I have the dc14--there's also the dc15 that has a ball/turning mechanism. All of the animal ones are purple.

I bought a reconditioned one from ABC vacuum. They offered a 6 month warranty from the manufacturer and a 1 year warranty from ABC vacuum (http://www.abcvacuumwarehouse.com/). I thought it was a good deal just in case something went wrong with it--but there haven't been any problems so far--I've had it about a year. The non-refurbished ones usually have a 2 year warranty from the manufacturer.

Consumer's Union's Consumer Reports March '07 issue rated 65 vacuums for price, weight, cleaning ability for carpets, bare floors, tool airflow, noise, emissions, pet hair, and bag vs. bagless. (They said bag types, while more expensive per use, were preferred for pet hair because pet hair stuck to the inside of the bagless containers).

Among those that tested BEST for picking up PET HAIR:
(Brand, model name, models #s, price)

UPRIGHTS in order of overall cleaning performance, best top

Kenmore (Sears) Progressive Direct Drive, 35922, 3592, $300 (bag)

Kenmore (Sears) Progressive Direct Drive, 36932, 36933, $300 (bagless)

Eureka Boss Smart Vac Ultra, 4870, $150 (bag)

Riccar Supralite RSL3, Simplicity Freedom F3500, $350 (bag)

Kenmore (Sears) Progressive 36622, $180 (bag)

Miele Powerhouse S184, $380 (bag)

Eureka Boss 4D 5892 AVZ, 4D 5892 BV2, $150 (bagless)

Sanyo Performax SC-A116, $135 (bag)

CANISTERS: in order of overall performance, best first

Electrolux Oxygen EL6988A, $450 (bag)

Oreck Dutch Tech DTX1400B, $900 (bag)

Riccar 1700 Simplicity S36, $1,000 (bag)

Rainbow e-Series E2, $1,900 (bagless)

Filter Queen Majestic 360 AT1100, $1900 (bagless)

Those testing WORST at removing Pet Hair (although other features may be good)

UPRIGHTS

Dyson DC15 The Ball All Floors, $500 (bagless)

CANISTERS

Fantom Falcon FC251, $180 (bagless)

Sanyo SC-X1000P, $120 (bagless)

The following model was among 3 rated as unacceptable because of releasing visible dust:

Eureka Optima 431A, $60 (bagless)

I have the DC14 Animal (all purple) and I love it
http://www.dyson.com/range/feature_f...el=DC14-ANIMAL

That is interesting. Mine is on there. I am not surprised it picks things up off of bare floors even

I have a Rainbow and an Oreck. I use the rainbow w/o power head to vacuum around baseboards and dusting, the Oreck I use for everyday vacuuming. The only complaint I have is with the Rainbow, it is a hassle to get out and use, but nothing beats it for my purposes!

I have a Rainbow too and it really does a great job. I would like to get an Oreck for everyday vacuuming also. Just for those quick jobs or one room jobs that I don't feel like dragging my rainbow out for.

I know exactly what you are saying. The water canister and all that hose are just too much for a quick job. I like to add things to the water, like orange zest, or other scented oils, the whole house smells so good afterwards.

I Also Have A Dyson Mine Is Bright Pink (it Was Produced For A Cancer Charity Clic). This Is The Second One I Have Had - My First One Was When They First Came Out. I Think They Are Fantastic, They Really Preserve The Life Of Your Carpets.

And You Will Be Amazed At What Comes Out Of Your Mattresses. If You Dare To Vacume Them!

haven't a clue. we went to consumer reports to get the best and it broke down on us 3 times. then we went one lower...it has problems.
i have no luck w vacuums

Luvvvvvvvvvvvvv my Dyson, but the dogs don't like vacuums. I had a Kenmore, Hoover and a Rainbow but like my Dyson the best.

We are also looking for a new vac. I haven't ever heard of a Dyson. I work with a girl who has a kirby, but I wasn't looking to spend that much money. Does anyone mind telling me approx how much a Dyson is and where do you buy them?

I had a DC14 Full Access (Best Buy version) and was amazed at the amount of stuff that came out of my carpet when I first used it. My mom loved it so much that I gave it to her. So I now have a DC17 Animal (also got this one at Best Buy for around $500) and wouldn't have anything other than a Dyson in my house!

You can compare all the Dyson models & find out where to purchase them at http://www.dyson.com . They also tell you the suggested retail price. Lots of times, you'll find them on sale at Best Buy. I used a double point rewards coupon at Best Buy when I bought mine to go onto my Reward Zone card...I racked up! About a month later, I got a $20 gift certificate because of that purchase.

My boyfriend's mom recently got the Dyson DC 14 as well and she said she didn't even realize that there was so much dog hair around the house. SHe loves it!

Dyson it is!
 

Thanks Breny for starting this thread and thanks to all who made recommendations. That is what I like about this site. Most of the time before I even ask a question, someone else does and I learn what I need to know -- even about vacuums!

I have an Oreck and am ready for a new one. This Oreck has actually been a good machine -- but it is a bag and for some reason the bags are not staying on like they should so I have rigged a clip inside. Still am getting too much dust from it. This is no slam on Oreck though -- the first 10 years I had it, it worked great. :)

I also have a whole house in-the-wall vacuum system, which I hate. The hose is so long, it is a pain to drag around and I do not think it has the suction it should.

I may get DH to go with me this weekend -- I have some of those Best Buy bucks to use too. I decided based on my own luck with appliances I better go with the new one and get the 5 year parts and labor warranty. The reconditioned one is quite a bargain, but I am not a tinker-er if something goes wrong.

I've always thought I wanted one of the in house systems, thanks for mentioning yours and it's hassles, now I won't feel deprived, lol!