Which make of vacuum is better for it's money?
Kirby is outrageously priced and is not worth half the cost. Same with Rainbo and Rainbo has been tested by Consumer Reports and recieved a very low rating. Sara has posted two different Ph. numbers now without the area code.
Definitely the Rainbow, The Kirby used Bags which even though it uses Hepa Filtered bags, it still leaves dust behind. I know because I own the newest one right now. and in the process of getting a Rainbow. My parents had a Rainbow and I got so used to using the Rainbow that when I got the Kirby thinking it was better Vacuum I quickly found out that it was not. I get burning eyes and nose from the the air that it blows out. Also, it you were to vacuum over a wet spot you would need to quickly change the bag, cause mold grows in the bag and leaves a horrible smell. I have kids, who are constantly spilling things on my carpet so that's my problem. But when using the attachments on the Kirby they easily come apart while using them so they get stuck under beds and furniture where you have to crawl under to fish them out. Also when using it as a shampooer, you immediately have to change the bag and it leaves your carpet very wet. and doesn't do a good shampoo job. Rainbow is so, so, so much worth the cost. No paying $16 a month on bags just dump the water out. I am in the process of getting a Rainbow and dumping my Kirby!
Rainbow, shmainbow. The question is for a vacuum cleaner, not a service. Kirby's reputation was based on their very solid machines. I am not sure that today they are any more solid than their competitors, and I think they are WAAAAAAY more expensive. Although they have updated their machines and are incorporating modern technology, I think that the edge in terms of performance, not to mention value, goes to competitors. I looked at the ratings for vacuum cleaners on one of the rating sites, and found that the Kirby came in 8th place after 4 Hoovers, 2 Kenmores, 1 Panasonic, and 1 Eureka, all in the $140 to $550 price range (as compared to the $1350 for a Kirby). You can also find good buys in the Riccar and Bissel lines, and if you are a slave to design, you can take home a Dyson for $400 to $500. So anyway, back to your question: Hoover by a mile.
I've owned 2 Hoovers, and both have sorely disappointed me. Kirby I've never owned and never will. I have an Electrolux now and thats the only vacum i will ever use.
