Miele S7580BOLERO Bolero Upright Vacuum Cleaner

Never thought I would be thrilled to get a vacuum cleaner. This one has everything you could want -it cleans GREAT, it is amazingly quiet, the HEPA filtering is top notch, the controls and the tools are convenient, the power cord reaches forever, the materials used in this machine are built to last, and on top of all of that, it looks gorgeous (I know, I know, it's a vacuum!).

My one and only reservation was that it was on the heavy side. This reservation was quickly allayed when I actually used this Miele upright at home (the dealer kindly lend it to me to try at home.) The maneuverability is phenomenal. No more plowing forward and backward to move a couple inches to the left or right. Just twist your wrist and the vacuum swivels and turns on a dime. It's *amazing* how much effort this saves!

I compared this vacuum to the Sebo Automatic X4 and the Sebo Felix. The X4 is the noisiest of the bunch, and it doesn't swivel (which both the Felix and the Miele do), although it is a solidly great machine. The Felix is the lightest, and it swivels, but is the only one that doesn't have automatic height adjustment, a feature that lets you vacuum right over throw rugs without the vacuum eating the rug.

Price-wise, the Felix was about $100 less than the X4 which is about $120 less than the Miele Bolero.

I ended up selecting the Miele because overall it had every useful feature and was the most convenient to use.

I like the size of the Sebo Felix, but it was a little too fussy (too many parts that come on and off) and the hose didn't have an extension, so I couldn't reach the cobwebs up high.

Any one of these three would be great to own. The Miele is just a little ahead in terms of features and convenience. Oh, and about the high price: I am replacing three (crappy, smelly, loud) old vacuums (Hoover, Kenmore, Eureka), and if you add up how much they all cost, I would have been better off getting the "expensive" Miele to start with. I expect it will last a very very long time.

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Essick Air 427-300 2-Speed Evaporative Console Humidifier

Up here in the deep north it is essential to have humidifier if you have musical instruments, or anything made out of nice wood. I have tried several different options, and evaporative humidifiers are the best. This one has enough nice features to warrent an excellent rating. The main great feature is that it is easy to add water to the system. The tanks remove easily, and can be filled from the kitchen sink (they are too tall for filling in a bathroom sink). In the dead of winter expect to fill it daily, but fortunately this is big enough to only need filling once per day. Other nice features include a fan speed control (pump humidity in fast because you were gone all weekend and its dry), or quiet. At low speed settings you barely know its on. I also like the optional air cleaning evaporator. It apparently slows down air flow, but that seems trivial since the fan can simply be turned up.

Hoover Sprint QuickVac Bagless Upright

My wife and I (especially my wife) are very pleased with this lightweight Hoover Sprint QuickVac Bagless Upright UH20040.

We own several vacuum cleaners; our main ones are Eureka THE BOSS SmartVac Model 4870 Type GZ of which we've owned two units for a couple of years now. They are excellent vacuum cleaners and work very well indeed. Maintenance on them is minimal. They are, however, very heavy and that is the reason we bought two of them: one is for downstairs and one is for upstairs. (They were highly rated in "Consumer Reports" and cost about half $150.00 of what other comparably highly-rated machines did at the time.)

We also own a couple of lightweight 'stick' vacuums: a Eureka Lightweight Easy Clean Upright Vacuum Cleaner and a Bissell FeatherWeight Vacuum, Bagless, 3106B (my wife slightly prefers the Bissell to the Eureka). We use these for light touch-up vacuuming and they are excellent for that purpose.

But this new Hoover model almost combines the best of both worlds: it is lightweight (of course not as lightweight as the 'sticks') yet comparable in performance to our 'heavy-weight' Eureka 4870s.

It is so easy to put together right out of the box (no instructions are necessary for assembly) and its use is straightforward. It is helpful and desirable, of course, to read the owner's manual but figuring out this unit is almost (but not quite) a 'no-brainer.'

There is only one tool included with this machine and that's all you'll need. It is a most ingenious tool, combining a crevice tool and an upholstery tool in one compact unit. It has to be seen to be believed.

Everything snaps in place and the machine exudes an air of confidence and of high quality. It has an unusual carry handle which can be used when moving the machine (rather than carrying it awkwardly with the 'main' handle, as is the necessary case with most vacuums).

Using it on stairs is very easy, almost as easy as using a cannister vacuum.

The power cord has to be wound carefully onto its nesting place otherwise it won't fit properly. But that is easy to do. The power cord's length is adequate for our house, as long or longer than all the other vacuums we own.

My wife especially likes the foot-operated on/off switch.

On first use, she exclaimed that the suction was amazing. She said she could not believe it. After she finished vacuuming our entire upstairs with it, she asked me what it sold for. I replied that currently Amazon was charging $70.00 and it listed for $80.00. She then stated very firmly, "That's a bargain!"

Obviously, with it being so new for us, I cannot comment at this time on its longevity or ease of maintenance. Should anything untoward develop, I shall report it here.

But there is one comment I can make: at least one reviewer here states that, to access the belt, one must remove seven (7) screws. That is, in fact, what the owner's manual states.

But, if you look at the bottom of the vacuum, you will see a little chart showing the location of just six (6) screws; that is all that really need be removed. (Not that that makes a whole lot of difference.) I do recommend that you do as we do: remove the screws and put them in an egg carton. That way you are sure not to lose any of them. You will need a moderately long and thin Phillips-head ("crosshead") screwdriver to remove the screws but this should be easy. Such screwdrivers are readily available (if you don't already have one) at any hardware store (or even a dollar-store). (I have not tried removing the screws: it 'ain't' broke so why should I fix it?)

I cannot say, at this time, if this machine will replace our 'big' Eurekas as my wife's main vacuum cleaner, but, so far, she is really enamored of it. (She does most of the vacuuming and she is 'in charge' of what we buy and use in such machines.)

As I said at the beginning of this review, both I and my wife are very pleased with this vacuum cleaner. It's offers heavy-duty suction without the 'heavy-duty price' or 'heavy-duty weight.' If you buy one, I believe you will be pleased too.

Thank you for reading this review and for considering my opinions.

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Update: November 11, 2011

We've had this vacuum cleaner for a month now and, if anything, my wife likes it even more than when we first received it. Since it arrived, she has used our 'big' Eurekas only once, much preferring to use this Hoover model which she regards as being lighter in weight, easier to maneuver, and superior in deep cleaning our rugs.

Plus she says that, of all the vacuum cleaners we have ever owned, bag or bagless, this is by far the easiest and most convenient to clean.

And its price is 'right.'

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Comfort-Aire BHD-651-G Dehumidifier

This unit stopped working after only 10 months, and that was only about 4-5 months of use. It runs but doesn't remove humidity. I suppose that either the compressor isn't working or it has lost the charge. Won't buy this brand again.

BEM1040/BEM1042 Bemis Aftermarket Humidifier Wick Filter

I order this thinking it was that exact same type of filter. It is an off brand not what is picture on website. To send it back it would cost me the same as I paid for it. Really be sure you want an item from this company the due charge a re-stock fee and will take some back for return shipping. The filter is like a honeycome style filter only half as much surface area. I did not receive any type of resolution after my inial email so I'm going have deal with it and buy directly from the manufacture.

BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Multi Cyclonic Bagless Upright Vacuum

This vacuum worked great for the first week. Wonderful, actually, and had I written this review then I am sure I would have given it five stars. However, after the first two weeks the problems began. I must admit, when deciding which vacuum to purchase I read many reviews, including the negative reviews for this vacuum, and did not heed them. I wish I had listened now. But having two indoor dogs (one of which sheds quite a bit) I thought this vacuum would be a good fit (I was wrong of course).

After the first week the trouble started with all the dust, dirt, and dog hair the vacuum picked up being piled up at the very top of the vacuum's inside (where I'd have to take the front part of the vacuum apart and take out the top part to get it all out. This is very messy, and I thought this alone was bad enough -now I have to do this every time I use this vacuum (on the rare occassion this vacuum actually picks up anything).

After the second week or so the tiny drawer on the bottom (I forget what these are called) started accumulating all the dust and dog hair, and the vacuum picked up nothing else besides what it could cram in this little drawer.

Now, after about a month or so of owning it, this vacuum picks up nothing. It has lost all suction. when I turn the vacuum over the tube that is supposed to suck all the dog hair and dust up is crammed full of my yellow lab's hair mixed with dust. When I try to get it all out (again, extremely messy) it still doesn't pick up much at all. I have checked again and again for clogs and gotten them out again and again, and it still doesn't help this vacuum. It is ridiculous.

My vacuum is perpetually on RED, which I have to tell you is the most annoying thing EVER. I have owned many vacuums in my life. And the Dirt Devil this vacuum replaced lasted me for almost 5 years and even at the end of it's life worked better than this piece of crap vacuum is today after only one month of use.

Soooo, buyer beware. If you've read this review you've been warned. This is the most high maitenance vacuum I have ever used in my life. It has lasted in my house (with two dogs) for a total of one month and a week and a half.

I will be getting a new vacuum soon, because even though I think it's ridiculous that I should have to pay for another vacuum so soon, I like having a clean house and a clean carpet. You have been warned. And I will never buy a Bissell product again.

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Improving Lifestyles Natures Purifier Moso Bamboo Charcoal 200g Freshens Air Naturally

Have found success with their own branded products, like the Rock Salt Lamp.

Just received their bamboo charcoal bag..Another WINNER !

A++ Company A++ Products..

Will be back for more for my pets ( cuz natural) and other rooms…

The Bamboo Charcoal Bag is the Perfect Size can put anywhere.

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FILTER AIR REPL #CAF2

Why did they discontinue this filter? It's very frustrating when you can't replace something you've used for years. If anyone knows where they can be ordered please give a clue. Thanks, Theresa Renner

Blueair CleanAir Ball Replacement Filter 3 Pack

I have really used my CleanAir Ball Air cleaner by Blueair but was concerned that I couldn't find filters for it. After looking everywhere, even on the manufacturer's website, I found these and they are great. They last a long time, depending on how and where you use the purifier. These are a great price, convenient and since they come in a 3 pack, I will be set for a while. They are so easy to swap out and change. I am very happy.

Pure Guardian H4500 144 Hour Ultrasonic Humidifier

When I first moved to the high mountains (8400') of Colorado, I used a wick-type humidifier constantly. I also had a nasty little cough that stayed with me for 18 months. Finally, I took my doctor's advice and junked the humidifier. End of cough, due to things growing in the unit. I have been shopping for humidifiers again for a while, and found them all to be lacking severely. Either they were the same type of filter construction that had caused my illness, or they were cheaply made, or low-capacity. This unit may have a tippy storage tank when turned upside-down to fill, but it is well made. The screw-on cap for the reservoir is sturdy and has a rubber gasket. There are carrying handles on the top and bottom of the water container to make it easy to manage, and it puts out a LOT of humidity. At 2/3 setting, it ran the humidity in my bedroom from 22 to 35% the first night, all while being completely silent. The (silent) piezo-electric ultrasonic element is the same as is used in the tweeters of my big PA speakers, and these are practically indestructible if kept clean. The huge water reservoir does mean that it is big, and the styling is retro, which is OK, I guess. More expensive units from the same manufacturer have useless and noisy digital features with the same overall construction. Overall, a solid five.

Update on 22Mar2012: This thing is great. The silver (yes, they impregnate the plastic with silver) added to the water chamber means that there is virtually no scum build-up inside. I did clean it once in the time I have had it. The little metal diaphragm of the ultrasonic element is brass not silver, so I do wipe that off every now and then, but this thing is fantastic. I always run filtered water in it. If you don't, you are either leaving the unfiltered residue in the tank, or blowing it out into your room! Give your sinuses, musical instruments and wood furniture a nice gift.

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Sunbeam 645-800-001N Sunbeam 645-800 Cool Mist Impeller Humidifier

After reviewing several brands of humidifiers and owning a few brands that either did not last or required purchasing filters and "cleaners", I can definitely attest to the Sunbeam being THE BEST unit on the market for the price and quality. If you are like me and do not want to spend $150-200 dollars on a high quality spaceship like humidifier that will be another item to strategically pack before the next move, then this unit is for you. Also, if you have experienced other units which seem like they were built for growing mold, had reservoirs made out of the most fragile plastic, or had filters that required a special scavenger hunt to find and of course special "cleaners" to maintain steam .... stop the insanity and spend about $20 for the sunbeam. This unit will easily humidify a 3-4 room apartment...and it's cheap enough to purchase others to cover more sq.ft.

As for poor rankings or "so-so" opinions about this unit here are a few tips:

1. Filling the unit should not be done at the sink but by using a pitcher to transfer the water and easily poor in at said location.

2. Cleaning.. that's what she said.. I followed the other poster who cleaned the unit with vinegar and its great! No caustic chemicals needed.

3. Turning on and off... so, you have to unplug the machine.. much like a hair dryer, iron, vacuum, etc. get over it!

4. For the "smoking gun" scenario.. I'd like to know if they following the fill lines and did not overfill the unit... :)

Eureka 431DX Optima Lightweight Upright Vacuum

I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical of this machine. My wife and I moved to a new house with more carpeting and, after 16 years, had to retire our old Hoover. We looked at Dysons and a few other full-size vacs. Problem is, they all weighed a ton. (Well, not really a ton...but a lot.) Seeing that we have to lug the vacuum up and down stairs constantly, we wanted something lighter weight. Then we saw it...a mention of the Eureka Optima in an issue of Oprah magazine while visiting my sister and her family on vacation. We went to the local Best Buy and checked it out. After vacuuming up a bunch of junk on the floor of Best Buy in Nyack, NY, we took the plunge. The vacuum is a breeze to assemble. It's even kind of cute looking. And it does have a great deal of suction. The lack of a HEPA filter may be a drawback to some, but we went from an old bagged vacuum to this bagless...so it's a huge improvement for us even without the HEPA filter. The Optima is a bit harder to push than our old vac, especially on thicker carpet. But our rooms aren't terribly big, so we look at it as an opportunity for a bit of exercise. The incredible weight (or lack thereof) of this machine, along with the low price, more than makes up for the little bit of effort required to push it. It's easy to empty, too. And the telescoping handle is great! Put the handle all the way down and you can store this vac in just about any closet. We've even stored it in a large kitchen cabinet. I'd recommend this vacuum to anyone. Or you can spend six or seven or eight times the money on a Dyson. The choice is yours!!

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Venta Airwasher -White, 5014536

pluses: no filters, very (extremely) quiet, easy to clean with shower hose/kitchen sink sprayer

minuses: no humidistat to control on/off

This is my fifth humidifier. Anything with a filter/wick is troublesome in maintainance and costly to replace. Bought the small one for bedroom, then bought medium one for living room. Bought one for nieces baby shower. Would not hesitate to continue buying if needed. One of the best appliances I ever bought.

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Holmes Cool Mist Humidifier

We were in the market for a humidifier for the winter months due to sore throats/dry throats at night. So we purchased this unit. I've read reviews on other products and most of them did not give a clear enough why it was either bad nor good. So we figured might as well give this product a whirl being the price was right and we could return it at the local Target store.

To our surprise this unit works as intended albeit the unusually loud fan (even on the lowest setting). But to us the white noise it generates is actually welcomed in our bedroom. It's not any louder than my custom gaming computer fans that i leave on running at night. This product is used in our room which measures 17ftx17ft. The air humidity at night is just right now. For the first time in the winter months me and the wifey got good sleep!! we both woke up with no sore throats or dry sinuses!

So in short review here are the PRO's and CON's

PRO's : Works as advertised. capable of humidifying a room of 17ft x 17ft with ease. Water tank holds a good amount of water. Run time on it is 16hrs filled. Easy to fill tank. Easy to clean. Comes with 2 extra filters.

CON's : Slightly loud fan (if you like white noise at night) then this would be a plus :) Would be nicer if it had one more lower level for the fan speed for the people that complain about the slight noise.

This product is worth the price! would recommend it to anyone looking into a Humidifier for a bedroom or a living room.

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Venta-Airwasher LW24 Plus 2-in-1 Humidifier

This is the second cleaner, which we currently buy. There will be two :)

Performs all what written in the description.

The technology is simple and effective.

device is durable

936850 Hunter Multi-Stage Mesh Replacement Pre-Filter

I ordered this pre-filter as a replacement for the one that came with my Hunter air purifier. For some reason, Hunter has decided to use a lighter weight frame around the mesh. When I put it in the filter (which is meant to be a tight fit), the frame bent.

I suppose now that it's in, it's doing the job of pre-filtering, but every time I take it out to clean it, the frame bends more. Eventually it will be unusable. The OEM pre-filter was great and it lasted me for a few years. I am very disappointed with this one, but unfortunately I don't think the original is produced any longer.

The price was good, but Hunter needs to step up the quality of materials it is using if they want to keep customers. As soon as I can, I'll be looking for a new whole room air purifier. Given the quality of the after-market replacements, I won't be looking for a Hunter.

Moso Natural Air Purifying Bag 200g

I moved into a rental within the last month that smelled just awful!! Curry and armpit is the best I can describe it as. I poured over the internet looking for ways to rid Curry smell and found that I was not alone! We had the duct system cleaned, carpets cleaned, walls painted, all the appliances were pulled out and cleaned. I used ammonia, de-greaser, you name it and we did it. The smell was out of the majority of the house, with the exception of the kitchen. It was most strongly around the oven and the sink. When you walked in the house, you would notice an odor. I bought a Moso bag, not really believing it would work, but thinking it can't make the smell worse. I WAS WRONG. I have had it on top of the stove for three days and each day I walked in the house after work and I DID NOT NOTICE the smell!! The oven area is smelling less and now I will move it by the sink. I would recommend this to anyone with Curry issues or people working on garbage (hoarder) houses!!

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22x24x1 (21.5 x 23.5) Accumulair Platinum 1-Inch Filter

I purchased the 22x24x1 (21.5x23.5) filters. They are excellent quality, and fit my handler perfectly. I was worried about the fit, but the actual measurements are spot on! These are the only filters I will be ordering from now on. Delivery was fast arriving a day before estimated delivery. Thank you!!!!

Kaz HRFC2 HEPAClean Replacement Filter

These may work perfectly fine, but they are NOT by Honeywell or sold by Honeywell as the description states. These filters are sold by Bulkfilter. They are not exactly like the filters that I removed from my unit. They did fit, but I won't know for a while whether they actually work as well. Had I realized this wasn't actually being sold by Honeywell, I wouldn't have purchased them. I could have and probably would have paid the extra buck or two to get the brand I was expecting.

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BestAir D88 Duracraft

I bought my Honeywell humidifier a few years ago, and though it works great, all the local stores (Walmart, Target, Lowes, Home Depot, etc.) have stopped carrying the replacement filter. Such a pain! Thank goodness it was available here and at a cheaper price.

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