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Are these better than Dysons? At the moment, it's a moot point for me, because the cost is out of the question and I've got one of those cute little silver $60 kind (whose name I forget) which actually does pretty well, although now you've gotten me paranoid abou the dust mites.

If you want to know which is better of Miele vs. Dyson, you have to ask someone who has used both. Miele and Dyson people are fiercely in love with their own brand.

I'm a Miele person, but only for canister vacs that have 360 degree wheels -- their original product line. Miele stick vacs are from hunger (i.e. not good at all). The upright bags have a ridiculously small capacity. The new Miele line of smaller canisters is far inferior to their full-sized line, because of small capacity and wheels that don't turn all the way around. They use the same size bags, but the compartment is so small that they can't hold much.

Miele bags cost about $2.50 each.

Something different, but I sure do love my Roomba which I would recommend to anyone who wouldn't vacuum often enough if not for a little robot to do it for them. True, once in a while I haul out the big vacuum to get into all the corners, deep vac the bedroom carpet, and vac the furniture with the attachments, but the Roomba vac works great on a regular basis for this reluctant cleaner. It's also very fun and cute and the cat is (warily) fascinated by it.

I recently bought a Dyson and consider it some of the best money I've ever spent. Awesome quality of construction and power - I didn't realize how crappy my old Eureka was until I compared the job it did with the Dyson. I wholeheartedly recommend it!

I recently tried a friend's Miele and wasn't convinced it had adequate suction, but now I'm thinking maybe I only got that impression because it was so quiet. Anyone with cats ever use one? The other thing holding me back is a preference for uprights.

i have a miele, that is great. i got it because of the hepa filter,to deal with pet dander and hair. it's very quiet and because of the look and lack of storage space it is always on display.

Our Miele never worked well with cat hair. If you have cats, get the Dyson that's made to work with pet hair. Now that our cats are gone and we've moved to a house with mostly hardwood floors, the Miele works fine; I was never satisfied with how it worked on carpet in our last place.

Overstock has been getting some Dysons in lately-and though they are reconditioned (not like the mattresses!!!) they still have a 6 month warranty. I have the DC14 Animal and my place is free of dog fur and other detritus.

You think that's expensive? I once worked for a Kirby salesman who'd routinely sell models for two grand. Yikes!

I recently bought a Miele after demoing it head to head with a Dyson DC14. My house has carpet, hardwood and area rugs. The Dyson did an adequate job, but was too cumbersome to manuever and deal with the changing floor surfaces. The Miele is much more versatile, picks up stuff left behind by the Dyson and, IMO, appears to be constructed to a higher quality level.

I have been researching vacuums for about 4 months now and have norrowedit down to the Dyson DC14 and Meile S 5980...yes there's a huge price diff but I though that I have to make the plunge with Miele , might as well go all the way! anyway - I bought the DC14 and used it for about 30 min oer 2 days on my 30 once carpets in my condo...it did a good job of picking -up dirt and a fairly powerful suction. I hae a Parrot and the Dyson did well with picking up the feathers off the carpet. The downside: Dyson vacuums have a undeniably bulky feel to them and they are made in china with cheap parts and platic- I think the that Dyson guy is a smooth talking Brit who has found a way to market his vacuums and bridge the gap between mediocore vacuums such as Bissels or Dirt Devil, hoover etc...sure they are good vacuums but they are made cheaply....if they are superior and dont loose suction than why is there only a 5 year warranty on them....does that mean they might loose suction after the 5 years? most upright units will! anyway on to the mile S5980 - I returned the Dyson and picked up a Miele - WOW what a performer - it handles multisurfaces immaculately and with ease - I have the SEB Powerbrush option with headlight and my carpets have never been cleaner....the unit is built like a Anvil with percise German engineering...built to last a very long time well over 5 years - thats for sure. This vacuum has increadable suction - when needed - way more than a upright can ever accomplish. The Hepa filter really works and gives off purified recycled air not dust..the replcement bags are super easy to replace and very clean to work with...not that expensive to operate either 5 bags are approx $40CDN(lasts 1 year) and the HEPA Fileter costs $59 (good for approx. 1.5-2years). I Sure the "bagless type vacuums never need replacement bags and there's no added cost but have you ever tried to empty one - its a big mess and a hassle to do - plus the HEPAS on them do not work as well as the Meile - I think I will stick with Miele - it is the best canister acuum on the planet IMHO - Thanks.

I had a Dyson for over 2 years. I suffer HORRIBLE DUST MITE & MOLD ALLERGIES. I have 2 cats. I would vaccum daily with my Dyson and it helped but dust went everywhere and my allergies would worsen.

I own a higher end Miele now for about 2 months. It is truly amazing how well it works. I have almost no symptoms now and my carpet in my apartment looks very clean. In fact I simply brush out a dried hairball and let the suction of the Miele do the rest. While the Dyson had good suction, it does not capture the little buggers that were making me sick. I paid just over $1000 for my Miele and I would give up my car now before you could take away my vaccum. Truly a life changing purchase for myself.

Miele all the way. I own the 5280 and it replaced my Dyson DC-15 Animal vac that I spent a full $600 on two years ago. Let me tell you my DC-15 went to the shop 4 times in that 2 years. Belt broke, motor stopped working, bearing broke TWICE. So I traded it in for the Miele per comments from serious vacuum nuts and the shop's owner. He told me that Dysons come into his shop at least 20 times a month for minor problems. Dyson as a corp. never pays for warranty repairs I guess...

but anyway, please check out a Miele and the Dyson. But you gotta admit, German engineering... Dyson? Junk. Overpriced. Please do yourself a fave and at least try a Miele canister vac. You won't be sorry.

Miele is the Best. It will pick up anything. If you want something that will cut down on the allergens there is only one true answer. Miele is the only truly HEPA certified vacuum cleaner, because you can put a HEPA filter on any vacuum but most just leak before the dirt even makes the HEPA filter so you are really just redistributing particles in your house. Don't believe me, check this out:

Through a particulate analysis on YouTube, I show how well the Miele vacuum works and truly traps the dust. My findings prove that the Miele Vacuum is completely sealed and really is HEPA.

YouTube Miele Vacuum Video – As seen on ABC 7

You can see from this video that the Miele will trap all of the particles in a cloth like bag that self-seals on its way out and you are actually purifying the air in your house by vacuuming! The filtration is 99.95% effective at 0.3 microns which is amazing. Thanks to its HEPA filter and super intensive clean bags the vacuum is able to achieve this kind of filtration.

Also check-out my blog called Consumer Reporter - a vehicle to educate consumers about the vacuum and air purification market.

If you appreciate the information I provide on Miele vacuum cleaners via You Tube and my blog, please support my on-line store, KillDirt.You’ll get free shipping and no tax (as long as you do not live in New Jersey). We will be sure to make your shopping experience a pleasant one.

I adore my Miele. It is so quiet, but don't let that fool you. It picks up everything. I have a dog who sheds like mad and a boyfriend who is allergic to said dog. I vacuum before he arrives, and he never has a problem. I will never own another brand.

I realize that it is a major investment, but if you can afford it, it's one you won't regret. The workmanship is outstanding. I couldn't believe a vacuum could be built with such quality. Everyone I know asks to borrow it because it outperforms all of their vacuums. They'll use theirs for day to day cleaning, but when they really want to do a good job, they come pick up my Miele.

I just want to know why would your boss make you vacuum twice a day. I can understand at the end of the day to leave the office as clean as possible.

My husband and I bought a new vacuum about a year ago, did all the research, and went to a bunch of different dealers to try out the machines in person. The ones that performed best, hands down, were the Miele and a small American maker called Riccar. They both work amazingly well -- quiet, HEPA filter, amazing suction, well-designed, solid construction. We ended up getting the Riccar rather than the Miele because the warranty was better, the attachments were higher quality (esp. the dusting attachment with extra-long, soft bristles...so nice!), and the price was ever so slightly lower. Still an $800 vacuum, though, no way around it. We use it a ton and still love it. Anyone considering a Miele should definitely try out the Riccar as well. I'm surprised I don't hear more about them since the product is fantastic.

The Miele looks wonderful, but has been out of my range so far. I've been looking at the Electrolux Oxygen or Oxygen 3... anyone have any experience with those?

My 10 years old Miele is working great still. Back then there weren't so many choices in the market. My husband wanted something quiet and came with HEPA filter. But buying a vacuum, which cost almost $400, were tough decision for us. When we almost gave up, the local store owner (near Columbia University) gave us $100 discount with cash payment. We happily took our yellow Miele to our home and since then, it's become one of the things I can't live without. And he repaired 2 yeas ago when I had problem with cords. (Well, I pulled the cords too hard...) I remember I paid less than $100 for replacing the whole cords section.

Sagekitten, I've had the Electrolux Oxygen 3 for a couple of years now, and I love it. It has a HEPA filter, which was essential for me, and it's very easy to maneuver. I have two dogs (one of which has fur like a flokati rug), and I haven't had any problems with clogging/tangling, etc. It's great.

My only complaint is that the plastic hook that's supposed to hold the hose in place while the vacuum is in storage doesn't work -- and it eventually broke off. That doesn't affect the functionality of the vacuum in any way, though. I just thought I should mention it. I consider that a pretty minor point!

once again European Design rules and quickly we get SUCKED into it.
Did you know that when you want to go cheap you buy a Miele in Holland. Its true.

I'm with the Riccar. When you go to Desco (as I did on AT recommendation) they will convince you to get the Riccar although they sell the Mieles et al. The Riccar's are competing w the Mieles, so everything about them looks and acts like the Miele, except their price points are a couple hundred bucks less on each model. I got the $600 HEPA sexy orange medium canister, both for me and my mom. I also got the $1,000 model -- it's truly a beautiful beast, but I wound up selling it to a client who can better afford it. I feel fairly indulgent with my $600 model. Quiet, efficient, pretty, many attachments, 2 years and no repair issues, built well and in America.

The. Miele. Will. Change. Your. Life.

(Period)

Before Miele #1 I spent ages vacuuming cat hair out of my sofa and area rugs with a crappy little vacuum. With Miele #1, all clean in way less time and, due to being really deeply clean, stayed that way much longer. Miele #1 is still going strong at my brother's new house. Miele #2 is a Best Parkett model (we currently live in Europe; yes they are relatively less expensive here -- and you should see all the other cool stuff at the Miele showroom!) and this apartment has never been cleaner. Meanwhile, my mom has had the same Miele for 10 years now and it's still working perfectly. My only regret . . . when we move back this one won't run on 120V current!

I have two cats and a husband with house dust mite allergy.
I had Dyson, I had Vorwerk, I have Miele and I made the best experiences with Miele. Beyond the best test results which all the three products have: Miele is the cheapest.

we have a dyson and it does a reasonable cleaning job although it is a bit cumbersome. my main problem with it is that when you come to empty the cylinder of all the collected dust, it is a distinctly unhygienic and unpleasant process. in retrospect i would have bought a bagged vacuum cleaner. and now with a cat in the household, my next vacuum cleaner is a miele. the dyson is still functional and i cannot justify throwing it away. so i am waiting till it bites the dust.

Another satisfied Miele user here. We have two cats and the Miele Cat & Dog Plus model (S5560) and we're very happy with it. I had been curious about Dysons, but after reading some of the comments here, I'm glad that we didn't go that route.

SO happy to see this thread today as I am in the market for a new canister vac! Break it down for me - I'm a single woman with allergies who just purchased a home and am on a budget, my house is entirely hardwood...which Miele product should I buy that kicks allergens' butt and isn't TOO expensive?

I too am curious about this... I live in a large loft, mostly hard floors, a couple of small area rugs. I was thinking of getting the Miele stick vacuum (the S163). Does anyone have any experience with this? There is very little storage, so the smaller the better (and I'm a student, so on a budget).

Thanks!

I live in a multi-level loft with mostly hardwood floors (only the bedroom area is carpeted). I purchased a Miele Antares after reading a similar thread - http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=13909903

I am very happy with it. It does a great job on my floors (which are vintage and have a lot of gaps between them where crud collects) and it's lightweight enough so that carrying it upstairs is easy and quick.

Yes, it was expensive, but I usually believe that you get what you pay for.

i have a miele white star which i bought almost 8 years ago to deal with cat hair. i had roomies with cats back then and it did an awesome job. now i have a baby :) which doesn't produce as much hair but i suck up a lot of cheerios now with it. recently my daughter knocked it on the floor really hard and it busted :( i was so sad! i love that vacuum! the good news is that there's a place in park slope on 7th ave and 12th street that repairs them (and fast!) now it's back and good as new. i will never go with a different vacuum.

Miele-- best money ever spent on a vacuum. period.

I bought my vacuum at Desco. I went there for a miele and came out with a Riccar, after being convinced by the (rather gruff) owner to go with a Riccar. He told me that because New Yorkers tend to be so brand conscious, he sells more Mieles, but truthfully, he says the Riccars are just as good. Having used both, I can't tell the difference and the Riccar is significantly less expensive. The power motor for rugs is AMAZING.

Just bought the lowest end of the Miele. Own a dyson for the fla house and can say I prefer the Miele. Its a canister for all hardwood floors with the occasional rug. Seems sturdy and well made. Small and lightweight too. I think you can get a different model (I got the yellow one) or maybe the hepa filter - for different floors.

I was in the market for a better vacuum and thought that Meile was out of my budget so decided to get Dyson. Bought the compact ball model (DC24) -- got it home and it was defective!! The brush didn't turn and the customer service person said to take it back and get a new one. The Target near my house took it back, but doesn't stock it, so I was going to have to wait for another trip to LI or order on-line. In the meantime, I borrowed my downstairs neighbors Meile (melon yellow compact canister). I loved it (like buy it flowers and ask for its hand in marriage, love)! It was so quiet it didn't freak my cats out. It worked great on all their fur -- even on my thick area rug, although most of my apt. is wood floors. It felt much better than the Dyson did. I basically resigned myself to figuring out how to afford one no matter what I had to give up for a while. I was shocked when I could get the basic compact canister for the same price as the Dyson. I decided to order the Antares to get the extra attachments and I can't wait for it to arrive.

Thank you Anna at D16!

Most vacs will suck well if you have hard flooring, but my crappy rental has crappy carpet. I've never seen anything stain so easily! So I'm thinking about upgrading my cute small vac (that worked so well on floorboards) to a more powerful canister. I don't know if recommendations offered here are from carpet baggers, or floorboard surfers..

Any help?

england mielevskirby good comment
From: Chris Charlesworth [muddy250@yahoo.co.uk]
Sent: Tuesday, May 27, 2008 4:05 PM
To: gerryrubin@killdirt.com
Subject: thanks!

Hi Gerry,
We had a 3 hour free carpet cleaning yesterday, demo from Kirby. They did a good job getting beat in dirt out of
the carpet after first using our Dyson DC14 then showing us what was left and explained that if we ran it for 30 minutes it would clean the air in the room..... pretty impressive. I let them out after they shampooed the carpet and seriously thought about buying one, not at the ridiculous asking price but from ebay or getting a recon model as they look so well engineered. THEN I stumbled on your site whilst looking for information about how good Kirbys really are. After seeing your particulate tests, guess what I'm going to buy tomorrow? That's right, a Miele. I only wish I was able to visit your store and make the purchase from you directly but I'm in the UK. I'd sell the DC14 to recoup some cash but I can't in all conscience sell it on having seen your tests.
I can't believe that no one else has performed this simple test so thanks again. Looking forward to getting a new vacuum that does what it says, I'm tired of repeatedly vacuuming only to find that layer of dust back the very next day.
please visit www.killdirt.com
or you tube consumerreporter

regards
Chris Charlesworth
Huddersfield
UK

Does anyone own the Miele Carina model? Recommended? Seems to be the only affordable model that might work for my hardwood floors and 2 rugs.
Thanks.

I got the Carina model a few months ago after my cheapo canister vacuum died on me. I initially balked at the thought of paying $400 for a vacuum, but it was the right decision. I live in a studio apartment with wood floors, tile, and a big berber rug. The first time I used the vacuum, it looked like I had polished my floors and my rug looked brand new. The vacuum is built very well and is small enough that I can stow it away without any issues. I first looked at the Dyson canister vac, but it was far too large and after fiddling around with all the movable parts, I was covered in white dust. Ick!