Vacuum cleaners

(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

Comment:

I can't praise this vacuum enough! This really deserves a higher rating! I bought my Kirby sentria used online. I LOVE the Kirby Sentria! I've really saw an amazing difference in my carpets after I just made the very first swipe with it during the first time I used it! my carpets even feel brand spankin' new! I own 3 other uprights: a 2012 Oreck Magnesium, a 2004 or 2005 Dyson DC07 animal, and a 1985 Hoover Custom Convertible model U4395. Out of all the uprights, this thing out cleans the newer big box store vacuums and cleans just as good (if not better)as the old big box store vacuums used to clean! the suction on this vacuum is INCREDIBLEY POWERFUL! When converted to a hand held vacuum, it is a hand held vac on steroids (triple digit CFM and powerful brush action) and will do better than any handvac on the market today; additionally, when the Kirby is a hand vac, you truly can, like the advertising slogan for the old dirt devil hand vac says, put the power of an upright in the palm of your hand! I will NEVER buy a vacuum from a big box store again! although the Kirby is heavy, it's not a con as it doesn't even feel heavy to me (and I am as strong as the average human! I could go on and on for days about how I love my Kirby, but i'm going to cut it here. all in all, the Kirby sentria is a beast! thank you Kirby for making such a great vacuum that would be highly rated by CR! if you want a Kirby, get one! you'll really love it! trust me! :)

How long have you owned it:

More than six months

Bottom Line

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.

Comment:

I have owned Kirby vacuums for years and decided to upgrade to the Sentria. While it is the best I've ever owned as far as picking up dirt and dog hair, I am very disappointed with how it bounces up and down when vacuuming against the nap of the carpet. I've had it in to the local Kirby shop to try and resolve the problem only to be told its because the brush is too new and it will stop bouncing once the brush is older and wears down. I don't believe that hogwash but don't think I'll get a better answer or service out of the repairman in the area. I'll have to wait until I move back to the real world for that..<br /><br />Despite the above problem, I still love my Kirby and would recommend it.

How long have you owned it:

More than six months

Bottom Line

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.

Comment:

Kirby is one of, if not the finest vacuum cleaners ever built. To address some of the negative comments: Yes it is heavy compared to others on the market, yet it's only 23 lbs so it's not unmanagable. But the weight is also a possitive. Why is it heavy? Because it's made using metal instead of plastic. So while its a little heavy, it's sturdy enough to stand up to heavy abuse and use. Pricey, a little, but that's becuase metal costs more than plastic. But at the same time, it will outlast those cheaper plastic cleaners. Financing is NOT cheap. But then it's an unsecured loan that most people will qualifiy for. If you have access to regular bank or credit union loans, that would cost far less.<br /><br />Duribility. The Sentria is my 2nd Kirby and I bought it mainly because of the Tech Drive. I still have my grandmother's Kirby that was built in the 40's or 50's (as best we can find out). It still runs great, but was hard for my mother because of the weight and lack of self propelled drive.<br /><br />Cleaning. The Kirby's really suck, in a good way. I've seen it pull pine needles from several inches away. After cleaning up from Christmas I rarely find any needles or maybe a 1/2 dozen. With the old cleaner we had, I'd find them stuck in the carpet monthes alater. It has far more suction than my shop vacuum. It has also been known to grab stray socks from several inches away. (I don't recommend picking up socks as they jam the beater bar and ruin the belt.<br /><br />Yes, you do have to take off the rug nozzle to put on other attachments but that's a pretty simple processes of turning a knob and flicking a lever. It also means you don't have to carry around stuff you're not using.<br /><br />Yes it uses a bag, it's part of the hepa system. I don't like the bagless type where you have to empty a cup. For one thing, they're usually pretty small and when you dump them, the dust flies up in your face.<br /><br />The don't plug. Well, ok, they can, but you have to work at it. Like trying to clean a deep pile of pine needles to quickly.<br /><br />They aren't hard to steer, once you learn how. Many people try to hold the handle too upright then you have to force turns. If you let the handle down a bit, then you can pivot on the rear wheels.<br /><br />Lifetime rebuild. Should it ever need it, you can send it back to Kirby for a thurough overhaul and rebuild and tuneup. The price is subject to change but last I saw was in the $300 range. Still cheaper than most of the quality vacuums are to purchase.<br /><br />My advice is to buy a Kirby at as young an age as you can then you will not need to buy a vacuum every few years. They'll last a lifetime and then some.

How long have you owned it:

More than six months

Bottom Line

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.