I am looking for a multi-purpose vacuum for mainly laminate flooring and tackling stairs; which is better--a lift-away model or a standard?
1957621
Definitely a lift away. I have two large fluffy dogs and am to the moon happy with my choice. It's worth it-completely. We have mostly all hardwood and laminate. A few large area rugs.
1410545
If your sets of stairs aren't too high, the wand will probably extend enough for you to clean them from the bottom. A stair attachment is included. This vacuum works GREAT for animal fur and hair, we have two long haired cats and a dog that sheds a lot. Only problem I have with mine is that it is the high maintenance girlfriend of vacuums, have to clear dust and fur out of lots of little nooks and crannies all over the vacuum every week or two or it builds up and interferes with regular operation. But it's worth the effort. After a year of service it's still going strong, and I fully expect it to last several more years. If your sets of stairs aren't too high, the wand will probably extend enough for you to clean them from the bottom. A stair attachment is included. This vacuum works GREAT for animal fur and hair, we have two long haired cats and a dog that sheds a lot. Only problem I have with mine is that it is the high maintenance girlfriend of vacuums, have to clear dust and fur out of lots of little nooks and crannies all over the vacuum every week or two or it builds up and interferes with regular operation. But it's worth the effort. After a year of service it's still going strong, and I fully expect... » Read More If your sets of stairs aren't too high, the wand will probably extend enough for you to clean them from the bottom. A stair attachment is included. This vacuum works GREAT for animal fur and hair, we have two long haired cats and a dog that sheds a lot. Only problem I have with mine is that it is the high maintenance girlfriend of vacuums, have to clear dust and fur out of lots of little nooks and crannies all over the vacuum every week or two or it builds up and interferes with regular operation. But it's worth the effort. After a year of service it's still going strong, and I fully expect it to last several more years. « Show Less
730156
I just used the vacuum yesterday to vacuum my whole second floor which has hard wood floors and some area rugs. It worked beautifully!! I never have to pick anything up. I would have never bought the machine if it didn't pick up along the edges.
1646980
This vacuum does not have vibration mechanism for the so-called deep cleaning. It is primarily designed for the hard floors, such as ceramic tile, wood hardwood floor, or linoleum. (It will not damage the surfaces, even wood floor) The suction is so strong, it sucks up all the dog hairs on the carpet (my regular vacuums does not do a good job on sucking up hairs.) Although it is designed for the hard floors, I also use it for the carpet - it does a fantastic job. I also use it for cleaning the window curtains - it works unbelievably effective (you need a brush attachment came with the unit or purchase from Amazon). It cleans carpet better than my Royal or Kirby machine. The sucking heads is designed in such a way, it can access to every corner of the house. It is very light, weighs only about 7 pounds. After I bought this unit, my house dust level suddenly drops to near zero! I consider this vacuum is one of the most worthwhile purchase in my 70 years of life. You will not regret if you own one! Oh, by the way it has a telescopic extender for the tall persons and changing the dust bag is extremely easy. Believe me this appliance will change your life, may even extends your life expectancy! Good luck.
2052641
**I do not own this** but was researching this product. It appears that they are selling this with an additional floor attachment now (not this item, a different item listing in amazon, at a similar price) that description has pictures of an extention arm being used (matching those on mfr website). Like the others answering earlier, remember it is a handheld vacuum first, that happens to have a floor attachment. Here's the current name for that item listing "BLACK+DECKER BDH2020FLFH MAX Lithium Flex Vacuum with Stick Vacuum Floor Head and Pet Hair Brush, 20-volt"
1352637
It's what ever we have all over the house in the US. The larger volts are for ranges and dryers. Great vacuum. Steep price, but if you want it to move seamlessly from carpet to hardwood, then it can't be beat!
1651187
Wish I could answer about stairs, but Ive used it for a few months now in a 800 sq ft apt mostly carpeted and I've loved it. As a guy who doesn't vacuum regularly, this thing is awesome because its easy to use and it picks up a ton. I have no problem emptying out a container, it's so much easier then remembering to buy bags or filters.
807289
I think a vacuum would do a better job on stairs. This is mainly for clothing and furniture material.
2224141
Compared to other vacuums I've owned, the Dyson works well on stairs. The base is small enough to sit on a step, while the flexible hose and scaled-down attachments are easy to maneuver over individual steps and into corners. I haven't had a single problem with this vac.
2220992
This is the best for the stairs! It has 2 rotating brush extensions for either wide or shallow stairs, or your preference. Easily detaches, easily connects.. It is light enough in weight, that it will be fairly effortless to go up or done the stairs, doing carpet or hard flooring material. Lastly, it gets good and close on the edges next to the wall or the next step, however your stairs are arranged. I think you will be pleased, I have been!Have fun,Mark
919254
In my home all I have is hard surfaces for my floors because I have at this time 2 dogs and 2 long hair cats. When I moved in here I took out all carpets - this is a desert location and well difficult to keep floors clean all that to say, I have wood, tile and laminate flooring throughout my home. I needed a vacuum that would do a major clean up on cat hair and cat litter plus all the miscellaneous 'stuff' that comes in from the gardens on all the paws. I needed a vacuum that could be used with and without the brush because the tile needs the brushing element to get litter out of the grout between the individual tiles...this vacuum does it ALL my tiles and my wood/laminate without brushes that can destroy the wood/laminate finishes. I keep the recharger and vacuum in my office also where the litter boxes reside and any mess is quickly cared for with so little effort. Since my cats are a breed known as Ragdolls and quite large in size I do have cat hair to content with along with litter....not a problem for this vacuum. You just pop off the canister on the front and I do this at my outside garbage area and shake out the canister - the filter comes out easily and I clean it with a very soft tooth brush...takes so little time and I've my vacuum back on its stand recharging in readiness for the next use. I have talked on at length, however in my defense I am 80 years old and when I feel I have something worth talking about, I do. Hope this answers your question.
2237071
Well, someone is ranting, but the hundreds of happy Dyson reviewers can't be ignored. I've had the dc17 for over a year. 1) I use the low reach floor tool under furniture. 2) What hardwood attachment? When vacuuming on bare floor, turn the brush bar off. Tada. 3) The hose design is much easier to use, no extension rods to connect. 4) It's 20 lbs, average for the class. There is much heavier. 5) Anything will break if continually abused. I haven't had to use the 5 yr warranty yet. 6) I would seriously take your vacuum off your hands except you seem to have trouble with things breaking on you. Maybe you should stick with the cheap stuff. Hoover's got the Tempo for under $100. Well, someone is ranting, but the hundreds of happy Dyson reviewers can't be ignored. I've had the dc17 for over a year. 1) I use the low reach floor tool under furniture. 2) What hardwood attachment? When vacuuming on bare floor, turn the brush bar off. Tada. 3) The hose design is much easier to use, no extension rods to connect. 4) It's 20 lbs, average for the class. There is much heavier. 5) Anything will break if continually abused. I haven't had to use the 5 yr warranty yet. 6) I would seriously take your vacuum off your hands except you seem to have... » Read More Well, someone is ranting, but the hundreds of happy Dyson reviewers can't be ignored. I've had the dc17 for over a year. 1) I use the low reach floor tool under furniture. 2) What hardwood attachment? When vacuuming on bare floor, turn the brush bar off. Tada. 3) The hose design is much easier to use, no extension rods to connect. 4) It's 20 lbs, average for the class. There is much heavier. 5) Anything will break if continually abused. I haven't had to use the 5 yr warranty yet. 6) I would seriously take your vacuum off your hands except you seem to have trouble with things breaking on you. Maybe you should stick with the cheap stuff. Hoover's got the Tempo for under $100. « Show Less
131311
Absolutely! We've had Kirby, Orec, Hoover, Electrollux & other vacumes. I bought this one because most of our flooring is tile or wood, for which it does a superb job, but I was astounded at how well the powered worked on the carpet. The unit is light, versatile, powerful and gets under nearly everything except our sleeper sofa and Chinese hutch. It is by far the best vacume we've ever owned.
2170988
I use a turbo head that runs off the suction and has rotating brushes - One advantage is that if you are cleaning larger areas this will allow you to get under furniture with out moving it, also you might need an adapter to go from 1.5 " to 1.25 but worth it. I have had a cleaning company for 35 years and have been using proteam back packs for 25 of them and still have the original one I purchased (OK so we have replaced the motor 5 times or so in that time , still worth it.
366447
I have a mixture of carpet, tile & vinyl and the Miele upright does a very nice job on all three. You can set the vacuum for different heights as well as different surfaces (e.g, carpet or wood). I'm very pleased with the vacuum for both it's cleaning power and how quiet it is. The removable tool hose & wand is great for reaching hard to get places. I wish the brush attachment was a little larger, but that's my only complaint. Great vacuum.
394600
Yes,I especially love it for the stairs,I use the small vacuum that detaches.
1243436
I had this vacuum for 15 years and it was great for kitty litter. Lots of suction, better than my Sears canister. It is excellent on hardwood, concrete, vinyl, and on carpet it will pick up surface debris. I am on this site ordering another one!