Kirby - G4

So I have a rug similar to this and even my tuned Kirby G4 struggles on it. It’s high pile microfiber shag and air does not flow through it. The few machines I’ve found that do work on it are turbo nozzle canisters and surprisingly, Shark Navigator Lift-Away with the brush on and suction bleed valve open. My Miele H1 with an SEB-236 nozzle does not work, neither does my SEBO Felix or Oreck Classic or XL21 platform. Oreck Magnesium/Discover supposedly does work because it’s very light so the machine doesn’t burry the nozzle. I’ve found you’ll want a lightweight nozzle so it can float on top of the pile. My rug is so thick that height adjustment doesn’t really work. The best way to deep clean these rugs is to flip them over and vacuum the underside with a machine that has lots of agitation and vibration. That will cause the grit to fall onto the floor. Carefully remove the rug and clean up the grit.

The Kirby is a lot of fun - it’s like vacuuming your carpet with a jet engine. They do need tune-ups though. The silicone seal in the fan chamber eventually wears out, and the handle actuator sometimes needs adjustment. Vintage Electrolux machines are always a hit (they actually still make the same body style, just without the good smooth motor). Hoover constellation is fun: floats like a hovercraft. Zero-G uses the same technology in a modern machine. I miss mine. It was the reproduction model from the 2000s. Hoover fitted it with a beefy 1400w suction motor and it had gobs of power. I’m praying to the vacuum gods I can find a New Old Stock one. There’s of course the Hoover Convertible (decade 80 too) and eureka F&G machines. Hoover Concept I and II are excellent cleaners. There’s some really neat Kenmore cleaners too. Whirlpool was their manufacturer then they switched mainly to Panasonic.

Owned Dyson DC07 for 3 years. Small canister, constant clogs, half dozen fiddly covers and latches to remove for clearing a clog. Switching to hose was a real chore, dumb design. Shark Vertex Duoclean, 1yr 7mo so far. Good power, great design, canister lifts away so the vacuum can go under furniture, switch to hose with a button press. Single door for cleanout. Kirby G4, 30 years so far, handed down from parents. Ultimate power, ultimate weight. Suck the dimples off a golf ball, never a clog. Bulky, heavy, indestructible. Switch to hose is a bit clumsy. You can get a used G3 or G4 on marketplace or Craigslist and have no concerns about it lasting decades. TLDR: Shark Duoclean for lightweight day to day. Kirby for monthly "deep cleaning".

I’ve got 2 G4s and a G6. I’m quite fond of them but I would never spend that money buying them new. They can be had used for a fraction of that. I think I spent ~$250 on my first G4 from a Kirby vacuum shop, freshly refurbished. The second G4 I bought for $20 on marketplace and also had it refurbished for ~$200 at that shop. The G6 I got for free at a garage sale, replaced the belt, bag, and cleaned it out and have been using it as is. They get used and abused at a movie theater and my house. I’d like it if they had a tube to do edges and corners with but it’s not that big of a deal. The G6 power drive is better than the ones on the G4s

Same here. Cordless for quick pickups, Kirby when the carpets need a good once over...

I have two Kirby’s, one from the the mid 00’s and one from the 90’s. I also have a Dyson Ball animal from 2010-ish. All three of them are still going strong. The only drawback is the weight.

Used Kirby

used kirby for pet hair

They have a predatory sales model and they're nowhere near worth the price they sell new for. They're a pain in the ass to do anything with but carpet vacuuming, they need belt replacements once or twice a year, and the filtration is subpar.

I use my Kirby to vacuum my mattress

Had a roommate who owned a Dyson. And I have always had a Kirby. We tested the two against each other. The Dyson doesn’t even come close to the Kirby. Better suction, cleans much better, not even comparable tbh. The Dyson was more lightweight, and easier to break because it’s all plastic, and bagless (no purchasing bags). But the Kirby out performed the Dyson on nearly every single task. It practically indestructible, and you will never need to buy another Kirby; it is definitely a Buy it for life brand. Absolutely! 👍🏻

# Kirby, Oreck, or Rainbow. If those are out of your price range then this: [https://www.walmart.com/ip/BISSELL-Power-Force-Bagged-Upright-Vacuum-1739/104757366](https://www.walmart.com/ip/BISSELL-Power-Force-Bagged-Upright-Vacuum-1739/104757366) I agree with Mr. Oreck in that "bagless" is a dirty word. Bagless vacuums are nasty to clean out. Rainbow being the exception because of the water being the filter.

They're the top dog in cleaning performance on carpets in my opinion, but that's about as far as they go. They're a one trick pony. They also weigh a ton too. Basically they're great if you have a single story house with mostly carpet.

I have the Dyson V15 detect and totally love it but it's not a bifl vacuum by any means. It's just the best of the available cordless vacuums. Bifl is more like a kirby imo. They're overbuilt and made to be worked on. I've worked on plenty of them and always really impressed at the quality of its build.

Rip off IMO. They clean carpet well, but they are insanely heavy. They literally have a transmission because they’re so heavy. They are also more expensive than they’re worth. There are definitely some diminishing returns, and I honestly would rather have a Miele or Sebo with an electric powerhead that I can do more with for cheaper than a Kirby I can only clean carpet with.

I mean, let’s face it. The main difference - WEIGHT. The Kirby is a tank, other vacuums are well built (unless you’re throwing them around) and will last for decades. Period.

You do NOT want a Kirby if you have stairs - trust me. Coming from a former Kirby collector/restorer.

I can vouch for this. My mom still has a Kirby from nearly 20 years ago and it runs like new still. Parts are still plentiful and there are still people who work on them.  While not a $1400 vacuum some brands can last a lifetime. 

I think it depends on the needs of one’s home. I sold Kirby’s 20+ years ago and I will always believe they are the best. But that doesn’t mean it is the best for everyone.

No Kirbys? That's the most BIFL vacuum ever, I've had mine for over 30 yrs, other than belts and bags this thing won't quit.

Exactly. For the same price as the Dyson you can get better vacuums that are more durable, better performance, and will last longer. My Grandmother bought a Kirby in 1969. I still have it and it outperforms 90% of vacuums on the market. I know people hate the weight of the Kirbys but you will be hard-pressed to beat the performance without spending over a thousand dollars. You can get a used Kirby for $150 or so.

KIRBY VACUUM. Get a Kirby. I just ran a google search for "used Kirby's under $200" and came up with several options for purchase. I've had my Kirby for over 20 years with kids and cats and I love it. The attachments are simple to use and allow me to easily dust ceilings, tops of cabinets, hanging lamps and fans. I use it to vacuum the car, my mattress, sofa, etc. A simple attachment switch and I'm vacuuming my hardwood floors. Very long cord, too.  Yes they're expensive brand new, but you can find used or refurbished ones all over the place. The fact that so many old Kirby's are still out there available for purchase is testament to how sturdy and  long lasting they are. Plus, nothing sucks up dirt and dust and cat dander as well as a Kirby. Good luck!

For carpet, it’s hands down the best. It has the most of everything a vac needs to super clean carpet. Airflow, agitation, etc. 132 - 150 CFM is monstrously high, and that is measured where the carpet intake is. On other vacs, the airflow is about 1/4 - 1/3 of that at the carpet intake, and they don’t agitate as well. I keep a Kirby around for deep-cleaning carpet but daily a Miele C3. The Miele C3 with the SEB 228 nozzle is impressive on carpet, but it still isn’t like monstrously powerful.

I see the appeal of a stick. I have a V15. It’s about 3 yrs old. It’s primary role is for in-between cleans, small messes. Touch-ups. But, if I am going to vac our main living areas or the entire house, I can get the job done a lot faster with my Miele. If I am going to deep clean the carpet, I don’t pre-vac with my V15. I use my Kirby. If I am going to detail a vehicle, Miele. If I am going to use attachments for deep cleaning, Miele.

I'd probably grab a Kirby or a Sanitaire if those were my priorities. Both are awesome on carpets, but basically one-trick ponies (especially the Sanitaire).

Where does reddit stand on kirby? Mine has already lasted forever.

Hotels use Kirby for their durability but they are heavy. I have had mine for 35 years.

They are pricey but I LOVE my Kirby. Shampoos, vacuums, everything. It's over 30 years old and still works better than any other.

Kirby. You can usually find them cheap second hand. The newer models will be self propelled. Though Kirby is a hefty built vacuum. Honestly anything with a bag should be good. You will have much less maintenance with a bag.

We got a Kirby and it's been great. Built like a effing tank. Just keeps sucking its ass off.

Where's my Kirby? It's about forty years old and still sucks!

It's honestly sad sometimes. A woman called into my shop this week asking if we buy used Kirbys. Said her cleaning business never took off and she paid over $2k for the thing. I left out the part where these machines are available second - hand for less than $100.

You can usually find one at a thrift store or estate sale for cheap, then take it to a shop, put about $100 into it. With that, you have a kirby that runs like new and will last for years, for like 1/10th the original cost. Until they lower the cost of new units substantially, refurbished is the way to go with them.

I own an embarrassing amount of vacuum cleaners. My Kirby is my absolute favorite!! However, a part fell off it and I misplaced it. I didn’t want to spend a ton so I just bought a Kenmore Intuition and I’m really impressed how well in works on both my wood floors and carpeted rooms. Plus it weighs a fraction of what my Kirby does

I agree about cordless vacs. We have the Dyson they are too fragile and end up so clogged with dog hair that they become useless unless you keep stopping the machine for disassembly as we did just this morning. The best solution for us was to find a used Rainbow vacuum. They use a water bath for a filter and that traps the hair so you can empty it out with the water when you are done. I bought my last used one in good condition for $100. Found it on Craigslist. The other remarkable find was unexpected. My family had a Kirby vaccum and I was always amazed at how powerful it was. I went to a non profit's garage sale (Spectrum Farms in Cullowhee,NC.) They had a factory rebuilt Kirby for $75 that a previous owner had just received back from Kirby after 40 years of use. It looked and ran like a new machine. It has four height adjustments, the closest of which is close enough to slow your roll and you push the machine around because the strength of the suction is so strong, you have to click it up a notch to break the grip on the floor. I use this vaccum for my basement and adjacent game room. it is old tech, but it will last forever and has more suction than any other I have used.

I could not believe my luck. The machine was as clean as a new machine, had the rug shampoo devices, and all fixtures. 'Also had a brand new bag and wheels. They really took pride in craftsmanship and engineering back in the good old days. I don't think my mother's Kirby ever needed replacement. Cruise craigslist regularly and I will bet one turns up. You cannot kill this machine. Rainbow is great too, if you find one in good condition. I think they used to run around 1500. The body is ABS, so pretty tough,

Get a Kirby, buy an old tired one on marketplace for cheap, rip it apart piece by piece, and bring it back to new. YouTube is your friend. Once you understand the machine, you’ve got something that’ll last you a lifetime. I had your exact same problem, and that’s what I did.

Get a Kirby and learn to fix it, they’re built to last and to be fixed by the owner Instead of tossed after a few years. They’re heavy, and stairs can be a haste, but that’s it. Nothing else has the power of one.

Kirbys right off facebook for 50 bucks, last vacuum you’ll buy if you maintain it properly, and as long as you don’t show him how to attach the hose he can’t use the crevice tool.

Stick vacuums are by definition “light weight”. They’re great for hardwood/tile and above the floor cleaning but they really don’t have the power to pull dirt out of a carpet. Motors that can do that are too big to mount on the top of the stick. Buy a used Kirby to get that carpet clean.

I enjoy refurbishing old Kirby's that I find at estate sales and stuff. They're like T34 tanks for your carpet. Solid AF with replaceable and repairable components. They are also self propelled with a clutch and transmission in them.

Kirby makes one vacuum and it's on there because it works. It will also last forever. I bought mine used off eBay 14 years ago and it hasn't missed a beat. But it for life in the mechanical flesh.

What is available now to purchase new, may have been made without the same quality as the brand was years ago. I'm just saying that some brands may have changed for the worst. I have not needed to buy a vacuum since 1997 when I got a Kirby. I've treated it pretty rough and it just keeps going.

And also loud as hell. My grandma’s cleaning lady had one. I could hear it from outside of the house with all the windows closed, 50-some feet away on a dock.

Gonna be honest. Kirby’s have more suction than any other vacuum and I’ll die on that hill. They also are completely repairable. Sure they are heavy. And a handheld floor vacuum for easy stuff is nice, but trust me. If you want a clean carpet…..Kirby.

Any Kirby you buy will survive multiple years in a commercial restaurant.

My Kirby is 20 years old

I still have the Kirby my grandma bought brand new in 1970.

The Kirby would beat them all in a sand test

I absolutely love my Kirby, but I just got a Riccar and it so much smoother and easier to use. But I still love my Kirby and I feel like it cleans better.

I have a Dyson cordless Animal and it’s perfect for me. I also have a really nice almost new Kirby ($800+ price tag) I picked up for $10 at a garage sale because the people didn’t understand you could replace the belts for a couple dollars. I use the Dyson all the time because it’s so much easier and less mental commitment for my ADHD brain to pick up and use a cordless vacuum whenever I need it. I can vacuum for three seconds and put it back before I get distracted. Easily worth the money because now I actually vacuum as opposed to getting stressed out about the whole process of plugging in, lifting, storing the giant Kirby and not vacuuming at all in the end.

So a Kirby is what I have. Yes, I know they are heavy. They are simple and bulletproof and literally last forever. do what I did. I went on offer up and find the one generation back from the newest model. I got it complete with all attachments for the price of a Dyson. And it has better hepa filtration.

Workhorses are relatively durable and the bagless design shows all the dirt which is great for videos and showing off to the customers. I would not use a Kirby commercially, they're too heavy and their fan is susceptible to damage. The Sanitaire Tradition is a similar vacuum to Kirby while being lighter and much easier to repair. But both Kirbys and Sanitaire Traditions have low water lift so they can leave a lot of heavy particles behind. Also the dump-out and dump-cup Traditions have terrible filtration. The Workhorse isn't popular here because the pre-motor filtration is poor and they don't have brushroll shutoff or on-board tool storage so they aren't well rounded vacuums. Cool vacuums, but too niche to recommend to most people.

Kirbys and Sanitiare Traditions have very similar very high cfm due to their direct air design but low water lift. The Workhorse and other clean air vacuums will have lower cfm but higher water lift. I think the Workhorse makes better videos because you can dump out all the dirt and show the viewers. Are you thinking about getting a new vacuum for yourself? I think there are a lot of other specs and features to consider if you want a vacuum for your home such as filtration, weight, built in hose and tools, etc.

All wrong. Get yourself a Kirby Vacuum Cleaner from a door to door salesman. That thing will last 30 years easy

My main affinity for the Kirby is that my mother was able to keep her 1980 sculptured carpet fluffy and like new for 25 years with it. Some people would see that as drawback. 😄 It outlasted probably $2000 worth of cheaper vacuums I had to throw away over the same time period.

Kirby is totally fine. It’s solid and that’s why there’s some that go for 40+ years. It’s just because Sebo exists there isn’t as much of a reason for stores to recommend them as consumers want lighter, more feature rich vacuums with better filtration. In Canada I don’t even know if you can buy them anymore. But they’re fine vacuums and last a looong time.

I’d agree with a Kirby, great machines that will last and you can find dirt cheap if you’re okay with pre owned. You can also look into a Kenmore Upright 31150 or 31140, both are excellent carpet machines that can do hard surface such as tile.

I’d recommend a Kirby. There are plenty of gently used machines out there. Main reason in recommending a Kirby is due to the height adjustment built into the machine. Simple to operate and does a fantastic job on carpet. It also won’t void your Karastan Warranty.

I like a Kirby too! They’re especially good in a house with carpet… the machine will Pickup what ever is thrown at it.

As a Kirby user, I can confirm that I've seen better vacuums than a Kirby

I inherited a 30 year old Kirby from my mom. It still works like a dream, I just wish it wasn’t so heavy. I have a Shark for quick jobs, when it comes to heavy lifting, Kirby is the one for me.