OT: Anyone own a Royal vacuum?

[aggie94]

I am looking for a new vacuum cleaner. I saw the most recent thread on vacuums, and SandyM was the only person who mentioned the Royal. Does anyone else have one? I need something that is GREAT at sucking up pet hair from the carpet.

I'm not in the market for a Kirby, since I can't afford to spend that much on a vacuum right now, but I refuse to buy another Eureka or Hoover in the 150-300 range from Wal-Mart or Target (the last one worked great for the first few months, but then crapped out -- we didn't even get 3 years out of it).

I was pretty impressed with the Royal that we looked at the other day for less than 500. It also came with the small canister vacuum with all the attachments for that price. But the warranty is only 4 years -- I want to make sure it's going to last a lot longer than that. Any feedback? Thanks!

[jazzcat]

Sorry Aggie, I don't know anything about Royal's but I was thinking of getting a new vacuum cleaner as well. Does anyone have any comments on Oreck cleaners? I have a cat so pet hair pick up is a great concern.

[SandyM]

I felt my ears ringing........... http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

When I was researching buying a new vacuum cleaner 3-4 years ago (I'm reaching with the time - don't know for certain), the shop where I bought mine did a test run - Oreck vs. Royal. He threw crud on the carpet (it was dirt, combined with pet hair - I don't even want to know where it came from), then ground it in with his feet. He let me vacuum it up with the Oreck, and it looked respectable. I vacuumed it like I would my own carpet - over and over and over again, in the same spot, making sure to get it all.

Then he put a brand new bag in the Royal (I saw him do it), and I vacuumed over the same spot. He took the bag out, and I was astounded at how much the Oreck left.

This is what sold me on the Royal. I know there are loyal Oreck owners out there, and all I'm saying is, this is my own personal opinion.

The Royal vacuum cleaner is not light - it's rather heavy, in fact. So make sure you "test drive" it before you buy it.

Aggie - sounds like the deal you found at $(500) is pretty close to mine - I love the cannister vac, because our house has hardwood floor hallways, and this works perfectly on picking dog hair up off the hardwood.

I also don't recall the warranty with mine, but I was told by three different people that this is the last vacuum cleaner I will ever own. Customer satisfaction speaks volumes.

My unsolicited opinion......

[wyopatti]

I wouldn't trade my Oreck for anything. It's the most wonderful vacuum I've ever owned. Easy to run and very lightweight since there are no attachments on board. If you buy an Oreck directly from Oreck you can buy it on 12 months same as cash. They just charge your credit card every month. The Oreck is worth every penny they ask for it.

[aggie94]

Thanks, guys. I'll revisit the shop, ask some more questions, and do a little test-driving. I appreciate the input!

[browneye]

Hi, I bought a Royal, and LOVE it. It is also the canister type. I have a Yellow Lab who leaves me lovely hairbunnies all over the house, that Royal just does a wonderful job. I have both carpets and hard wood, so it is very easy to use this vacuum for both.
I have never used an Oreck, so can't comment, but I would definitely buy the Royal again.
Happy Shopping! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[Grace]

Browneye!

I now have TWO yellow labs (what was I thinking getting another one?!!) and I was just dustmopping the kitchen floor and crying about how now there are twice as many hair bunnies to clean up!! It looks AWFUL if I don't dust mop every single day. I am in need of a new vacuum now too, I have a Hoover from Target or wherever I bought it from, and it just doesn't clean well anymore. Thanks for the good recommendation on the Royal. The dog hair problem is definitely a challenge!

[Perk]

The Hoover Wind Tunnel got a good review in Consumers recently but I have not gotten one yet as it looked so complicated. I was glad to hear about Royal. Do you have to pay $500 to get a good Royal? I have an ancient Kirby which is very heavy and hard to roll. I can't afford a new Kirby. Anyone else try the Royal or Hoover?

[jazzcat]

Aggie94, Did you end up buying a Royal? If so do you like it? TIA

[aggie94]

We DID buy the Royal. I'm almost embarrassed to admit that it's only been used once, even though we've now been living in our new house for almost a month. Yikes! I haven't used it yet -- vacuuming is usually DH's thing, since I have bad allergies. He used it Saturday to vacuum the house and furniture before guests came over, and so far, he's really liking it. It seems to be a pretty heavy-duty vacuum, which is what we wanted. Thanks for asking!

[jazzcat]

Thanks Aggie for the reply. I'm thinking of getting a new vacuum sometime soon. I'm greatful for the input.