Miele Classic C1 Vacuum Cleaner, Graphite Grey

Years ago, I bought a Miele canister vacuum. It was probably sometime in the late 80s or early 90s. It was white and had the logo “White Star Line” stamped on it. I really, really enjoyed using it until it finally bit the dust. Fast forward to last week, when I bought this new C1 Classic. It has all the features that my old one had—and it’s much lighter now! I’m older, so it’s a lot easier to carry around. I love the easy maneuverability and the way the cord retracts effortlessly. The bags are super strong and so easy to change out. All of the tools are a big help, and the little tool holder that attaches to the bast of the hose is just perfect. The tools are always handy when I need them. I love the different suction levels and the overall “quieter than most” motor that doesn’t hurt my ears. Also, the way the vacuum stores with the hose assembly attaching to both the back end and to the bottom of the cleaner makes storing a breeze.

This is one fine and well-made vacuum cleaner for the money. I highly recommend it.

I like to submit reviews after I’ve used a product for a while — we live in world where so many things are built to break, and when you’re paying this much for a vacuum, you want to know it will stand the test of time. First, this is the stripped-down version, but the sucking power is tremendous — enough that it easily takes care of our hardwood floors, but also works for our heavy rugs, even a large “shag” rug. Lesser vacuums will use spinning rollers to move carpet fibers around, but I’m pretty sure that equal or superior cleaning can be accomplished just with the massive suction power of this vacuum.

We love that it’s also light and quiet. The simple attachments are well thought-out — you can easily shorten or lengthen the working end, and the brush attachment is GREAT for cleaning window screens. After three years, the cord is still retracting like the day we bought it, and the suction is just as strong.

Note that this is an investment, and to keep it healthy you probably want to go with miele brand bags made especially for this vacuum. They’re pricey, and if you’re plastic conscious, they have a plastic attachment on each bag. But the way they filter the air (along with the other filters in the vacuum) means that super-clean air emerges from the top of the vacuum. That’s another plus, by the way — the external air vent is on top of the vacuum. We’ve had other vacuums where it vents out the back, often blowing dust and dirt around. But straight up means that that doesn’t happen.

I’m trying to think of some cons, but after trying so many other lesser vacuums in the past and having so many break (cord not retracting, power button malfunctioning, etc.), we’re just so happy with our “princess miele”.

A final note is that the three years of service from this vacuum haven’t been gentle years — we’ve gone through two moves, and loaned it repeatedly to a neighbor who didn’t have a vacuum. It’s been used pretty hard.

As for me, I’d rather spend more on a product that not only works great, but stands the test of time. Ends up being cheaper on the wallet and easier on the landfills to not have to buy vacuums repeatedly (which is what we did before this — once we bought two in one year!)

If you’re looking for an easy-to-use vacuum that kicks butt and keeps going strong, this is your baby.

I really like the design and construction there a place to store everything, the pieces are well designed and easy to use. It is light and easy to pull, the cord system works perfectly, the bag replacement is so easy!! Like it a lot !

I did quite a bit of research looking for a vacuum that I would be pleased with using on my laminate flooring, since my entire lower level of my home is that type of flooring. My household consists of three dogs, two cats, two adults, four teens, and one toddler so as one can imagine the floors need vacuumed often if not daily.

I love the retractable cord. So easy to push a button and the cord is wound. Now the length of the cord leaves more to be desired. It would use another foot or two in length, especially compared to other vacuums I’ve owned. The hose seems heavy duty, which is needed since it’s more or less pulling the canister around. The floor attachment works really well. It has a setting for bare floor and carpet which can be toggled by stepping on the button on the attachment. The floor attachment doesn’t have a bristle spinner for carpet, so it’s more for low pile area rugs, and I used it for my carpeted stairs. If you plan on using it for carpets, I recommend a different model that comes with the correct attachment. The other accessories that are included are useful, upholstery, crevice, and a round bristle brush. There is an accessory holder that attaches to the hose/canister to hold the tools. I love the metal extender, it’s so convenient and easy to use! You can adjust the height so it’s comfortable to sweep, I’m 5’5 and my son is 6’3” and we both were able to adjust the sweeper to a comfortable height. Also great for reaching ceilings, fans, and other hard to reach areas. On the handle there is a suction adjustment slider, perfect for quick adjustments. On the canister itself, there are multiple settings for varying levels of suction- bare floors, rugs, carpet, curtains to name a few. There is an indicator on the canister to see when the vacuum bag is full. It’s easy to change out the vacuum bags as well. The vacuum comes with one bag to get started. I have no idea how often they will need to be changed or how much they hold. The vacuum itself it’s very heavy. When vacuuming is finished the canister can sit on end so it doesn’t roll. It has has a slot on the back side to slide in the brush so it stays together very neatly and I love it has that feature!

The price tag is pretty steep, but if this lasts several years like reviewers claim it does, it is worth the investment. Also this vacuum so far has picked up debris, dirt, hair far better than other name-brand vacuums that I have owned. I highly recommend the investment in this vacuum!