Filter Queen Vacuum Cleaners

[abcomatic]

HI all, I noticed in tonight's paper that a Filter Queen Vacuum is going to be sold at auction this coming weekend. Should I bid on this, is this a good make, what should I look for when I go to the auction, how much should I bid and what is a good price? All help with this would be greatly appreciated. I don't know much about vacuum cleaners. Thanks for your help. Gary

 

[d-jones]

Hi Gary

Like all of the higher end machines, Filter Queen's are very well built. My parents bought a new Filter Queen model 31 in 1975. I grew up in a relatively large family(there were ten of us, plus the dogs and cats) living in a two story house with a very large well used yard that offered an endless supply of dirt that we were constantly tracking in. Our Filter Queen was used frequently, carried up and down the stairs a couple of times a week, and even fell down the stairs once. But it took all of this in stride and is still used frequently today. In all this time the only service it's needed was a new cord and a new tool caddy(the old one broke when it fell down the stairs). I personally don't feel that the current models are as well built as the older ones(too much plastic), but others disagree. If you do decide to get this machine you'll want to be sure and use genuine Filter Queen filter cones with it and change them out at the recommended intervals. Since the aftermarket filters don't trap fine dirt particles as effectively, this is an important detail. Using them to save money can lead to motor bearing problems.

 

In truth, I was so impressed by the way my parents Filter Queen has held up over the years that I got one for myself, but it didn't stop there. Two of my sisters have them as well. In the photos below, the first one is my parents well used model 31 sitting in the hall closet it's called home for thirty nine years. The second photo is my model 31, and the third is my sister's model 31. And finally, the fourth photo shows the model 33 that I recently picked up for my folks so that they wouldn't have to carry the vacuum up and down the stairs any more. As you can probably tell I'm a big fan. So if the machine you're thinking of bidding on hasn't been abused and you can get it for a reasonable price, I say go for it.

[this post was last edited: 6/5/2014-01:14]

 

[tolivac]

I agree with D-Jones-the older METAL Filter Queen vacuums were the best quality.The newer plastic tank ones are less durable and slightly less powerful-those don't have as good a motor as the older machines.Look for an older metal one in good condition if you can!And these FQ machines can be easily repaired.Again make sure you use genuine FQ cones and disc motor filters.The disc filter under the cone guard on the motor powerdome should be replaced after each pack of cones-a disc filter is in each pack of cones.

 

[retro-man]

I have one of the older steel models. Very lightly used. It has such powerful suction that I have to use the lower speed switch when vacuuming on ceramic tile, otherwise the floor brush sticks itself to the floor.
Jon

 

[tolivac]

Another thing I like better on the older metal FQ vacuums-the sturdy "paddle" on-off switch-the small toggle switch was fine for selecting speeds.On the new models that sturdy paddle switch has been replaced by a flimsy rocker power-speed switch.

 

[sambootoo]

I absolutely love mine. With a dog and 2 cats in the house, any vacuum with a bag would start to smell like animals within just a few uses after a new bag. With the Filter Queen, I empty the canister and shake the loose dust off the filter cone after each use and there is no bad odor. Plenty of power, light weight, compact, long hose are just a few of the added bonuses. Mine is the Princess model, a little newer than the ones above but have used it for several years now without a single issue--bought it used off Ebay for a very reasonable price.

 

[xraytech]

I had a nice model 95x for awhile. It was a great performer but in time I swapped it out in favor of a self propelled Hoover Concept.

I only sold mine because I just didn't enjoy using a canister cleaner on a daily basis.

 

[d-jones]

"I just didn't enjoy using a canister cleaner on a daily basis."

 

I don't either, so in my place when I just want to vacuum the carpets I use my Hoover upright. But if I'm going to do a more thorough cleaning, meaning upholstery, curtains, window sills, floors and other horizontal surfaces, the Filter Queen with its assortment of very useful tools comes out. My Hoover has these attachments as well, but they pale in comparison to those of the Filter Queen. Of course at about fifteen years my Hoover is relatively new, so all of its attachments are rather poorly designed plastic. I have to believe they would have been better in the past.

 

[maytagbear]

Any vacuum with a bag.........

I take slight exception.....my Miele Capricorn does not have an odor, even though I do have a rather sheddy cat, Rosa del Gata. Of course, I use the Miele HEPA filter, and the genuine Miele bags are four-ply.

That said, Filter Queens are very good vacuums.

Good luck in your hunt!

Lawrence/Maytagbear

 

[abcomatic]

Thanks for all of your comments. The auction is tomorrow and I'll drive over after church. How much do you think is a fair price to bid? Thanks. Gary

 

[d-jones]

Fair price is hard to say. Too much depends on the condition of the machine, which model it is, and whether or not it still has all of its standard accessories. If accessories are missing and will need to be tracked down separately, that would naturally lower the price. I can tell you that complete model 31's and 33's are commonly found on eBay in the fifty to one hundred and fifty dollar range.

 

New models retail upwards of two thousand dollars, but I wouldn't be willing to pay even three hundred for one of them. The older models are functionally identical, better built, and can be had for much less.

[this post was last edited: 6/7/2014-14:23]

 

[abcomatic]

NEWS UPDATE ON THE FILTER QUEEN

I everyone. I bought, at auction today, the Filter Queen for $10.00! I was the only bidder and got it for that, is that good or what? It says on the side. 65th anniversary model Majestic and is sort of purplish in color. The hose is gray. For accessories there is: a dusting brush, upholstery brush, a crevice tool, and cone shaped crevice tool, a bare floor brush and a power head. The only thing missing is the little wire from the motor housing that plugs into the end of the nozzle that attaches to the machine. There is a wonderful vacuum repair shop in Peoria so I will make a trip there tomorrow and see if he has it. I should get some new cone like paper filters too. Is there another filter that I have to get too? I have never used one of these before. Is there a wire that is in the hose that carries the power from the base to the end of the hose section that fits into the handle at the beginning of the hose where you have the power cords to the power head?
Please tell me what you think and anything else that I should know about this machine. I hope this is a good one? Thanks, Gary

 

[d-jones]

Well for ten bucks how can you go wrong? Nice score.

 

[dustin92]

Yes, there is a disc filter under the plastic cone- the cone should be held on by a long screw. Replace that filter and the cone, and if the disc filter is very dusty (It shouldn't be), or if the machine has any odor when running, take it into a vac shop and have the final filter matting replaced. In the top exhaust cap, there is a felt pad- take it out, wash it, let it dry, and then you can apply fragrance oils, cologne, or whatever you think smells nice to it and the vacuum's warm exhaust will diffuse the scent.

 

[abcomatic]

David

I love this machine. I have cleaned two chairs and the sofa in the parlor. wow, I can't believe the fine dirt that came out of my furniture; I mean a lot of dirt and I just used my Hoover 2 weeks ago to do the same thing! I am sold! ya. Gary

 

[petek]

Two other must have Filter Queen accessories.. The hair bonnet here demonstrated by wee Dave and the vibra hose to get rid of all those aches and pains. That's an old 30's or 40's Filter Queen I had in the 2nd pic. Still works perfectly.

 

[abcomatic]

Update today

I all. I think this is a wonderful vacuum! I took it in today for a check up. He installed a new electric wire from the side of the machine to the hose that has an electric wire in it to run the beater bar. Put a new belt and adjusted and lubed the beater bar, and I bought a pack of filter cones and replaced the filter on top of the motor. I had just vacuumed the living room carpet with the old Hoover Dimension, which I gave to him when I took the Filter Queen in. I got home and vacuumed with the Filter Queen and I can't believe all of the dirt that was still in the carpet! This is a keeper and only for $10.00 for the vacuum and $35.25 for the visit to the repairman which includes the price for the new filter cones. Thanks for all of your help. Gary

 

[hydralique]

I love the pic of Dave drying his hair!

 

Wouldn't it be great to have a hair dryer contest with the Filter Queen vs. a "flocker" Norge clothes dryer with the hair dryer accessory we see every so often in the POD?

 

[NYCWriter]

My only complaint about the Filter Queen ...

... living in an apartment, is that emptying it into the trash in the kitchen -- no matter how careful I was -- always ended up throwing out a cloud of dust over everything, which completely defeats the purpose of all that fancy filtration.

I susppose they make more sense for people who have garages or back yards where they can empty the canister.

 

[tolivac]

Can you empty the FQ bin in the apartment house trash room or dumpster?I did that with dump bag Kirbys,Royals and my first NSS M1.Since all of those were inside in the apartment building I used to live in-weather wasn't a factor.Could see the weather being a factor if the trash-dumpster area was outside.Anyway those dump methods truely get the dirt out of your house.

 

[danemodsandy]

Congratulations!

As has been noted here, high-end vacs beat mass-market ones all hollow.

You've received good advice - which it sounds like you're following - to use genuine Filter Queen parts and supplies. Filters are cheap, motors are expensive!

Dave d-jones is being modest (as is his custom) about the Filter Queens he got for relatives. My understanding is that he got everyone the exact model, complete with the correct attachments, that he describes as the vacuum his family had growing up. Now that's devotion!

Dave has not, however, responded to my requests to be considered for adoption.

 

[NYCWriter]

No ...

"Can you empty the FQ bin in the apartment house trash room or dumpster?"

I'd have to walk five flights down and into the back courtyard (outside) to do this ... then of course all the way back upstairs.

 

[countryguy]

I have a FQ and have no problems with flying dust when emptying it in the house.  I just use several layers of newspaper to cover the top of the container and make a tight seal, then quickly flip the container over, wait a couple of seconds for the dirt to settle and slowly remove the container.  Cover the dirt with more newspaper and carefully wrap it up.

 

Gary

 

[hooverwheelaway]

Glad you got a great deal on the FQ, Gary!

I usually empty mine by laying out some newspaper, dumping the bin onto the newspaper, and letting it sit for a few minutes to let the "dust settle."

Then I lift off the dirt bin, carefully fold up the newspaper, and toss it in the trash. We've been using a FQ for cleaning the basement these past few weeks, it's been working rather nicely. They are great, simple cleaners.

 

[volvoguy87]

Filter Queen.

Like Speed Queen, Filter Queen is among the very best. I used mine to un-clog the Oreck at work. It's quiet, very powerful, and the 2-speed motor is surprisingly handy. It's sturdy, simple, and just out performs most everything else.

Dave

 

[NYCWriter]

What is ...

"I just use several layers of newspaper to cover the top of the container and make a tight seal, then quickly flip the container over, wait a couple of seconds for the dirt to settle and slowly remove the container. Cover the dirt with more newspaper and carefully wrap it up."

What is this "newspaper" of which you speak?

 

[countryguy]

Newspaper - printed paper with news articles

 

[abcomatic]

Another update!

My piano student had a lesson here today and her mom came along. I told her that I have a new vacuum and showed it to her. She said that she just received a Filter Queen from her grandmother with tons of attachments; she told me it may be from the '60's.? She had no clue how to use it so I did a demo. for her to show her how. I felt like I was a salesman for Filter Queen. lol
What I noticed was I put a new filter cone in and just used on the foyer carpet to show her how well this cleans with the power nozzle. I had just vacuumed it last night. I went over it a few times, took off the motor and looked at the dirt bin which was covered in dirt and the cone filter had dirt on it too. I can't believe this guys, this carpet looked brighter, is that possible? I would guess that things will get cleaner with each use, pulling the dirt out of everything that was left behind from the Hoover? Thanks, Gary

 

[d-jones]

Gary - It's good to hear that you and your new Filter Queen are off to such a good start. With proper care this machine will easily last you the rest of your life. In fact, that would be true even if you were a young guy in your twenties. Maintenance on them is simple, and parts are readily available. I don't have a real clear idea of exactly what your model looks like, but between eBay, the various online venders, and your local vacuum shop, you'll easily find anything that you need. So here's wishing you many years of happy vacuuming.

 

Of course Sandy is right. I did deliberately set out to assemble a machine like the one I grew up with, and for the most part I succeeded. I've had it for a couple of years now, and when I bring it in to use it it looks and feels so familiar to me that it always makes me smile. It's one of those simple pleasures you here folks talk about, but there's a lot to be said for such things.

 

Sandy - Thanks for your very funny comment above, though I have to say, I think you're a bit older than me. If I tried to adopt you people would talk. LOL - (then quickly ducks and runs!)

 

[tennblondie78]

I just bought what the seller said was a model B-88 off of eBay. It had all of the attachments and looked in good shape and clean. I googled this model but couldn't find much. Can anyone tell me about it? It is dark brown. I can't wait to get it. I currently have a Dyson and am not super impressed. I am looking forward to running the Dyson until the container stays empty and then the FQ to see what the Dyson left.