Vacuum cleaners

Comment:

This is a reconditioned unit purchased from a Canadian business with an on-line presence. It included a new ET-1 Powerhead & wand, 1 extra filter set and a supply of aftermarket bags. The cord rewind mechanism, a weak point on all SEBO C3.1 units, I am told, failed shortly after receiving the unit, although it worked upon arrival. That and one of the casters was replaced locally. I have spent about $300., including purchase and repairs, on the machine. Since those initial problems the machine has worked without incident. SEBO's national customer service, located in the Denver area, has proven to be extremely accomodating and efficient. <br /><br />The machine is quiet but does tend to run on the hot side. The ET-1 powerhead is a newer model that does have an on/off switch for the powered brush as well as a height adjustment. It appears to work at least adequately, maybe better, on carpet, but I'm not crazy about using the powerhead, with the brush turned off, on bare floors. The different diameter of the wand makes fitting genreric attachments difficult-to-impossible.<br /><br />The unit is used in a house with two people, one cat and mixed surface floors.<br /><br />When Mr. Dyson talks about traditional bags sapping the power of vacuum cleaners as they fill, he could be talking about this model specifically. With a new bag the suction is quite good and I have found little to complain about. However, as the relatively small bag fills up the suction seems to drop off more quickly than the amount of debris in the bag would suggest. The two additional filters, while helping trap very small particulates, do nothing to help airflow. <br /><br />SEBO's current generation canister, the D4, appears to address the issue of the small bag's limited capacity by housing a larger bag with more surface area. I have seen the D4 but have not auditioned it.<br /><br />As long as C3.1's bags are replaced frequently and the filters changed as directed, the unit works pretty much as advertized, particularly with the ET-1 power head. While fairly expensive when new, a reconditioned unit may be just the ticket for someone with a smaller budget and sensitive to dust or other allergens.<br /><br />The 4 Star rating reflects the unit I have when working at its optimum. My recommendation is guarded due to newer units, from various manufacturers, being available.

How long have you owned it:

More than six months

Bottom Line

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.

(2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

Comment:

We don't understand the low rating that CR gives the Sebo. Maybe it's the price (they aren't cheap). We've owned many Kenmores and Hoovers and that's the problem - we've owned many of them over the years. They're made in China and they just don't last. We've had the Sebo Airbelt for almost 4 years and haven't had a single problem. They're quiet, very well designed, and do a great job on virtually all surfaces. The HEPA filtration system is hospital grade and is probably one of the best you can buy if you have any kind of allergies. Airflow on the tools isn't spectacular but does the job just fine. CR states the Airbelt doesn't have a manual pile adjustment but it does. Properly adjusted it will clean the carpet the best you've ever seen. It was (and may still be) the official vacuum of the White House if that tells you anything.

How long have you owned it:

More than six months

Bottom Line

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.

(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

Comment:

This german vacuum's air belt exhaust is unusual and prevents damage to doorways the vac is pulled past. However, its suction motor's relatively noisy, runs very hot and clogs the final filter with carbon dust. The paper (not filtrette) bags quickly choke on fine dust. Plastic fit of parts is so-so while the brush head has no brush shutoff switch and rattles annoyingly. Given how much this vac costs, there are better choices from Miele.

How long have you owned it:

Three-to-six months

Bottom Line

No, I would not recommend this to a friend.