Customer Reviews

Electrolux Sanitaire Commercial Backpack Vacuum, 11.5lbs, Red

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I've been using this vacuum for the better part of a year now, and wanted to spread the word about it! Canister-style vacuums are better than uprights for use on hard floors, but they are cumbersome to maneuver. This unit is carried on your body like a backpack, with shoulder straps and a waist harness, so only the power cord trails behind you.

Although you must carry the weight of the machine, the design is actually much better for someone (like me) with back problems because it is easier to maintain a proper body position. (Ever noticed how you lean forward when you're vacuuming? That is terrible for your lower back!) The machine is also very lightweight (ten pounds or so?) and well-distributed across the back; it should be manageable for most adults. All of this really comes together when you get to your stairs. For that job, I use only the flexible hose (no extension wand) and the small accessory tools. I kneel on one step, and can comfortably reach the next couple of steps by hand. I still can't believe how easy that job has become for me.

Another outstanding feature -- even carried so close to the ears, this machine is quieter than any other I have used.

The design is not perfect. In particular, the joint of the extension wand to the flexible hose is a problem. It takes muscle to attach the two pieces, and they can work loose during use. Storing the power cord is also a nuisance -- it's not retractable like most canisters, and there are not even pegs to wind it around like a standard upright. A little padding on the shoulder straps would be nice, too.

Finally, I have seen canister vacuums that come with a rotating brush attachment for use on carpet. This vacuum has an accessory that is meant for carpets, but high-quality, plush carpeting needs to be agitated. I have an upright for the carpeted second floor in my home. If I could find that accessory, I'd pitch the other machine completely.

I hope Sanitaire will work on those features in future models because backpack vacuums deserve a bigger market share. I'd like to see this machine get its due notice. In the meantime, I highly recommend this unit for anyone with mostly hard flooring in their homes.

This vac works so good and is so quiet I should get two. I work as A commercial carpenter and noise and dust are always an issue. Not any more! How to make it better. 1.5 crush proof blue pool hose from home depot, it is vary flexible and Standard vacuum hose cuffs fit. push the cuff in the vacuum inlet hole and it stays put,so far anyway. Pick up a cheep aluminium vacuum wand and plastic head from vac store for tile and wood, some have brushes to keep from scratching. If you can find it the best is 1 1/8 ID vary flexible vac hose. I just used white duct tape to secure the vac cuffs, it holds fine and is easy to rap up even it cold weather. I have not put on the pack yet, I just keep moving it or dragging it! I plan on putting some wheels on it. This vac is small and fits vary well in the truck.Clip the switch on the bag latch. Good luck!

The best vacuum I have ever owned. We have all hardwood floors and I don't know how we got along without this. It's light, has an amazingly long cord (we can do the whole house, 1,400 sq ft. from one plug). The wand is very long so getting cob webs on the ceiling is easy. Suction seems to be great and the attachments are exatly what is needed. No more sweeping the wood floors or dragging a canister over them and scratching them. I had read that the rug attachement was not that great but I disagree. I guess if you were to do a deep pile carpet with it you would want a powered rug attachement but for the couple of small rugs we have it works fine and it does spin with suction power. We have two cats and a dog and for the first time our floors always look great. Cannot recomend this enough.

I got this for cleaning up after a day camp. It's great - fast and effective. My staff liked it so much ai got a second one.

I am thrilled with a backpack vacuum... to be able to reach both floors without unplugging is great- mind you we have a small home. the only thing i don't love about this vacuum are the attachments which are too long so even though they are light they are a bit unruly.

It is convenient for open spaces, but why can't the attachments be in plastic? Though, it is kind of cool the way you can get underneath furniture.