Sebo X4 Extra

Picks up very well but that's the problem!! If you accidently run over the cable it won't suck it up but mangle it and leave the wires damaged/exposed. Only had it a month and this is the first 'accident' but need to get it insulate tape covered until can speak to dealer to check whether can get new cable fitted.

Ok, I'll start with the good points to give it a fair chance: It picks up well and goes very flat to get under tables etc. Also has a long cable. I also like the fact that it takes apart easily for cleaning - useful for a hairy dog like mine.

Now the bad points: The short extension hose does not reach far, so you have to use the long one for stairs, pictures, ceilings etc. You also need somewhere to keep it - it keeps unraveling itself so it falls out of any space I've tried to store it.

I paid extra for the pet version (head for using on stairs), which works for about the first five minutes when the bag is completely empty and it has no pet hair whatsoever in it. As soon as it picks up any hair at all, the brush stops rotating, so you might as well go for the non pet vacuum - since this tool is useless for hairy pets. It also opens up to clean - but is easier to get the hair out when it is shut and then its still really tricky to get your fingers in. Pointless piece of equipment.

When using the hose, the machine falls over very easily (and I mean very easily). Have been hit by it several times. You can turn it away from you, but then the hose doesn't reach far and it still often turns itself round and guess what - yes falls over. The hose is also tricky to get back in its holder - really bad design.

In review, like many German items that I've bought over the years, I would guess this is built by someone with good engineering skills, who has never used a vacuum cleaner in their lives. It is well built but horrible to use.

Whilst using the Sebo Automatic X4extra, 'two days ago' ... The flex became caught under the vac, ripping off the covering, to expose the wiring, and, in some part's, had cut through the wiring. I had just moped the surrounding floor and was about to vac the rug, when I saw that the flex had become caught.. I immediately unplugged it from the socket.... Was I in danger of being electrocuted??? : {

Have borrowed this hoover from my mum and unfortunately it has to go back!! Have always used Dyson/Vax with ongoing problemes with both. This cleaner is in a whole different league for many reasons. I have many different floor surfaces from carpets to tiles and rugs. This glides easily over adjusting its height (my cleaner breaks my back and sucks rugs up)and can even say hoovering is a pleasant experience! The lead is also very generous so you are not constantly re-plugging. Customer services answered straight away and told me where the nearest stockist of bags was. Incidentally you dont need to change the bag every 5 mins either. Just hoping bits will soon start falling off the Vax (as usually happens!) and i can justify buying a Sebo.

Having previously only ever owning Dysons, which start off fine then continue to let you down, the Sebo X4 extra does not compare. This vacuum is truly amazing. We have numerous floor surfaces in our home including different types of carpets, wooden floors, tiles and lino and the Sebo's suction is impeccable on all suraces. It has an onboard computer that lowers or raises automatically to the floors surface giving you the same great suction on any surface.

The hose and attachment are great and so easy to use, you get a additional extra long hose which is plenty to reach to the top of stairs. This has to be storered seperately from the vacuum but to be honest this is not a problem as you would only use it for the stairs. It makes using the short hose and attachment easier and you tend to use this more frequently.

The only negative I have read about this vacuum is that it tips easy when using the hose but this doesn't cause much of a problem for myself. This is a bagged vacuum and I am so glad I have gone back to bagged. It is so mess free to change and you Sebo does not become dusty as did my Dysons. There are two filters to be changed every other year (as a guide) and these are so reasonably priced as so are the bags priced at £8.99 for 10 which should last about a year. You get 3 attachments with the vacuum and extra ones can be purchased at very reasonable cost.

Overall the vacuum won't win in the style stake's but it is the most amazing technology. The price is higher than most vacuums for a reason. I love my Sebo X4 Extra and would not hesitate to recommend to anybody.