Super Canister Vac

Author's Rating:

Pros: Quiet, Convenient, Lightweight, No odor

Cons: Just nits like maybe a longer power cord

The Bottom Line: 

User friendly product.  Meets all our needs.

Author's Review
Miele S4212 Neptune

Background
We moved to a new house from one that had a Nutone Central Vac system and decided not to go with another central vac primarily because you have to pull out a 25' hose and accessories to do any vacuum job, big or little.  We made a temporary move for a few months to a rental house that had carpet in most rooms.  After all the hype we were totally convinced that Dyson was the only vacuum cleaner out there.  So we bought the DC17 Animal.  Initially we liked it - at least at the rental house.  But in our new house which has all wood and tile flooring except for an upstairs bedroom, a large closet and our stairs.  We quickly learned to hate the Dyson for our new application - the beater bar pulled a runner on our Berber carpet which cost $75 to fix and had many other disadvantages.  You can read my review on that vacuum if you check out my other reviews.

So it put us back in the market for another vacuum.  This time armed with a bit more experience and with a better understanding of our specific needs, we researched and bought the Miele S4212.  Our unit is actually the Neptune model but is the same as this model except for the included floor tools which are noted in the following.  Also, the Neptune is a cool looking turquoise color as opposed to the light blue of the listed model.  So, exact same unit with different attachments and color.


Product Details: 

Suction control via rotary dial with 6 variable power settings

1200-watt, high-output Miele-made Vortex Motor SystemTM

Super Air Clean Filter (HEPA optional)


3.7 quart, Type FJM, HyClean dustbag, with spring-loaded, self-sealing collar


Canister Construction:  Sealed SystemTM construction

Included Floor Tools & Accessories
    STB205-3 Turbobrush
    SBB300-3 Parquet Twister Floor Brush
    Three accessories in convenient VarioClip: natural bristle dusting brush,  upholstery nozzle and crevice tool

29.5-foot operating radius
Dustbag change indicator alerts you to replace the hygienic bag
Safety shut-off on overheating

Color: Turquoise

Use
Recommended for: medium-pile carpeting/rugs and smooth flooring


Pros:
The Miele made up for all the shortcomings we had with the Dyson:


·       Quiet – you can hear the phone ring or the doorbell with this model where the Dyson overpowered everything.

·       Variable speed – six power levels plus you can open the vent on the hose end to tweak the suction.  Dyson is one speed – MAX

·       Articulated vacuum heads swivel and twist so you can get the vac under really low furniture and tight spaces and are a treat to use.

·       Attachments and hoses click and mechanically lock together – not pressure fits like Dyson.

·       Easy to switch between the carpet turbo beater brush and the floor tool

·       Turbo beater tool runs on suction so it may not perform well on thicker carpet so beware!  But for our use on low pile carpet and Oriental throw rugs, it’s perfect – and controllable compared to the Dyson Animal.

·       Suction is adequate and picks up dog hair – we have a Westie and he leaves a trail :)

·       Lightweight and easy to pick up and hold while vacuuming stairs, etc.

·       Power cord is self retractable and works extremely well.  Much, much better than hand winding a cord on the Dyson.

·       The bags are self sealing so when you open the unit to replace it, nothing spills out.  You can throw the bag away without exposing yourself to all the dust you’ve just vacuumed.  With the bagless vacs, you end up dumping that debris and it can poof back up in your face.

·       The filters are great.  It comes with a Super Air Clean Filter which works great or you can replace that with a HEPA filter.  It has an additional filter that you get free with replacement bags.  Combined, the filtering action is impeccable.  No trace of vacuum smell during or after vacuuming.  Even with the vac sitting with a half filled bag in the storage closet, I don’t detect any smell.

·       Indicator shows the fill level of the bag like a gas gauge – empty to full.  Much better than a light that comes on when full.  You can gauge your usage.

·       Telescopic wand adjusts in length so you can vary to your height or to the accessory you are using.

·       Love the turquoise color!!

·       Even the instruction manuals are thorough!  And they have these neat staples with a ring that you could slip in a binder or hang on a nail.

·       Did we say we love the turquoise color?? :)



Cons:
So far so good.  We've been using the Miele for a couple of months and am surprised at how much the small bag will hold and have not noticed any degradation in suction as the bag is getting fuller. 

Our only caveat is to know your application.  This Vacuum is great for our wood and tile floors and for our short pile carpet needs.  I don't think it would work well with heavier carpet - they have other models better suited to that application.

Here's a good write up on Miele products that influenced my decision to buy:
http://factorydirectsuperstore.com/MieleVacuums/Miele-Vacuum.htm (copy and paste into your browser)