Panasonic MCE 3003

To say we were disappointed with the Panasonic MCE 3003 vacuum cleaner would be a vast understatement. We had 5 years good use out of the this models predecessor without complaint, so when it finally failed we automatically purchased the updated model. Nice new blue colour, what seemed good value, the same as the previous model. On first use we were already checking to see if a piece of the packaging was jammed in the tubes. No luck. We re-read the manual, and all was correct.

As soon as it started generating any real suction a bypass type valve seemed to cut in, which swapped useful suction for annoying noise. As well as lots of noise and no suction, the amount of time it would run before the over heating thingy cut in became less and less. It had regular Panasonic bags and all the filters changed several times. I even vacuumed out the insides with a Henry I purchased for work. No use.

Thankfully, it has now finally stopped working altogether. We replaced it with a Sebo. The Sebo was worth every penny! It seems that in the passing 5 years while we used our first Panasonic, all the components became cheaper. I think a cheap motor has been cranked up to 110% to give a good rating on paper, but they then need the bypass valve to stop it burning out.

I know they are cheap vacuum cleaners and it is unfair to compare it directly to a vacuum like the Sebo, but 18 months of useless performance, excessive noise and final burnout is not a good deal at any price.