Besides a Dyson what is the best vacuum for the money?

According to my memory of the latest consumer reports reveiw, dyson doesn't even rank among the best, regardless of price. Best values were (in no particular order) Eureka, Kenmore, and Hoover. I guess I would go with the Kenmore, because you always take it back to Sears if it needs any repairs, etc.

We have two that we use in our house: an older Electrolux canister, and an upright Oreck. The Electrolux is probably 20 years oldor more, yet still does a decent job. The Oreck is super light-weight, and does a fantastic job, although we've had one bad experience with a local Oreck shop not wanting to do a repair, even under warranty.

I've used many brands: Dyson, Kirby, Hoover, Dirt Devil, Oreck. The only machine that has done the job I want and helped keep the air in the home clean due to my allergies is a Rainbow. I have had it for 4 years and absolutely love it. I do not need anything else. Yes it is pricey, I believe very much worth the money. It really depends on your idea of clean and what kind of job you want the machine to do. If you have allergies I highly recommend the Rainbow. If money is the main concern then it really doesn't matter if you get a Hoover, Dirt Devil, or other brand, you always get what you pay for, more affordable machines with make it look clean but really don't do a true cleaning job. So it's up to what you are really looking for. Good Luck.

For info on the Rainbow go to: http://www.rainbowsystem.com/eng/

If I could afford it, I would definitely by a Dyson or a Kirby. I had a saleslady come show the Kirby and challenged my Rainbow (expensive) and it kicked my machines but by far. I am saving up for a Dyson. I now own a HOOVER and it does work pretty well. The secret is to make sure the bag is not too full because it defeats the purpose of the vacuum cleaner. Also, make sure the carpet level setting is correct, too high on flat carpet won't brush or suck properly, too low and it gets to attached to the carpet and won't brush either.

The best vacuum EVER is called Eureka THE BOSS SMART VAC. It claims to have "40% BETTER SUCTION THAN A DYSON". I have had mine for 2 years now with no problems. It is extremely powerful and has all sorts of extensions and tools with it. I use mine just about every single day. I have seen them at Wal-MArt and Lowes and are cheapest at Wal-Mart (around $140). Hope this helps!

I own the Dyson model 14. When it works it is wonderful. When it breaks I am glad it came with a five year warranty. Mine has broken twice so far. I bought it in December 04. It is broken now. I think that the next one I buy will be the cheapest bagless one I can find.

My husband bought me a Eureka Maxima, and although I wanted a Dyson as well, I LOVE this vacuum! It was $60.00 at (Target or Kmart, something like that) and it is the best vacuum I have ever had! And so cheap! It's bagless, so you just dump it out, and the filter is removable so you can wash it out in your sink and it's like brand new all over again! I have 4 kids and this thing is a monster!! :)

Suck it up and buy a Dyson. It's worth it. They are great vacuums and after a few months it will pay for itself. Plus they have a 5 year warranty.

I've had several name brands, but the Hoover is what I keep going back to.

I've also wanted to get myself an Oreck; they make'em sound like miracle workers, right?

your best bet, is to go to an actual vacume store. you will be able to find a used Oreck. This is THE best vacum period.

Good Luck!

Kirby...they aren't cheap but they perform very well and have a lifetime guarantee.