The Return of a Classic
Here at Keystone Vacuum, we have a huge legacy customer base of Sharp, Panasonic, Evolution, Bernina and Riccar customers who LOVE their upright vacuums. Riccar has thankfully revamped their beloved Vibrance line of upright vacuums, which makes the ideal replacement upright vacuum. Find out why the unique design makes it EASIER to push and clean BETTER.
For those of you who have been the proud and loving owner of a Riccar Vibrance, Bernina, Evolution, Panasonic, Carpet Pro, Morse, or Sharp Vacuum, this machine should look familiar to you. Since the 1980’s, all of these machines have shared a particular design element that has given them a distinct advantage over their competitors. If you’re looking for a replacement to any of the machines listed above, read below to find out why Riccar has brought back a classic and built the Spirit of USA Manufacturing right-in.
Oh Where, Oh Where, Should the Wheels Go?
Starting with the original Panasonic Jet-Flo back in the 1980’s, Riccar, Bernina, Evolution, Sharp, and Panasonic all shared a similar shape. The bag chamber, handle, motor, and motor compartment are mounted inside of one vertical assembly. This vertical assembly rests on 2 wheels on the back and features a cleaning nozzle attached to the vertical housing on a pivot point. When the handle is reclined, the wheels disappear under the vacuum and the nozzle becomes free-floating.
This design does an absolutely amazing thing. It takes a 14lbs+ vacuum and makes it feel almost weightless. The majority of the weight is resting on the rear wheels, reducing the handle weight tremendously, and because of the powerful brushroll the vacuum feels “Self-propelled”, but without the weight and jerkiness of an actual self-propelled transmission like many other vacuums use.
This design was borrowed and tweaked by many manufacturers during its design tenure. The basic design proved to be extremely reliable, however depending upon manufacturer, other parts of the vacuum could cause headaches for the customers. Certain manufacturers had cord hooks and handles that would snap off, housings that were plastic on plastic and would deform with heat or heavy use, or a million little clips, snaps, and holders that would constantly snap off and wouldn’t affect the performance of the machine, but was still frustrating. Some brands were better than others, with Riccar and Panasonic being known for building the most robust options out there.
However even with these small nuisances, one thing was almost universal about this design: Customers LOVED them. Even in 2024, we have customers with Sharps, Panasonics, Bernina’s and Riccar’s that they purchased all the way back in the 90’s and have given them 2 decades of reliable service.
However
As these beloved manufacturers left the vacuum industry, first with Sharp, and then Bernina, and then Panasonic, Riccar was one of the few manufacturers still making a machine of this design. The machines by the now defunct manufacturer were essentially orphaned, with many proprietary parts becoming NLA and rendering major repairs practically impossible. As these companies exited the vacuum industry, Riccar stayed steady with producing the most refined version of this design in the industry, known as the Vibrance Series. Ranging in cost from $199 -$649, there was a model to fit every home and budget.
The Riccar Vibrance series was one of Riccar’s longest running product lines. Over the years various upgrades like HEPA Filtration, Lifetime Belts, Ergonomic Handles, More Powerful Motors, and Upgraded Attachments have been added, but the basic design remained the same. However in 2021, after the successful launch of the Riccar R25 Series (A Keystone Vacuum Favorite!), the Riccar Vibrance Series was finally retired. But that’s not the end of this story.
In Mid 2024, Riccar announced that after much kicking, screaming, and DEMANDING from dealers, the Riccar Vibrance series would be coming back. This time named the R21 Spirit, This machine shares the same platform as the previous Vibrance (and other machines mentioned) and was aimed at a specific part of the market that is seriously underserved.
Riccar manufacturers the amazing R10 Series of 9lbs vacuums. These vacuums are a customer favorite because of their insane cleaning power, durable design, and 9lbs design. However one thing these machines lack are on-board tools. Now many people do not mind this and prefer having the absolute lightest machine possible, but there existed a need for a lightweight, easy to push upright with tools. The R25 Series is relatively lightweight at only about 16lbs, and is extremely easy to push compared to many other vacuums on the market like Shark or Dyson. But when customers compared them to their now orphaned Sharps, Panasonics, Bernina’s, and Evolutions, they felt heavier and harder to maneuver. That’s where Riccar knew the R21 could shine again.
The R21 Spirit has been designed to be one of the easiest full-sized vacuums to push, pull, and maneuver around furniture. The redesigned nozzle housing has a lower profile and is lighter weight, reducing both the effort required to push the vacuum, but also the overall weight, making it easier to lift up and down the stairs. The nozzle also features a clear bumper that protects your vacuum and your furniture/baseboards from damage, and its clear color means that it won’t leave scuffs on light-colored baseboards.
Other upgrades include HEPA Filtration Disposable Bags and Filters, Metal Brushrolls w/ Replaceable Bristles, Upgraded Attachments, Longer Power Cords and a Flat to the Floor design for cleaning under low furniture. Best of all, the Riccar R21 Spirit is designed and assembled in St. James, Missouri. At only $449, the R21 Spirit is actually less expensive than many of the high-end Panasonic’s, Bernina’s ,and Sharp’s of their day, especially when adjusted with 20-years of inflation.
The Riccar R21 Spirit is the perfect replacement for Riccar Vibrances, Bernina, Evolution, Sharp, Simplicity and others. It’s ideal for homes with low-high pile carpeting, area rugs, pets, kids, and allergies. The R21 Spirit can be purchased by visiting our store or by clicking on the link below.
The True Cost of Generics
It’s a simple fact, over the last few years, the convenience of large online shopping platforms like Amazon and others have made shopping for consumables for everything in your home so much easier. Just simply click, and it arrives at your door in a few days.
Much like social media, there is a stark disconnect with online shopping compared to shopping in a brick and mortar store. Instead of a friendly face behind the counter, you are greeted with a plethora of options that all look almost identical, yet cost wildly different amounts. With certain items, a good generic is just fine. However what about more critical items like Miele, Sebo or Riccar Vacuum Bags? Are generics just as good?
A Generic Miele Bag in a Miele C3 Canister
Looks appetizing huh? Part of why customers LOVE their Miele, SEBO and Riccar vacuums is their easy-to-change disposable bags. Never again do you have to wash out a dirty filter or get a face (and kitchen) full of dust when you go to empty your vacuum. Simply pull the bag out, toss it away, and install a new one. Simple. Right? Well, if you’re using generic bags and filters, not quite.
This is just one example of an all too regular occurrence in our service department. The generic bags online look practically identical to the genuine bags that Authorized Miele dealers (like us) sell. However, these bags are NOT made to the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) Standards. Meaning that the filtration material isn’t as thick, the bag adapters are not the same size or the same composition. You think you’re clicking the bag into place, but when you close the bag lid, the poor construction of the bag adapter bends and doesn’t connect to the intake pipe. You start vacuuming and dirt begins filling up the bag compartment, pre-motor filter and HEPA filter, and most importantly the motor.
Thankfully this customer noticed the issue pretty quickly and brought it in for service. We could tell immediately the bags were generic and informed the customer to return them or dispose of them immediately, as this would be a problem that would keep occurring. We were able to clean this machine thoroughly, and after breaking the entire machine down and giving it a good hot water soak and cleaning (See the after photos), the motor was still in good shape and was ready to keep cleaning. However in many cases, we have seen customers wait to long before bringing it in for service and they have destroyed their motors. Motor replacements are costly, but on a high-quality vacuum like a Miele, SEBO or Riccar, it usually makes good financial sense vs replacing it.
“When shopping for a new vacuum. be sure to ask what the consumables will cost.”
What many customers do not realize is just how important your vacuum bag is to your vacuum. Your vacuum bag is the first line of defense vs the dirt, dust, allergens, coins, pet food, kids toys, shards of glass, nails, dog hair, cat litter, etc, that travels through your vacuum tubing at 100-200 MPH. This debris is moving extremely quickly and blasts into the bag. If it’s a genuine bag, the vast majority of this debris is stopped, filtered and captured, however if your’e using a generic bag, a significant amount of this debris is blowing right through and into your vacuum motor, and if your vacuum isn’t equipped with a good filtration system, right back into the air you’re breathing.
How Can You Tell if The Bags You’re Buying Are Genuine?
Chance are if you’re buying bags at the dealer who sold you your vacuum, the bags are most likely genuine. Most manufacturers have specific style of branding that is consistent across the packaging for the vacuums, attachments, bags, and filters. Look for indicators that state “Genuine _____”. The packaging should not state “To-Fit” or “Designed to Fit” while not featuring any brand logos.
When shopping for a new vacuum, consider what the consumables will cost. Genuine Bags can range anywhere from $3.50 per bag to almost $6.00 per bag. However many manufacturers have introduced “Performance Packs” or “Service Boxes” which significantly lowers the price of a 12-18 month supply of bags and filters. These prices may seem high, however when you factor in that one disposable bag can last 1-2 months or More, you realize that for what it costs to get a latte at a coffee shop, you can completely avoid having to touch dust, dirt, and allergens.
Are Generics Ever Superior?
Yes! Actually we carry a full-line of amazing generic bags at our store by the CleanObsessed Brand. CleanObsessed has produced HEPA Filtration bags for many machines that never had the option for them before. Bags like the classic Electrolux/Aerus Style C and U bags that for decades were only produced in the inferior, thin, paper bags are now available in HEPA at a price that rivals the paper bags. Here at Keystone Vacuum, we have done a tremendous amount of vetting and research to make sure that every bag we offer at our store is of the best quality and value. We take pride in offering only Genuine Disposable Bags for all of the quality brands we represent, and feature the best generic HEPA bags for those that we don’t.
Something to keep in mind is that in entry-level brands like Hoover, Bissell, Dirt Devil, Etc, simply do not put the same type of high-performance motors in their vacuums that require the fine filtration that better brands like SEBO, Miele, and Riccar require. The high-performance motor in a quality vacuum moves significantly more air and generates more suction than a box-store variety vacuum. These high-performance motors rely on clean-air going through them and cannot handle large amounts of dirt and debris. Box-Store machines use older, low-efficiency motors that don’t care If there is dirt and dust going through them. You get lower performance and poor filtration because what goes into the machine, often comes right back out. With this in mind, our generic HEPA bags can actually make these machines last longer and clean better.
The Best Vacuums for Cleaning Large Homes
Owning a large home presents cleaning challenges not present in smaller, more modest homes. With delicate floor coverings, large expanses of floor surfaces, pets, high foot traffic and multiple-operators, read below to find out the best options for cleaning your large home.
Cleaning a large home presents challenges not found in smaller, more modest homes. After a decade of installing central vacuum systems in very large homes in Western Pennsylvania, I have seen the challenges of cleaning these homes. There are several amazing options that can help you and your maintenance team make it easier to keep your large home sparkling clean.
First off, when your home is between 5,000 and 10,000 sq. ft. you are faced with one simple restriction in maintaining your home: Time. Vacuuming 5,000+ sq. ft. of carpeting, hard floors, stairs and furnishings will take a long time. We have watched clients try and fail with trying to maintain their larger homes with a battery-operated stick vacuum. This often occurs when someone moves from a smaller condo or apartment into their first large home. You simply cannot thoroughly clean your home in the 20 minutes that a battery stick vacuum can run. I have even seen cleaners in homes that are trying to clean their clients home with a battery stick vacuum. My home is 1200 sq. ft. and I cannot thoroughly clean my home in the 20 minutes that a stick vacuum will run for, how are you going to do 8,000 sq. ft.?
Larger homes require professional grade equipment. In the same way a professional chef buys good cookware, your cleaning arsenal will need to include better vacuums for a better result. Also think about the money you have wrapped up in floor coverings alone? Wool Carpets, Oriental Rugs, Real Hardwoods, Custom Draperies, Wood Shutters, all of these items cost thousands of dollars. You simply cannot trust a $89 vacuum from the box store to maintain these items and keep them lasting their longest. Think of it like this: If you’re reading this blog post about cleaning large homes, chances are in your kitchen you have a high-end built-in refrigerator. These can range between $8,000 and $15,000, an investment you make to keep a few hundred dollars worth of food cold. Now if you add up the cost of all of your floor coverings in your home, where would that be? $15,000? $30,000? Isn’t it worth investing in a product that will keep one of your largest investments lasting as long as possible?
Once your home gets over 10,000 sq. ft. we are now in a different category of cleaning. If you have a cleaning team that comes in to maintain your home, there are several things you need to consider when selecting your cleaning equipment.
1) How many people need to be vacuuming at once?
When a house gets over 10,000 sq. ft. you really should have a quality vacuum on every finished floor of the home. In a 10,000 sq. ft. home, chances are you’re going to have multiple cleaners cleaning at once. You should have a vacuum for every cleaner working in your home at one time.
2) How many vacuums do I want? Do I want 1 or more on every level?
Having a quality vacuum on every level of your home will avoid you having to carry the vacuum up and down stairs. Having a dedicated storage spot for each machine also eliminates having to search for the vacuum since it could be upstairs, could be downstairs, who knows?
3) How will I handle the cleaning in-between there visits?
Having a “quick-clean” product that you can grab and use between full cleanings is ideal if you don’t have cleaners at the home everyday. In my home, it always seems like I spill something within the hour after my cleaners have left. Having a quality, battery-operated vacuum for quick-clean ups is ideal.
Some people have said to me when we talk about a central vacuum system for their homes “Oh I don’t need that, my cleaners have their own vacuums”. Heard. But are they using that vacuum in every one of their other clients homes? Do you really want the dog hair from the neighbors house being brushed against your custom wool rugs? What about the smell from the neighbors dog? Investing in the right tools to have ready to go for your cleaning team will save you money in the long run by ensuring your floors are being properly maintained.
Once your home is over 20,000 sq. ft. we are once again in a different category of cleaning and this has to take a different mindset. Chances are when your home is this size, you have live-in staff or daily staff that helps maintain your property. You are now cleaning a home that is the size of a commercial building, but with different demands because the furnishings are much more elaborate and delicate than what would typically be installed in a commercial setting. In this category of homes, there are very few machines that are designed to handle this type of challenge without looking like a “miniature” vacuum in its opulent surroundings. For homes of this size, we again must look at the following:
1) How Many Operators
2)How many vacuums per level do I need?
Before we could conceive of having 1 vacuum per floor for convenience sake. In this case, you might have 2 or more people on each level vacuuming at once. Plan accordingly
3) What is my staff’s plan for quick-clean ups?
Chances are if you’re the homeowner you are not going to be cleaning up at the end of each day, but someone will be. Having a battery-operated or lightweight vacuum for quick and rapid clean-ups in between the maintenance cleaning will make maintaining the home significantly easier
So now that we have gone over those things. Lets talk about vacuums:
Chameleon Central Vacuum
The ultimate in built-in central vacuums, a Chameleon Central Vacuum system is the easiest and most efficient way to clean any large home. Each inlet can have up to a 50’ Retractable Hose, that covers up to 2200 sq. ft. per valve. These valves can easily be installed in closets and other low-visibility locations to make this system inconspicuous. Simply pull, vacuum and retract. Multiple units can be installed with the home laid out in different zones, allowing for multiple operators all cleaning at the same time. Because of the power units remote location, vacuuming with a Chameleon Central Vacuum System is extremely quiet, allowing your cleaners to vacuum without disturbing someone in the other room.
A quality central vacuum motor has a 1500+ hour life span, 5-6x longer than most portable vacuums. These motors are designed to clean veterinarian hospitals and commercial factories, so they are right at home in your large estate. The large disposable bag holds 6-gallons of debris, meaning that even in a large home, with lots of traffic and shedding pets, the machine only needs attention 2-3x per year. With practically unlimited options for attachments, a Chameleon Central Vacuum can be customized to clean any floor coverings. Plus inlets in the garage make it easy for your team to keep your cars and garage sparkling clean as well.
It’s easiest to install a central vacuum when your home is being built, but systems can be retrofitted without much mess or hassle in most instances. Call us today to discuss all of the options available for your large home.
2. SEBO D4 Canister
Want a central vacuum on wheels? The SEBO D4 is the ultimate canister vacuum for large homes. The SEBO D4 features a 40’ retractable cord that when combined with the extra long hose w/ 270 degree swivel, you can clean up to 50’ away from your power outlet. Most canister vacuums have a retractable cord that is only 20’-25’ in length, which makes cleaning large rooms extremely frustrating. Despite its’ large capacity, the machine is remarkably lightweight, but built to withstand even the heaviest use. The large 1.5 gallon bag holds large amounts of debris while being easy and economical to replace. The large AirBelt Bumper protects your valuable furnishings and baseboards while the machine is being pulled along. 3 attachments are stored on-board for easy cleaning along baseboards, furniture, stairs and more.
The Famous SEBO ET-1 Powerhead is the same powerhead we sell to use with commercial central vacuums in churches and office buildings. The brush is remarkably easy to maintain and extremely effective on all carpeting and area rugs. Special delicate brushrolls can be swapped in for gentle cleaning of wool rugs without damage.
Made in Germany, the SEBO D4 features a 10-year parts warranty and 7-year labor warranty when purchased from Keystone Vacuum. Finally consumables for your SEBO D4 are reasonably priced, with 8 Disposable Filter Bags costing only $34.99, Compared to $22.99 for 4 on some competitor products.
The SEBO X7 is the ideal upright for your large home. The X7 has a proven record of long-life cleaning hotels, offices and churches. The large 1.4 gallon bag holds more debris, while the S-Class Sealed Filtration System keeps the dust, dirt and allergens that are picked up, locked tight inside the machine.
The X7 features a 40’ power cord, a Quick-Draw Wand and Hose for easy detail cleaning, Smart-Automatic Height-Adjustment, and Computer Controller that protects the vacuum….Wait. A what? Yeah the X7 features a computer controller that constantly monitors the brush speed and bag levels to protect the vacuum. If a cleaning rag, or the edge of an area rug is accidentally picked up, the machine will automatically shut down to protect the belts. This belt monitor can also detect when a brush is wearing down and no longer cleaning effectively. The same computer controller also monitors the airflow going through the machine and will warn the user if there is a clog or a full bag. If the user ignores the warning, the machine will automatically shut down after approximately 60-seconds, preventing motor burn-out.
The X7 is the ideal vacuum for large homes that prefer an upright cleaner. Combine an X7 with a D4 for an unbeatable cleaning combination.
For the quick cleans, the Miele HX2 TriFlex is the ideal cordless vacuum. Although the machine can be configured 3 different ways, my preferred set-up is in the traditional upright configuration. This set-up allows the machine to be free-standing, similar to a regular upright vacuum. This eliminates needing to lean the vacuum against the wall or a piece of furniture and having to pray that it doesn’t fall over and damage something. The HX2 also features removable batteries so with an additional battery, you can easily double your run time for extended cleaning range.
The HX2 can also be set-up as a hand vacuum for easy above the floor cleaning as well.
Wrap Up
Finally, the most important thing to consider is that your cleaning tools are only as good as the support system to take care of them. Here at Keystone Vacuum, we are happy to provide local annual maintenance on your machines to keep them working in tip-top shape. If you have a house manager, we can easily keep them supplied with all the necessary supplies like bags, filters and replacement brushes. Ready to talk about cleaning? Give us a call today and we can discuss your individual cleaning needs and make custom recommendations for your home. Keystone Vacuum offers free shipping on all new vacuums, and free local, same-day delivery within 45 miles of Butler, PA, Call for full details.