Tip of the day: Buy the right vacuum

Vacuums are popular with visitors to ConsumerReports.org and readers of Consumer Reports—indeed, "vacuum" is among the most widely searched terms on our Web site. Manufacturers, seeming to have picked up on your interest, continue to introduce new models and new types with myriad bells and whistles and claimed benefits. We'll even be testing one model designed to use ultraviolet light to kill dust mites.

(Consumer Reports has been testing vacs for decades, as illustrated by the circa-1954 photograph shown. In this image, a technician is measuring the suction ability of a vacuum.)
 
Given this crowded market filled with topnotch performers as well as middling models, it's essential to match the type of vacuum you choose to the kind of cleaning you typically do. Below you'll find a description of the common types and the pros and cons of each.

Once you know which style you want, read our latest reports on vacuums and wet/dry models and refer to our Ratings of upright, canister, wet/dry (available to subscribers) to choose the right model for your home. Before you shop, be sure to watch our exclusive video buying guide.

UPRIGHT
Best for deep-cleaning carpets. Most upright vacuums are less expensive and easier to store than canister vacuums.

But you must push and pull the entire machine for most floor and carpet cleaning. When you’re vacuuming on stairs, an upright is less stable than canister models.

Price: $100 to $500 for most models

CANISTER
Best for cleaning bare floors, and stairs, drapes, and upholstery using tools. Canisters are more stable on stairs than uprights. The head fits under furniture, and you move only the head and hose.

But the entire machine tends to be heavier, bulkier, and pricier. Most aren’t as effective on carpets.

Price: $150 to $700 for most models

STICK SWEEPER
Best for light cleaning of carpets, bare floors, and edges. These suctionless sweepers are relatively quiet and have long battery run times.

But they’re not designed to deep-clean carpets, and on bare floors they might scatter debris, such as rice, kitty litter, and other common spills for which they’re designed.

Price: $20 to $80

STICK VACUUM
Best for light-duty cleaning on short-pile carpets and bare floors.

But they have trouble cleaning larger items off carpet and deliver shorter run times than sweepers, and some are no easier to push than full-size vacuums.

Price: $30 to $100

WET/DRY
Best for cleaning heavy dust, remodeling debris, liquids, and other tougher messes.

But dust emissions are high with some models. The largest can be hard to maneuver and store; the cheapest often aren’t very effective. All are noisy.

Price: $30 to $150 for most models

HAND
Best for spot cleanups on carpets and bare floors.

But you need to stoop when using one, and most handhelds lose power quickly, making them suitable only for occasional use.

Price: $20 to $60

ROBOTIC
Best for their novelty and low effort between regular vacuuming in uncluttered rooms.

But they’re expensive as a group and time-consuming to set up and run. In our test, most also tended to miss edges and corners.

Price: $200 to $1,800

CENTRAL SYSTEM
Best for canisterlike cleaning without carrying the body. They tend to be relatively quiet and can be emptied infrequently.

But central vacs are pricey and often require professional installation. The
30-foot hose can be cumbersome and takes up storage space. And there's no
place to carry tools while you work.

Price: $500 to $1,250 with tools; $300 to $750 to install

Comments

[Sharon]

Bought the best vacuum cleaner in the world for pet hair thanks to your ratings (the Kenmore model) and am now looking for a carpet shampooer, either upright or spot. When will you test????

[Jane]

Obviously there are many customers that are interested in carpet shampooer ratings and it is unbelievable that such a common product is not rated by CR and no comments from them. I too was looking for a rating and will cancel my subscription as well. I had looked for ratings on dishwashers awhile back and based on CR rating purchased a Fridgedaire, but before delivery I checked the actual customer reviews and there were horrible so I cancelled by order and bought a Kitchenaid and so far I am happy. But because of CR's rating they wasted my time and delayed my purchase. I am not a happy customer! Going to cancel this worthless subscription now.

[Edie]

I have to rent a a shampooer either from Von's, Uhaul or safeway.

Anyone have any suggestions about renting? I have heard to use Folex as the shampoo but no firm suggestions on brand.

Help!!

[kathy]

Another request for info on carpet steam cleaners...come on people!!!!

[Smith]

Need carpet shampoo machine reviews - or at least a comment back from CR reps - no response to your customers???

[peg]

i just subscribed to CR online and my first and foremost search is for a carpet steam cleaner. To say the least I'm disappointed.

[richard]

I need to buy a carpet shampooer and need some info on them would be very helpful. Thanks

[Cathy]

I needed to replace my carpet steamer today- I am very disappointed that CU has no review! I too have been subscriber for many years. I would have thought that this product would be a frequently updated item- so many people obviously need to clean the carpets in their home! From above comments it seems this item is a frequently searched for review. How many others were disappointed to find no review and didn't take the time to leave a comment?

[Manya]

Ditto! I had a Bissell ProHeat and it went out after 2 years, then I've had a Dirt Devil for 2 years and I think the water pump went out on that one. I don't want to keep buying a new cleaner every 2 years! Thanks

[Susan Andeson]

Apparently it may have been reviewed awhile ago, and reviews may be cyclical. I found a link that shows "Carpet cleaners/deep cleaning" was reviewed in July 97. Not sure if it refers to carpet spray cleaners or hardware. Either way, it's been almost 10 years.

[Yvonne Collins]

Well I agree with the 100's of other consumers that are more than
disappointed, passed mad & totally disgusted with "CR" and staff for their failure to respond or show any kind of effort to all
the requests for information on carpet steam cleaners and/or
shampooers.....But your still taking everybodys money....as if
things aren't hard enough on the consumers....
Thanks for "NOTHING" over & over & overrrrrr....

[Patrick]

I have just submitted sever searches for “carpet cleaner” “steam cleaner” “carpet shampoo”, and “carpet steam cleaner” and was not able to find what I am looking for. I am VERY disappointed in the Consumer Reports web site.

[Kelly]

We just found a Rug Dr.for sale at Costco and had been planning on renting one! We were happy to find one for sale but we research Consumer Reports for every major purchase, and feel safer with purchasing things doing so! We came home to get on
the computer to check Consumer Reports to research rug shampooers and were dissapointed to see theres no information!
This is something I would also like to see added to all of the
things you research! Thanks!

[Dale]

I have been using a borrowed Bissell Proheat Clearview model 8905 carpet cleaner. It actually does a respectable job. I feel it is comparable to having it done professionally, although much slower. I can't comment on this units longevity however, as the owner of it has had problems that required professional help to solve. I too came here today to check out the ratings of these products and was disappointed to find no mention of them anywhere.

[Brad]

I was dissappointed to find that CR hasn't evaluated any carpet/steam cleaners, that was the whole reason I bought my subscription to CR. Guess I'll just cancel my subscrition when it's up since it hasn't been useful to me.

[Kristin]

Count me in on the carpet cleaning conundrum. Would love to have the various carpet cleaning services reviewed in addition to do-it-yourself equipment that consumers can purchase. For those of us with hardwood and tile floors that need constant cleaning - I'd also suggest CR include a report on steam cleaners for hard surface flooring.

[Carol]

I am returning a Bissell Proheat X2. I have used it three times and the brushes have stopped turning. I would exchange for another but my neighbor has the same shampooer and her brushes don't work either. I'm looking for info. on other brands.

[Lizzie]

I just signed up and my first search was to see if you had any ratings on steam carpet/wood floor cleaners. Guess not. Very disappointed, as I just bought one and wanted to make sure that I bought the right one. Please let us know when this might be reviewed. If it's soon, I won't open the box.

[Janice]

I just spent 30 frustrating minutes on your site trying to find a review for a carpet shampoo machine. I entered every name I could think of trying to find where the review would be listed. It is a popular appliance and I was sure there must be a review somewhere. Very frustrating. All I finally found was a long list of customers that have been asking for months for a review on carpet shampoo machines.

At a minimum, please post in the vacuum section that you do not have a review on carpet shampoo cleaners. This is something you can do to immediately to respond to your customers frustration of searching for a review on popular appliance that isn't there.

Or let us know how many requests are required in order to get a response. We can start a petition so you can "git er'done".

[Mike Jones]

Just one more subscriber asking for information on carpet shampooers. If you will not do the research you should at least post an explaination for this failure.

[Dave Thompson]

It appears I'm not the only one frustrated with CR. I just renewed my subscription only to find that the information I need on a common household appliance doesn't exist. What makes this so disturbing is, that after getting requests for this information for at least a year, CR does have the courtesy to respond.Can you imagine how many people are upset that haven't posted a comment?

[David Vasak]

I also want information on carpet shampooing equipment and the shampoo. What works best?

[Stephen]

Rats. See the dozens of posts above. Ditto. I just joined online to get a review. Why not expedite it? I think I scanned a comment that it won't be completed until Feb 09. I did visit Amazon first, but thought CR would be more thorough and reliable. Disappointed with the void.

[Delbert Newman]

Looking at the past comments, CR should be on top of this one !
It's nice to get rating updates on vaccum cleaners, but enough of that...get on the carpet cleaners/shampooers!

[Sharon]

Absolutely riduculous that CR hasn't done a review on carpet shampooers!! Get on it CR!!

[Wells Pettibone]

I just bought a Bissel PRO heat Turbo at WalMart and after just one use, the front end of the machine has dropped and so now the machine cannot be pushed forward. Also cheaply made. Not impressed. CR needs to run a test of home carpet steamers/cleaners.

[michelle rabine]

I too can't believe there are NO ratings for carpet shampooers. Come on CR, what are you waiting for???

[Ann]

I have always checked Consumer Reports before buying things on our limited budget. I had wanted to get carpet shampooer/steamers for Christmas presents, but ALAS, there is nothing to study! Any chance that you can give us ANY information before December?

[Garry]

Carpet Shampooorers , Carpet Cleaners , Rug Cleaners , Rug Shampooer , WHATEVER YOU WANT TO CALL THEM !!!!! WHAT THE HAY ..DO YOUR JOB -- THE REASON WE ALL SUBSCRIBE IS TO AVOID BAD PURCHASES OF EXPENSIVE EQUIPTMENT --- IF YOU HAVE CARPET, AND QUEST WHAT? - I DO , THEN THIS IS AT LEAST A TWICE A YEAR PROJECT ..... I just trashed the Bissill Carpet Steam Cleaner...It says in bold lettering "OUT CLEANS ALL OTHER CLEANERS" ...This may be true but what they fail to mention is it only lasted two years ..... We had it repaired - worked once and then I removed the cover (yes I am mechaniclly inclinded 33 year Master Tech - built and own my own shop for 23 years)to fine a small cheep pump and very poor water and vacuum hoses... So hear I am checking-as I always do-with Consumer Reports for their expert report of the best C a r p e t C l e a n e r !

[Suzanne]

Also interested in carpet shampooer. The aspect of the cleanliness of other users of the rental variety concerns me. The convenience and assurance that you're not getting residue from others germs and messes makes me want to BUY.

[suzi]

I CANNOT believe there aren't reviews on carpet shampooers!!! I payed $19 extra to subscribe to CR Online so that I could find info on the best carpet shampooers & there is NOTHING! AGH!!! Ok, I'm frustrated... but seriously, would you PLEASE add this product to your list of reviews??? Obviously, people want to know what CR has to say about this product!

[Pamela Kester]

WELL WELL WELL I ALSO JUST BOUGHT A SUBSCRIPTION LOOKING FOR INFO ON CARPET CLEANERS AND I MUST BUY ONE THIS WEEK

[Lisa]

Backpack vacuum cleaners - Anyone have one? Like it? I'm SICK of dragging my canister vac all over the house to vacuum my hardwood and tile floors. CR - in addition to the carpet shampooers, can you test and review the backpack vacuums?

[Bob H]

Carpet Shampooers, when can we see ratings on these products, I for one am tired of spending good money only to find they are junk. Last one or two years and fail to live up to their caims. I would like to try the Rug DR. but would like to see what you have to say before shelling out another 400 t0 700 dollars.

[Lisa]

Please review carpet cleaners.

[Janice McDonald-Zavarce]

Hello CR
Just want to add my voice to the humungous group you have here to say "Please, please do a review of carpet shampooers/steamers and the liquid products they use."
I am tired of trying to finish a cleaning job on the supermarket rental's schedule.

Hurry
Janice

[bortzmd]

I also just wrote in looking for carpet shampooers. I'm a long time CR subscriber. Hope this is coming up soon. Too late for me though.

[Some Soldier's Mom]

I sent a contact form... do you think there is anyone at CR that actually monitors the comments? So much for customer service!

[Dory Denison]

Please,please,please do a carpet cleaning machine review!!!

[John Mihalko]

Ditto on the carpet Shampooer comments. I'll have to hire a service until CR gets on the ball. Very disappointing. :(

[Stephen Libera]

We have been waiting so long for CR to review carpet cleaners that we may have to purchase new carpeting as they are so soiled. We never make purchases like appliances without first researching the product with CR. Please review ASAP!!!!!!!

[Gary Shpak]

If CR won't rate carpet shampooers, lets do it ourselves. What are your experiences with the Hoover Steamvac vs the Bissell Pro Steam as an example. I rented a commercial model from Home Depot, and it did as good a job as a carpet cleaning service except that you have to do the work. Having said, you need to pre-treat stains and give them a scrub for the best results.

[Brian Hansen]

Menards just started renting Rug Doctors here and I just cleaned all the carpets in my house. It was a brand new machine and did a fine job of getting out some tough stains along with the help of Rug Doctors "High Traffic" spray and in some cases two passes with the machine. In some of the really bad areas, we let the carpet dry and then did another pass or two with excellent results. Used wide version machine which holds about 3 1/2 gallons of liquid, and also rented the upholstery attachment for stairs couches and couch pillows. Total cost was less than 60 bucks.

[Kristine Cates]

I just subscribed and am very disappointed that carpet cleaners/steam vacs have not been rated.

[Suzanne]

I've been using the Bissel Pro Heat since 2004 or so. It's done a remarkable job picking up dirt. We clean 800 sq ft or so of carpet 2 -3x/year) and each time, I've been thankful to have it. It's amazing how much crud it reomves that would otherwise be clinging to the carpet. The Pro Heat takes up bucketloads of black water and leaves the house smelling fresh and clean. Well worth the $240 or so spent to buy it years ago.

Now for the downside. It has broken twice. Once, under warranty (but still, it took months for my local slow-poke Ma n Pa appliance repair shop to get around to fixing it), and now again. First time, it peed all over the rug, now it won't suck up the water/cleaner it puts out. Suffice it to say, I'm done with this model. Like you all, I came here looking for suggestions for a model to buy and have looked first CR for sound advice -- it's a family tradition! When I was little, my parents refered to it to help make decisions too. Anyway, I was floored (pun intended) to find only community input about steam cleaners here. So, here's my 2 cents worth.

Bissell has probably improved this model since I bought it, but I would only buy it again with the idea of using it 15 or so times before ditching it -- which still makes it WAY cheaper than renting. Would simply say not to expect it to last as long as your fridge or your Mom's Kirby. Enjoy the clean while it lasts!

[Tessa Vann]

Why havn't you rated carpet steamers?

[Ed]

I bought a Bissell QuickSteamer for $70 bucks. Its nice for general cleaning. But It is horrible for cleaning pet stains. The stains keep coming back so I guess its not getting everything up.... Yuk.

I think the Bissel 2x(R) is a leader in the home market. I'm not waiting on a review. Have to take the plunge. My new house will have white carpet! With 3 dogs and 4 kids, I'm in for it!

[Dawn]

I have loved having a subscription to CR but was disappointed when I couldn't find a review for carpet shampooers. Would be great if they would add that to the list. I don't want to spend hundreds of $$$ for a piece of junk. Hurry up with the reviews please!!

[Josh Blancett]

Hello! What is the deal with not rating Carpet Cleaners? I will come back when you start rating carpet cleaners.

[Chet]

CR USED to have carpet cleaner ratings - I remember looking at it when I bought mine. I recall they gave the Hoover high marks but that particular model has probably been discontinued years ago.

I bought a Bissell Pro Heat and I would not buy another one. Every one of the attachments broke within months - and I only have a one bedroom condo so it's not like I was using it very much. Instead of mixing the detergent in water, the detergent goes in this little container and is squirted into the water spray -- I don't consider this to be the ideal. The detergent hasn't been spraying out for over a year - all I get is a hot water spray - not sure what is wrong and my warranty is expired (I even bought the additional 3 year warranty from Best Buy - the thing really knew when to die). I would also prefer having separate dirty and clean water tanks - even if it makes it heavier to push because I don't like the way the thing is constructed to hold both in one container. Emptying the dirty water with that connecting lid flapping around is a pain. It also has a really whimpy beater brush -- my vacuum cleaner has one with more bristles. It takes up a ton of space too. My next purchase will probably be a Hoover.

[Sue]

I'm another dissappointed Consumer Reports subscriber. I too was in the market for a new carpet shampooer, and low and behold - nothing has been rated for this item. Too Bad. Decided not to renew my membership.

[CarolAnn]

I'm glad I'm not the only one looking for information on carpet cleaning products (woolite rug cleaner, etc.). The first place I look is Consumer Reports and I was very surprised that I couldn't find any information on these products. I steam clean the area rugs twice a year, but occasionally, like any other household, accidents do occur and need to be cleaned. I hope you investigate the carpet cleaning products soon. It looks like many of us could really use your expertise advice instead of wasting money on products that don't work.

[Judy]

I can not believe you do not have anything on Carpet or area rug shampooers. I in desperate need of one. I am really glad I did not prescribe to this and then found out there in nothing to look at. Thanks consumers.

CG, Please do some testing for us. We the people are looking at easier ways to take care of things on our own. With economy the way it is I am trying to do as much as I can myself as to have to pay someone to come in and do it. I am sure I am speaking for a few people on this.
Thank you in advance for testing some carpet/rug shampooers and getting us some data soon.

[Eric]

Add yet another to the list requesting this review. I was disappointed to find that CR has not followed up on this.

[j. chris matzen]

I am also looking for test info on carpet shampooers/ steam cleaners.

I have allergies and like to keep carpets as clean of dust, dust mites, spills, mold, etc. as I can.

chris matzen
Bremerton, WA 98312

[Mark]

I'll agree with the need for something needing done for carpet cleaners - even if it's a blurb to the effect "Save your money and rent a Rug Sucker Deluxe from a local shop when you need a good cleaning." IIRC, that's the last I'd seen on them here - years ago.

That's not what we used our Hoover for tho'. Mostly it was for spill pick ups, hair balls, and other 'spot cleaning' that you'd never bother to go rent a heavy machine for. So yeah, you'd like it to do the job of the heavier machines or truck mounted cleaning services, but IMO if it just sucks up the coffee or does a credible job sucking up minor stains it's worth having one around just for between the major cleanings. If it'll handle the traffic areas decently, that's a plus.

We also used it to clean out the car (kids!). Got tired of taking it to someone to over soak the carpet so badly it took days to dry in an Arizona summer. Sometimes the services that do houses will do your car since they're already there, and that worked much better than the 'car wash' bozoes.

[Ronda]

Good grief! Do a review on steam cleaners already! We have looked to CR before buying washers, dryers, refrigerators, dishwashers, vehicles, cameras, dehumidifiers, we even have a CR book devoted to Baby Items!! I can't believe that there are no reports on steamers!!

[Walter]

CARPET CLEANERS!!!!!

I have found that many things I look for are not covered at CR. They also do not seem to ever read these pages. So why is this blog capability even here?

[barnbridge]

Please review carpet shampooers. Thanks.

[Alice Gray]

So where is the rating for a carpet shampooer? Looks like you have plenty of requests! I too looked for one.

[Chip]

Hoover Steam Vac works good for us. Have three very active dogs and many guest dogs. Has done a good job. There are a couple latches on the wastewater tank that are delicate. Would not hesitate to buy another of the same model.

[peggy]

I also want a review. I'm trying to choose between a spot cleaner and a room cleaner. I need it for pet stains.

[GWS]

Concerning the absence of CR reviews on carpet shampooers:

1) Ditto to all of the above!

2) CR, raise your subscription rates so that you can employ the necessary amount of people to construct and conduct the missing reviews (of shampooers and many other products).

3) Everyone, please join me in writing and posting a review of your chosen carpet cleaning tool or product (I am going to purchase a Bissell SpotBot). We will then be able to offset the increase in CR subscription prices with the increase in our salaries that will be provided by CR.

[brett]

Add me to the list of people wanting to see carpet cleaners reviewed...

[Fred]

Add one more name to the list for rug shampooer test. We have Hoover model that seemed to do well for the last seven or eight years, but is just starting to fall apart.

[Stacy O'Neill]

Another dissatisfied customer waiting for a carpet cleaner review! I saw several requests asking for anything, something that you are working on or just that you do not currently have a review for these items and yet still no response?

[Jason Weiss]

Hey, lets get going with carpet shampooers. This is not brain surgery. Are you waiting for someone else to do this?

[Tim]

Not sure why the reviews of these steam vacuums/shampooers are no longer online. They were still here in 2007 when I made a purchase of a Hoover SteamVac. I assume that they felt the reviews were out of date (probably based on a 2003 report according to someone else post). Hopefully they are working on a new report some time soon.

[Mary]

I too am looking for a good carpet cleaner - maybe even ratings on a vacuum/carpet shampooer together!

Does CR read this? Where would we see their comments about this?

[Heather]

I would also really like to see ratings for steam vacs/shampooers please!

[joni]

I brag to everyone about how I consult consumer reports before buying just about anything. My dog recently had diaherrea over serveral days when I was out of town and my Hoover carpet cleaner died (by the way it is my 2nd one in about 5 years). Imagine my disappointment when I am forced to buy one immedietly and I don't have my trusty advisor (consumer reports) to lead me to the best choice! I went with the Bissel 2X, but after reading the comments I'm not sure it will be any better than the Hoover. Rug Doctor was so expensive I couldn't see spending the cash without any consumer info. Maybe I'll take the Bissel back and get the Hoover again. Atleast I know it worked well, just didn't last.

[TomF]

There are a lot of people imploring CU to do a report, but not even one response. CU will lose value and seem like a poorer investment structure if it doesn't listen to its subscribers. They can be so tuned-out to this clear request.

[Tom]

Hey, Consumer Reports! How about a response to the many, many requests for carpet shampooer reviews!

[Tom]

Hurricanes and floods throughout the the country and I need a review of carpet shampooers now. My basement carpet is a dirty mess.

[jack]

I would think that by now CR would have a clue... Shampooers please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Paula]

Well CR all me to the list of unsatisfied customers looking for carpet shampoo reviews with no luck.

[Cork]

HELLO.......Can someone from Consumer Reports at least respond to any of this. I too logged on to see the reviews of carpet cleaners..

[barbara]

Please give us a review on carpet shampoo equipment.

[Mary Morissette]

What can I say that hasn't been said over and over and over...if anyone has any info on carpet shampoo for dog urine please post a comment. I was hoping to find info on these type of products but as all of you I am very let down by CR. This was my first subscription and my last.

[Kim]

I guess I can only add my name to a long list of people waiting for a report on carpet steam cleaners. But from the length of this list, I guess I better not hold my breath waiting on an answer.

[Norm]

You have been receiving a multitude of requests for carpet shampooer ratings. Are you going to respond or are you going out of business? My renewal depends on it.

[Kathleen]

I vote for a carpet cleaner review - along with many others I see! We recently installed a brand new carpet (using your buying advice), purchased a brand new vacuum to keep said carpet looking its best (using your buying advice) and now have our first spills needing more than a towel to clean...but alas, no reviews to help. Sad day.

[Judi]

I'm so disappointed your shampooer review won't be ready until 2009. In desperation, this week I had to purchase a Hoover from HSN (hope it works as shown). I will never again use a carpet cleaning company because the last time my carpets were soaking wet for 3 days with every fan blowing and no satisfaction from the well-known company.

[Don]

FOR EVERYONES INFO
Just read this from editor of CR's Home And Garden Blog.

NOTE: We've read your comments about the desire to see a report on carpet cleaners/shampooers. Consumer Reports is planning a testing-based project of carpet cleaners, including steam models. We expect to publish a report in a 2009 issue.—Editor, June 2, 2008

[Emmett]

I received an email from CU asking me to rejoin. Since I need a new carpet shampooer, I decided to rejoin. What a surprise when I found no reviews and no response from CU, even though the blog goes back to at least May. What's the story CU?

[Marlo]

Please put some kind of info on carpet cleaners. Pretty please

from red dirt hawaii

[Nevada]

REALLY want info on carpet shampooers - looks like a lot of us do. Just thought I'd add to the list. Costco is selling RugDoctors for $500 - seems good for a brand name that is well known and does the job. Just want to know the BEST.

[Andy Buttram]

I joined for for short time just to get info on carpet steamers and no info what gives???

[jswearengen]

Just returned a Bissell area rug cleaner; worked fine on one rug and then had no suction. Came home to seek advice from you guys only to find nothing. Sure would like some help here.

[bob dudash]

I need info on carpet shampooers, can't believe C.R. has not done this yet.

[jbduals]

I had a bissell spotbot, which I used over and over again. I thought it was a great machine for the money, we did our furniture, drapes (which were a little hard, definately a two woman job)our cars, everything and I had the best of luck with it. I did have to replace the hand vac nozzle which I ordered from Bissell.com, then also found them on Amazon.com, and then after two years the unit gave out, but I feel like the work it put out was worth the money and I will be purchasing it again! Now it does work in a circle, and in a pinch, I have used for a large area, just overlapping my circles and not a large area like a whole room, I definately recommend the booster they sell, keeps down on suds, and I did pretreat any heavy spots, actually used shout to pretreat. Hope this helps anyone.

[Ellen Martin]

I am looking for info on a good carpet shampooer. We have a handheld that works OK - but only for very small areas. On the rare occasion when a pet is sick, I really need something upright (don't want to be on my knees with a handheld in the middle of all that...eeewwww) I like the kind you can rent from the Home Depot but those cost a fortune. I want something for occasional home use. Doesn't anyone from CR monitor this site and can tell us when a review of shampooers is scheduled next?

[Pat]

I read a CU report on rug shampooers about 2 years ago. They really discouraged the use of home shampooers as not being as effective but without giving reviews or ratings on them, mentioned the Hoover as the best of the home shampooers. I have white carpets and don't want to pay professionals every couple of months so we bought the Hoover. I'm happy to report that it cleans even more effectively than the professional we had used.

[Val]

I agree about Consumer Reports not having carpet shampooer reviews. The best place, and one which is starting to rival Consumer Reports, is Amazon reviews.

Although they are not professionally tested or have unbiased reviews, the sheer number of respondents give you a clear pick of what is good and what is junk.

Only once has CR steered me wrong, and that was many years ago with an answering machine that started to have failures after a number of months of use. Afterwards, CR came back with the follow-up of the numerous failures after a few months use.

I'm starting to have confidence in Amazon almost as well as CR, especially if the ratings are from a large pool of owners.

I think CR would do themselves a favor by accepting ratings from consumers on products they are unable to review in a timely manner.

[Dennis Gallagher]

After I signed up for CR on the internet the first thing I wanted to review was carpet steam cleaners. NO REPORT! I need a new one and no help. I will tell thouse who are thinking about the "Oreck", don't waste your money. You have to use there shampoo refills that cost a lot and it is low on suction and always leaking because of poor gaskets. It also has a very small pickup tank. I have owned three modles and "Oreck" is the worst. The best I had was a bissel. Just be careful because the plastic pices break easy. Now it's time for CR to stand up and give us there report.

[John Mahan]

Steam cleaners please... rug cleaners, spot cleaners, and steam mops would be awesome!

[Sheila]

Your subscribers have been asking for carpet shampoo testing and results for 5 months without so much as even one single brief acknowledgement from you. For many years you have had a sterling reputation with a VERY large segment of the population consistently looking to you for guidance prior to making purchases. Just because you HAVE BEEN a major force in the lives of Americans doesn't mean that you will forever hold that distinction. Maybe it's time for you to step aside so that a group who understands the importance of customer satisfaction can take the lead.I am terribly disappointed and will now go to Amazon.com to get information on carpet shampoo machines.

[Greg]

In the absence of any CR reviews, I purchased a Hoover SteamVac, and it was pure crap. I took it in for warranty service after nearly every use because the carpet cleaning solution dispenser clogged up quickly. It also had a spongy 'gasket' at one of the assembly flanges to mitigate a design flaw that caused leakage. I finally threw it out. I'll purchase a Bissel Pro Heat and report back on that one.

[Jane Hoch]

What on earth is the problem? Don't you read what your subscribers want? They want you to review Carpet Shampooers! Where is your customer service, CR? For heavens sake, TAKE ACTION and GET IT DONE!

[Susan]

Obviously I'm not the only one in need of ratings on carpet shampooers, both full size and portable. Please acknowledge subscriber interests.