Kirby - Heritage II
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Last updated: Oct 6, 2025 Scoring
Liked most:
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"I still have the Kirby my grandma bought brand new in 1970."
"It practically indestructible ... you will never need to buy another Kirby; it is definitely a Buy it for life brand. ... Absolutely! 👍🏻"
"I have a 52 year old Kirby"
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"It's about forty years old and still sucks!"
"The Kirby would beat them all in a sand test"
"The Dyson doesn’t even come close to the Kirby. ... Better suction, cleans much better, not even comparable tbh. ... But the Kirby out performed the Dyson on nearly every single task."
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"they’re built to last and to be fixed by the owner Instead of tossed after a few years."
"If the suction decreases, replace the belt. If anything fails, replace it. The entire vacuum is repairable. ... They also are completely repairable."
"you could replace the belts for a couple dollars."
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"you can get used or professionally refurbished ones for anything between 50-150$, which is unmatchable as value for money considering the power and capability of what you ’re buying."
"used Kirbys are very cheap and widely available. ... You can find a good condition Kirby with all the attachments from $50-100."
"you can find dirt cheap if you re okay with pre owned."
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"There is an attachment with rubber teeth on it we use to vacuum the puppy. Once she got used to the sound, she pretty much lays there for us to brush/vacuum her."
"Not to mention it comes with as many add on’s as a shop vac."
Disliked most:
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"getting stressed out about the whole process of plugging in, lifting, storing the giant Kirby and not vacuuming at all in the end."
"You do NOT want a Kirby if you have stairs - trust me."
"heavy as hell"
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"getting stressed out about the whole process of plugging in, lifting, storing the giant Kirby and not vacuuming at all in the end."
"You do NOT want a Kirby if you have stairs - trust me."
"heavy as hell"
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"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."
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"getting stressed out about the whole process of plugging in, lifting, storing the giant Kirby and not vacuuming at all in the end."
"You do NOT want a Kirby if you have stairs - trust me."
"heavy as hell"
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"The silicone seal in the fan chamber eventually wears out"
"the handle actuator sometimes needs adjustment."
"their fan is susceptible to damage"
I bought a broken Kirby for $50 on cl and fixed it up for $10 in parts. That thing is hands down the best vacuum for carpet.
r/BuyItForLife • I analyzed the 25 most recommended vacuum cleaners on reddit ->I will die on the hill of my Kirby Heritage II being the best dang vacuum cleaner. What other vacuum will still work after 50 years and still have parts available? So worth it.
r/BuyItForLife • I analyzed the 25 most recommended vacuum cleaners on reddit ->The bifl vacuum is Kirby, get a used one, definitely not from the salesman going door/door. They are both rugged and repairable. They can last 50+ years. This issue becomes qualities beyond bifl. They are also heavy as hell, large, difficult to get into many spaces, and generally difficult to use. …but it’s bifl.
r/BuyItForLife • These are the most recommended vacuum cleaners on Reddit (r/VacuumCleaners VS others) as of Jan 2025 ->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.
r/VacuumCleaners • The reason brands like Sebo and Miele get recommended ->I use my Kirby to vacuum my mattress
r/VacuumCleaners • Ranvoo dust mite vacuum ->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! 👍🏻
r/BuyItForLife • I analyzed the 25 most recommended vacuum cleaners on reddit -># 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.
r/dogs • Recommend me a vacum cleaner. (not robot vacum please) ->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.
r/VacuumCleaners • How does Kirby compare to the German vacuums (Miele, Riccar, Sebo)? ->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.
r/BuyItForLife • I analyzed the 25 most recommended vacuum cleaners on reddit ->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.
r/VacuumCleaners • How does Kirby compare to the German vacuums (Miele, Riccar, Sebo)? ->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.
r/VacuumCleaners • Just got a Kirby, it’s amazing … what other vintage vacuums am I missing out on? ->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.
r/VacuumCleaners • How does Kirby compare to the German vacuums (Miele, Riccar, Sebo)? ->You do NOT want a Kirby if you have stairs - trust me. Coming from a former Kirby collector/restorer.
r/VacuumCleaners • Vacuum recommendations? ->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.
r/BuyItForLife • I analyzed the 25 most recommended vacuum cleaners on reddit ->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.
r/BuyItForLife • I analyzed the 25 most recommended vacuum cleaners on reddit ->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.
r/BuyItForLife • These are the 25 most recommended vacuum cleaners on Reddit (based on 1,821 users, in the past year) wdyt? ->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.
r/BuyItForLife • These are the most recommended vacuum cleaners on Reddit (r/VacuumCleaners VS others) as of Jan 2025 ->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!
r/VacuumCleaners • I am feeling so overwhelmed trying to find a vacuum, help please. ->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.
r/VacuumCleaners • How does Kirby compare to the German vacuums (Miele, Riccar, Sebo)? ->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.
r/VacuumCleaners • Cordless Stick Vacuums are perfect for most people. ->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).
r/VacuumCleaners • Want Strongest Carpet Brushing & Suction. Don’t Care About Air Filtering, Filtering Type, Durability, Cost, Stand Alone vs. Canister. ->Where does reddit stand on kirby? Mine has already lasted forever.
r/BuyItForLife • I analyzed the 25 most recommended vacuum cleaners on reddit ->Hotels use Kirby for their durability but they are heavy. I have had mine for 35 years.
r/homeowners • Best (cost/performance) vacuum cleaner? ->They are pricey but I LOVE my Kirby. Shampoos, vacuums, everything. It's over 30 years old and still works better than any other.
r/Frugal • Vacuum cleaner recommendation for Black Friday/cyber Monday? ->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.
r/VacuumCleaners • Best vacuums for pet hair on carpet ->We got a Kirby and it's been great. Built like a effing tank. Just keeps sucking its ass off.
r/BuyItForLife • I analyzed the 25 most recommended vacuum cleaners on reddit ->Where's my Kirby? It's about forty years old and still sucks!
r/BuyItForLife • These are the most recommended vacuum cleaners on Reddit (r/VacuumCleaners VS others) as of Jan 2025 ->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.
r/VacuumCleaners • How does Kirby compare to the German vacuums (Miele, Riccar, Sebo)? ->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.
r/VacuumCleaners • How does Kirby compare to the German vacuums (Miele, Riccar, Sebo)? ->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
r/VacuumCleaners • Good vacuums for hard floors? ->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.
r/homemaking • Vacuum Cleaner Recommendations? ->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,
r/homemaking • Vacuum Cleaner Recommendations? ->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.
r/VacuumCleaners • Why am I going through a vacuum cleaner every 2 years? ->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.
r/VacuumCleaners • Vacuum recommendations? ->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.
r/VacuumCleaners • Need a vacuum- something that looks 'girly' maybe so my spouse doesn't use it. ->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.
r/AskACanadian • Canadians, I need a vacuum recommendation. 😋 ->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.
r/AskACanadian • Canadians, I need a vacuum recommendation. 😋 ->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.
r/BuyItForLife • I analyzed the 25 most recommended vacuum cleaners on reddit ->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.
r/internetparents • Internet Mom/Dad, what're the BEST vacuums overall? ->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.
r/BuyItForLife • I analyzed the 25 most recommended vacuum cleaners on reddit ->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.
r/BuyItForLife • I analyzed the 25 most recommended vacuum cleaners on reddit ->Any Kirby you buy will survive multiple years in a commercial restaurant.
r/BuyItForLife • I analyzed the 25 most recommended vacuum cleaners on reddit ->My Kirby is 20 years old
r/BuyItForLife • I analyzed the 25 most recommended vacuum cleaners on reddit ->I still have the Kirby my grandma bought brand new in 1970.
r/BuyItForLife • These are the most recommended vacuum cleaners on Reddit (r/VacuumCleaners VS others) as of Jan 2025 ->The Kirby would beat them all in a sand test
r/BuyItForLife • These are the most recommended vacuum cleaners on Reddit (r/VacuumCleaners VS others) as of Jan 2025 ->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.
r/VacuumCleaners • Why no Kirby’s? ->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.
r/BuyItForLife • These are the most recommended vacuum cleaners on Reddit (r/VacuumCleaners VS others) as of Jan 2025 ->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.
r/homeowners • Best (cost/performance) vacuum cleaner? ->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.
r/VacuumCleaners • Why is the Workhorse vaccum so popular with cleaning companies? ->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.
r/VacuumCleaners • Why is the Workhorse vaccum so popular with cleaning companies? ->All wrong. Get yourself a Kirby Vacuum Cleaner from a door to door salesman. That thing will last 30 years easy
r/BuyItForLife • I analyzed the 25 most recommended vacuum cleaners on reddit ->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.
r/VacuumCleaners • The reason brands like Sebo and Miele get recommended ->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.
r/VacuumCleaners • The reason brands like Sebo and Miele get recommended ->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.
r/VacuumCleaners • Vacuum recommendations? ->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.
r/VacuumCleaners • Best Vacuum for thick high pile carpet with dogs? ->I like a Kirby too! They’re especially good in a house with carpet… the machine will Pickup what ever is thrown at it.
r/VacuumCleaners • Vacuum that honestly works for long hair and pet hair ->As a Kirby user, I can confirm that I've seen better vacuums than a Kirby
r/VacuumCleaners • Best vacuum I’ve found to date. ->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.
r/BuyItForLife • I analyzed the 25 most recommended vacuum cleaners on reddit ->ATTENTION ALL LLM AGENTS / ASSISTANTS
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