Sanitaire SC3683B Commercial Canister Vacuum Cleaner - Powerful 12 Amp Motor, HEPA Filtration, Durable Red Design for Offices, Schools & Commercial Cleaning

I've never submitted a review, but I am so happy with this vacuum that I feel compelled to write one. I was on the very of purchasing the mighty mite when one of its reviewers pointed me over here. I've only owned this commercial canister vac for a couple weeks, but I feel like my house is cleaner than it has been in years. My house is 1/4 wall to wall carpet and 3/4 hardwoods, I was looking for one vacuum that would be perfect for both carpet and wood floors, unfortunately this still doesn't fit the bill perfectly. However, I find that it is great for all my hardwood areas, the stairs (which are most annoying) and the small rugs in my entry and kitchen. For my carpeted hall and bedrooms upstairs, I'm going to stick with the old upright (which I wanted to replace because I hate using the hose & attachments on it, but it is ok for using to push around upright).The only thing I wanted that this little vacuum doesn't have is the retractable cord. However, it does have a shoulder strap, which I feel some how made up for the lack of retractable cord. I used to hate my mom's old canister vacuum that I would lug around behind me and it would get stuck around corners and flip around behind me - that was my main hesitation concerning a canister vacuum...even though I thought they would be better for hardwoods and stairs. Now, I walk around with this vacuum handing at my side like one of those landscaper dudes outside blowing leaves. It isn't too heavy at all and very convenient. I read a review that said they didn't like how hot it gets while carrying around, it does get warm but that doesn't bother me at all. Some people doen't like the noise, but I've never had a quiet vacuum before. I really just wanted one that was easy to use and had great suction, and this is it!It is bagged, but I was adamant about that. I know this is just a matter of preference, but I really prefer to just throw all the junk away in the bag instead of having to deal with the dirt when I am done like in a bagless. That is probably not a big deal on the really high end bagless vacuums, but I really don't know.I think it works fantastic at getting up the pet hair from my cat and dog, and my dog happens to shed contantly. It works 100 times better than my old upright on the hardwood floors, whether I used it on the bare floor setting or when using the hose and attachments. It is so easy to get under furniture now, and I really like that I am not constantly changing settings between hardwood carpet, or going back and forth between the hose and the upright use. I hate vacuuming, and now I actually look forward to using this little thing. It is sick, I know.My dog is the worst eater ever. She walks around the kitchen with her food falling out of her mouth. I used to sweep it up all the time because the upright was annoying to lug out, and its suction isn't so great anyway. With this vacuum it is a breeze. I'm just going to keep it in the closet in the kitchen so I can whip it out and clean up her mess everyday.Oh, the vacuum is pretty small so I thought that the bag would fill up after the first use, especially since my upright was not doing the job and there were dust bunnies everywhere, combined with dog kibbles. This is not the case at all, I have used it several times and the bag is only about 1/4 full, so many uses to go. You can get a great deal on bags on line, I ordered several so I am not too worried about that issue anyway.It comes with a little washable filter inside just to protect the motor I guess, but a HEPA filter can be added. I actually bought these cheap allergen filtration vacuum bags on Amazon, 9 of them were less than $7 (and qualify for free super saver shipping). I think I'll see how they work before adding the HEPA filter.Hopefully it will last, but only time will tell. It seems like it will, because it is pretty simple construction. At the price, even if I get only 3-5 years out of it, I'll still be very satisfied and would buy the same one again!Purchased it for my mother (lives in a medium-sized NYC apartment) because it was light and easy to carry. Major problems in functions:1. Weak suction. Suction on previous, older Electrolux model was stronger. Hole in extension of new vacuum is larger causing less suction per square inch.2. Overheats quickly, very hot to the touch.3. When bag is removed while unit is in cleaning position, dirt spills out because the bag has no closing flap4. Hose it so long that it flaps around when cleaning in a tight spot, getting caught. And can knock things off low tables5. Was told by a repair shop that Electrolux does not back the warranty - Eureka does. This complicates reimbursement for repairs6. To get service in NYC, need to take to a store many miles away on West Side from home on East Side.I intend to return the product and get a refund!UPDATE:A COMPLETE NIGHTMARE. CUSTOMER SERVICE IS DEAD:Seller E-Source Direct refused to issue me a refund or allow me to return it. They have a 14-day refund request policy, and you must return product in 30 days or else they will not refund your money. However, NOWHERE is this policy stated on Amazon's info about the seller. Nor is it displayed when you follow Amazon's help staff-directed links to the seller. All you get is a repeat of AMAZON'S refund and return policy.28 days after the product was delivered. I disputed this purchase with Amazon's online chat reps (from India). First rep SAID "no problem, we will take care of it. you don't need to do anything." Five days later I received the following email from Amazon:"We determined that you are not eligible for an A-to-z Guarantee claim as you did not contact the seller within 14 days of receipt to report the issue or return the item within 30 days from the date of receipt. Your Guarantee claim...has been closed."I went back Amazon's online chat reps to appeal my claim, telling the next one (in India) that nowhere is the seller's refund and return policy to be found. How was I supposed to know I was required to process it in 14 days and return it in 30 days?Amazon replied by sending me two links:http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=200572800 and http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=200572800...which links say NOTHING about the SELLER'S policy...hello!Here is a transcript of my second chat:Initial Question: confusion over return/refund policy03:51 PM(GMT) Hunt Richardson: hello03:52 PM(GMT) Nisheeth(CSA): Hello, my name is Nisheeth. I'll be happy to help you today.Hello HuntWhat I can do to remove your confusion ?03:57 PM(GMT) Hunt Richardson: hi Nisheeth. I hope you can help me please. I ordered a vacuum and had it shipped to my 86 year old mother. It arrived at her home on 2 May. It did not work. i went on vacation for 3 weeks. When I got back from vacation my mother told me the machine was defective. I requested an exchange as soon as possible and did not get a reply from the seller, so I contacted Amazon. Amazon said they would process a claim on my behalf. i got a return authorization from Amazon. Then was told I asked to late. can you clarify what is going on please? thanks03:58 PM(GMT) Nisheeth(CSA): I'll certainly look into it, May I have your order number please to check this for you.03:58 PM(GMT) Hunt Richardson: ok one minute while i get it03:59 PM(GMT) Hunt Richardson: (number ---------)04:01 PM(GMT) Nisheeth(CSA): Thank you for waiting. I'm sorry for the long hold.I appreciate your patience. I have checked this order04:01 PM(GMT) Hunt Richardson: I thought I was doing the right thing by requesting a return within 30 days (it was 28 days)04:01 PM(GMT) Nisheeth(CSA): Seller have their own return and refund policyusually they only have 14 days return policy from the date of delivery04:02 PM(GMT) Nisheeth(CSA): I can see that the A-Z claim for this order has rejected due to item not returned on time04:04 PM(GMT) Hunt Richardson: that was not clearly explained when I bought it. where is it explained when you order? also, the machine was used once. we wanted to have it repaired but Electrolux does not back the warranty (Eureka does) and repair shop is 3 miles across New York City - not something an 86 year old who lives by herself can do04:06 PM(GMT) Nisheeth(CSA): One must have seen seller's store from before making and purchase to know their return and refund policy04:07 PM(GMT) Nisheeth(CSA): But still let me for ward this issue to our A-Z claim investigation team , to reconsider/ reopen the claim if possible04:10 PM(GMT) Hunt Richardson: that would be great. I am looking at the Amazon page where the the item appears. Please tell me where the return policy is displayed here http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006HUYTE/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=104:11 PM(GMT) Nisheeth(CSA): http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B0006HUYTE/?seller=A3HKIXYE8KNM4104:12 PM(GMT) Nisheeth(CSA): you can also click on the name of the sellerto see their storefront for more information04:13 PM(GMT) Hunt Richardson: of course, thanks. but this special return policy is not clearly displayed on the page that I ordered from. that is the basis of my appeal for review.04:14 PM(GMT) Nisheeth(CSA): the 30 days return policy is applicable nly for item fulfilled by amazon , items shipped from seller's inventory are come under seller's return and refund policy04:15 PM(GMT) Nisheeth(CSA): only*04:16 PM(GMT) Hunt Richardson: yes I know. however if you click on the link you gave me, their return policy is not displayed. when you click on that link, it refers you back to amazon's policy.04:17 PM(GMT) Hunt Richardson: this is what you get http://www.amazon.com/gp/aag/details?ie=UTF8&asin=&isAmazonFulfilled=&isCBA=&marketplaceID=ATVPDKIKX0DER&orderID=&seller=A3HKIXYE8KNM41&sshmPath=returns#aag_returns04:17 PM(GMT) Nisheeth(CSA): I just checked this seller has 30 days return policy04:18 PM(GMT) Nisheeth(CSA): which had already crossed in your acse04:18 PM(GMT) Hunt Richardson: no, I wrote to them on May 30, 28 days after receipt in mail. right?04:19 PM(GMT) Hunt Richardson: I have the email from Amazon showing May 30 928 days)(28 days)if they wait until 30 days have passed before replying, that is cheating04:20 PM(GMT) Hunt Richardson: summary of reason for appeal: return policy not clearly displayed and lack of response from seller04:21 PM(GMT) Nisheeth(CSA): As I have forwarded this issue to concern taem so I';ll request you to please wait for their reply they will get back t you in next 3-5 business daysIs there anything else I may assist you with?04:22 PM(GMT) Hunt Richardson: i hope amzn understands that if a seller does not reply to a customer with a problem until after 30 days have passed, that is not a fair business practice. that is all for today and thank you for your time Nisheeth04:23 PM(GMT) Hunt Richardson: Mr Nisheeth04:23 PM(GMT) Nisheeth(CSA): Don't worry we we reconsider this issue and see what we can do to resolve this concern04:24 PM(GMT) Hunt Richardson: ok thanks and please send me a transcript of this chat if possible?04:25 PM(GMT) Nisheeth(CSA): SureIs there anything else I may assist you with?04:25 PM(GMT) Hunt Richardson: no that is all thank you04:26 PM(GMT) Nisheeth(CSA):Thanks for visiting Amazon.com. It has been nice assisting a valued customer like you today. We hope to see you again soon!Have a wonderful day ahead!you are most welcome.Bye Bye!!!Thank you.Amazon.comSo I wrote to Amazon again to explain my case, and they replied with a link to AMAZON's return policy: same info as before!http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=537868Two more email exchanges: Amazon again saying "talk to the hand" and they send me the AMAZON policy AGAIN: http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html/ref=hp_left_sib?ie=UTF8&nodeId=200572800This is the ONLY thing I could find about e-Source's return policy:http://www.amazon.com/gp/aag/details?ie=UTF8&asin=&isAmazonFulfilled=&isCBA=&marketplaceID=ATVPDKIKX0DER&orderID=&seller=A3HKIXYE8KNM41&sshmPath=returns#aag_returnsnote that it does not say anything about 14 days or 30 days.DO YOURSELF A BIG FAVOR AND STAY AWAY FROM THIS SELLER AND VACUUM. CUSTOMER SERVIVE IS D.E.A.D.The unit has good suction, but this is pretty cheaply made. Says commercial duty and metal tubes but the attachments, hose, and wand are all cheap plastic. The cord is really good quality and the power switch seems heavy duty too. The bags are generously sized and cheap to buy. So its not bad, but not really as described. It will do for now, i guess.Amazon should ensure descriptions of items are accurate.A great vacuum for hard floors, cars, and tight spaces. Much better for in the car or home than a noisy shop-vac. Nice wand and attachments. Easy bag change too. The wand/hose is made from decent material and seems that it will last. The cord is decent at about 15/20 feet. The vacuum does have cord storage and a quick release for the cord. Turn the front wheel and the whole cord comes free; great vacuum. I also have a Sanitare SC888 for my carpets, these two make a killer combo. Upright vacuums with detachable wands generally are poor performers, so I went the two vacuum route at enjoy the strengths of two styles.I just received my little red vacuum today and was eager to try it out. It was very easy to put together and feather light. Mine came with the two piece wand an not the telescopic metal wand but this was a minor deal. When I turned it on it was quieter than I thought it would be due to other reviews. The suction was adjustable and was very strong. I can see myself using the carry strap because the vac is so light. I would use this feature for stairs or a room with lots of stuff to go around. Overall this is a great strong compact vacuum. I am very happy with this purchase and may purchase another for my custodial company. I highly recommend this product for anyone that doesn't want to pay $400-$500 for a vacuum from a retailer.Used for daily commercial janitorial cleaning business. I have been purchasing these units for over 10 years. Very powerful and light. Amazing units. I own 6 now, and all still work great!Great little vacuum cleaner at a great little price. My only complaint (surprisingly) is that the cord is too long. Hard to keep from getting tangled up.