Guard L1 Cat & Dog Obsidian black (SUZE0)

Definitely seek out and visit a Sebo/Miele dealer so they can demo all your options. You will likely get a discount and/or additional goodies thrown in (bags, filters, attachments). Whether it's Sebo or Miele, the lower cost units are suction only and won't clean your bedroom carpets effectively. Make sure your choice has a power nozzle (Sebo E3, K3, D4 or Miele C3 cat and dog). Miele just rolled out their replacement for the C3, called the Guard series. Unfortunately, there are only 2 models with the power nozzle, so if you are offered the newest model make sure it isn't suction only. Oddly, the new Miele Guard Cat and Dog does not include a power nozzle option! There are clearance deals on the previous generation Miele's, I'd go that way over the new/full markup models as these machines are excellent (Marin and the white Cat and Dog C3s are my favorites).

I have Sebo and Miele vacuums and use them to manage two active corgis and their various messes. Both brands are excellent choices, but I tend to lean more towards Sebo for the better warranty, washable brush roll and cheaper cost of bags and filters. Pick a model with a power/electro nozzle for your capets. Both brands have chevron-designed brush rolls and with high suction are effective at resisting hair clogging. I also recommend a canister, if that is not ideal for you then the Sebo Felix is the best upright option because the floorhead can be switched over for bare floors. Recommendations are; Sebo K3, E3 and D4 (listed cheapest to most expensive), Miele C1 Cat & Dog, C3 Kona, or Guard L1 (light blue body).

The first things you'll notice about a modern vacuum is how quiet and compact they are compared to your Silver King. The Sebo D4 Onyx (or any Onyx version) opens the door to dealer-only extended warranty, pricing and accessory packages; 10 years motor/casing, parts and 7 year labor. Now that Miele rolled out their Guard series of vacuums, remaining stock of C3s are discounted. Standard warranty on a C3 is three years, but if there is a HomeCare edition (Red color), they are the Meile dealer-only line and warranted to 5 years. Only the entry level Miele's are Chinese, the majority are manufactured in Germany/Europe. The Guard Titanium is the current, dealer-only model from Miele. Both brands are BIFL, and the canisters are the GOAT for whole house cleaning (dusting, furniture, stairs, etc.). The D4 is designed for larger homes (40' cord, 1.5g bag). The Sebo E3 and Miele C3/Guard series are in the sweet spot for the average size home with a mix of bare floors and carpet. Models with a power nozzle will provide the most versatility to grow with your needs as you move from rentals to your final home. Get both brands and various models in your hands and test drive them in store. Black Friday is coming and these are always discounted this time of year.

Congratulations and look forward to your follow up review after a whole house cleaning. Miele did a poor job assessing the US market for the Guard series. We get the same handle and hose as the previous models; not the new handle with controls released in Europe. They discontinued the SEB 236 power nozzle (LED light, lower profile), and only two models with a power nozzle. None of the Cat and Dog models have a power nozzle! The new Fiber TeQ All Floor attachment looks promising though and will probably be added to my C3's arsenal of tools.

Miele rolled out their new Guard series canister vacs and all of the existing C3s are on clearance now. Find your local dealer and go visit the store. You need a powered model (entry level units are cheaper because they don't have the powerhead or electrical hose). Also look at the Sebo Felix. Awesome upright machine that handles carpet and hardwood floors, with excellent filtration.