Electrolux - E2000 (with PN2000 power nozzle)

For me it would be the 1980's Electrolux E2000 with the PN2000 power nozzle. My parents bought it new in '83 and I remember my dad would use it and the put it back into the box it shipped in as a storage box and each week as a tiny kid at just 5-6 years old I would yank that shiny beige vacuum out and vacuum the house and remember getting the satisfaction of it picking up the huge amounts of gravel and dirt at the front door area b/c of what got tracked into the house from our long winters (it was always dry). I remember as I got older that vacuum was dragged on the concrete driveway to clean cars and when it started having issues like overheating motor and jammed cord winder that I watch my dad hack that unit apart and kinda ruining the trim pieces on it. While it wasn't the best for air filtration that it certainly had hella lot of suction power and it looked rather modern and was admittedly a pleasure to use. If I could turn the clock back and not abuse that vacuum that maybe, just maybe it would be immaculate still.

Yeah they truly were well built and nice looking. Fortunately we still have the old e-2000 sitting in the dark corners of his basement and it still works but has seen better days. I want to say I want to restore the old unit but it’s actually far more cost effective to buy a gently used one and go from there. No real reason to own one though as the modern vacuums are much better for filtration so I focus my life energy on taking care of our modern vacuum - sebo Felix and sebo d4 (in the sexy red no less). But if I could trim back the clock I’d want to give the e-2000 a little more respect than it got.

I failed to mention earlier in my first response that I was ACTIVELY seeking out for a model 2100 b/c starting with its predecessor the E2000 (my parents owned a new one back in the early 1980's) that I grew up using the very well designed E2000 that was subsequently succeeded by the 2100 and the System 90 (all really the same exact vacuum). I honestly wouldn't worry about filtration. Buy some HEPA bags from areus and be happy. This vac will literally run forever.

Back in the early 80s, my roommate brought his mom's old Electrolux canister vac to use at our apartment. It was an older metal turquoise model and it was fantastic

Having used both, 80s electroluxs are any more manueverable than these. I was surprised by your gripes with the maneuverability, as both of my Mieles have been a pita to move due to the fixed in place hose, and how stiff it is. Any 100-200 Miele is probably gonna be neglected as well (at least here they are), or be something that has probably had a long life. Like with new cars, some people really like the piece of mind of knowing what's been in it, and having a warranty of some sort.

I personally prefer a canister vacuum because of all the attachments that can get under and behind things. I still use a vintage Electrolux canister vacuum. That thing has lasted through 2 Dyson canister vacuums (I clean house for a living) and still keeps on purring. I got a little fitting online so Ll my Dyson attachments fit on the Electrolux hose. I also have a LeVoit rechargeable hanging on the kitchen wall for quick pick-ups. I love a rechargeable for that and they are great if you have pets to keep after shed hair daily.

Used Electrolux cannister. Will last longer than you.

My Electrolux canister has a non-powered rug attachment with no brush and it works great on the washable rug.

In some ways, not much would change! Avoid bagless (filter queen, messy to empty), cheaper models would have more reliability problems though vacuums were simpler and easier to repair then. Good quality canister vacuum such as an Electrolux if you have a mix of hard floors and rugs. Electrolux also had better than average filtration for the time and was a bit more compact and easier to pull around than many competitors. Compact/tristar similarly a good option. If you had mostly carpet or prefered to sweep hard floors, a quality upright such as a hoover convertible would be hard to beat. Back when consumer reports was truly excellent (they're hit and miss now), Electrolux usually earned the top rank for canisters and hoover at the top for uprights.

I would really recommend an old Kenmore.  It’s a canister vacuum, you can still buy them new.  However, they show up at goodwill for like 20 bucks.  Replace the bag and filters, clean the roller and you have a really solid machine.  All the attachments are inside the body and it can be stored in a closet or under a bed.  Plus if something happens to it you don’t have to feel bad because it wasn’t super expensive.  Also a Electrolux canister is a great option too.  I will also say a Kirby, but they do take up more space and the hose situation is kinda bizarre.  They are like $1,000 new, but you can get them at the thrift store for like $50 bucks.  Also change the bag and belt on that if you get it.  They are built like a tank so you don’t really need to worry about it getting a little abuse. If you really want something new I think this would work for your situation: https://www.homedepot.com/p/KENMORE-200-Series-Bagged-Canister-Vacuum-Cleaner-BC4002/308593772?MERCH=REC-_-pipsem-_-308593689-_-1-_-n/a-_-n/a-_-n/a-_-n/a-_-n/a Once you get a house/ apartment you can look into a Kirby/Miele/Electrolux.  Just order it on line. Dorms can be a lot on appliances.

I have an Electrolux canister vac for nearly 15yrs. My mom’s had the older model of it for as long as I can remember, probably close to 30 at this point.

I use my old Electrolux or Compact/TriStar (both are canisters & use bags) bcuz I can get under furniture easily & no mess dirt disposal (bag contains the dirt). Also both have a mini power nozzle (Electrolux Sidekick & Wessel Werk HEB160) for vacing upholstery, stairs & 🚗 interiors