Well, I finally bought a new vacuum. I ordered it online just before Christmas and after a few emails from Target notifying me it would come late, it finally arrived just after Christmas. Unfortunately I was sick, so I didn't get to take it for a spin until just recently. First let me say, it was very easy to order online and Target did a good job of managing my expectations. When I found out it wouldn't arrive until after Christmas, I called Target and requested money back. And they offered me $20. And well, this made me happy. Under the picture of my beautiful vacuum it read, 'ships in 2-3 days.' This of course wasn't true and the $20 placated me for the extra 8 days I waited. Kudos to Target who promised me the money back and followed through without another call.
For those of you dying to know.... I did not buy the Dyson. My oldest brother seemed a little distraught that I would spend all of that money on a vacuum, and called me one day to suggest a vacuum called the Infiniti, which boasts its similar 'never lose suction' technology. I read the reviews and at about 60% of the Dyson price, I thought I would go out on a limb and try it. I decided to buy this over the Dyson because:
1. My brother was persistent
2. It had a headlight
3. It was much cheaper
4. It's definitely prettier than the Dyson which is not important but might matter to someone.
While I was still recovering, I asked Sean to assemble this candy apple red raging machine. This past weekend I vacuumed the downstairs carpet and the main level area rugs. Here are the highlights:
Although the vacuum is somewhat harder to push than others, I didn't really have any issues. It picked up loads of hair on the first or second run over the carpet. I can feel that the suction is strong and the brush is whirling around picking up debris in its path. Although I did take a minute to clear the hair out of the brush, it wasn't necessary to resume. I do know for a fact that Alamo's extremely fine hair (which when is spun around, forms into long silk threads) is what is most likely to clog the brush and so I keep an eye out for that.
The Infiniti is fairly 'quiet' compared to other vacuums. You definitely hear it, but no need for earplugs. It has decent control over the height which I had to change quite a bit with my carpets. The entire handle comes off the vacuum and the accessories (including a pet brush) slide into the handle compartment. Although it first appears to be a little difficult to maneuver, it actually worked really well as I vacuumed my red sofas. I also tried to vacuum the towels on my sofas where the cats lie every day and it did a surprisingly good job on that task. I didn't want to push the vacuum too hard so I didn't spend a lot of time with the towels.
This is a bagless vacuum and the canister is fairly small. However, I think I can probably do my whole house before emptying, assuming I vacuum weekly like I normally do. Emptying the canister was a bit of a chore. I hate to read instruction manuals for every day appliances so I was trying to figure it out on my own. I did figure it out, just as the contents fell onto my lap. Luckily I could just vacuum it back up! The task of emptying the canister is clunky but bearable. I also had to stick my hand up in the canister to pull the hairball out of the top portion and my hand barely fit. If I look closer, there might be an easier way.
I did not use the vacuum on the hardwoods. I tend to use a Swiffer cloth or a dust buster on them to eliminate potential to scratch the 'new' cherry wood floors. I love the suction, the attachments (I don't care that they don't all fit on board), and the fact it seems to work great. I like that it is bagless and I have extra filters that I can wash to make last longer. I'm not sure how many filters I have or what may need to be replaced.
I dislike that it's a bit heavy to carry up the stairs (bring on the husband help!). The worse thing about the vacuum that I hope clears up eventually is the smell. It smelled like rubber the first time. The belts are all in place so I think it is just the smell of all of the tubes. The first time I used it, I was unprepared and almost had to open a window. It was terrible. It was not as bad the second time, so maybe it's like a 'new car' smell, but not pleasant. Also the vacuum makes a little high pitched noise like something is loose when the carpet adjustment is low. I have a feeling it's normal, but I'm watching it closely to make sure it's not something faulty. It seems to be working great though, so I think the pros outweigh the cons for now.
I recommend the Infiniti Upright Vacuum Cleaner with Pet Care System.
I also just checked and the price has dropped another $30. I wonder if I can get another credit? You betcha I'm going to try.
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