Hard Floor Vacuum: Anything good, compact, and affordable?

**Athena** · 09-30-2013, 11:58 AM

It would be really nice to have a simple, compact hard floor vacuum to store in the small kitchen closet to vacuum those zillion crumbs my kids drop everyday.

Sweeping doesn't work that well. But I'm wondering if there's anything I'd be happy with without paying too much. I am so very spoiled with my Dyson with its amazing suction, no touch easy empty canister, and HEPA filtration, but I don't want to wreck it with this nasty job.

I really want the compact Dyson, but can't justify the cost. Is there anything for $100 or less that would work for this purpose, stores in a small space, and isn't nasty to empty? I know, I'm very particular.

Thanks for your help!!!

ETA: Or maybe I really want an IRobot to clean it on it's own. That would be awesome, but again a lot of money and I have no idea how well they work. So let's get real (telling self)!

**Car-Seat.Org** · 09-30-2013 11:58 AM

**xursusmaritimusx** · 09-30-2013, 12:06 PM

this is a newer version of the one i have
[ame="http://www.amazon.com/BISSELL-PowerEdge-Floor-Vacuum-81L2T/dp/B00450U7V8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1380560661&sr=8-2&keywords=bissel+stick+vac"]Amazon.com - BISSELL PowerEdge Pet Hard Floor Vacuum, 81L2T[/ame]

and its amazing. ive used it almost every single day for the past 1.5 years around my house. i have laminate and tile floors everywhere so they get dirty fast with the kids. LOOOVE it. it even works on low pile carpet/rugs

**jordansmom** · 09-30-2013, 12:16 PM

We have had this one for 18 months and its decent enough:
[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Electrolux-Ergorapido-Cordless-Handheld-EL1014A/dp/B002IAY3N0/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1380561234&sr=8-4&keywords=electrolux+vacuum"]Amazon.com - Electrolux Ergorapido Bagless Cordless Handheld/Stick Vacuum Cleaner, EL1014A[/ame]

DH bought it at BBB with a 20% off coupon and paid about the same as it is on Amazon right now. I'm pretty sure they have come out with an updated version, hence the lower price on this model.

**Athena** · 09-30-2013, 12:21 PM

Originally Posted by xursusmaritimusx

this is a newer version of the one i have
Amazon.com - BISSELL PowerEdge Pet Hard Floor Vacuum, 81L2T

and its amazing. ive used it almost every single day for the past 1.5 years around my house. i have laminate and tile floors everywhere so they get dirty fast with the kids. LOOOVE it. it even works on low pile carpet/rugs

That looks very promising! I love the idea, but I'm wondering how much more space the V takes? I'll have to measure that tiny closet space because it's really tiny. Is it really an easy empty dirt cup, like they say? Thank you!!!

ETA: Does this cup emptying require touching the dirt? On the Dyson, you pull on the outside and it pops open, emptying out without touching any of it. I know, I'm probably expecting too much, but a gal can hope.

**Athena** · 09-30-2013, 12:24 PM

Originally Posted by jordansmom

We have had this one for 18 months and its decent enough:
Amazon.com - Electrolux Ergorapido Bagless Cordless Handheld/Stick Vacuum Cleaner, EL1014A

DH bought it at BBB with a 20% off coupon and paid about the same as it is on Amazon right now. I'm pretty sure they have come out with an updated version, hence the lower price on this model.

I have to admit I love the cool, modern look of this, but how does it do with chunks of food? "No touch dust cup" = awesome!

Watching video now!

ETA: Cool video, but that isn't no touch emptying

and I might be better off without a brush inside. Does the charging stand have a cord long enough to reach an outlet? Still, looks so cool and I like that it converts into a handheld.

**jordansmom** · 09-30-2013, 12:29 PM

Originally Posted by Athena

I have to admit I love the cool, modern look of this, but how does it do with chunks of food? "No touch dust cup" = awesome!

Watching video now!

Picks up Cheerios no problem! I'm pretty sure the newer version is a bit stronger too so it might do even better with chunks! Ill see if I can google it for you!

ETA..I'm not finding anything! Sorry! My bf and I had the same one and she replaced hers after two years of really really hard use...she bought the same one again but I could have sworn she said the newer one had a bigger motor/more power.

**Athena** · 09-30-2013, 12:35 PM

Originally Posted by jordansmom

Picks up Cheerios no problem! I'm pretty sure the newer version is a bit stronger too so it might do even better with chunks! Ill see if I can google it for you!

ETA..I'm not finding anything! Sorry! My bf and I had the same one and she replaced hers after two years of really really hard use...she bought the same one again but I could have sworn she said the newer one had a bigger motor/more power.

If it picks up Cheerios, that's perfect!

**jordansmom** · 09-30-2013, 12:41 PM

Originally Posted by Athena

I have to admit I love the cool, modern look of this, but how does it do with chunks of food? "No touch dust cup" = awesome!

Watching video now!

ETA: Cool video, but that isn't no touch emptying

and I might be better off without a brush inside. Does the charging stand have a cord long enough to reach an outlet? Still, looks so cool and I like that it converts into a handheld.

Definitely have to touch it to empty it, but I just went and emptied mine and my hands didn't have to touch the dirty parts if that makes sense. I held the cord above my head totally stretched out and am guessing it is 6.5 feet.

**jordansmom** · 09-30-2013, 12:43 PM

It's not perfect, but it gets the job done for us especially under the table and in the kitchen. I don't have to lug out the big vacuum and can run this at the end of the day. I would say it doesn't seem as powerful as when we first go it, but for only paying $80ish and using it pretty regularly for 18 months, I'm okay if I have to replace it in the next year.

ETa...I just found a link that might tell you more! http://www.electroluxappliances.com/...cuum-Cleaners/

And here is a quick slideshow on stick/handheld vacuums and some faves:
http://www.realsimple.com/home-organ...847/index.html

**Athena** · 09-30-2013, 01:37 PM

I'll take a look at those links. Thanks!

I think I put this thread in the wrong subforum. Sorry.

**sirrahn** · 09-30-2013, 02:10 PM

I had a Roomba for a number of years. They do work quite well....when they work

. My first one had lots of warranty replacements and I finally upgraded to a newer model. That one was good for almost 3 years, but then it wouldn't charge and a new very expensive battery didn't fix it. There's also a lot of maintenance if you have pets because their hair gets sucked onto the ends of the brushes way too easily. Overall, I loved having it, but when I figured out the cost per year, it really was too much, and I haven't gotten another one.

We recently ripped out all of our carpet and now have hard floors in our entire house. I posted this thread a while ago and got some good ideas although I was more looking for something full size at the time.

I actually ended up picking up one of these about a month ago because my Swiffer vac isn't charging well anymore. I've been very impressed with it for basically being a dustbuster with a long handle. Can't beat the price either!

Because it isn't rechargeable, it's stays powerful. I've actually been using it in my whole house and have been quite happy with how well it picks up. The cord is kind of short, but it's very easy to empty. I do have to pull out the filter, but I only touch the clean side and then I just shake the filter and dump the container into the trash.

I may eventually get a nice canister vacuum, but for now, the little vac and the dustmop for in between is working quite well.

**newyorkDOC** · 09-30-2013, 04:08 PM

There's a dyson DustBuster. I don't remember the model number but I was very tempted to get it last year. Its around 150 I think.

**mamom** · 09-30-2013, 04:39 PM

Originally Posted by newyorkDOC

There's a dyson DustBuster. I don't remember the model number but I was very tempted to get it last year. Its around 150 I think.

Saw a new commercial for a dyson hard.

**Athena** · 09-30-2013, 05:48 PM

Originally Posted by sirrahn

I actually ended up picking up one of these about a month ago because my Swiffer vac isn't charging well anymore. I've been very impressed with it for basically being a dustbuster with a long handle. Can't beat the price either!

Wow, that is a great price! Does it pick up chunks of food, like cheerios? Thanks for sharing your experience with the Roomba. I love the idea, but really can't justify the cost.

Originally Posted by newyorkDOC

There's a dyson DustBuster. I don't remember the model number but I was very tempted to get it last year. Its around 150 I think.

Yeah, that one retails for $200, so maybe $150 on sale? However, it doesn't extend, so it'd kill my back having to bend over to vacuum the floor.

Originally Posted by mamom

Saw a new commercial for a dyson hard.

It costs as much as the smaller digital slim.

**xursusmaritimusx** · 09-30-2013, 06:32 PM

Originally Posted by Athena

That looks very promising! I love the idea, but I'm wondering how much more space the V takes? I'll have to measure that tiny closet space because it's really tiny. Is it really an easy empty dirt cup, like they say? Thank you!!!

ETA: Does this cup emptying require touching the dirt? On the Dyson, you pull on the outside and it pops open, emptying out without touching any of it. I know, I'm probably expecting too much, but a gal can hope.

mine is pretty compact. really not much more space than a broom takes. i keep mine in my coat closet.

the cup is easy to empty. you dont have to touch anything to empty it. the only thing you have to touch is when you clean the filter and all that. yeah you have to touch that i but i think you do on any bagless vacuum.
with this one you squeeze the release and the collection cup comes out and you just dump it.

**sirrahn** · 09-30-2013, 07:02 PM

Originally Posted by Athena

Wow, that is a great price! Does it pick up chunks of food, like cheerios? Thanks for sharing your experience with the Roomba. I love the idea, but really can't justify the cost......

It does! I've actually sucked up several things unintentionally thinking they would be too big. I never intended to use it for anything but quick pick ups, but I was really pleasantly surprised.

**trippsmom** · 09-30-2013, 07:18 PM

That Bissel 3-in-1 is actually pretty decent. We had one for 5 years. It was mine in college and I just carried it into marriage. We used to use it around the whole house. Definitely does pick up Cheerios and other chunks well. If you wait, they're almost always $10 on Black Friday.

we bought them two years ago to keep in each classroom suite at mdo. It keeps classrooms clean during the day after snack and lunch and crafts.

**Athena** · 10-01-2013, 12:50 PM

Originally Posted by trippsmom

If you wait, they're almost always $10 on Black Friday.

Wow! I can wait to pay only $10! Is that deal usually at Walmart?

Sounds like I have a few options to look at. Thanks, everyone!!!

**trippsmom** · 10-01-2013, 01:21 PM

Originally Posted by Athena

Wow! I can wait to pay only $10! Is that deal usually at Walmart?

Sounds like I have a few options to look at. Thanks, everyone!!!

Yep. Walmart special. We bought 5 of them and they have been worth every penny. Teachers have never complained about them. The teachers have gotten more adventurous in the sensory tubs because they know how easy cleanup is going to be.

**sirrahn** · 10-07-2013, 04:50 PM

FWIW, I just got an email from Walmart that says the color versions of the Bissel 3 in 1 are on sale for $14.88. If you like orange, teal or purple,that's a good deal with no wait!

Link