Sebo Automatic X1 Review

Overall Rating

Electronic adjusting head; HEPA/S Class filtration, deep capacity sealing bags, easy lightweight gliding, easy to take out top hose with hoister and handle; good small cleaning tools, no drive belt, easy to locate brush, long power cord, low power but good suction. Lies flat can be dismantled.

No where to put additional tools such as extra extension hose (6 metres). Could do with an electric cord rewind.

How many can swear that they have had a vacuum cleaner for 11 years and still going strong? After Dyson uprights breaking up, choked up with DIY dust and soot from our fire place, an Oreck which was the loudest of all and kept clogging with hair; endless Hoover models which were bulky and noisy and then a Panasonic which kept overheating, our last need for an upright came in the form of a Sebo X1 Automatic. That was way back in 1995 when we bought our model brand new for £200 from John Lewis. Even back then we were surprised at the cost but we wanted a reliable machine and was so impressed with the fact that 1)WE could try the model in the shop against Miele's best cylinder and other rivals and 2) The Sebo seemed to have everything thought out. Of course it isn't fair to compare a cylinder against an upright; both have their failings. We need around two to three vacuums in our big home and since the Sebo came to use in 1995 we have gone through other machines to replace our other upright - a very old Kirby which was given to use as a wedding gift. Whilst I'm happy to use the Kirby, the Sebo runs rings around it.

For starters the bag fitting and removing is easy and you never have to touch the dirt; other reviewers complain of no edge to edge facility which isn't quite true; the Sebo X machines have edge cleaning on one side whilst the other has a flywheel where the brush roll sits on - no drive belts to replace which is a great thought - why don't other upright vac companies do this?? Besides the easy nature of pulling out the hose with the hoister handle means you can attack any side of skirting board you need to so in a way even if the one side on the Sebo lacks edge brushing what is stopping consumers from pulling out the easy hose and handle? - Everything you need is located at the top of the machine aside from cleaning tools which are accessible, flush fitting into the rear of the Sebo at the back.

Did I mention that it can clean under low furniture even when its lying flat? That puts Dyson at a considerable disadvantage plus the Sebo has a wonderful gliding ability which is all down to its electronic microchips built in - 4 lights let the owner whats going on, such as a light for a full bag, a blockage, a blockage on the brush and lights to let owners know when the floor head is adjusting to the right level.

Suction is very strong, even when the filter bags fill up right to the top. Generally we go through 4 months with a Sebo paper bag and the X1 has to cope with cleaning up three Great Dane dogs, 2 cats and our large family. The X1 can also be used with a cost option extension hose. This cost us £10 extra and it is such a great length on stairs as well as use in the car. Suction starts to go once the bag is completely full and we've only ever encountered that the Sebo will cut out if the bag is completely stuffed or there's a blockage. Against Miele and other company offerings we've had where it takes 30 minutes to cool down the motor, the Sebo can be switched on automatically once it has been cut out = provided that you clear the blockages! Now that's professional sense for you and it cuts cleaning time if blockages do occur.

All in all Sebo have a fantastic product here and although it is no longer made, the SAME design principle can now be found in the x1.1 model which replaces ours and the X4. My sister was so impressed she went out and bought the X1.1 Its a classier machine to look at which is a downside to the X1 Automatic but if all that you need is an upright to clean and pick up dirt, the X range will definitely work for you.


No wonder Sebo is number one for reliability - there is seldom any need to return this model back to the company as everything is accessible on it in terms of repair.