Kirby Vacuums

[Lulu-in-Ny]

This seemed like the best place for this; if there's a better spot, please migrate it there...
So, my sister's ex came to her house today to demonstrate a Kirby Vacuum. I went in with only the hope of NOT making fun of him, but...wow. Does anyone own one of these things? If so, is it really as amazing as they make it look? Most importantly, is it really worth $1800? Thank god I didn't have that much cash on me, because I would have totally bought one...

[BakingInPearls]

My mother had a Kirby vacuum that she got second hand and after 50+ years of service we finally had to put it down. It was the best vacuum I have ever used but just a warning if you are vacuuming small area rugs have someone stand on the edges because boy howdie that thing will suck the rug right up in it!

[DancingSweetie]

I recently bought a used one on Ebay for $100, I think it's from the 80's or 90's. So far I love it. I also bought a box of all kinds of attachments for about $25. I like them because they look more like vacuum cleaners used to look, rather than the ugly plastic things available now.

[Lulu-in-Ny]

I like them because they look more like vacuum cleaners used to look, rather than the ugly plastic things available now.

That's what I kept saying-"Oooh, it's so retro looking, all chrome and whatnot.

because boy howdie that thing will suck the rug right up in it!

I am totally going to find every opportunity I can to use the phrase "boy howdie"!

[Josephine]

My mom got one in the late 80's and dear God it was HEAVY. I don't think I can emphasize how HEAVY this thing was. I was 20 in 88 so I wasn't a wimpy preteen. I did not like vacuuming with it. But boy howdy it was a work horse!

[~*Red*~]

I bought one from a kid my husband was trying to recruit into the Marines, (he thought I was doing him a favor, but it really ended up better for me! )

That thing has lasted longer than any of the other 5 machines we've owned. I don't have the shampoo attachment, just the vacuum and accompanying attachments. That thing kicks! Mine isn't as cool as the older ones, but it's awesome. The only other vacuum I really like are the Dyson vacuums. My folks have one and sometimes I wish I had one too, just because it is way lighter than my Kirby! But I'll never give it up.
They seriously last a lifetime. The gym I used to go still used one that was at least 50 years old.

[Weston]

Mine is Grandmother Weston's from 1956. Works like a dream. However, don't pay too much. Do a google search for deals on Kirby sweepers – the cheapest is to get them from eBay new, but my mom a couple years ago talked down the salesman to $600. That top price is super inflated – I wouldn't pay half the original price.

[DancingSweetie]

It is heavy, but not hard to push at all. It also comes apart to become a hand vacuum so it isn't so bad.

[CaddyKid21]

The janitors in my school use a Kirby, that thing is soo loud, but the carpets sure are clean i must say.

[mtechthang]

Like some others, I grew up with one in the house (well, where else would you keep it?!). It did a great job but I remember that the biggest feature for us was that it had a buffer attachment that was a beast (for hardwood floors). Every summer we'd take every piece of furniture outside. Vacuum the floors then clean vigorously with mineral spirits (I still get high thinking about it!) Then the Kirby'd come out and dad would be there all day buffing away! Floors looked great but you had to yell for several days for him to hear you!

It has too many other attachments to name but I do remember one other "benefit" (contrary to my original post, I hasn't any attachments to speak of!). You get to keep the same model for the rest of your life (I happen to know the darned thing is willed to me and still sitting there!!) The reason, as a certain add points out, is that the motor, etc is completely re-buildable!! So every few (or dozen!) years it would slow down a bit and dad'd take it in where they would replace brushes or whatever it needed and clean it up and back home it would come!!