Oreck - Oh, Yeah!
Written: Apr 23 '01
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Pros: Durable, lightweight, has good suction; 30' cord makes it easy to get around
Cons: Ugly, utilitarian look. Bags are expensive and can only be ordered from Oreck.
The Bottom Line: Oreck XL is a durable, lightweight vacuum cleaner. Weighing only 8 pounds and with a 30' cord, it's easy to maneuver and does a superior job of cleaning.
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| mmenke0226's Full Review: Oreck XL2600 Upright Vacuum |
I've had my Oreck XL for three weeks now and I'm still thrilled! Of course, compared to the Dirt Devil vacuum I've had for six months, and which has been worthless for more than a month now, anything would have been an improvement. (I wrote an opinion on the Dirt Devil earlier this year. I didn't like it then; now I HATE it!)
Once again, I was faced with the dilemna of which vacuum to buy. A friend told me he and his wife have had an Oreck for several years and were happy with it. "A What-ik?" I replied. Believe it or not, I had never heard of Oreck! (I live a sheltered life.)
Shortly after that conversation, I learned that my best friend, a woman I've known since kindergarten, for heaven's sake, also has an Oreck! Somehow, she had neglected to mention this in any of our previous conversations.
I had actually been leaning towards buying another Electrolux. I had owned one many years ago and it had lasted ten years, with very few problems. Before making that kind of investment, I came to e-pinions and researched both Electrolux and Oreck. Opinion-wise, Electrolux was the winner; price-wise, Oreck came out ahead at half the price of an Electrolux. Cost proved to be the deciding factor.
I purchased my Oreck on-line and got a free 30-day trial. I also received a hand-held vacuum and a cordless iron. The minute it arrived, I put it together and vacuumed the entire house, which was in desperate need since the Dirt Devil had bit the dust for good a week earlier. I couldn't believe the difference. The carpets actually looked clean for the first time in months. Plus, it's so light that even I can use it! (I have chronic back problems and my chiropractor advised that vacuuming is the worst thing for a bad back, so my husband has been doing most of it for the past couple of years.) On second thought, maybe the weight isn't an advantage.
After vacuuming twice a week for three weeks, I'm still impressed. We have two dogs who are in the house most of the day; one is a shepherd mix and sheds a lot, so daily vacuuming wouldn't be out of the question, except that I harbor a belief there is more to life than a clean house. Twice a week is all I'm willing to commit to, and with the Oreck, that seems to be sufficient. It picks up great and best of all, I haven't had to change the bag yet. That's really a plus because the bags are expensive and can only be ordered from Oreck. When the Dirt Devil was working, there were no bags to contend with, but the see-thru canister had to be emptied twice with each vacuuming. At the end of its short life, it wasn't picking up at all. The bottom of the cleaner was clogged with - you guessed it - dog hair, and even though we cleaned it out thoroughly, it just didn't do a decent job after that.
Another thing I love about the Oreck is the 30' cord. I can easily vacuum my whole house without stopping to plug into a different outlet, which is another plus for my back since I don't have to keep bending over to plug it in. The Oreck also lies flat to get under furniture, which is something other uprights don't do as well.
Despite all its advantages, the Oreck is not perfect. It doesn't get into corners and even getting close to the walls leaves something to be desired. And, like others who have given their opinions of the Oreck, while I like the hand-held vacuum that came with it, I question why they didn't just put all the features on the upright and be done with it.
Another thing: I tried the deodorizer that came with the Oreck - there's a special "slot" on the inside of the bag - and I wish I hadn't. It smells just like the inside of a hotel room after it's been cleaned, which I guess is understandable since many hotels use the Oreck. I never minded it at hotels, but it just doesn't smell right in my house - too "clinical" or something!
All things considered, I would recommend Oreck to anyone who is looking for a lightweight cleaner that does a heavy-duty job. I think it's a keeper.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 375
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Epinions.com ID:
mmenke0226
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Location: St. Louis, MO
Reviews written: 11
Trusted by: 4 members
About Me:
Life-long St.Louis resident. Married, 4 grown sons, 4 grandkids. Freelance writer.
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