General Chat

We have two. A Dyson which is about 2 years old and hardly picks up a thing, and Henry, a red and black servant who I have come to regard as a friend. He's always willing to help out and is very reliable and good at his job. He's been with us for about 4 years and has no plans to leave the household.

I don't use a Hoover, I use a vacuum cleaner (Morphy Richards pod)!! Interesting question though.

I have a Dyson - can't remember its make, it's yellow & grey. Previously I had a Rowenta and before that I had a complicated wet/dry thing that wasn't much use. Before that I had a reconditioned 2nd hand one. None of them were Hoovers, they are vacuum cleaners and in my experience they are all good until they've been used a bit. I don't think they have the staying power of washing machines. nell

I also have a Dyson, a cylinder type, I've had it for about 7 years - it was one of the first ones they did, but in the last few months it hasnt been picking up very well and I have to vacumn the place using one of the attachments rather than the proper brush.

Lordy Daniel .... I wish my lads were as friendly with the Vacuum as you ! *chuckle* I've got a Phillips Triathlon, it's a wet and dry vac and I've always found it very good. It's 10 years old now, and despite a few structural repairs ( I melted the hose against the boiler flue by accident!) it's as good as the day I bought it. The bags were horrendously expensive in the beginning but now I can get the cheaper copies. XX Sioux

I am going to watch this thread with interest as I had a brilliant Hoover that lasted 20 years and when we had to replace it we decided to splash out on a yellow and grey Dyson (NEVER AGAIN). It's heavy (hubby has to carry it up and downstairs for me) it doesn't pick up any cotton etc, it keeps locking in the upright position so I have to keep pushing it with my foot and it's hopeless on stairs (we have to use our little hand vaccuum). So before I throw it in the dustbin in disgust, I want to know what to replace it with. Chrissie x

A Hoover, this latest one's aTurbo something or other and is brilliant. I've always used Hoovers, had Electrolux in between but useless. Also had (have) Vax but that gets used for the car mostly. I'll stick with my Hoover. Jan

Surprised to hear anti comments about Dyson, had only heard good reports about them, my mum has one and been very pleased with it, was good for picking up dog hairs, hers is the grey & yellow upright model, probably about 7 yrs old. We have a Kirby (a very expensive model) although it has been a good vacuum cleaner and we must have had it around 22 yrs, it's very heavy and I wouldn't go to the expense of having another. The trouble is don't know what to replace it with, mind you, with hubby now pushing it around, it's not a problem for me anymore!! lol. Val

Although can be a bit heavy going on long pile carpet without doubt Henry is the best work horse of all for in and outside the home is easy to clean and you can use with or with the bags. The Charles is same make and even better as it's a wet and dry vax. :0))

We have had a Dyson for a number of years, works well, loads of suck. As we have 5 dogs my wife is considering upgrading to the Dyson DC-14 Animal. Anyone got any experience of this model? Derek.

Also have a yellow and grey Dyson - excellent on carpets, dreadful on smooth floors.

I too have an Electrolux - an upright one - and it's brilliant. Daniel I can't stand Henry. My hubby bought 3 for work and I just want to slap their silly little faces! lol. I question the sanity of anyone who buys a hoover with a face on! Also the Henry type vacs hurt my back. I did discover a good way of blowing one up though. Go into a house with no lights and try hoovering the carpet without realising there has been a massive water leak. Henry sucks up all the water and starts to smoke! lol Jeanette x

Derek - try Miele - the red one called Cat and Dog. Saw 3 vacuums demonstratedc about 9 years ago on tv - think it was watchdog and this one came out top for hairs. I shot out and bought one and never regretted it. It has a turbo suction for the carpets etc. Friend has finally purchased one (has 2 cats a 1 dog) and is loud in praises - I keep saying to her - I told you so. Have heard nothing but bad reports about Dyson amongst friends and even worse on their washing machines

Lucky to be where I live - I have a Beam built in so I have only a hose and the head to drag around.

To those that have "pickup" problems, have you changed/cleaned the filters? Especially the last one before the actual motor inlet...........They get fluffed up quite drastically Ps we have a DCo4 and yes..........glad I bought the extended warranty.............

I have a small Carlton (some people probably use them to do the car) which has done stirling work but now needs to retire. I have been considering picking up a Dyson, but have been hearing bad reports of them. My second choice is a Henry. What do my friends advise? Jim

I have had three Dyson's, each time I updated to the top of the range (at the time). I regularly changed filters etc.......never again! About a year ago I bought an Oreck and haven't looked back! It is fantastic (a bit old fashioned in design), but for 'picking up' it can't be faulted. I recently had a problem in that it 'didn't seem right', I phoned Oreck, explained the situation, they came and picked it up, checked it out for me, replaced the offending 'part' and had it delivered back to me in four days, which included a weekend! Julie

"Hoover" whats one of them ? ah must be a lady thing (joking) :-) we've a Dyson was good now like my football team c--p.

When my AEG Vampire bit the dust, so to speak, I bought a Dyson. It was a disaster. Doesn't pick up cat and dog hair or bits of fluff and cotton from sewing. Spent a fortune on replacing filters to no avail. Doesn't go right up to the skirting board or under furniture. Also very heavy. After two years I replaced it with a new AEG and have been delighted with it. My brother has a Miele which is on a par with my vacum cleaner. Some one I know with back trouble bought an Oreck and has been very pleased with it because it is so light. Rosemary(Essex)

Evening Daniel, my trusty Henry, with his friendly face! :) Daughter has a little hand vac thing, but don't think it sees much use! :)