Posted by: brandiandboys | June 24, 2008

I Need Your Help

Okay guys, I need you all to weigh in on a high priority issue we have at the Wilson Home………a new vacuum.

I’m aware over at the legendary Pioneer Woman she lets you decide floor choices for their lodge and pick the concrete colors for bathrooms. Maybe choosing a vacuum doesn’t seem like as crucial or urgent of a decision, but our ole’ vacuum is really causing issues in our marriage. Pete says his vacuuming days are over if I don’t take action. This is why…

Yes, the vacuum is in two pieces and yes, I tape it together (I’m high class like that). It has been “intricately engineered” back together as one piece for a the last three months because I know which month a new vacuum will specifically fit into our budget. That month is now!

I have three significant requirements.

It must vacuum up all of the hair from him (yes, he’s a b-o-y too, I’m surrounded).

It needs to have a little wand like this (my utmost favorite vacuum feature)

And last, but not least, it must have a hardwood or bare floor setting, I’d rather vacuum than sweep.

Just as a side note, I purchased this Dirt Devil in 1998!!!!! Those were the good ole’ days when things were made to last. This sucker has been through four moves, 10 shedding seasons with our dog, and three grubby boys. Which probably means I should buy another Dirt Devil, heck I could do a commercial with this thing.

Give me your input and recommendations, what is your vacuum of choice? Remember the co-vacuuming existence of my marriage depends on it!

Confession…I’m an absolute word-of-mouth buyer, so I really will listen to what you have to say. You and Consumer Reports (my trusted big purchase authority).

Posted in Blogging, Marriage, Purchases | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

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Responses

  1. Thus saith the Lord….

    Get Thee to a Costco and buy Thee a Dyson!!

    Seriously, you cannot go wrong with a Dyson and they actually have a model called “The Animal” that will suck the hair off that dog :-)

    Costco has them cheapest, but you can get one pretty much anywhere. All the attachments are able to “live” on the unit somewhere and the hose is VERY LONG.

    Good Luck!

    By: TiaraGirl on June 24, 2008
    at 5:11 am

  2. Well – if you can’t get the Dyson Animal ($650), I used my 20% off coupon that I get in the mail from Bed Bath and Beyond and bought the Dirt Devil Reaction D2. (Dual Cyclonic Chamber). I have hardwood floors, tile, carpet, and a malamute. I have the dog of all dogs to vacuum after and trust me. THIS BABY WORKS and after the 20% coupon was only $130. Full price is about $160 and worth the money. It has poles for the hose with a soft brush attachment for the floors. I think it is pretty sweet! If it will clean this up, it will clean anything.
    http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3232/2607513772_6397b2bfa8_m.jpg

    By: Starwoodgal on June 24, 2008
    at 7:07 am

  3. I definitely recommend the Dyson! We have the DC14 “yellow one” and LOVE it. I had hesitated for some time after many of my friends recommended it, but I had been too cheap to take the plunge. I am glad I did!

    We have a dog that sheds like crazy and it works very well on both the floors and upholstery. My mom bought “the animal” (purple one). While it works well, she wishes she hadn’t bought that one because it is heavy and bulky.

    Good luck…hope the input helps!

    By: Katie Gordon on June 24, 2008
    at 7:11 am

  4. Ok…maybe Dirt Devils were made to last in 1998, but we bought one a few years ago and it did not even last for 6 months. Then we got a Eureka and I had to take it to get fixed twice in the first year. I admit that these were the cheapest on the rack at Wal-Mart, so maybe that was the problem…we have a Bissell now and it is great.

    By: Laura Morris on June 24, 2008
    at 7:13 am

  5. Ok, I realize that so far you’re just getting feedback from the gals and, at the risk of losing my man card along with Pete, I’m going to weigh in on this.

    Around the house I actually do a lot of vacuuming. I don’t know why but I enjoy it (gosh darnit…there goes my card).

    Through the years we have been cursed with one horrible vacuum after another. I don’t know why we keep buying terrible vacuum cleaners (probably because we didn’t want do drop the cash for a good one).

    Lisa and I both decided that when we move in the new house we are going to spend what we need to get a good vacuum. And by good, I mean great. And by great, I mean Dyson. I’m through with settling for second-rate rip-offs that try to mimic their patented cyclone technology.

    Anyway, that’s my two cents. Now you have a man’s perspective.

    By: bradruggles on June 24, 2008
    at 7:26 am

  6. I bought the purple Dyson and gave it to my sister because it was too dang much to haul around.

    So I bought the yellow one and it’s probably one of the best investments–ever!

    By: pollyh on June 24, 2008
    at 7:28 am

  7. Well,if you dont taking out a small loan,this is the one for you.

    http://www.dyson.com/store/product.asp?product=DC15-ANIMAL

    By: Jared Woodard on June 24, 2008
    at 7:31 am

  8. Funny Brad–your perspective matches the women! Your man card is history.

    Brandi–check your email.

    By: pollyh on June 24, 2008
    at 7:35 am

  9. I love my Roomba!!! I even named it (uhh I mean her) I can set it to vacume and then go to the beach – seriously – aweosme. I have many friends who now have them and named them too.

    By: julienorthphotography on June 24, 2008
    at 7:45 am

  10. ps her name is “Monique”

    By: julienorthphotography on June 24, 2008
    at 7:45 am

  11. Well, I have to chime in and add that the Dyson is life changing. It is actually fun to vacuum now. And fyi….I have a dog…but do not have the $650 model for pet hair….and it still works miracles and I am totally thrilled. I bought ours at Sams in the $400 range and love love love it! It will gross you out at first when you see just how much it sucks out of your house. It’s a brilliant piece of work!

    By: melissa1970 on June 24, 2008
    at 7:58 am

  12. @pollyh – aww crap. Now I’ve gotta go write a manly post to see if I can get it back.

    By: bradruggles on June 24, 2008
    at 8:12 am

  13. You need a Dyson. It is worth every penny that you will spend on it. Yes it is a lot of pennies to spend at one time but so worth it. We were having to buy a new vacuum every year and half or so and then we bought a Dyson 2 years ago with our tax refund money. We have 2 dogs and a cat and 3 kids. And even in the rental house we live in now that only has carpet in 2 rooms it still is awesome.

    By: imgladyouasked on June 24, 2008
    at 8:37 am

  14. OK..great I am seeing a glimpse to my future as my current 1998 vacuum top half is barely holding on!
    Same for us, we bought our Panasonic vacuum in 1998, its moved with us to 4 different places, and been through mutliple hair balls and 3 girls-need I say more- lots of hair!
    I am starting to like your taping idea as our top part slides back and forth and turns the vacuum off and on.
    The only thing that made us buy a $285 vacuum in 1998 was someone telling us that you have to look at it as an investment because you will use it many times in a week especially with kids and animals. Good luck and may the force be with you!

    By: Kara Prater on June 24, 2008
    at 9:01 am

  15. Sorry Brandi, but you are going to have to fork out the cash if you want a vaccuum that will last! Dyson is THE best! I don’t have one because, well, I’m poor, but one of my girlfriends has one and she has 2 dogs. One of her dogs is a Lab and one is a Golden Retriever. Serious dog hair. During shedding season if you walk through her house barefoot by the time you get to the last room….it will appear as though you have slippers on! Hairy slippers. Gross.

    Anyway…..her Dyson works miracles. They are WELL worth the money.

    By: Heather on June 24, 2008
    at 9:09 am

  16. I love Dyson’s! They are the best and even though they’re pricey it’s worth it in the long run!

    By: Monica H. on June 24, 2008
    at 9:18 am

  17. O-R-E-C-K

    By: Phil Chalos on June 24, 2008
    at 9:18 am

  18. For my two cents, I would stick with the Dirt Devil over a Bissell or Eureka (have/had both of those…not so great…). BUT if you are willing to fork out the dough…DYSON is supposed to be the absolute best!! (I’ve been salivating over one for about a year now…but Mr. Reeder is tighter than Dick’s hat band, so I wait…and dream…) ;-)

    By: Susanne Reeder on June 24, 2008
    at 9:21 am

  19. My husband gave me my Dyson as an anniversary gift 2 years ago! Though it may not sound like much of an anniversary gift, it has been my most favorite gift of all!! You really can’t go wrong w/ any model of Dyson. Plus, the company Customer Service Dept is fabulous!!!

    By: Kristen on June 24, 2008
    at 9:23 am

  20. Funny – we’ve been having the same conversation about getting a new one. I’m going to keep my eye on this thread for more recommendations – but so far it seems like the majority like Dyson. We’ve been looking at them (one of my girlfriends LOVES hers) but just haven’t had the funds to pick it up yet.

    By: Kristy Nuttall on June 24, 2008
    at 9:24 am

  21. Get a Dyson as I am sure some people have said. We have one and you can use it on hardwoods and it has a wand and several attachments. I would also ask Pat Rowland how much he loves his. He wrote about his love of vacuuming a couple of weeks ago but you probably don’t read his because you are so self-absorbed.

    By: Giant Idiot on June 24, 2008
    at 9:31 am

  22. Since when do men love vacuuming???
    I bought mine for $20 off craigslist over a year ago, and have hardly used it, I’d have to look at the brand, but the oreck’s seem to be a good brand. Now, whether it has all the features you want, I’m not sure, but they have the “oreck” challenge, which will supposedly show you how not so clean your floor are with other vacuums.

    By: Christina Schmidt on June 24, 2008
    at 10:02 am

  23. WOw… well, I was going to suggest a Rainbow…but after reading all these “reviews” I think I might want to change that to a Dyson (sounds like the yellow one is the one to get) but I’ve ALWAYS wanted a Rainbow -my friend had one and it is amazing at what it can do… the downfall? CHA-CHING!! Yeah, they go for MANY BEN FRANKLIN’S!! hahhaa…. let us all know what you end up getting.

    By: OCD-ism/Obsessive Christian Disorder on June 24, 2008
    at 10:20 am

  24. Well, well, well…Dyson is taking the majority of votes here. I have been leaning toward the Dyson and your personal testimonials are proof I need to talk the Waxy One into making the purchase.

    @GI – you’re a piece of work, I’d like to say I missed you while you were gone….but :) I am glad to read you all had a great vacation and just FYI I had already read about Pat’s vacuuming experience. I subscribe to all the staff blogs and believe it or not, to yours too!

    By: brandiandboys on June 24, 2008
    at 10:30 am

  25. @Brandi-You subscribe to mine. I guess you need a daily dose of stupid to go along with all of the good blogs you read.

    By: Giant Idiot on June 24, 2008
    at 10:45 am

  26. This is B. Wilson at her best. Asking for help to buy the correct, most perfect, suck up everything (TWSS) in a 3 mile radius, does everything but pet the dog, new vacuum cleaner. She has you all fooled, SHE HAS A MAID!!! Or Gage does all the Vacuuming. I don’t know, but how does she have the time to do it all? It is a mystery!!!

    By: B.J. on June 24, 2008
    at 11:05 am

  27. We have 3 Weimaraners….yes they shed…..

    we bought a Dyson animal…the purple one…and although i’m not in love with doing the stairs with it, it is hands down the very best i have ever had. We saved on tax by going up to NH to buy it, but knowing what i know now about it i would pay the tax to get it!

    do yourself a favor and stay away from roomba…neat toy but not so good with pet hair…

    By: lori on June 24, 2008
    at 11:07 am

  28. you taped your vacuum together? im assuming you used duct tape then. wow! you’re like every mans dream girl!

    By: tam on June 24, 2008
    at 11:18 am

  29. I have never owned a Dyson, but I will have to put in a good word for the Rainbow. Even more expensive than the Dyson (at least if you buy new), but the last vacuum you will ever need.

    Note that no one ever sells a Rainbow unless they buy a house with central vac (which is how we got ours used on Ebay). Ours is a 1970s model and still works (with occasional parts replacements). Ugly? Yes. But it has cleaned up after my hubby, male roommate, two boy teenagers, and 100-lb dog (golden retriever mix, lots of shedding) for 10 years.

    By: Lisa on June 24, 2008
    at 11:55 am

  30. Insanely expensive and I was in no business to buy a vaccuum like this. But I splurged on a dyson. I don’t regret it for a second.

    I’ve never loved a non-human object more.

    I vaccumed with 2 different vaccuums and then the dyson, and the dyson filled full of stuff. It even feels like gold when you use it. You will vaccuum everyday just because you love it so much.

    By: kristen on June 24, 2008
    at 12:03 pm

  31. I just realized that Paris Wilson has 29 comments from people on what vacuum cleaner to buy and 1 comment on how stupid that is.

    By: Giant Idiot on June 24, 2008
    at 12:12 pm

  32. I am one of those people who love to read blogs. but I do have to say I have two vaccums and love them both.

    Two Black Dogs (Both shed)
    White Carpet and Hardwood floors
    Two BOYS!!!

    First:
    Hubby bought a Rainbow vaccum off ebay 7 years ago and I have loved it still works wonderful and great for allergies but sorta a pain in the behind to fill with water ect. but I love to add the scents to water and the house smells so good when I am done and fresh. but its a bit of a pain to manuver

    Second:
    Because I needed a quick picker upper that I could jst whip out ina moment notice got a dyson

    even though I don’t get that fresh scent I love with the rainbow the dyson
    roks on suck value!

    Ebay is a good place to get your higher priced vaccums like Kirby or Rainbow

    but dyson roks for the avg house hold

    By: Kel on June 24, 2008
    at 12:47 pm

  33. @BJ I can’t believe you’re speaking blasphemy about me having a maid! Believe me, I see absolutely nothing wrong with having a housekeeper, but we haven’t bitten that bullet yet. And Brewer is actually the kid vacuumer in our home.

    I hear only golf course superintendents can afford housekeepers anyway….

    By: brandiandboys on June 24, 2008
    at 1:14 pm

  34. hmmm… what about one of those vacuums that are like robots. They do all the work by themselves. I think the cost like 300$ not sure. By the way I am also in need of your help. Could you read Jared’s blog, and vote in support?

    By: cortni on June 24, 2008
    at 1:40 pm

  35. We have a Hoover Wind Tunnel that has been great for about 4 years but is starting to fall apart on me which might be because my dog attacks it viciously with every attempt to vacuum. I’ve heard great thins about the Dysons which seems to be the favorite here. Dyson is the next on our list.

    By: Jenni Catron on June 24, 2008
    at 2:08 pm

  36. Hands down best vacuum for the price – Eureka SmartVac. It’s $150 at Costco, it was Consumer Reports best vacuum for this past test session. We got one to replace our Kenmore and it has been great, even with dog hair on the furniture. I would highly recommend it!

    By: Kim on June 24, 2008
    at 2:12 pm

  37. I saved a lot on my dyson when I got it from Sam’s if you have those where you are.

    Good Luck!

    By: kristen on June 24, 2008
    at 2:41 pm

  38. I can’t offer any input on what to get – I don’t even know what brand our vacuum is. It was free; my in-laws gave it to us because they didn’t need two vacuums (someone gave it to them).

    However, I can say that I like you even more now, Brandi, knowing that you have been using a taped-together vacuum.

    By: juliepersinger on June 24, 2008
    at 2:52 pm

  39. Thanks, Brandi. You’re the best!

    By: cortni on June 24, 2008
    at 3:21 pm

  40. No, wives of Golf Course Superintendents can afford housekeepers….

    Let me know when you come to some conclusion based on this “scientfic” study, because I am sure Marla will be right behind you buying a new vacuum.

    By: B.J. on June 24, 2008
    at 3:22 pm

  41. The Dyson Animal…. It is awesome with dog hair.

    By: Barbara on June 24, 2008
    at 3:49 pm

  42. I have the dyson ANIMAL. let me tell you that the lovely man w/ the cute accent trying to sell you his re-designed vacuum on tv KNOWS WHAT HE’S TALKING ABOUT! this vacuum is insane in what it picks up. It’s light-weight…can sweep hardwood/kitchen floors, and as an amazing attachment system. they’re a bit pricey but i swear i’ve never bought something so worth it in my life! I VOTE FOR THE DYSON ANIMAL

    By: Kendra on June 24, 2008
    at 4:23 pm

  43. Now it is over 40 comments to help Rich Girl buy a vacuum and only 2 talking about how stupid it is to help her out.

    By: Giant Idiot on June 24, 2008
    at 4:27 pm

  44. make that three GI. “Oh brandi, you need this kind of vacuum, because it….blah, blah blah.

    By: 5th Street on June 24, 2008
    at 4:31 pm

  45. Or “Oh Brandi please pay attention to me and be my friend if I tell you about this vacuum cleaner” It is high school all over again say something to Paris and she lets you sit at her lunch table.

    By: Giant Idiot on June 24, 2008
    at 4:58 pm

  46. Wait a min. Brandi the “Cool Kid” give me a break I don’t think so

    By: 5th Street on June 24, 2008
    at 5:18 pm

  47. Brandi, don’t let Giant Idiot bug you. He only has 3 comments on his blog today. OOh ooh, do I get to sit next to you at the lunch table??

    By: cortni on June 24, 2008
    at 5:23 pm

  48. I’m laughing because I also used a “taped-together” vaccuum…. too funny. If you can fork out the cash, a Dyson is your best bet. We have had great success with the Hoover Windtunnels as well…they come in lots of varieties with good options…and they do a great job.. that would be my second choice. Be sure to let us know what you decide :)

    By: Jill on June 24, 2008
    at 7:51 pm

  49. Guess what Cortni? I could care less who reads or how many comments are left on my blog. You really hurt me with that crack, how shallow are you to think something like that?

    By: Giant Idiot on June 24, 2008
    at 8:17 pm

  50. i say you take the left over tape from the old vacuum cleaner and put it [sticky-side-up] on the boys…then tell them to roll around. Admit it…it’s the cheapest idea yet! Then use the extra cash from the dyson idea to bribe GI to leave you alone. It may actually work!

    By: cathi stegall on June 24, 2008
    at 11:28 pm

  51. After we bought our Dyson a few years ago, my husband and I would sit around and talk about our new vacuum (not sure what that says about us as people). My oldest son, who was 9 at the time said to one of his brothers, “Yeah, they love their Dyson.”

    It really is amazing, but don’t try to use it as a shop vac…:)

    By: Kim Darnell on June 25, 2008
    at 8:51 am

  52. ok, no one suggested this one… Electolux… my sister-in-law just got one and loves it. i don’t have any personal experience with it but she is a CLEAN FREAK!! hope this helps. oh, yeah lowe’s sales it. (it is a cool color).

    By: emily on June 25, 2008
    at 3:42 pm

  53. So my vacuum finally went belly-up this week after dying a slow painful death. With a husband, three dogs, a cat and a baby due in 8 weeks…..I need to replace my vacuum NOW!

    May I ask which vacuum that you went with? My husband drools over the Rainbows and has found one online for a good price. But, everyone seems so pumped up about the Dyson on here……now I am just confused! Help!

    By: Ladybird on August 5, 2008
    at 8:57 am

  54. So, did you end up getting a dyson?

    We are in this place now too and I had remembered you writing this post. Would you shoot me an email and let me know? The yellow is what we’re leaning towards!

    By: danielle on February 25, 2009
    at 11:45 pm


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