Model 516

Kirbys are great because they're so easy to fix. Every single part is user-replaceable

My first choice is Kirby. I don't understand others' posts implying they aren't reliable. Mine is 40 years old and probably has another 60 years left. Plastic crap, Dyson and Shark, is just that. Crap. Panasonic commercial vacuums have been a standard for many years.

Lesson I’ve learned in the vacuum space - I’m not going to be happy with the vacuum unless I spend at least $600. I have two 80 lbs dogs, one of which is a golden / pittie mix that sheds year round. Dyson, Shark, Roomba, Dreame, etc can’t keep up. In 2000 I bought a Kirby - and had some buyer’s regret at first, but that vacuum lasted 20 years and still had a much suction power on the day it died as it did on day 1. When the motor finally died in 2000 I recycled the cleaner. Big mistake. Wish I’d just had the motor replaced. I’m now back in the market for a Kirby or similar. I’ll happily pay 5x the cost of a cheap vacuum for one that is a trusty workhorse. The trick with Kirby is not to pay asking price - a good deal on a Kirby starts at about a 50% discount.

As well, a Kirby is probably the best carpet cleaning Vacuum made. It’s just antiquated.

I love kirby vacuums. You can get a used one for a steal.

Used Kirby

Bought my Kirby in 1987....still use it today. Well, not today.