Only
very occasionally, we review a product that we consider a real breakthrough.
One so innovative that it makes our jaw drop. One so good that we
feel pressed to identify any flaws. The Electrolux Oxygen is a new hepa
canister vacuum cleaner which answers and then some, all of our
gripes about vacuum cleaners. We think this new machine will be
a run away best seller. It comes in three models to cover all budgets
and needs. I usually give you a bunch of minuses when reviewing
a product. I did not find any. My only gripe is that Electrolux in its wisdom
will not let me advertise the price on the store (how do they think
they are really going to compete against Miele with a policy like
that?)
Washable hepa filter: A truly innovative feature.
This filter is washable and designed to last a whopping five years.
Do you realize how much money you will save in replacement filters
in the long run? This alone is worth the extra money.
Mini turbo and better floor brush are included
in the deluxe model. These items alone are usually worth about
$100 in options from other vendors.
Replaceable Brush Roll Strips (deluxe model). A
really nice feature for an easy and cheap way of keeping the brush
roller at peak performance. They do wear down every few months
of usage.
Pluses - All models
- Back saver handle: Best handle on a vacuum cleaner
we have seen. It is hinged for easy portability.
- Dirt Alert: First one we have seen on a canister,
this feature tells you when the carpet or floor is clean. We love
this feature, we have it on an old Panasonic upright and find
useful to know when an area is actually clean and when to move
on (always longer than if we were just eyeballing it!).
- Lightweight/Compact: This is a nice compact and
lightweight design which is very easy to move and carry around.
- Brushed Matt finish: Thank goodness for a matt
finish instead of shiny finishes which seem to acquire a beat
up scratched look in next to no time.
- Easy to reach hand tools: The hand tools on this
machine are conveniently stored on the wand within easy reach
for changing. We liked this better than stored within the machine
itself where you need to bend down and open up the machine.
- Bag Change Indicator: We LIKE knowing when to change
the bag. Bags do not work so well after they are about half full
and the temptation is to over fill them.
- Fully Electrified Wand: Bravo! No more groping
around for the socket on the wand when you change to the vacuum
hand tools. This makes using the hand tools a great deal easier.
- Quick Release Floor Step for changing tools: If
you want to still use the full extended length wand you can release
the wand with your foot and quickly attach a tool on the caddy
attached to the wand.
- Carpet to bare floor: seamless transition from
carpet to bare floor by an easy flick of a switch. No need to
change tools.
- Non scratch wheels. These large wheels are designed
to go across even the most highly polished of hardwood floors
without scratching.
- Higher grade hand tools: This vacuum cleaner has
better attachments than Electrolux's previous line of machines. The
horsehair dusting brush is of superb quality.
- Filter change light: This is a neat innovation.
This vacuum cleaner actually tells you when to change the filters.
Somebody intelligent was thinking when this machine was developed.
- Three vacuum models for all needs: The lowest priced
model is only for people who have bare floors as it does not have
a powerhead. The other two models have the powerhead.
- 5 year Warranty on Motor: this kind of warranty
is usually only available on a commercial product, so this is
exceptional for a residential vacuum cleaner to be accompanied
by this kind of warranty.
- Exceptionally powerful Powerhead: Electrolux claim
it to be their most powerful ever. We were so impressed by it,
we will be offering a retrofit to central vacuuming units using
the Electrolux Powerhead.
- High water lift 105*. This is an indication of
the power of the machine and we do not know of machines that have
a superior water lift.
- Quiet Noise Level: (around 71db). Even our cats
did not stir themselves out of their cat basket for this machine.
You can actually conduct a conversation with someone when the
vacuum cleaner is going.
- Replaceable Belt Viewer: Belts stretch and need
replacing every few months, this easy viewing box tells you if
your belt is broken.
- Floor tool: rides along at back of vacuum cleaner.
Convenient but hidden away.
- Particulate Reduction: The machine has been lab
tested for particulate reduction and reduces the particulate level
to almost negligible.
- Does not fall over when not in use: This machine
does not have a parking feature but does not seem to need one
as it manages to stay upright on its own.
- Antibacterial Dust bags: These vacuums come with
a superior anti bacterial dust bag and assists with air filtration.
- Easy to change filters: Lift up the lid, take out
the old filter and snap in a new one. A 15 second job.
- Completely sealed hepa motor system: Makes sure
there is no leakage of dust back in the air. Not all hepa vacuums
are completely sealed although they seem to imply that.
Summary
Our congratulations to Electrolux for producing a high end vacuum cleaner
at a very affordable price. We predict this will be a big seller
and set up a new standard to other vacuum manufacturers.
I highly recommend the top of the line Electrolux vacuums
for reasons explained above.
First Published: October, 2000
Updated: April 2007
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