By Mariette Mifflin
Question: What is a Robot Vacuum?
What is a robot vacuum and can it replace a canister or upright vacuum cleaner?
Answer: No, although robot vacuums are very convenient rug and floor cleaners, they do not have the suction and performance power of an upright or canister model, and cannot perform a regular deep cleaning of your carpet.
These tiny little robots are powerful hands-free, battery charged, rug and floor sweepers, that have been engineered to seek out and pick up the dirt, lint, sand and dust that lies on your floor and carpet surface. A 'glorified' carpet sweeper that works independently, while you do more important things.
With remote capabilities, these vacs are a real benefit for people who have mobility problems. For the person who has a very hectic daily schedule, you could take comfort from knowing your home is being 'swept' while you're out driving the children to their sporting events. They even work to eliminate low-lying floor dust and allergens to help allergy sufferers.
Care and maintenance of these little robots is quite simple. Filter and brush replacements when required; emptying the dust bin after each use, and checking your unit for trapped debris which can hinder performance.
You can't beat the convenience features that come with some models, or are available for purchase separately. Things like a scheduler - so it can clean while you're out; remote - so no bending required; a hanger or wall-mount for storage convenience; a self-charging base - to look after the power factor; and virtual walls - to confine it to one area.
The price range of robotic vacuums is quite wide and is influenced by special features, technology and accessories. If you're shopping for one, take time to ensure that it has all the options you really want. A packaged deal may be more economical, than a lower priced unit plus several must-have accessories.
Sending the robot out to do the sweeping once a day, can really cut down on your housework. You'll still need to do a good vacuuming regularly, so don't retire your canister or upright, but these little robotic gems can sure keep those dust bunnies in check.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Save Money on a Vacuum Cleaner
By Sarah Aguirre
Pick Your Options:
A lot of the bells and whistles of the expensive vacuum cleaners, aren't really necessary. Self-propelled motors may sound nice until you realize that that feature adds a lot of weight to what you have to lug around. Do you really need dirt detectors, headlamps, and to different attachments? Pare down your ideal vacuum to what you really need, and you can save a lot of money.
Buy Refurbished or Used:
If you want to purchase a vacuum cleaner on a budget, one way to do it is by considering a refurbished or a used model.
Refurbished vacuum cleaners are often available through retailers with the same warranty that a new vacuum cleaner would provide. Used vacuum cleaners may be available at reputable vacuum shops at a reduced price and with at least a small warranty. This is a great option for those willing to take a small risk on a reputable brand.
Buy A Model Down:
Vacuum manufacturers are always coming out with new models with extra features. You may be able to find a new vacuum cleaner that is last year's model. Retailers will clear out older models at a discount to make room for the newest vacuum cleaners available. Many of these models have the great cleaning power of the newer models minus a few bells and whistles.
Choose Bagged Budget :
If you need to choose a budget brand or model and air quality is an issue, try choosing bagged over bagless vacuums. Bagless budget vacuum cleaners are, in general, better for air quality than bagless budget vacuums. If you need to worry about allergies or breathing problems then considering a bagged model will be your best bet. Even though the bags may have some cost, the air quality of your home will be better.
Pick Your Options:
A lot of the bells and whistles of the expensive vacuum cleaners, aren't really necessary. Self-propelled motors may sound nice until you realize that that feature adds a lot of weight to what you have to lug around. Do you really need dirt detectors, headlamps, and to different attachments? Pare down your ideal vacuum to what you really need, and you can save a lot of money.
Buy Refurbished or Used:
If you want to purchase a vacuum cleaner on a budget, one way to do it is by considering a refurbished or a used model.
Refurbished vacuum cleaners are often available through retailers with the same warranty that a new vacuum cleaner would provide. Used vacuum cleaners may be available at reputable vacuum shops at a reduced price and with at least a small warranty. This is a great option for those willing to take a small risk on a reputable brand.
Buy A Model Down:
Vacuum manufacturers are always coming out with new models with extra features. You may be able to find a new vacuum cleaner that is last year's model. Retailers will clear out older models at a discount to make room for the newest vacuum cleaners available. Many of these models have the great cleaning power of the newer models minus a few bells and whistles.
Choose Bagged Budget :
If you need to choose a budget brand or model and air quality is an issue, try choosing bagged over bagless vacuums. Bagless budget vacuum cleaners are, in general, better for air quality than bagless budget vacuums. If you need to worry about allergies or breathing problems then considering a bagged model will be your best bet. Even though the bags may have some cost, the air quality of your home will be better.
Before You Buy an Upright Vacuum Cleaner
Buying the right upright vacuum cleaner for your individual needs is an important and expensive decision. Vacuums come with many different options and advantages, and it can become confusing finding just the right vacuum for your needs. Here are some of the more common options to consider before purchasing a vacuum cleaner.
Amps
Amps refers to the power of the motor, and range from 3.6 to 12. In general, the higher the amp rating, the more suction the vacuum cleaner will have and the more it will cost.
Bag or Bagless
Traditionally, most vacuum cleaners come with cardboard bags to collect the dust and dirt. Today, more and more vacuums are bagless, containing a cylinder that collects the dust and is emptied after vacuuming. The advantages are that you don't have to purchase bags and the ease of emptying.
* Top Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaners
* Review - Eureka The Boss Lite
* Review - Fantom Fury -Bagless
Filters
Many vacuum cleaners have some form of filtration that helps capture fine particles. Filtration ranges from micron filters to true-HEPA filters, which are said to offer the best filtration. In general, a true-HEPA filter will increase the cost of the cleaner.
Attachments
Most upright vacuum cleaners come with some onboard cleaning attachments. Although an upright's attachments will generally not clean as well as a canister type vacuum, you will want to compare the attachments available and flexible hose length if applicable.
* Top Canister Vacuums
Edge Cleaning
This is another factor to consider before purchasing your vacuum cleaner. Vacuums that can pick up dirt under the entire area of the cleaning head are more useful for cleaning wall-to-wall carpeting.
Amps
Amps refers to the power of the motor, and range from 3.6 to 12. In general, the higher the amp rating, the more suction the vacuum cleaner will have and the more it will cost.
Bag or Bagless
Traditionally, most vacuum cleaners come with cardboard bags to collect the dust and dirt. Today, more and more vacuums are bagless, containing a cylinder that collects the dust and is emptied after vacuuming. The advantages are that you don't have to purchase bags and the ease of emptying.
* Top Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaners
* Review - Eureka The Boss Lite
* Review - Fantom Fury -Bagless
Filters
Many vacuum cleaners have some form of filtration that helps capture fine particles. Filtration ranges from micron filters to true-HEPA filters, which are said to offer the best filtration. In general, a true-HEPA filter will increase the cost of the cleaner.
Attachments
Most upright vacuum cleaners come with some onboard cleaning attachments. Although an upright's attachments will generally not clean as well as a canister type vacuum, you will want to compare the attachments available and flexible hose length if applicable.
* Top Canister Vacuums
Edge Cleaning
This is another factor to consider before purchasing your vacuum cleaner. Vacuums that can pick up dirt under the entire area of the cleaning head are more useful for cleaning wall-to-wall carpeting.
Miele HealthyClean(TM) Anti-Allergen Vacuum Available Exclusively From Best Vacuum, Inc.
The Miele HealthyClean(TM) , a new HEPA canister vacuum cleaner that includes the most asked-for anti-allergen features in a value-priced package, is now available exclusively from Best Vacuum, both online at BestVacuum.com and at the retailer's Lincoln Park Chicago store.
"We asked our customers what they wanted in an anti-allergen vacuum cleaner," said Paul Teven, Best Vacuum president. "Then we went to Miele and worked with them to create a package that not only offered this unique combination of features, but did it at an affordable price."
At just $499, The Miele HealthyClean(TM) delivers terrific value, with its combination of odor-reducing Active HEPA filtration, combination floor tool for carpeting and hard surface flooring, variable suction and five cleaning tools, including a mattress tool and a universal brush with long, soft bristles ideal for cleaning shelves, lamp shades and delicate surfaces.
Being a Miele vacuum , the Best Vacuum-exclusive HealthyClean vacuum is lightweight and quiet, yet still powerful with its 1200-watt Vortex Motor System. With a six-position dial suction control, you can choose the right amount of power for the job at hand.
For allergy sufferers, the Miele HealthyClean's active HEPA filter not only captures and retains tiny, lung-damaging particles, including dust mite feces and pollen. It also uses an activated charcoal filter to absorb odors. Combined with the Miele Sealed System construction, virtually no allergens or dirt leave the Miele HealthyClean vacuum to re-enter the air you breathe.
The Miele HealthyClean also features the new Hyclean dustbag. The Hyclean bag not only provides additional filtration, but also includes a self-closing collar that automatically seals the bag as soon as the dust compartment lid is opened, so changing bags is as clean as it is easy.
Accessories with the Miele HealthyClean vacuum include a natural bristle dusting brush, upholstery nozzle and crevice tool, as well as the mattress tool and universal brush. An optional turbobrush is available for enhanced carpet cleaning.
The Miele HealthyClean canister vacuum cleaner is available only from Best Vacuum, online at BestVacuum.com or from its storefront in Chicago's Lincoln Park, 2646 N. Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, IL 60614. Phone orders also are accepted toll-free at 888 205-3228.
Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=883645
"We asked our customers what they wanted in an anti-allergen vacuum cleaner," said Paul Teven, Best Vacuum president. "Then we went to Miele and worked with them to create a package that not only offered this unique combination of features, but did it at an affordable price."
At just $499, The Miele HealthyClean(TM) delivers terrific value, with its combination of odor-reducing Active HEPA filtration, combination floor tool for carpeting and hard surface flooring, variable suction and five cleaning tools, including a mattress tool and a universal brush with long, soft bristles ideal for cleaning shelves, lamp shades and delicate surfaces.
Being a Miele vacuum , the Best Vacuum-exclusive HealthyClean vacuum is lightweight and quiet, yet still powerful with its 1200-watt Vortex Motor System. With a six-position dial suction control, you can choose the right amount of power for the job at hand.
For allergy sufferers, the Miele HealthyClean's active HEPA filter not only captures and retains tiny, lung-damaging particles, including dust mite feces and pollen. It also uses an activated charcoal filter to absorb odors. Combined with the Miele Sealed System construction, virtually no allergens or dirt leave the Miele HealthyClean vacuum to re-enter the air you breathe.
The Miele HealthyClean also features the new Hyclean dustbag. The Hyclean bag not only provides additional filtration, but also includes a self-closing collar that automatically seals the bag as soon as the dust compartment lid is opened, so changing bags is as clean as it is easy.
Accessories with the Miele HealthyClean vacuum include a natural bristle dusting brush, upholstery nozzle and crevice tool, as well as the mattress tool and universal brush. An optional turbobrush is available for enhanced carpet cleaning.
The Miele HealthyClean canister vacuum cleaner is available only from Best Vacuum, online at BestVacuum.com or from its storefront in Chicago's Lincoln Park, 2646 N. Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, IL 60614. Phone orders also are accepted toll-free at 888 205-3228.
Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=883645
Va-va-vacuum! Lighter, greener, faster and more powerful than ever - the latest vacuum cleaners will bust your dust in no time
Miele S7260 Cat & Dog [pounds sterling]299
House-proud pet owners will love this machine, which ruthlessly sucks up cat and dog hair, while also removing a high percentage of dust and allergens in the air. It has a large 4.7ltr dust bag and an 11.3m cable, so you don't have to keep stopping to unplug it as you move from room. Verdict Efficient hair removal. Contact www.miele.co.uk
Hoover Silent Energy [pounds sterling]179.99
The latest generation of Hoover cylinder machines addresses the problem with many cleaners - they make too much noise. Switching to silent energy mode means energy use is halved and the machine purrs along at an acceptable 72dB. The 6m cord length is a little restricting though. Verdict Quiet. Contact www.hoover.co.uk
Dyson DC31 [pounds sterling]129.99
With its macho looks and its claim to have the 'fastest motor in the world', this might just get the boys to start cleaning. It only has ten minutes of battery life at full pelt, though. Verdict Fast and efficient for quick clean-ups. Contact www.dyson.co.uk
Samsung Big Neo SC8442 [pounds sterling]78.49
Hold on to your rugs because this light (5.8kg) bagless vacuum has remarkable suction power. Its HEPA 11 filter also makes it good for allergy sufferers. Verdict Good value. Contact www.samsung.com
House-proud pet owners will love this machine, which ruthlessly sucks up cat and dog hair, while also removing a high percentage of dust and allergens in the air. It has a large 4.7ltr dust bag and an 11.3m cable, so you don't have to keep stopping to unplug it as you move from room. Verdict Efficient hair removal. Contact www.miele.co.uk
Hoover Silent Energy [pounds sterling]179.99
The latest generation of Hoover cylinder machines addresses the problem with many cleaners - they make too much noise. Switching to silent energy mode means energy use is halved and the machine purrs along at an acceptable 72dB. The 6m cord length is a little restricting though. Verdict Quiet. Contact www.hoover.co.uk
Dyson DC31 [pounds sterling]129.99
With its macho looks and its claim to have the 'fastest motor in the world', this might just get the boys to start cleaning. It only has ten minutes of battery life at full pelt, though. Verdict Fast and efficient for quick clean-ups. Contact www.dyson.co.uk
Samsung Big Neo SC8442 [pounds sterling]78.49
Hold on to your rugs because this light (5.8kg) bagless vacuum has remarkable suction power. Its HEPA 11 filter also makes it good for allergy sufferers. Verdict Good value. Contact www.samsung.com
How to choose the right and upright Vacuum cleaner
by Ilan Cohen
Another company that has some great products that be ordered online is DysonVacuumUpright. It gives you the details of all the products that are manufactured by the company and also gives an inventory of other brands like Bosch, Dirt Devil, Hoover, Miele, pro team, royal, etc. The best quality vacuum cleaners are showcased by them that offer the best price.
The Dyson Vacuum upright has the features and advantages of a 12 gallon collection tank. It has 6.5 hp single stage motor and the cord is a 20ft power cord. There are also the ultra web cartridge filter and collector filter bag to collect the dust in fine powder form as well. It is fixed on four casters and is ready for any work. The tools that go with it are stored in on-board tool storage. The tools that are incorporated are crevice tool nozzle with squeegee and brush insert and a claw nozzle.
Another item displayed on the website is Eureka LightForce 300 Upright Bagless Vacuum. It is a lightweight Vacuum cleaner that weighs less than 17 pounds. Due to its light weight it is very easy to handle and it can go to any space so there is no dirt. The weight of this vacuum cleaner is less than 17 pounds. It easily goes to all the space where dirt lingers. The motor of this vacuum cleaner is strong and it has a 12-amp motor. The Telescopic Self-Cleaning Duster gets to up high places to capture dust from delicate surfaces.
The Dyson DC17AA Asthma & Allergy Upright HEPA Vacuum Cleaner is the world's most efficient cyclone technology having constant suction system. It has very high grade pick-up with unique cleaner head and motorized brush bar to get best average pick-up on all types of floors. It has been certified as asthma and allergy friendly.
Another company that has some great products that be ordered online is DysonVacuumUpright. It gives you the details of all the products that are manufactured by the company and also gives an inventory of other brands like Bosch, Dirt Devil, Hoover, Miele, pro team, royal, etc. The best quality vacuum cleaners are showcased by them that offer the best price.
The Dyson Vacuum upright has the features and advantages of a 12 gallon collection tank. It has 6.5 hp single stage motor and the cord is a 20ft power cord. There are also the ultra web cartridge filter and collector filter bag to collect the dust in fine powder form as well. It is fixed on four casters and is ready for any work. The tools that go with it are stored in on-board tool storage. The tools that are incorporated are crevice tool nozzle with squeegee and brush insert and a claw nozzle.
Another item displayed on the website is Eureka LightForce 300 Upright Bagless Vacuum. It is a lightweight Vacuum cleaner that weighs less than 17 pounds. Due to its light weight it is very easy to handle and it can go to any space so there is no dirt. The weight of this vacuum cleaner is less than 17 pounds. It easily goes to all the space where dirt lingers. The motor of this vacuum cleaner is strong and it has a 12-amp motor. The Telescopic Self-Cleaning Duster gets to up high places to capture dust from delicate surfaces.
The Dyson DC17AA Asthma & Allergy Upright HEPA Vacuum Cleaner is the world's most efficient cyclone technology having constant suction system. It has very high grade pick-up with unique cleaner head and motorized brush bar to get best average pick-up on all types of floors. It has been certified as asthma and allergy friendly.
The Latest Vacuum Cleaner Technology
by Allen Roberts
Vacuum cleaners may be seen as a stodgy old appliance that does not change much, but there have been advancements in the last several years that make vacuuming easier and more enjoyable as well as more effective. The most innovative changes have come from Dyson. Today's vacuums run cleaner than those in the past (less dust in the air), and are more powerful to grab pet hair and dirt that older vacuums could not pull out of a carpet.
Bagless Upright Vacuums - Many of the newest vacuums are bagless. This means that you do not have to buy bags. With a bagless vacuum, you empty the dirt and dust directly into into your trash can and you are ready to go. This innovation has been available for quite a while. The latest bagless vacuums allow you to empty your dirt container with the press of a button (so you don't have to handle the dirt). Dyson Bagless Vacuums empty at the bottom of the dirt container for easy disposal.
Sealed Canister Vacuums - Miele bagged canister vacuums are sealed to prevent dust from escaping, and have self sealing bags that close up when removed from the vacuum, eliminating your having to be exposed to the dust and dirt in those bags.
Ball Upright Vacuums - This is the latest type of vacuum which was introduced by Dyson. Instead of wheels, the Dyson uses a ball in the front of the vacuum making it much more maneuverable than traditional vacuums. To our knowledge, only Dyson has this type of vacuum.
Quiet Vacuums - Most vacuums are pretty loud and can scare pets. Electrolux makes an ultra quiet canister model, the EL6985a. Miele's entire line of canister models are sealed and made for quiet performance.
Cyclonic Vacuums - This technology (available on all Dyson uprights) separates the dirt and debris from the air before it meets the filter. This keeps the filter from clogging. Clogged filters are a big problem, especially when dealing with pet hair. Cyclonic vacuums can be more powerful since an unclogged filter allows for more suction.
Direct Drive Motors - Most upright vacuums have one motor that drives the compressor for suction, and with a belt drives the beater bar. Using a separate motor for the brush makes the vacuum beltless, so you don't need to replace belts. Many Dyson vacuums are beltless.
Hepa Filtration - Many vacuums have Hepa filters which get rid of dirt and dust out of the exhaust air. Many older vacs spew out dirt and dust in the air when vacuuming. This feature is important for allergy sufferers and those that don't want to inhale what was in the rug.
Dirt Sensor - Some vacuums have a dirt sensor that detects when the vacuum is no longer picking up dirt, so you know when to move on to another area of the carpet.
As you can see there are many new features of vacuums to consider. You need to determine which technologies are important to you before choosing the best vacuum for your needs. Reading reviews of these vacuums can give you an idea of how others have used them in real world situations. Low end vacuums usually do not have many of these advanced features.
Vacuum cleaners may be seen as a stodgy old appliance that does not change much, but there have been advancements in the last several years that make vacuuming easier and more enjoyable as well as more effective. The most innovative changes have come from Dyson. Today's vacuums run cleaner than those in the past (less dust in the air), and are more powerful to grab pet hair and dirt that older vacuums could not pull out of a carpet.
Bagless Upright Vacuums - Many of the newest vacuums are bagless. This means that you do not have to buy bags. With a bagless vacuum, you empty the dirt and dust directly into into your trash can and you are ready to go. This innovation has been available for quite a while. The latest bagless vacuums allow you to empty your dirt container with the press of a button (so you don't have to handle the dirt). Dyson Bagless Vacuums empty at the bottom of the dirt container for easy disposal.
Sealed Canister Vacuums - Miele bagged canister vacuums are sealed to prevent dust from escaping, and have self sealing bags that close up when removed from the vacuum, eliminating your having to be exposed to the dust and dirt in those bags.
Ball Upright Vacuums - This is the latest type of vacuum which was introduced by Dyson. Instead of wheels, the Dyson uses a ball in the front of the vacuum making it much more maneuverable than traditional vacuums. To our knowledge, only Dyson has this type of vacuum.
Quiet Vacuums - Most vacuums are pretty loud and can scare pets. Electrolux makes an ultra quiet canister model, the EL6985a. Miele's entire line of canister models are sealed and made for quiet performance.
Cyclonic Vacuums - This technology (available on all Dyson uprights) separates the dirt and debris from the air before it meets the filter. This keeps the filter from clogging. Clogged filters are a big problem, especially when dealing with pet hair. Cyclonic vacuums can be more powerful since an unclogged filter allows for more suction.
Direct Drive Motors - Most upright vacuums have one motor that drives the compressor for suction, and with a belt drives the beater bar. Using a separate motor for the brush makes the vacuum beltless, so you don't need to replace belts. Many Dyson vacuums are beltless.
Hepa Filtration - Many vacuums have Hepa filters which get rid of dirt and dust out of the exhaust air. Many older vacs spew out dirt and dust in the air when vacuuming. This feature is important for allergy sufferers and those that don't want to inhale what was in the rug.
Dirt Sensor - Some vacuums have a dirt sensor that detects when the vacuum is no longer picking up dirt, so you know when to move on to another area of the carpet.
As you can see there are many new features of vacuums to consider. You need to determine which technologies are important to you before choosing the best vacuum for your needs. Reading reviews of these vacuums can give you an idea of how others have used them in real world situations. Low end vacuums usually do not have many of these advanced features.
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