I'm looking for a combo that is hard to find

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I'm looking for a combo that is hard to find

by M. M.
(MA)

I'm looking for something that is:

1) great on pet hair and fine dust (I'm allergic to dust)

2) bagless and preferably has a HEPA filter that does NOT need replacing

3) a detachable hand-held unit that I can use for my car

I'm interested in the Windtunnel 2 by Hoover, because nothing needs replacing; even the belt is life-time. It also has a self-cleaning filter. However, it doesn't have a detachable unit, is a bit bulky, and isn't cheap.

I like the Bissell Pet Hair Revolution because of the detachable unit, but I'm not sure whether it works without a chord when detached, as a handheld vacuum does. Also it requires replacing the filter, and in general seems to be inferior to Hoover's vacuums.

My dilemma is that I already own a Hoover Self-propelled Windtunnel, and it works fine, but it's 8 years old or so and I keep having to buy a new filter ($20) as well as bags, so I spend an additional $30 or $40 on the vacuum each year, and I'd rather put that towards a new one.

Is something that steam cleans the way to go? Are there ones that will double up as steam cleaners and regular vacuums cleaners that are also great on pet hair?

In addition to having allergies, I'm a clean-freak, especially when it comes to floors, so I'm extra keen on finding something that won't let stuff back out into the air.

Sorry for the myraid of questions!

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I'm looking for a combo that is hard to find

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Nov 30, 2008

Different types of cleaning, different vacuums
by: VacuumWizard

It is often the case that great functionality in one area comes from design decisions that impair functionality in other areas.

The product does one job exceptionally well and other jobs maybe not so well. It’s the old saw about having work done that is Cheap, Fast, or Good-you can pick any two, and the third one is left out.

For a vacuum purchase decision, as you’ve already found, a feature listed on the box is not always exactly the same feature you are looking for.

The first step then is to prioritize the features that you are most interested in, and narrow down the product search based on the fit for each criterion that you’ve identified.

Price may also become a factor at this stage, and help you rule out on option or two.

Consumer research can be a great help here, narrowing down the choices. Examples of highly recommended vacuums for pet hair and fine dust include the Euro-Pro Shark, Oreck, Hoover Wind Tunnel, Fantom, Eureka, Riccar, Electrolux, Kirby, and Rainbow.

Most of these brands are HEPA vacuums.

The next consideration is, upright or canister? Uprights are far more convenient, but are more prone to leakage.

You can actually see the leakage in action by operating the vacuum in a beam of sunlight. You’ll be able to see the dust leaking out, and compare the trapping and leakage characteristics of both the upright and canister models for yourself.

For the best cleaning and containment, a canister vacuum is the way to go. Given your concern about finding a unit that “won't let stuff back out into the air.”, it is unlikely that an upright will meet your requirement.

This key difference in functionality narrows down the choice to canister models made by Hoover, Fantom, Eureka, Riccar, Electrolux, Kirby, and Rainbow.

Rainbow is an interesting product, with a water filtration system. The argument against the water filtration system is that the water creates a breeding ground for mold.

Unfortunately, there is no one single best vacuum to do all of these jobs. Consider separate machines for each application, especially steam cleaning!

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Nov 30, 2008
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Submitted by: VacuumWizard

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It is often the case that great functionality in one area comes from design decisions that impair functionality in other areas. The product does one job exceptionally well and other jobs maybe not so well. It’s the old saw about having work done that is Cheap, Fast, or Good-you can pick any two, and the third one is left out. For a vacuum purchase decision, as you’ve already found, a feature listed on the box is not always exactly the same feature you are looking for. The first step then is to prioritize the features that you are most interested in, and narrow down the product search based on the fit for each criterion that you’ve identified. Price may also become a factor at this stage, and help you rule out on option or two. Consumer research can be a great help here, narrowing down the choices. Examples of highly recommended vacuums for pet hair and fine dust include the Euro-Pro Shark, Oreck, Hoover Wind Tunnel, Fantom, Eureka, Riccar, Electrolux, Kirby, and Rainbow. Most of these brands are <a href="http://www.vacuumwizard.com/hepa-vacuum-cleaners.html">HEPA vacuums</a>. The next consideration is, upright or canister? Uprights are far more convenient, but are more prone to leakage. You can actually see the leakage in action by operating the vacuum in a beam of sunlight. You’ll be able to see the dust leaking out, and compare the trapping and leakage characteristics of both the upright and canister models for yourself. For the best cleaning and containment, a canister vacuum is the way to go. Given your concern about finding a unit that “won't let stuff back out into the air.”, it is unlikely that an upright will meet your requirement. This key difference in functionality narrows down the choice to canister models made by Hoover, Fantom, Eureka, Riccar, Electrolux, Kirby, and Rainbow. <a href="http://www.vacuumwizard.com/rainbow-vacuum-cleaners.html">Rainbow</a> is an interesting product, with a water filtration system. The argument against the water filtration system is that the water creates a breeding ground for mold. Unfortunately, there is no one single best vacuum to do all of these jobs. Consider separate machines for each application, especially <a href="http://www.vacuumwizard.com/steam-cleaners.html">steam cleaning</a>!

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