Kirby Vacuum Cleaner

From the standpoint of getting the job done on pet hair and cat litter, this vacuum is superb. The initial investment in a Kirby is steep, but I have had mine 13 years and had it serviced once. I have the G5, and I think they are up to the G6 or 7. I have no incentive to buy the upgraded vacuum as I am comfortable with the one I have and know how to use all the attachments and features. Wouldn't want to re-learn how to use a newer one.

The carpet shampooer is a lot of work to use as you need to pre-vacuum first, change to the shampooer attachments, apply the shampoo, let it dry some, go back over and suck up the shampoo, and then eventually re-vacuum. But the shampooer really fluffs up your carpet pile and makes the room smell so nice. The Kirby shampoo also has Scotchguarding components in it to cut down on stains and soiling. I do have problems getting cat food throw up stains to totally disappear.

This vacuum is almost impossible to use on stairs. Using the hose attachment on stairs doesn't have the roller to pull up on the carpet pile. I have used the zip brush on the hose attachment on stairs to get the pet hair off, and that is what works for me.

I hate lugging this vacuum to a different floor where I need it. I have a 4 level house and wish that I had a Kirby for every floor so that I would never have to take it up and down stairs--but that would cost me several thousand dollars to buy 3 more.

The vacuum does have a self propelled feature so that the rear wheels spin on their own and make vacuuming less of a work out. But when I use the zip brush attachment on upholestry, I am really flexing my bisceps and getting a work out pressing the zip brush down hard on the furniture. I even broke one zip brush this way. The Kirby guy had never seen a zip brush destroyed in the way that I had done it. Kirby stores do have used equipment or pieces that won't match your model but can still function and these cost less than the new ones.

Pros: Zip Brush Attachment does a great job on pet hair on furniture

Cons: Very heavy to take up and down stairs; changing to the hose and attachments is a chore; very expensive product

My brother and his wife have a kirby and although it is very heavy it works and it works very well. They are made very well and I believe they even have a lifetime warrenty.

Pros: -

Cons: -