Please recommend upright vacuum for less than $150

[Night Elf]

My budget is $150 and I really want an upright vacuum. I have a Kenmore cannister that I've had for about 8 years. It was $300 when I purchased it and it's been a good vacuum. But I'm tired of lugging it around. We have 4 cats and 1 dog and I'd be using it at least every other day, so I need something durable. Is it possible, or should I try to squeeze money out of another budgeted area to add to my vacuum fund? :)

[Cheryl in NM]

Any Dirt Devil. I own 2. I spent $150 on 1 and $200 on the other. I love them. They SUCK!

[nukeswife]

I just bought a Bissel Pet Hair Eraser vacuum about a month and a half ago. I love it. I have 2 dogs that shed heavily which are light brown in color. I also have a black area rug so you can easily see where the dogs lay. It was about $140 at Target. I had a Dyson which we paid almost $500 that was about 2 year old and the part inside the canister seemed to keep clogging even though they aren't supposed to. I called Dyson and they're reply was well it's probably just getting old. WHAT??? It was 2 years old and cost 3 times as much as my last vacuum which lasted 6 years. I love that you can completely take apart all the parts of the collection canister area on the Bissell, rinse them off in the sink, let them dry and your ready to go. It has both a sponge pre-motor filter you just rinse off and a HEPA filter you replace every year or so.

 

After we bought it I did a test and vacuumed with the Dyson and then vacuumed again with the Bissel. I was shocked at home much the Dyson was leaving behind. I will definately never buy or recommend a Dyson again.

Just my .02

[Suzanne in ABQ]

I have one similar to this (an older model, I think):

 

http://www.abcvacuumwarehouse.com/vacdetails.asp?DBID=1903&ID=Panasonic+MC%2DUG471+Upright+Vacuum

 

I really like it because it doesn't weigh a ton, and it's narrow enough to get between furniture. It has a large, chrome plated roller that doesn't get wrapped up with hair easily, and doesn't get scratched up. It has a crevice tool and a brush tool onboard, which are easily placed on the hose. The suction goes into the top of the bag, instead of the bottom, so you don't lose suction when the bag is near full. It's a great vacuum, and it only costs $129, with free shipping from http://www.abcvacuum.com.'>http://www.abcvacuum.com.'>http://www.abcvacuum.com.'>http://www.abcvacuum.com. I've had it for at least five years, and it still works great.

 

I'd also highly recommend http://www.abcvacuum.com They have a wonderful service. They'll help you find the best vacuum for your needs, in your budget. You can use their questionaire online, or e-mail them directly. There's no obligation to buy from them even though they have great prices, they carry most major brands, and they have free shipping.

 

(I have no ties to abcvacuum, by the way. I was just very impressed with their service when I bought my vacuum from them several years ago).