I would kiss the vacuum, except I'm sure it would suck me up into oblivion, and I don't think that would be comfortable.

I was extremely frustrated and ticked off with my Eureka Whirlwind Upright, and had taken it to be repaired numerous times. The belt continually broke under the stress of the constant pet fur and cat litter, etc. being sucked into it(with a dog and three cats it was a real challenge).

After a year of hassle I put that vacuum in the front of my house for whoever wanted it to pick it up. Perhaps it was foolish, but I didn't ever want to look at it again, and possibly it would be of benefit to someone who didn't have pets, or someone who didn't mind fixing it constantly.

I realize that just about everyone at Epinions who owned that vacuum was happy with it, and maybe I just got a lemon, but I HATED it. Okay, I've calmed myself down and have dealt with my anger.

I read several reviews on the Kenmore Whispertone canister vacuum and everyone gushed over it. I therefore drove frantically over to my local Sears store in Santa Monica, California, fully expecting to buy a Whispertone.

The salesperson, Mischa told me the Whispertone is excellent but that the Kenmore Progressive Canister is even more powerful, and it is great for her pets' fur.

I loved the little Powermate that comes along with the vacuum and the attractive teal color (it also comes in Indigo Blue). It has 12AMPS so is very powerful, and has 14in. cleaning area. I was impressed by the onboard tools, though I told her I wouldn't need or use them. Mischa said I would, so I placated her and said I would consider it.

I kept questioning her about the Whispertone, and looking longingly at it, wondering if I was making the right decision, but decided to bite the bullet and purchase the Kenmore Progressive Canister.

This was a big decision for me. I am not able to afford the $1,000 plus vacuums that many people here at Epinions, seem able to purchase, nor would I want to spend that much money on a vacuum even if I could afford it.

The Kenmore Progressive Canister cost me $259. I tried to get Mischa to knock the price down, but the best she would/could do was to throw in some free vacuum bags, but I was happy with the price/purchase.

Here is what it comes with:

Hose assembly
2 wand assemblies (upper & lower)
1 floor brush
1 crevice tool
1 fabric brush
1 dusting brush
1 Power-Mate

Kenmore claims that this vacuum cleaner can be used on either carpeting or floor and can accommodate high, medium, low or xtra low carpeting pile.

It has a three-way on-off switch, a quick-release pedal. I also love the retractable cord. It has an edge cleaner, suction control, and overload protector on the Power Mate.

I took the Kenmore Progressive Canister home, but with mixed feelings. I was spending over $200 and while I was impressed with what I had seen at the store, I had been impressed with the Eureka Whirlwind at the store previously. By the way, the salesperson told me they had many Eureka Whirlwinds returned to the store.

I opened the box and easily assembled the vacuum. I am happy to say that the Kenmore Progressive Canister very comfortably picked up all the kitty and dog fur, cat litter, sunflower seeds (my worst habit), spiders(yuk), you name it, without difficulty. It is low-noise as promised. I am so happy I purchased this vacuum. I am not real easy on things, and I do much better with a canister vacuum.

My house is now immaculate, and I don't have to be embarrassed to have friends/family visit, and yes, Mischa I am using all the onboard tools and they are great.

If necessary Sears will repair your vacuum in your home, you can take it in close to your home, and you can order additional parts.

They additionally have a website. You can just click on the manufacturers product page. I highly recommend this vacuum!

Update 5/2003:

I had to take it in for repair today, and was very upset at the cost. Turns out though this is a great vacuum, the parts are quite expensive, so be aware!

Thanks for reading!

Suzi


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