Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I bought my first Oreck XL in 2006. It lasted me 11 years with very little trouble. In fact, I’d probably still be using it if it weren’t for the fact that I shorted out the motor when I incorrectly installed a new power cord. This new style model may say Oreck, but it is no Oreck. Granted, the price has come down considerably since the shake up with the company a few years ago, and as the saying goes, “You get what you pay for.” The (few) positives: - very light and easy to get around the house - Long power cord, so I can vacuum a whole level of the house without needing to change outlets - strong vacuum motor The negatives: - the metal handle is attached to the plastic vac tube with one lousy screw. It’s constantly flexing and bending as I vacuum, and I know it won’t be long before the handle snaps off - the plastic threaded collar that connect the bag attachment portion of the the tube to the intake part, you can never get tight enough. I have big strong hands, and even after cranking on that thing as hard as I can, it still wants to work itself loose all the time. - the bag attachment. Oh God, the bag attachment! It’s terrible! No matter what you do, you cannot get the bags to stay on for more than a couple vacuums, leaving you with a lovely surprise when you go to change the bag - a plume of dust and debris to the face! I only wish I’d cashed in on the 1 year warranty before it was too late. Thankfully, I didn’t pay $300 for this one, so I won’t be broken hearted when I have to throw this piece of crap into the dumpster. Sad what’s happened to Oreck. I guess it’ll be a Sanitaire for me next time.