Tuesday, February 06, 2007

To Dyson or Not to Dyson?

OK, talk to me about vacuum cleaners. Specifically, Dysons.

I know, I know, so exciting. But I'm dying to get a new vacuum--ours is AWFUL. I was pretty satisfied with it at the apartment but now that we've got all hardwood floors it is completely worthless. Vacuuming makes me grouchy because I end up with a backache from having to use the tiny attachment throughout the house and drag the vacuum all over by the hose...ugh. I don't vacuum as often as I should because I hate doing it so much with this vacuum, and with a beagle who sheds more hair than should be possible...this is a bad thing.

So Steve finished our taxes last night and we're actually getting a nice chunk of change back from Uncle Sam, and my wonderful hubby says I can get a new vacuum. YAY!! I was determined I was going to save up to get a Dyson. They are so expensive, but I have heard such raves about them and figured it would be a good investment--would not have to be replaced in a couple of years and would make keeping the house clean SO much more enjoyable for me. But Steve looked on Consumer Reports and found that this Kenmore model was actually rated higher than the Dyson and it's $200 cheaper. It has great reviews on the Sears website and everything. He's convinced.

I'm not quite convinced to let go of the Dyson. Anyone have personal Dyson experience? Especially long-term? Is it really worth it? Comments are open...

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

I've heard mixed things . . . so you say you mostly have hard wood floors? One of my friends says it doesn't do well on hard wood, but an another one says they love theirs on hard wood.

One of my blog friends posted about her Dyson here:

http://bethyoung.wordpress.com/2006/
10/13/pretty-in-pink/#comments

Maybe you could ask her some questions.

Anonymous said...

Hi there, I found your blog from Danielle's. We have a Dyson and we love it. It's great on hardwood floors and a wonder on carpets. I can't imagine anything better!

Anonymous said...

Why dont you try a BISSELL Healthy Home? Rated number 10 in Consumer's Reports... cleans both carpet and bare floors wonderfully.

The Dyson is poor on carpeting and it does not fit uner your counter overhang in the kitchen. The Kenmore is very average.

Amy said...

just looked on CR--holy moly, the Bissell is heavy--26 lbs! and people said the Kenmore is heavy at 21 lbs...

what is so great about the Bissell?

Anonymous said...

BISSELL is built like a tank. You wanted something that will last, well this one will. Designed in America for American homes. The exhaust air actually comes out cleaner than when it entered the unit. Antimicrobial tank and hose. It is an amazing unit.

Amy said...

ok...what's your angle, anonymous--are you a salesperson? or just a happy customer? why the anonymity, about vacuums? :)

Anonymous said...

I am very biased (but not a Salesperson) and encourage you to simpy check it out in person in the store. This is the first time I have ever "blogged" - way outside of my comfort zone.

Amy said...

so how'd you end up here, just out of curiosity? I do appreciate the input.

Anonymous said...

Google alert. I took a quick look at your blog and thought I would give you some feedback, since you guys look like decent, nice people. Very coincidental!

Lynnster said...

Saw you pop up on the NIT aggregator with this and just thought I'd chime in... my mother bought a Dyson a couple of months ago, uses it on both carpet and non. She says it's the best appliance purchase she's made in 40+ years and totally loves it...

Anonymous said...

It cracks me up that this is the post where you get a billion comments.

I can speak to this because I just got a Dyson! After several months of consideration. And it is awesome. Seriously, it's been a while since I last vacuumed because our other one busted (and we were saving for this) but the amount of dirt and dust and stuff it picked up was AWESOMELY GROSS. To think that I was walking barefoot on my carpets with all that stuff in it...

I love it. I only have two non-carpeted areas in my house, but it picked up from them really well.

This is Amanda, but I'm too lazy to sign in via google.

Anonymous said...

I have a friend who owns a Dyson, and she loves it. They have two dogs who shed and it does really well picking up everything. Their house always looks really clean even with the dogs constantly running around.

I really want a new vacuum too. Maybe I'll have to try to ask for one of those if we get any money back this year. :)

Anonymous said...

Don't know anything about the Dyson...was thinking though...sounds great for carpets...but for wood floors, most of the people I know who have indoor pets, cats/dogs, Swiffer and love it on wood...having just discovered the wonders of cleaning with microfiber, I'd suggest a microfiber mop for your wood...the covers are removable and washable...

You might check out microfiber on the internet...it is truly wonderful when it comes to cleaning....I've switched to it...even have microfiber dish towels...

That's my 2 cent input...my credentials are I've been a full time homemaker for 39 years....love a clean house, but want to do it as efficiently and quickly as possible...

Amy said...

thanks for the input :) I have a Swiffer, but I hate just pushing the dirt around. You have to drag it and make sure you get it all...and then to actually pick it all up when you finish the room...I'd MUCH rather vacuum it all up.