Bosch BUC 11700

I've own my Bosch BUC 11700 for 5 years now and I have never had a problem. Of course I also would completely disassemble my vacuum brushes, hoses, and filters and clean it all up. I recommend using a Air compresser and Hose and air chuck to blow out your filter at least twice a year (because it is more powerful than air in a can) and in between just go outside (away from your home/doors/others) and just tap it against something to dislodge the dust, turn it upside down and do it again. I completely remove the roller brush and use a box cutter knife to cut away any hair and just simply remove anything that shouldn't be on your brushes. I do this every 2-3 mos, depending on how it looks. Just doing these things have kept it going without the loss of suction. I love my vacuum. Unfortunately last month the switch went out on it and I am currently looking for a new switch to replace it. Until then I have purchased a used VAX X3 at a super discounted price which is the cheaper version I think of the Bosch. But it still has good suction and does the job. It's too bad that this model was discontinued because I would have loved to have bought another one.

The Bosch BUC11700 is a well constructed, powerful vacuum cleaner. You can tell how well it is working, as the good suction makes it harder to push along a piled carpet. When it is too easy to push, it needs emptying.

At the time of introduction, it was voted 'best buy' with Which? report.

The power cable auto re-coil still works well after a years of service, so no untidy cables hanging off the side. Very easy to unclip the dust compartment and to empty. The main filter is also easily removed, as it has a bayonet fitting.

Downsides would be that it is quite loud, and can be difficult to push on large piled carpets if you do not have much strength. Also, I understood that they had ceased production of this model, but I suggest you check this out.

I have purchased this vacuum due to brand name and made in Germany "BOSCH". Used to have a VOLTA (Australian Made) vacuum cleaner and this machine never had any problem what so ever except for those wear and tear and been using it over a decade, it just outdated, eg. broken hose, worn head, handles and finding it now low suction wattage compare with the latest model. In the other hand, BOSCH has the a good suction pressure, very ease to used and accessories are widely avialble through stores and internet web site directly to supplier. Unfortunately, after 3 years of usage machine starting to have problems one after another. Firstly, have noticed cracked on the plastic handle tubing, then after few months it caught fire where the switch button soldered to board burn probably due to cold soldering which cost me $80 to replaced. Again after 4 to 6 months the vacuum start to make a funny noise and burn smell where have found out that the motor cooling fan/vacuum started to pull apart and the smelling burn comes from the internal plastic accessories of the motor which is now rubbing againts each other due to deformed part of the cooling fan. Ironically, the whole motor need to be replaced which will again would cost me around $130 to replace. The vacuum cleaner alone "new" is $450.00. I will not buy and recommend to buy this brand again. Waste to money and time......

I have the bagless version of the Bosch BUC 11700. Agree awkward on stairs. After 5 years, filter and belt needs replacing at a cost of £60+ (includ labour) so I both a new cylinder vacuum. Also it overheats and cuts out regularly. Parts seem so expensive online - £22 for a filter. Also their bags are v expensive which I didn't take into account on my new cylinder one. U live and learn. :o/

Slick Vacuum Cleaner with Brush Design Flaw. I like the design. Not bulky compared to many other models. Suction is very good. Bags are expensive and not very big. Brush motor stopped working after about 2 years like many other users described (Design Flaw). The next Bosch service center is 4 hours away. I took it appart by myself and tried to troubleshoot it. Bought a replacement ship for AC/DC converte for $2.25 and hope that fixes the problem. Motor and switches are OK. It was very hard to get to everything and I am not sure if I can get it all back together. Will keep you posted...

I bought this vacuum cleaner because it was a WHICH best buy. I have been generally happy with the carpet cleaning results. However I found cleaning stairs and curtains awkward. The suction deteriorated when the hose was fully extended. I emptied and cleaned the air cleaner very regularly and checked for cotton/hair on the brush assembly. Despite this the vacuum cleaner has only lasted 2 years and 9 months!

I owned this model for 2 years and 2 months. I bought it on the recommendation of this web site. 2 months out of warranty The front brush motor broke and the chip board beside it. (the repair shop says this is a common fault) The Bosch service center wanted to charge me £67 to come and look at it (Not repair it) and then additional for parts and over the 30 mins of labour. The machine new cost me £107.00. This is a farcical price. The Customer service center was inflexible and arrogant.

The machine was uneconomical to repair. I am deeply disappointed to find a Bosch breaking down so soon after purchase and have been tainted by the customer ripemoff services.

The Bosch BUC 11700 is a "made in China" badged vacuum. It also appears as a Vax in some areas. The brushes are too stiff and so rather than sweep the dust towards the vacuum tube the dust sticks in the brushes. This stops them from rotating, strains the brush motor and it then burns out. Even if you get a new motor, it will do it again. A shame as otherwise it could be a good unit, if a little heavy. It's not really a Bosch though - just an off the shelf Chinese machine.

I have owned this vacuum for nearly 2 years now and have no problems with it. Other reviewers have raised some issues - Weight - it is not a lightweight hoover but it's not particularly cumbersome either. Durability - we have had only a few minor issues, generally consisting of the brushes not working. If you read Archimedes review, he is quite correct. If you clean the brushes - wait for a moment - press the reset switch and you're away again. On the plus side the suction is excellent and the unit itself is easy to clean. We had previously owned Dyson machines and were fed-up with them breaking down. We researched many vacuum cleaners before buying and found this to be a well respected model - and rightly so. Very good value for money. I can happily recommend.

OK, so I've given this machine perfect 10s whilst other users have had problems. Well, it's all down to user maintenance and RTM (reading the manual).

Firstly, to maintain suction it does need cleaning regularly - clicking the cleaning button a few times is NOT sufficient). You need to remove the cardboard filter about once a month and use a second old vacuum cleaner tool to carefully clean between the sections of the filter).

Secondly, if the brush stops turning, it is almost certainly cotton, or similar, caught in it - cut the cotton with a small pair of scissors, remove it, make sure that it turns freely, wait for several minutes and then press the reset button. It should start running again.

Other than that - no problem. Powerful suction, NOT heavier than any other decent upright cleaner, you can turn off the brush when required, service was great when I needed a belt for the brush and I got the machine cheap on EBay.

What more can I say - just maintain it regularly, chaps, and it should give years of excellent service.