Behold the Electrolux Model L

[Zoot Allures]

I'm feeling inordinately proud of this 1974 Electrolux vacuum cleaner I picked up at a church basement sale today for $6. This thing works perfectly, will probably last forever, and has the added advantage of reminding me of my childhood. It's a tangible reminder of just how overwhelmingly crappy most consumer goods are these days. I have a cheaply made vacuum cleaner that I will now get rid of, because it probably only has a few years left in it anyway.

Anyone else own a vintage vacuum cleaner?

[James]

My wife and I would love something like that, we should start looking. We hate our crappy vacuum cleaner, and are too cheap to get a new good one.

[happy]

Well, my electrolux is from the early 1980's, so you beat me:-).  It hasn't missed a beat in 30 years but last week it mysteriously failed to go, without explanation...hoping its just the plug.

[reverend]

Don't forget the actual vacuuming performance. An old cool-looking vacuum is still a POS if it doesn't pick up dirt from carpet and floors.

New and good vacuums aren't expensive. A highly rated one is the Dirt Devil "featherlite" at $50.  If you're not abusive, it will last a long time.

You can also buy many of them vs. a mediocre performing Dyson.

[Zoot Allures]

Don't forget the actual vacuuming performance. An old cool-looking vacuum is still a POS if it doesn't pick up dirt from carpet and floors.

As I said, my Electrolux works perfectly--at least as I define that standard. I vacuumed my carpet with it and the dirt went away. Besides being a cool vintage object, the other thing I like about it is the complete absence of plastic parts. It was built not only to last, but also to be easily maintained and repaired.

[sol]

You can also buy many of them vs. a mediocre performing Dyson.

IMHO, Dysons are the Mercedes of the vacuum world.  They may or may not actually be better, but they sure do cost a heck of a lot more.

There are tons of five started rated vacuums on amazon for under $100 that people have been using for years and years, so it baffles me why anyone would pay $400 for a vacuum unless they've been swindled by advertisements.

Watch less television if you can't resist the hype, people.

[C40]

Inherited this Electrolux from my Step great grandmother. Works great. Can't remembe when it was made.