Product Review: Oreck XL Deluxe Model Vacuum Cleaner

I seem to have a knack for destroying vacuum cleaners.  I am not sure how it happens but I have been through almost every type and style you can imagine and one by one they have met the same dismal fate.  So when my latest model had been sent to an early grave I  began to look for something that would be a little easier to handle with my RA.  Because the Arthritis Foundation recommended the Oreck upright vacuum I decided to give them a try.  Unfortunately I needed a new vacuum about the same time that hurricane Katrina decided to hit.  Oreck manufactures its vacuums in Louisiana and because of the hurricane, the product was delayed for about 2 weeks.

When the product came in I have to admit I was really surprised at how light the machine is at only 9 pounds.  I did not realize how much the weight of the machine had an impact on my wrists.  This machine has a ergonomically designed handle that makes it easy to push.  There have been times when I needed both hands to push the machine and this handle makes it comfortable for both.     The machine has no on board attachments that would add to the weight of the machine.  It did come with a compact canister vacuum cleaner at no additional charge. The small canister vacuum is only 5 pounds.  Personally it is a bit of a pain to have two vacuums out at the same time to get everything I need done at once although the stairs are a much easier task with the smaller canister. It has a low profile that makes it easy to clean under furniture and the side brushes do a good job of cleaning the baseboard and edges.

I am a bit torn about the disposable bags.  They do hold a lot more than the bag less systems, but they seem to be just as messy and there is the additional cost.  For a package of eight bags it cost $24.99.  If you have a local dealer near you then you can only pick up the bags there, they are not available at your local retail store.  If there is no local dealer they can be purchased online with the additional shipping cost of $3.95.

I did have an issue with the switch on the handle within the first several months of ownership.  The switch began to spark when I turned it on and I found that more than a bit concerning.  I took it to the local dealer and it was fixed without any additional charge because it was under the 3  year warranty.

Overall I am happy with this vacuum.  It has lasted longer than any vacuum I have owned over the past 20 years.  It is light and easy to use especially when my rheumatoid arthritis is bothering me.

The price I paid for this machine was $399.95.  I paid that in October of 2005.  If you check Oreck’s website the same model is on sale right now for the same price with free shipping a free cordless iron and the hand held canister vacuum free.

Rating: 4 out of  5.

Tags: arthritis, arthritis foundation, Katrina, Lousianna, machine, Oreck, RA, rheumatoid, vacuum

This entry was posted on Tuesday, April 7th, 2009 at 11:27 am and is filed under Product Review. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.