best dog hair vacuum that's not a dyson? - eta: I got a Dyson anyway!

• RidgebackGermansShep Posted : 1/24/2007 10:41:35 PM I only read like the first 3 posts, i'll go back and read the rest later. I sold vacuums at sears for almost 4 years. My personal choice (and the one i bought for my mom) was the kenmore progressive canister. Pricy, but amazing! Very versatile and great on both carpet and hardwood, especially great if you have stairs. I have the hoover self propelled windtunnel upright, and i also like it. If i can't afford the kenmore canister when my vacuum quits, i'll get a dyson. They're awesome too. I do not recommend a bagless vac for pet hair (unless it;s a dyson) They tend to smell, the filters get clogged, and it's gross to clean up. Also, i think that the roomba is a POS. It's great to clean up crumbs and stuff while you're gone, but i think $200 for an in between clean (it will never replace a real vac) is a waste of money. 0 LIKE Like Share You have posted to a forum that requires a moderator to approve posts before they are publicly available. Hey, it's way more fun when you sign up or log in Connect With Connect With Sign Up Login
• cryssi Posted : 1/25/2007 3:34:07 AM I don't know whether to be happy or sad...I found the manual for our hoover windtunnel...looked at troubleshooting...took off the piece it said to...sure enough, the wide belt is worn down to almost breaking in one place.  Dangit, looks like all I need is a 4.95 pack of belts...well, I guess we really didn't have the money for a new vacuum anyway...I think I'm sad...   I'll let you all know if that was really the problem.   RidgebackGermansShep...did you like the Kenmore Progressve upright as well?  My friend swears by hers as well for her many furry friends.  Also you said that all bagless are bad for pets except Dyson...hair doesn't stick to the cup??  thanks! 0 LIKE Like Share You have posted to a forum that requires a moderator to approve posts before they are publicly available. Hey, it's way more fun when you sign up or log in Connect With Connect With Sign Up Login
• Vivian Posted : 1/25/2007 8:27:45 AM My dog doesn't shed, but my 3 cats do, I'd never, ever be without my Dyson, I love it! very easy to use and love that there are no bags !  It picks up everything in sight.  It is a bit heavy, but it is worth it!  I'd never buy anything else. 0 LIKE Like Share You have posted to a forum that requires a moderator to approve posts before they are publicly available. Hey, it's way more fun when you sign up or log in Connect With Connect With Sign Up Login
• marty_ga Posted : 1/25/2007 9:01:10 AM Cryssi, I went through belts constantly with my Hoover Windtunnel...I would buy them in 3 packs just to make sure I had one when needed.  And the thing smelled bad in spite of a Hepa filter.  I did find out there is another filter to be changed on the side handle.  I got tired of buying parts for it... The first thing I noticed about the Dyson was the lack of smell, even after 6 months of use.  I got the yellow one, as it is lighter in weight for my bad back.  Works fine! 0 LIKE Like Share You have posted to a forum that requires a moderator to approve posts before they are publicly available. Hey, it's way more fun when you sign up or log in Connect With Connect With Sign Up Login
• spiritdogs Posted : 1/25/2007 9:19:41 AM ORIGINAL: sairey Has anyone discovered a vacuum that works for long-haired dogs? I have four rough collies and have gone through so many vacs it long ago ceased to be funny. [:@] Check out the photo of Sioux in my post.  Nothing worked till I got my Dyson Animal - I love that thing.  Her hair choked three other vacs prior to this.  It never clogs, and it's bagless, and a cinch to empty.  I got mine for shorter money on eBay. 0 LIKE Like Share You have posted to a forum that requires a moderator to approve posts before they are publicly available. Hey, it's way more fun when you sign up or log in Connect With Connect With Sign Up Login
• jenhuedepohl Posted : 1/25/2007 11:06:45 AM I don't know whether to be happy or sad...I found the manual for our hoover windtunnel...looked at troubleshooting...took off the piece it said to...sure enough, the wide belt is worn down to almost breaking in one place.  Dangit, looks like all I need is a 4.95 pack of belts...well, I guess we really didn't have the money for a new vacuum anyway...I think I'm sad...   I'll let you all know if that was really the problem. My Hoover Windtunnel went through belts like crazy. Between having to keep the brush low to get it to actually work and all the legos/nails/misc schtuff that was embedded in my carpet I went through at least one belt a month. 0 LIKE Like Share You have posted to a forum that requires a moderator to approve posts before they are publicly available. Hey, it's way more fun when you sign up or log in Connect With Connect With Sign Up Login
• cryssi Posted : 1/25/2007 11:43:10 AM so...you mean I should buy a new vacuum anyway? []   lol!  kind of brightened my day! 0 LIKE Like Share You have posted to a forum that requires a moderator to approve posts before they are publicly available. Hey, it's way more fun when you sign up or log in Connect With Connect With Sign Up Login
• marty_ga Posted : 1/25/2007 12:03:36 PM Well, I did!  I was itching to try the Dyson... 0 LIKE Like Share You have posted to a forum that requires a moderator to approve posts before they are publicly available. Hey, it's way more fun when you sign up or log in Connect With Connect With Sign Up Login
• jode88 Posted : 1/25/2007 12:38:39 PM I dont know about the Kenmore progressive but my Animal was about 50 bucks cheaper.  I love it....I vacuumed my living room with my old vacuum then used the animal to see if it would pick up any more.  My goodness, it was a lot more.  We got ours on clearance at Lowes cuz it had no box or manual. The mgr even came down on that price for us. It was a steal. 0 LIKE Like Share You have posted to a forum that requires a moderator to approve posts before they are publicly available. Hey, it's way more fun when you sign up or log in Connect With Connect With Sign Up Login
• RidgebackGermansShep Posted : 1/25/2007 5:51:56 PM Yes, i like the progressive upright as well. I would get the direct drive though, for sure. It's just not as easy to use as the canister. In 2005 or 6, i can't remember...the progressive canister was #1 in consumer reports. I think the upright was #3 or so. 0 LIKE Like Share You have posted to a forum that requires a moderator to approve posts before they are publicly available. Hey, it's way more fun when you sign up or log in Connect With Connect With Sign Up Login
• cryssi Posted : 1/26/2007 11:24:51 AM well, after wrestling unsuccessfully with that darned belt (how do they expect you to get that thing off/on???), I finally had DH put it on (it was tough but he did it), I can now use my vacuum again.  Changed the bag and it's just fine (took a long time for that red light to go off though, ugh).  I still want a new vacuum...but I guess it's not so urgent.  That's not to say that when it's time to get one, I won't be asking the same questions again...LOL   I find myself being drawn back to the dyson camp, even though CR didn't rate it high.  EVERYWHERE I go to read ratings people love it to death, with the exception of 1 or 2 people...maybe I can save up for it...   Anyway, thanks again to EVERYONE who offered their advice!  I really, really, really appreciate it! 0 LIKE Like Share You have posted to a forum that requires a moderator to approve posts before they are publicly available. Hey, it's way more fun when you sign up or log in Connect With Connect With Sign Up Login
• bunni Posted : 1/26/2007 1:14:54 PM I've had the shedding problem with Deva (American Eskimo) for about 10 years. She seems to shed a whole dog every week. We've gone through numerous vaccums and nothing works without clogging. Now we have something that works perfectly: A woman who comes in and cleans every week. [] 0 LIKE Like Share You have posted to a forum that requires a moderator to approve posts before they are publicly available. Hey, it's way more fun when you sign up or log in Connect With Connect With Sign Up Login
• cryssi Posted : 1/26/2007 1:16:40 PM ORIGINAL: bunni  A woman who comes in and cleans every week. []   YES!  I need THAT solution! 0 LIKE Like Share You have posted to a forum that requires a moderator to approve posts before they are publicly available. Hey, it's way more fun when you sign up or log in Connect With Connect With Sign Up Login
• Heathr6913 Posted : 1/26/2007 6:54:45 PM i swear i already answered this question...but i couldnt find it hmm anyway. i have a hoover fusion its basically walmarts knock off of a dyson. i LOVE it! ive had it over 2 years now and its still going strong. and you wouldnt believe what that thing picks up. i think it costs about 120 dollars. 0 LIKE Like Share You have posted to a forum that requires a moderator to approve posts before they are publicly available. Hey, it's way more fun when you sign up or log in Connect With Connect With Sign Up Login
• sallya Posted : 1/26/2007 10:50:46 PM I spoke to the owner of a vacuum store. He doesn't sell Dyson. He also repairs vacuums etc. He sells great vacuums and recommended two. One is only about $150 and the other is the VERY best at almost $500. He doesn't like Dyson. Says there is no hepa filter, just a sponge you wash. Is that true? I will be buying one of the vacuums he recommends. One is very good, all metal parts. Hard to find now! 0 LIKE Like Share You have posted to a forum that requires a moderator to approve posts before they are publicly available. Hey, it's way more fun when you sign up or log in Connect With Connect With Sign Up Login