Henry FTW!
mmannerr - thanks for the advice about the Miele bags.
Flashy - Freddie has a better moustache than me but otherwise the resemblance is spot on 🙂
I've got a Henry in my workshop, because quite frankly they're the best at heavy duty 'semi-industrial' type use. Solid and reliable, and can be run for hours on end for dust extraction. Can suck up building rubble and all sorts. It's a pain to move around though, and doesn't store very well.
Bought a Dyson cordless after seeing just how versatile it is at a friend's house.
"The new cordless vacs from Dyson are quite good. The LiIon battery is a bit lightweight - but given the way they're used, it probably wouldn't want to be too heavy. However, minus all the faffing around with a cord, it takes a lot less time to actually get the job done. The cylinder emptying process could be designed a bit betterer but on balance, I reckon they're quite good. Anything that makes actually not mind doing the vacuuming so much is an advance in my world."
The last sentence is exactly what I think. I've gone from hating doing the vacuuming, to not minding it at all. Ask my wife just how important that is for familial cohesion. Plus it is great for the occasional spillage etc, as well as being an absolute boon on stairs. Good for vacuuming in high up and awkward places. Charge holds long enough to do a full basic vacuum up. Charges up in a short time, and stores very neatly and efficiently.
We also have a Dyson ball upright, which rarely gets used. Very powerful indeed, very maneuverable. Gets used for a 'proper' clean. Can't even remember how old it is, possibly 10+ years. Stores away ok.
So far, I've yet to see One Vacuum That Rules Them All.
I have had a Numatic NV 350 since 1980. It has been in my composite workshop until a couple of years ago. I am now rebuilding house and takes all the rubble that will fit the oversize hose. Great on carpets too. If buying new it would be a Henry, as a bit lighter! It's got more suck that LL! 😯