Top positive review
5.0 out of 5 starsThis vacuum is unbelievable
Reviewed in the United States on June 4, 2013
I was considering a Dyson and the Miele S5981 Capricorn. After reading online reviews and perusing video comparisons I went with the Miele. The vacuum is surprisingly quiet for the tremendous amount of suction generated. Having experience with my trusty but extraordinarily loud, Hoover Windtunnel, I didn't think the Miele was generating much suction since the noise level was abated to such a great degree. But it was obvious upon using the Miele that it picked up more particulate matter, more effectively and more quietly than any vacuum I have ever encountered.
The parquet twister attachment works great on hardwood floors. The brush is made from horse hair, so it will not scratch your floor. The parquet brush head design has gaps where the brush head contacts the floor, allowing for particulates to be captured by the brush head and not simply collect in the head of the brush. Some particulate matter still collects on the brush head (as I believe you would encounter with any vacuum) however, with the Miele that effect is greatly ameliorated.
The park capability is a great feature as well - allowing you to insert the accessory onto the canister while still attached to the vacuum. It automatically turns the vacuum off and then back on when removed. If you park the accessory on the side - you can carry the vacuum with one hand, great functionality for moving up and down stairs.
The agitating powerhead (SEB236) with light has 5 height settings and functions flawlessly. Almost no carpet residue is left behind on this attachment. My old Hoover would collect carpet remnants on the outside as it vacuumed - I have noticed very little of that effect with the Miele Capricorn. It also has a nifty parking attachement to allow the powerhead to hold the connected vacuum hose perfectly vertical when parked - and also shuts off the agitator when placed in the park position.
Both the parquet twister attachement and the powerhead offer an astonishing about of mobility. You can easily twist and turn both around and under obstacles far easier than with any prior attachments I've encountered.
The HEPA filter truly works, I never get the feeling that I'm creating ambient dust as I vacuum. No strange leftover smells either, my Hoover had both problems.
I would also recommending opting for one of the mini turbobrush attachments (STB 101 or STB 20) for your small carpets, stairs, vehicles and smaller less accessible, carpeted areas.
The vacuum is exceedingly expensive and I had a difficult time justifying the amount spent. But I now understand why these vacuums are so costly - and so well received by consumers. Buy one of these and you probably won't need another vacuum for 20+ years. It's the Mercedes-Benz of vacuums and an excellent choice.
