I got an Electrolux Oxygen canister vacuum from Lowes back in 2003 at full retail ($400). At first, it was awesome. Pretty much just like my mom's grey and blue Electrolux as far as suction and mode of operation. It was super great on carpets as the head unit was light and maneuverable. The canister part was great too. The hose was long enough and attachments were all useable. The only con was the canister would always crash into the corners as we were vacuuming. Yes, I know there are some nuances with a canister, but carrying the canister around was tiresome. Also, the attachment caddy broke as a result of one such corner so now it's a carpet cleaning canister with attachments somewhere around the house.
After about 2 years, the carpet cleaning part (with rotating brush) would start to have connection issues. As a result of disconnecting the hose (with handle) from the carpet unit repeatedly (to use attachments), the dual prongs would burn/spark every now and then as I would push and pull on the carpet unit causing momentary disconnection. I thought it was minor enough not to warrant servicing and I guess I was partly in denial considering the cost and reputation of the vacuum.
Well, it did get worse and it got to the point where I couldn't even vacuum cause it would happen every pull and push. Went to an electolux authorized service guy and he told me that once it starts disconnecting, the unit needs replacing. (GRRR) So basically, I spent $200 a year on a vacuum before it started needed repairs. And at a cost of close to $200 for the carpet unit and hose, it wasn't cheap. So I decided to think about it and tried gerry rigging it myself. I sanded down the prongs, cleaned out the female ends and a few other minor and it worked great for about a year before I had to do the same "servicing" again.
So flash forward a few years and now "servicing" did nothing to stop the d/c. On top of that the rotating brush seized and cleaning it out only lasted 2 uses before seizing again, so we decided to spend the money on a lightweight upright that comes with a canister. One canister for upstairs and downstairs now.
The upright is great! The canister's not as good as the Oxygen of course so we'll definitely keep it. Who knows, maybe I'll fork over the $200 one day as it's a pretty good vacuum (less the issues). :)
Get more detail about Electrolux EL6988D Oxygen3 Canister Vacuum Cleaner.
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