Flamenco II (S251i, S251)

Yeah great question, my Miele Flamenco II has been working great for over 25 years, without replacing a single part. It seems indestructible.

I have a Dyson Animal 2 and it’s the only vacuum from Dyson I have not hated. I would see if you can find any used on eBay or Facebook marketplace or somewhere like that. Its capacity is large enough you could clean the whole house without dumping. Suction is decent but as a heads up it’s pretty loud. As are most Dysons. Maybe see if you can find a used Miele canister vacuum that’s an older model within your price range. I have a flamenco 2 from Miele (budget early 2000s model) got it for $60 and that thing absolutely rips! It’s not bagless but the bags are fairly cheap and you don’t have to replace them as often as you might think. Not sure how old you are but I always think it’s worth mentioning: If you think you want a bagless vacuum because you’ve only had bagless as a adult and have memories of your parent(s) struggling changing messy hard to clip in bags that’s a way of the past. Bagged machines really aren’t more work compared to bagless and the suction / cleaning capacity will always be better. You have to change the bag every couple months on a quality machine not ever time you vacuum.

I second the Miele S2 best vac I ever owned. And it’s very lightweight. Easy to carry upstairs.

No. Overpriced, too heavy/bulky, not ergonomic, breakdown easily. I’d rather use a cheap Shark over a Dyson. Miele vacuums, however, are well worth their hefty price tags. Bags are an added cost, but don’t need to be replaced as often as you’d think, and their vacuums last forever. I’m a housekeeper and my Miele is the best vacuum I’ve ever used. I’ve tried nearly every brand and style out there. Can’t recommend them enough. Edited to add that I used Shark for a number of years until I could save up for a Miele. A Shark is a decent vacuum and MUCH cheaper to replace than a Dyson.

Second the Melie. Best vacuum I’ve ever had. The Shark Navigator was way too heavy/bulky for me.

I have one of the cheapest ($400ish). It’s the S2, I believe. It’s best for hard flooring and very low pile carpet/rugs. If you have thicker pile carpet to deal with I would recommend going up to the mid range priced Mieles that can handle the thicker carpeting. I personally don’t think the highest priced Pet branded range is worth the cost. I’ve had up to 15 cats home at times, and found the lowest priced Miele to be more effective on fur and litter than any of the high priced Pet Vacs I’ve tried. All Mieles have the exact same suction power across all lines, which is the most important factor in a vac’s effectiveness. Also, the bags last a long time, so I don’t find the cost of bags to be an issue. Edit to add: the Miele is one of the lightest weight and quietest I’ve used as well.

Worth every penny and they last forever. These things just don’t break! Many people get a good 20-25 years out of their Mieles. And if repairs are needed they are usually fairly easy and inexpensive. I’ve had mine 7 years and nothing has broken/no loss of suction whatsoever. Love this thing!

Prices in Europe are more reasonable for Miele, Sebo and the Henry. Miele S series, Sebo K series and Henry would be the models I'ld be looking at.

Used Miele S series are also really good value and reliable, plus repairs are super easy too.

I have a Miele bag vacuum with the motorized head. Had it for years and it will last for decades. We supplement it with a Dyson cordless vacuum for quick jobs.

Probably a Miele or sebo canister vac with a powered head as you need more than just raw suction to penetrate the carpet fibres!!

Miele! Seriously a game changer with my two long haired, triple coated dogs.

The first time I used the carpet steamer after vacuuming with the Miele there was 1 tiny little ball of fur like the size of a peanut. I was used to the carpet steamer pulling up gross, soggy clumps of hair that the vacuum had missed. Worth every penny!

We bought a canister during COVID germ panic and I am never going back. We have pets and the difference in what the canister picked up vs our upright Hoover was astounding. Edited to say we went with Miele.

It's the lift away one, was never very good. Years ago I have a 1200 watt meile thing that got stolen during a break in to a flat I rented.