Do I want a Miele? (and which one)
Dear Reddit, Hello! I've been lurking here (kinda) for a few months since I had An Emergency.
Moths. Clothes moths.
Sorry this is long, I don't want to leave out pertinent information (though I will), and I'm long winded in general (everyone loves a good story). There's a tl;dr at the end if you hate story time.
Currently, I have an Oreck XL21 HEPA CELOC(?) I got at a yardsale probably 6+ years ago for maybe 5 bucks because the belt was snapped and the lady was clueless (spare belt literally still in it). I love it. It's great. I haven't even changed the bag more than once (I think it's due).
For my general usecase it seems to be just what I need (though I could be wrong). I have mostly hard floors, and some antique, low-pile wool rugs and some rope rugs. For now. In the future I may have more carpets but it will not be high pile at all. I like zero to minimal nap; think commercial-grade. The exception being bathroom mats that are extra soft and fuzzy. The biggest issue with it is the head is huge so getting into tight spaces is impossible—and I have a lot of tight spaces and weird angles (lot of chairs and whacky furniture (more antiques)). I vacuum maybe once a week or so, depending. I wear shoes in the house 100% of the time but zero tread so I don't bring in a LOT of dirt. Windows never open so minimal dust. Have a cat who doesn't really shed (like at all) (A Blessing).
I'm a fairly clean person (house-wise), and the lack of constant dirt has made vacuuming a back-burner issue most of my life, especially now where it's just me. Needless to say, I don't tend to the other areas. Dust bunnies accumulate in weird spots but "whatever".
And then.....moths.
A dreadful time for all (me). Panic ensued and I managed to find the main source (wool blanket under my bed (storage area)) and threw away anything that may have been compromised. Lots of eggs. Many larvae. Did what I could with the Oreck. Needed crevice vacuum. Had none. Go to Amazon, knew I needed to research more. Came to here. Overload. Didn't realize you could spend $1500 on a vacuum (for NORMAL HOME USE) but I guess I'm not surprised, either. I delve hard into everything I do (hence me posting this). I seem to have killed the issue, and I gave up the search for a Premium Lifetime Vacuum.
Ya well, just found another bug (ON ME). I don't think the problem is back, just a remnant. But still. My paranoia is heightened and I need to squash this bull once and for all.
So now oBviOUsLY I can't own a $139 Kenmore and be satisfied. Nor trust it to actually do the job. I naturally gravitate towards the Miele for some reason I cannot quite explain. I see the Sebos as well, but they do not speak to me the same, which I also cannot explain. I am swayable with solid reason.
I've seen the brandy new Guard L series. But I see the M series as well. And Classic.... I've seen a chart from a year(?) ago. I've read a variety of posts. It's all meaningless to me without anything as a real reference or something I can actually see or test or whatever. Way too many options. Way too confusing.
While I don't need a high pile carpet head, I do want a pet hair option. Possibility of me getting a dog (or a girlfriend with a dog) in the future is there. Buying "the good head" later on I'm open to, unless availability is a concern. I also want\need something to easily maneuver around small legs and tight spaces. A good crevice tool with good reach is a necessity, mainly for this bedroom "deep clean" (my bed\bedframe is non-moveable, and I need to be able to get EVERYWHERE). No allergies but my neurosis won't be satisfied if I don't have HEPA (and why wouldn't I want maximum clean anyway).
100% bagged canister. Longer cords and hoses are great but not the end of the world at all. I see people complain about "difficult use" with bags and attachments. Please. I take apart typewriters and cameras for FUN. I'm not worried unless the stuff literally feels broken in use. Good storage solution is the only thing in that area I'm sort of concerned about (wall hanging bracket would be killer). Suction adjustment seems silly to me. I guess height adjustment is a thing? I don't see why I care. I do not want digital crap on my vacuum. Nothing requires "a soft and delicate touch" in my house.
My budget is 800 Freedom Eagles (based on preliminary research and what I DON'T want (cheap) and DON'T need (leather wrapped cords and gold foil vacuum-bag bags)). Which means I'd love to spend 600 but you could convince me up to 1000 if it's worth it. I do NOT want any POS "budget friendly" line. I'm a hardo and I will instantly recognize the difference between good and bad. I'm in the central New England area and will buy from anyone or anywhere (Amazon, Miele direct, local shop).
That was way longer than I wanted it to even be. Big sorry. I should pare it down but eh.
tl;dr: Which Miele (or Sebo(?)) do I want for half\half hard floor and low carpets with pets and lots of small spaces. Bagged HEPA canister. No garbage. I want a MAN'S vacuum.
Posted Dec 7, 2025, 12:48 PM UTC