New motors including the Miele Vortex are non repairable.
We were not a family that ever preferred upright vacs. My parents wedding gift vacuum was a pea green Eureka 1010 Vibra beat canned ham. Suction driven rows of rollers beat the carpet. Loudest farts ever! I still have one.

My mom had a 1950-60s cannister vac that was sold by a door-to-door salesman.
It was a "Compact Revelation", made by Interstate Inc. and lasted forever.
Built like a tank of thick cast aluminum, and always had good performance.
The newer models had powered floor brush attachments, and eventually the company became TriStar and they were quite expensive.

 

[vacerator]

My aunt had a grey Compact by Interstate. Another aunt had a turquoise Revelation with the air driven floor polisher.
Hoover made quality machines back in the day too. The Celebrity canisters with the Quadraflex carpet nozzles, and the last 2 stage fan Dimension 1000.
The Dial-a-Matics and Convertable uprights too.

 

[panasonicvac]

Alright, you've given me a lot to think about here. At some point I think I will be buying a second vacuum in addition to the one I am order now.

SEBO, Kenmore and Sanitaire all catch my eyes.

The Bissell and Santaire are particularly smittening due to their extreme simplicity and few parts. And they have a vintage "look" to them.

I notice that there are a lot of similar looking Sanitaire and Bissell Vacuums. Obviously its the same design. What is the build quality difference between the two brands, if any? I know you mentioned the Bissell having a metal motor and the Santaire a plastic motor.

https://www.sanitairecommercial.com/collections/upright-vacuums

https://www.bissellcommercial.com/vacuums/upright-vacuums/page/2/


In so far I see a few things options for each brand:

1) 12 and 16 inch wide

2) shake out bag, dirt cup and replaceable paper bag.

3) One model has a 500 hour motor the others have a 2000 hour motor.

4) Some say their fan blade is indestructible.

5) Some have their motor listed at 5.5 amps, others at 870 watts. So I am guessing one motor is 660 watts the other 870 watts.

I am eyeing a 12 inch model unless the 16 is somehow better. It will be used exclusively upstairs where its carpeted.

I saw the springs holding the cover in place in the video. Truly a made to service vacuum.

Is there anything else I should consider or know about the Bissell and Sanitaire?

The Bissells are Chinese clones of the Sanitaires. They're not made in the same factory as the Sanitaires but parts can be interchangeable between the two. In fact I put a Bissell fan on one of my Sanitaires and it works just as well. Other than the motors, I can honestly say there really isn't any quality differences from what I can tell. The Widetrack models are designed for wider areas like commercial hallways, personally I don't think it's necessary getting one of those. Get a disposable bag model, the dust cup and shake out ones don't provide as good of filtration and are a mess to clean out. Disregard the motor hour claims, those plastic motors die even quicker once they're put to a real life application. Same goes for the fans, my stores would always stock up with a bunch of them. I wouldn't recommend the 5 amp machines because of the filtration unless if you're like vacuuming up carpet fibers after installing in new carpets. I personally don't care about the springs holding on the hood which is one of the reasons why I favor the SC688B over the SC888N.

I favor the SC688B because it's cheaper, the plastic hood makes it lighter, replacing the cord and switch are easier to change, I like that the hood is held in by screws instead of springs because the springs makes it rather tricky to put back on. The only advantage I see with the SC888N is that there's a fan chamber that'd makes it easier to unclog anything that gets trapped in there or replacing the fan, but I dislike there's an extra gasket in the fan chamber that can wear out overtime and sometimes makes it tricky to replace. At least ever since Bissell took over Sanitaire, I like that they've put a pig tail cord and changed from a pistol grip to a gas grip handle on the SC888N. Other than that, mechanically they're the same like you're not gonna get any performance differences.