I once toured the Miele vacuum factory in Germany and stopped by their testing room. They had a machine simulating 20 years of use by bashing the vacuum against a wall over and over again. It was pretty impressive, and in fact, Miele actually invented the vacuum testing (bashing) machine.
Their commitment to reliability and product integrity is the real reason to consider a Miele vacuum. The C3 Brilliant is their best vacuum.
We will look at the C3 Brilliant vacuum as well as the differences between bagged and bagless vacuums, so you can make an informed decision.
Miele
Miele is based in Germany and designs vacuums to last for 15-20 years They are a family owned company manufacturing all their vacuums in one factory.
As I said in the Kona and the Cat & Dog articles, Miele has a very quiet 6 speed 1,200 Vortex motor. It also vents from the top rather than the sides, so it doesn’t blow the dirt away (watch the balloon test in the video below).
Miele C3 Brilliant Interior
It has six layer bag plus a pre filter and exhaust filet, so it captures 99.5% of all particles down to .1% of a micron. The Brilliant and most other Miele vacuums are HEPA certified.
Reliability, quietness and filtration are Miele's hallmarks.
Bagged vs. Bagless Vacuums
Dyson was the first to popularize bagless vacuum cleaners. The main benefit of a bagless vacuum cleaner is the no loss of suction (in theory), or at least a smaller reduction, as your cleaner fills up with debris.
Performance of bagless vacuums varies depending on the brand. You also do not have to buy replacement bags.
The problem with bagless vacuum cleaners is that it can send dust back into your room when emptied, unless you’re very careful. That’s where self sealing bagged vacuum cleaners are best, particularly like the Miele. A bagged vacuum cleaner is a better option if you suffer from allergies or just need cleaner air.
Miele C3 Vacuums
Miele has three series C1 for hardwood and basic area rugs. The C2 is for low to medium rugs and has better tools and hoses than the C1.
The Miele C3 is their best series of vacuums, designed for any floor type including deep carpeting or hard wood. The C3 offers the best hoses, HEPA filters, wands and tools for dusting, upholstery and crevice applications.
Miele C3 Brilliant Vacuum - $1,499
Features:
- Recommended for all flooring types.
- Low noise, 1200 Watt, Miele made Vortex motor with safety shut-off.
- 6 suction settings via +/- step on controls.
- Deluxe handle grip with electrobrush controls.
- Lightweight skeleton construction.
- Exclusive AirClean sealed system.
- Unique AirClean filter bags. (Type G/N, 4.76 quart capacity).
- HEPA AirClean filter.
- Filter replacement indicator.
- Electric, telescopic stainless steel wand.
- Electro Plus electro brush (SEB 228).
- Parquet Twister floor tool (SBB 300-3).
- Integrated, natural fiber, dusting brush, upholstery tool and crevice nozzle.
- One touch cable rewind.
- 36 foot overall cleaning radius.
- Rubber bumper for furniture and baseboard protection.
- 360° soft castor wheels for high maneuverability.
- Warranty: 5 year bumper to bumper, 10 years motor and housing.
Watch the Miele C3 Brilliant in action here:
Final Thoughts
At $1,499, this could be the most expensive vacuum on the market. You do have the most reliable vacuum on the market, as I said before.
Still, it is a jump from their $949 Cat & Dog model. The Cat & Dog has the charcoal filter and dedicated small turbo brush for your pet's shedding.
The Brilliant has a better Turbo Brush for floors and a better power head with a light. The underneath light stays lit for easy placement in your dark closet.
The bigger difference is the 5 year warranty with the controls conveniently placed on the handle instead of on the vacuum itself.
Additional Resources
Downlaod the Yale Vacuum Buying Guide with features, specs and buying tips for vacuums. Well over 210,000 people have read a Yale Guide.
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