Kirby vacuums now selling at Costco

[ea56]

I grew up in a home with a Kirby vacuum that my Mom bought from a door to door saleswoman in 1955. She paid over $400.00 for it, a Kings Ransom for a vacuum in 1955! It was the only vacuum I used until I left home in 1970. Mom finally replaced it with a Riccar upright in 1987. So she got 32 years of service out of that Kirby.

The Kirby was fine on floors and carpets, but a PITA as far a using attachments for any above floor cleaning like vacuuming upholstery, drapes, blinds, curtains, ect. The one attachment that was very useful was the floor polishing head. We had hardwood floors and used Tree Wax paste wax on the floors, the Indian Sand formula that was kind of a reddish brown color and it concealed and scratches or worn spots. That Kirby polishing head really worked great, but you had better not let go of it while it was on. It would take off and be hard as hell to get ahold of again.

We have wall to wall carpeting and stairs in our home. My husband David does the cleaning and prefers a canister vacuum with a power head. We went through 4 Kenmore canister vacs with motorized power heads. The weak point of these vacuums are the electrical connections for the power nozzle in the handle, they wear out and the replacement parts are very expensive. It cost just a little more to just replace the whole damn vacuum.

After our last Kenmore bit the dust I ordered a Miele Compact with a Turbo Head floor/carpet nozzle. The suction on this little Miele is unbelievable! Plus it has a dial to reduce the suction for vacuuming curtains and drapes. It cleans our off white WW carpet every bit as well as an upright or canister vac with a motorized power head and there are no electrical connections to wear out. Its powerful, lightweight, very maneuverable and filters the dust very effectively. Probably one of the very best vacs we’ve ever owned. And our carpets look great too.

Eddie

 

[maytag85]

Reply #18

I use my 1965 Kirby Dual Sanitonic 50 on a daily basis, not that complicated to use. I use the attachments about one a week or so for dusting and such but always use it as a upright to clean the floors.

Btw, Performance Reviews and Vacuum Facts put false information out there and most of the things they say are opinions, not really facts. Again, VacLab has many videos comparing direct air vs bypass vacuums, there’s no comparison between the two since the direct air vacuums just about get everything up from the carpet or rug. As long as you use common sense with a direct air vacuum, they can last awhile and provide years of trouble free service.

 

[panasonicvac]

I think Dual Sanitronics are one of the nicer Kirbys in my humble opinion. I like that they don't have a transmission which is an extra thing that can break on a vacuum. I also like that the nozzle width is much smaller where it can actually clean carpets just slightly better. And I like that they're lighter as well. But even those I still wouldn't use for myself either.

And I still have to respectively disagree with you. If Kirbys were supposed to be the best vacuums on the planet and I'll admit there was one point when I really thought they were. Everybody would still keep their Kirby, Kirby wouldn't even have to sell vacuums at Costco today, and Kirby should've picked EVERYTHING off of not only my carpets but my grandparent's as well. Earlier this year we ripped out some carpets from my grandparent's house and the house always had a Kirby, especially the last 8 years when the Kirby took over the house as the main vacuum after the other vacuum had died. There was a BUNCH of sand, grit, and even cat litter left over from underneath the carpet. It's not even shag carpet. This backs up my one point and Performance Review's video of the Kirby which I don't think you've ever watched, Kirbys would've picked ALL of that up if it had more suction power but it doesn't. This is one of the cons of a direct air machine. Sure it may pick up more finer stuff like flour but even with more airflow, it still cannot pick up heavier dirt off the carpets. Actually there was also a time when we also had some of our carpets ripped out in my house, I vacuumed with a Kirby in my old bedroom where I used to do baking soda tests at with my other vacuums, there was even baking soda left underneath the carpet. And that was when I started having doubts on Kirby after being convinced that they were the best. Vaclab does all his testing at his house, I happened to clean other homes with different style carpeting, floors, and surfaces. So not everything he would conclude would be the same for every home. Also his testing is based on science. Performance Reviews' tests is based on what a consumer would normally do in a home. You're not gonna like to hear this but I actually agree with Performance Reviews more than I would with Vaclab. His points make more sense to me. I may not agree with him on everything but if I needed a opinion on a vacuum, I would honestly turn to him over Vaclab and even Vacuum Wars since I don't really agree with his videos either. At least though I'd rather hear from Vaclab than I would with Vacuum Facts, his videos are definitely more confusing than the others. Last but not least here, I've definitely had others issues with using direct air machines. As I said previously, they're just outdated machines. I'm tired of changing belts, they don't have good enough filtration to help with my allergies, they don't have attachments on-board and I do need to use the hose more often than yourself would, etc. I mean direct air machines are just simply not for everyone. With proper care yes they could last for a bit, in fact I take the best care on all my machines. But I generally find bypass machines to be the more reliable than direct air machines and this is coming from someone like me who was in the vacuum store industry like Performance Reviews.

 

[petek]

CR's latest take

Not the highest scoring vacuum for various reasons however:
CR's Take

The Kirby Avalir 2 is one of the costliest uprights that CR has tested. For that price, you do get impressive cleaning capabilities. It scores the highest of any upright in CR’s tests of carpet and bare-floor cleaning. But it does have two distinct shortcomings: It weighs 23 pounds, contributing to its Fair score for handling (the lowest of all uprights) and it’s one of the noisiest models CR has tested

 

[maytag85]

Reply #21

You have to realize that Performance Reviews lives in Colorado where the elevation is higher, I can see direct air vacuums struggling more at higher elevations but since more people live at or a little below sea level, direct air vacuums work fine. I believe Utah is higher elevation as well.

As for belts on direct air vacuums, haven’t had to replace a belt on my 1965 Kirby Dual Sanitonic 50 since I’ve owned it since February. Belts on direct air vacuums usually can last a long time if you don’t set it to the lowest height selection. You are supposed to lower the nozzle one click at a time until you hear if hit the carpet, sometimes you can set it one more click down but usually set it until I hear the brush roll hit the carpet.

This sounds kind of cliché, but to me, Kirby is the Maytag of the vacuum cleaner world since they very rarely update the design and the designs that have been used over the years are usually non-nonsense designs that are easy to repair and just keep going and going.

 

[panasonicvac]

Yes I do live in the Rockies and my area is pretty high up as well but I've also lived out of the region before where I was very close to sea level.

I actually did had to replace belts quite often on my grandparent's Kirby because I've definitely noticed a difference after 1-3 months and I wanted the best performance that I can get out of it. As I said previously, I take the best care of my machines. Heck I even replace the bags almost everytime that I would use it and wash the outer bag in the washing machine. Not because they clog up real fast, but because the bags always stink and I don't like that either. This is one of the reasons why I like central vacs the best because I don't have to smell anything that I would pick up with a portable vacuum including Kirby because all the air is blown out of the house and it is the best for my allergies. And I did always had the Kirby adjusted to the correct height. Ideally if you wanted a belt to last longer, you would take the belt off the motor pully when you're not using it and put it back on when you're vacuuming. I did that as well for a little bit, I quit doing that because not only it was more annoying for me to do but also it still didn't help whenever dirt would get on the belt and wear it out anyways. I like vacuums where the belt is protected from dirt getting inside of there and the Kirby doesn't have that feature. Also regarding the height adjuster, you'd need to have the brushroll spinning at a higher RPM on the carpet if you wanted the best performance. The Kirby loses that brushroll speed once it hits the carpet. There's only one vacuum out there that doesn't do that and it's the Sebo X Series, that's one of the reasons why I like them more than Kirby because it auto adjusts to the correct level on the carpet without losing the speed of the brushroll.

I don't know if you're aware of this before or not but Kirby actually made one of the dumbest decisions a while ago when they changed their bearing supply which causes them to not last as long as they used to. Also, Cleveland Wood no longer makes brushrolls for Kirby and I'm concerned now that Kirby is probably gonna have someone make cheaper brushrolls that are not going to last as long as the wooden brushrolls. Not to mention there was a huge backorder on fans when I had to get new fans for some of my Kirbys just recently. That's another problem with direct air machines is that when the fan breaks, you have to get another fan. Can't tell you how many fans that I had to replace on Kirbys when I was working at a vacuum store. Not just Kirby but also with other direct air machines like Sanitaire or Oreck. I don't worry about this with bypass machines and why I still stand behind that they are generally more reliable than direct air machines. So just like the original Maytag company, I think Kirby is going downhill as well. Actually I think I'm seeing the end of Kirby here real soon. Hate to say it because I loved Kirby growing up and still do today. But Kirbys are still just not for me to use.

 

[tolivac]

In the reviews on vacuums------NO vacuum can be used for "foodservice" use in commerical dining places.They use a Bissel type sweeper or a broom to clean in between diners.I have seen Sebo vacuums BADLY clogged from foodservcie use.Same with other clean air vacuums.At one resturant they tried to pick up a hamburger!!!The local Truck Mount cleaner here has monthly contracts to use his cleaner and service every month on their carpets.The food debris cannot be easily pick up by vacuum cleaners.Crumbs are about the only debris they can handle.
Another problem with present Kirbys that use the current plastic fans.If you let the bag get too full puts too much back pressure on the fan-the reseulting air friction heats up and bends over the fan blades.Same if you use the inflator tool on the blower hose mode.Solution for Kirby-GO BACK to the tempered metal fans as Royal did.
Right now my tandem air vacuums sit in the rear of the lineups.The vac dealer here says they don't sell.He just received a line of Riccar vacuums-their clean airs are quite nice.I tried one that is dual motor-one motor power the brushroll-other for suction.And its airpath is simpler than the tandem air machine.

 

[adam-aussie-vac]

So does this also include dirty air vacuums? Such as Kirbys

And Sanataires? How would they cope

 

[panasonicvac]

I've been into my local restaurants with carpets over the years where they are ALWAYS replacing alot of push sweepers, and they cost about as much as buying a cheap vacuum from departments stores like Walmart or Target. Especially the cordless sweepers. I once worked at a retirement home as a janitorial where I would vacuum with the Windsor Sensor XP15s' in the dining room and I've never had any problems with them. Probably because I know how to use the vacuums correctly and what not to suck up. The people who would clog their machines up probably doesn't know of how to use them. Perhaps it's just better to replace the carpets with barefloors then? That's what some of mine have done.

I've heard from some before who says that metal fans are more problematic than plastic fans on the Kirby Generation Series. Since they're heavier, it would stress the motor even more. I've heard they can break too. And they don't fit on all of their models, I've heard that the G5 and newer ones wouldn't work but does work on the G3 and G4 models. Even with a metal fan on, it still got outcleaned by a bypass machine from this video.





I've used the newer Riccar R25s', I agree that they are nice as well. But I still prefer the older bypass uprights more, I think that was a mistake from them because I find that they do a better job on carpets. Luckily they still do sell the commercial versions under the CleanMax name today, I think I'd buy a CleanMax over a R25. But if I really did had to buy a Riccar, I'd prefer a central vac. I can easily equip it with the Prima's direct air power nozzle if I wanted to. But I find that the EBK360 power nozzle works just as well if not better than the Prima's power nozzle and it isn't even direct air.

 

[bradfordwhite]

Warren off-loaded Kirby for only $1.6 Mill. Probably put the $$ into TSLA stock.

Costco is probably just trying out offering these to see how they move. Not all products are winners, it doesn't matter the retailer. They may also be simply liquidating the remaining stock.

It's so easy to find Kirbys on Craigslist and Ebay for as low as $25, sometimes even free.

I find it very hard to believe this company will be around much longer. The private equity company that acquired them is probably looking to create losses for the sake of off-setting gains elsewhere.

What next? Filter Queen available at Sam's Club?

I remember, years ago, probably 1999 going to Sams club and seeing a rather bol Electrolux canister and upright. I think they were asking about $400. I went back 3 weeks later and the display was gone.

 

[tolivac]

Aers-Lux is still with us and they now have walk-in stores.They mainly emphasize their air and water filters over their large line of vacuums.They no longer go DTD either.Since they have the walk-in shops,machine memos at the stores-also carry filters and bags.They have the FULL line of vacuums Rainbow,Filter Queen and Kirby do not have.Those only have like ONE model or type of vacuum.Aerus Lux has several models-uprights or canisters,even a central vacuum.Figure Aerus can be around for awhile.

 

[panasonicvac]

I think Aerus Electrolux has already met it's fate, at least with vacuum cleaners. They no longer make their own uprights and I heard the same went with their canisters. Maybe even all the rest of the floor care products. Thankfully we got companies like ProTeam and Perfect that make copies of Aerus products but for WAY less.

 

[sudsmaster]

When I bought this house in 1997 it came with an old old old Electrolux canister vacuum cleaner. Complete with hose, cord, and floor tools (I think!).

 

I estimate it's at least 50 years old, maybe older. It's all metal except for the handle and of course the hoses, with a cloth filter. Still ran the last time I tried it, but of course I put it away and got some newer vacs - mostly uprights. Still, it's an interesting antique vac.

 

It's got a metal ID plate, with about 20 patent numbers, and addresses in both New York City and San Francisco.

 

I can take some photos and post them here if anyone can determine how old it really is.

 

 

 

[countryguy]

Definitely post some pics. I can post them on vacuumland and you will get an answer for sure.

Gary

 

[askolover]

a little suggestion about stinky bags...

You know those scent beads people are crazy about? The ones they dump into the washer? Well.....take a few of those and suck them up into your Kirby! Fresh as a daisy! I get the ones from Dollar General cheap and only use them for the Kirby...never in the washer!

 

[tolivac]

I do the same thing with my Kirby and even other vacuums in my collection.

 

[ea56]

When my Mom bought her Kirby in ‘55 there was a little can of deodorizer made by Kirby that came with it. It was the same kind of can that 3-In-One Oil came in. I remember the saleswoman demonstrating how to use it.

On the back of the bag receptacle there was a small screw with a red plastic knob on it, you unscrewed it and placed a few drops of this deodorizer into it and it fell into to the dirt in the bottom of the clean out pan. Then when you next turned on your Kirby the fragrance blew up through the bag and its contents, and the air coming from the bag was scented with the deodorizer.

We only got that one can. After it was gone Mom felt she’d already spent enough money with Kirby. I think she was afraid to have that saleswomen back in the house. No telling what else she’d have talked her into buying, LOL.

As it was she paid the monthly payments by having her hairdresser pad the monthly bill for her services that was sent to my Dad’s law office for payment. Bonnie, her hairdresser gave Mom the difference every month so she could make the Kirby payment and Dad was never the wiser that she’d spent $400.00 on a vacuum.

In 1955 you could by a nice used ‘51 Chevrolet for about $400.00. I never learned about this ruse until I was a teenager and my Dad had been dead for 5 years when she regaled use all of this scheme. It was just like out of an episode of “I Love Lucy”.

Eddie

 

[panasonicvac]

I've tried to deodorize the Kirby in the past, doesn't really last as long as I'd like for it to be. Heck I even bought the Kirby charcoal bags before to see if that would make a difference, it didn't work. I guess it's no wonder why Kirby quit making those bags. Thank goodness I don't have to vacuum that home anymore with the Kirby since my grandparents have passed away and the renters are just using whatever vacuum they brought with them to clean the house. That's why we ripped up some of the carpets out of the house. Luckily I took the Kirby since despite my drawbacks with it, it still holds a special place inside of me. But I will not be using the Kirby to clean my new house, I'm already planning to install in a central vac because that's my favorite type of vacuum to use so the Kirby has been retired now. No more stinky bags as I'm vacuuming.

 

[mattl]

I've never in typical use had a "stinky" vac, my Kirby's are fine. All they are picking up is dust that is already there.  It may be  a bit more concentrated, but non the less it's in your house to begin with. Now if you are picking up wet or damp stuff that is another story.

 

[ea56]

Matt one thing to remember about Kirby vacuums in the 50’s and I believe even into the 60’s is that they didn’t have disposable inner paper bags.

All the dust and dirt went straight into the cloth bag where it sat until the bag was emptied. Those huge Kirby cloth bags held a lot of dust and dirt, months worth. So they did have a tendency to pick up a scent of the dirt that was contained in the bag. Thats why Kirby provided a means for getting a deodorizer into the bag.

Eddie