What Makes a Kirby Vacuum Good?

Vacuum regularly to keep carpets clean

Kirby vacuums are priced higher than most other brands, and many people have heard of the company's sales model, which uses door-to-door salespeople and in-home demonstrations as the sole distribution and marketing method. Kirby vacuums continue to be popular because of their durabillity, versatility and other characteristics.

Durability

Kirby vacuums are constructed using die-cast aluminum rather than plastic for greater durability. Many Kirby owners report that they are still using decades-old units.

Versatility

The Kirby operates as both a canister vacuum and an upright. It includes a standard set of attachments for use in canister mode that can tackle specific jobs and surfaces and an optional shampoo system, and many models also allow the user to convert the canister into a portable hand-held vacuum.

Power and Effectiveness

One of Kirby's top selling points is the power of its vacuums. During in-home demonstrations, salespeople show consumers dirt often left behind by other vacuum cleaners that the Kirby then picks up. The upright mode is particularly effective because of the additional action of the rotating brush, which helps the vacuum pick up even more dirt than suction alone might.

HEPA Filtration

Kirby uses HEPA, high-efficiency particulate air, filtration to remove small particles such as pollen, dust and pet dander and to prevent them from being released back into the air. The latest model as of 2009, the Sentria, is rated HEPA 11 and traps 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns.

Rebuild Program

To encourage Kirby owners to keep using their vacuums for several decades, Kirby offers a rebuild program that essentially returns the unit to like-new condition. The original purchaser is eligible for this program, and the cost is a fraction of the cost of a new unit.

References

• The Kirby Company