but it struck me as interesting.

What a difficult decision these days! The one I had was about 20 years old, so I can't judge whether the one I ended up with is good or not, since anything would have done a better job. I have always had canisters, and with all the furniture and steps that I have to vacuum, I wanted another one. I ended up with a Sears Kenmore bagless canister, and I have been happy with it. It was not the cheapest model, and I am hoping that it will hold up longer than a year or two.

I did look at the Bissell, Dirt Devil, and Shark that were much cheaper, but I was concerned that they would be difficult to use the attachments with for stairs and furniture. Glad that you are satisfied with your choice.

but things are no longer made to last. So I did not feel like spending too much money.

When the third coffee maker in 9 months failed, we got a stove top melita, I did not even look for an electric espresso machine. I just got a Bialetti.

and if this one doesn't last long, I will just buy the cheapest ones I can get to do the job.

If and when my coffee maker goes, I will have to look at a stove top unit. I have a Bialetti too, have had it for 30 years and never a problem.

I bought it ten years before I married. First thing I bought with a pay check actually at 19. It came with a VHS video instruction. At one point something happened and it got musty. So got the Bialetti.

I swore I'd never get one. Just give me a vacuum that really SUCKS and puts all they dust, dirt and pollen in a nice disposable bag. I got my Bissell Power force bagged vacuum for $50. No complaints.

had it rebuilt last year (22 years later) for $300 (new on/off switch and gaskets, motor lube)

cleans like crazy, has tons of attachments including a powered stair/car head

we live in the dusty desert, our spring wind storms are notorious. when i pick up the rug, there's no dust/dirt under it so the vac is sucking it all up, all the way through the thick rugs.

there is no dust released in the air as it's all captured in the water, which is gross but doesn't get all over me, i dump it down the toilet or out in a corner of the yard.

even though it's an investment, you can find rebuilds at your local rainbow store or all over ebay.

i do have a dirt devil for quick pickups, but dang, those filters add up and i know it doesn't clean all the way. and emptying that bin is nasty.

I've used that Rainbow to suck up floods when there have been 'plumbing issues', the duster cleans lamp shades to brand new, the upholstery attachment sucks the dust out of drapes and curtains like a champ, and would defur any furniture the furbabies had claimed for their own.

I was skeptical, but hubby ran a Rainbow store in his youth and he claimed his allergies would thank him for it. when we had 3 dogs and a cat, no furballs survived. i'm not much of a housekeeper, but once or twice a month that Rainbow does a through job.

they're not for everyone, but i'll never give mine up.

discovered a way to get that nice smell without the powders.

Does your vacuum have a little squishy foam filter underneath the removable canister? Is the filter itself removable (for cleaning)? If so, do be sure to remove it and wash it with soap and water every few times you use it. Let it air dry completely before replacing it (I put mine in the sun.)

Now, here's the trick....

Because I am constantly sucking up dog and cat hair, the smell of the vacuum was a little "animally" to say the least. So, I wondered if sprinkling some essential oil on the foam would help. I started with a tiny amount of lemongrass essential oil. Sure enough, the room filled with a nice scent as I vacuumed.

I've been using a bit more now (8-10 drops maybe?) and not only does the house smell nice after I am done but the filter seems to wash out cleaner now.

I went with a Riccar because they are Made in America and am pleased.