Kirby

Model 516

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Overall

#11 in

Vacuum Cleaners

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Sentiment score67% positive
4
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Last updated: Jun 18, 2026

Reddit Reviews

Reddit IconPoppySeedBaygel
4 months ago

Can't go wrong with a cheap Kirby with that recent servicing. It'll be a bit heavy to push around (pre tech drive) but AFAIK that's the only compromise

Reddit Iconnamsted
4 months ago

I own one of these vacuums, and the brush tends to get stuck on the carpet. I’ve tried adjusting it multiple times, but it doesn’t seem to work. I’ve also replaced the belt a few times, but that hasn’t solved the problem. The vacuum works well, but it might be sucking too hard, which causes the brush to stop rotating on the carpet. Just my own experience.

Reddit Icon756g43
4 months ago

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

Reddit Iconaabum
7 months ago

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.

Reddit IconAboveAndBelowSea
5 months ago

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.

Reddit Iconactionvac-Box2165
8 months ago

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

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