Central vac vs. Dyson stick vac

sowego wrote:
The DC23 has an air-driven brush head which will only work well on light rugs not heavy carpet. If there is no power connection going to the head...it is airdriven.

Just a quick comment on the air driven brushes -- Both of my Dyson vacs have an air driven brush attachment and I too was concerned that it might stall out on heavier carpeting. I have found this to *not* be the case. In fact, I have used it on everything from tile floors, to furniture, to deep shag carpeting and it does not stop rotating.

I'd go with the Dyson or really any model of a similar quality unit. Built-in units are ok but with any portable vac you can take it outside to clean the car, the lower bays, even the dog!

The Dyson has more power than many portable vacs I've used. I have the DC23 canister type. For our purposes at home without carpeting it works wonderful. The DC23 has an air-driven brush head which will only work well on light rugs not heavy carpet. If there is no power connection going to the head...it is airdriven. Be sure to read the product description at their website or on the box. I don't know as much about the model you described because I chose the canister model to research.

I have heard the Shark is a decent vac and less costly than the Dyson.

Aridon wrote:
Consumer reports did some work with Dyson vacs and found them over priced garbage IIRC.

Kind of like Bose, charge a premium and people will think they are getting something special.

You can get power head attachments for carpet for any central vac.

Are you saying I can get a power head for my non powered hose for the Eureka central vacuum in my Big Country 5th Wheel?

As the OP, I made my decision. I chose the Dyson for its easy of use, compact storage, portability (can be used anywhere ie. tow vehicle) I have attached pics of the vacuum disassembled and with just the power brush(for stairs). I also purchased the optional car kit which includes flexible hose crevice tool and brushes. I got a very good deal as a package through Walmart.com. Everything for 250. This unit can be stored under the bed, couch, small closet. My DW loves it so much she wants one for the sticks and bricks. Haven't been able to find a deal like the one I got so I'll wait.

Take a look at this Hoover Nano lite.

I have to admit the commercials for the Shark "something" they test against the Dyson are pretty compelling. Can't remember the name of the Shark; maybe Rocket or Super Suck, I don't know.

I have the DD Central Vac, it provides more than adequate suction and when used with the power head attachment, does a very good job on carpets. I also the floor sweep feature where you can easily sweep dirt into the central vac with a brush/broom which is very convenient on tile/hard surface flooring. The biggest negative for a central vac system is the need to pull out the hose for use.

riggsp wrote:
We have a Dirt Devil Central Vac with the power head attachment...absolutely no problems with it. We've never used a Dyson, but have tried other brands that didn't work as well as the Dirt Devil.

Is that the new updated Central Vac Dirt Devil? Anyone else like it?
I find it difficult to keep going outside to get the Bissel Vac from the bin under the slide out. Just wanted to know how powerful the Dirt Devil Central Vac is.

Another plus with the Dyson is their customer service. They are second to none. We purchased a rebuilt Animal Dyson DC41 in 2005. There have been two instances where we had to call CS. The first time, they talked my husband through the repair, about an hour on the phone, no parts required, just an adjustment. Recently, we had an issue with the beater bar. Again, CS spent a considerable amount of time on the phone with my husband. It was determined the unit needed a new clutch. Dyson called the local repair shop, made the apppointment for us, and within two days we had our Dyson back. The cost was $95.00. Don't think you'll get that with Shark or Dirt Devil. The unit was rebuilt to begin with and is now 9 years old and still going strong. Well worth the initial cost.

+1 for the Dyson DC44 Stick Vacuum. We like it for its suction of animal hair (2 Corgis). It is very small and it is hung on its holder in the back closet.