Miele S5981

This vacuum leaves me more than satisfied with quality, durability and ease of use. Being a reseller, I've come across many types of vacuums to sell for parts or fix/repair and Miele is truly impressive.

Some main points of the vacuum:

1) A mechanism that retracts the electrical cord back into the canister is sometimes worrisome like it will break - however I am hoping a replacement part will suffice when this spring breaks.

2) The bags fill very quick on carpets - mostly because the fibers are being sucked up as well, so the vacuum makes perfect sense for small apartments.

3) Replacing these bags is always a headache, some cheap plastic pieces holding the bag onto the machine always feel like they are on their last leg.

4) Switching out the various accessories is like clockwork. I'm amazed how simple this system is. Clicking mechanisms are high quality and lasting.

5) If you bang this into a wall while carrying it, it may feel like the last use - you're in luck, because I've done it numerous times over 8+ years, no failures.

Overall, I would never go back to a different brand. Once this vacuum breaks, I'll just buy another Miele.

Vacuum technology seems to be gearing toward the bagless of late. I despise a bagless vacuum. whats the use of cleaning just to "tap out" the dust bin and breathe all that crud? Not for me..I wanted the top of the line performance without the Sebo price if it was available, and guess what? The top of the Line little canister from Miele is just the ticket! Every part of the machine is filtered so I expect durability without the motor getting mucked up. The quality of the bags makes a huge difference. THe 598 is just the combination I wanted. the Miele canisters are to a large degree custom built. each of the models is a different configuration of floor tools and accessories tailored to fit your personal flooring needs. those without carpet probably wouldnt require the larger more costly power head that I do. I happen to have every variety of flooring in the same household! hardwood, carpet, laminate, cork, throw rug, room rug, built in carpets. I suggest you investigate the variable sizes also. I think the 500 series is larger than the 300 series. I wanted it to perform the best, and be light on the stairs. i like quality tools, always think the investment is worth while. each year the S598 comes in a slightly different colour scheme and model name. ULtimately they about the same. I recommend it highly for anyone that suffers allergies, has pets, or simply wishes to live clean without heaving around a 20 pound hoover that really just spits the dirt and dust around the hardwood flooring. Miele teaches you, its not only the suction power that rate the quality of the vacuum, also the air flow and filtration is critical. fabulous engineering, I think its built to last or if needed perhaps be easily repaired. go Get one...you'll be glad you did!