What is the best vacuum for overall duties?

What is the best vacuum for overall duties?
I pose this question to mothers because you know how important a vacuum can be when you have toddlers and children. I'm trying to find the best vacuum... and I don't care about cost. My house has marble & granite floors, ceramic tile, and wood floors... with area rugs throughout. I've been forever looking for the best vacuum for all my needs. One that has good suction, has easy onboard tools that actually meet all needs, has a long enough hose that when being used, doesn't tip the vacuum over. I don't care if it's with bag or bagless.
I have owned a kirby, a red devil, a Euro-Pro (love it but isn't versatile enough), and currently wasted money on the Eureka Ultima (because it had the dusting wand... what a waste). I would like the advice of people who've had their vacuums for some time... not just bought it recently... since they all seem to be fine right out of the box. I've heard Dyson is good... but I've also read reviews that said it sucked. Only experience can tell.


Answers:

Morey000:  the Miele's are really terrific.

small, quiet, powerful, well thought out, easy to use

but- pricey
2006-08-30 14:16:49
Tigger:  I've owned a Bissel bagless for the last year or perhaps year and a half, and have been happy with it. All I have to do is remember to empty the container and rinse the filters every other use.

I also have a hand-vac for the small jobs that I don't want to pull the big vacuum out for.
2006-08-30 16:02:30
babycakes3:  Girl I know what You mean I had this Hover that was my dream and I can't find it to this day it has 26amps and 100ft of cord and all attachments. Dam-est thing my husband ran over it. I was mad but I still have yet to find it again but if you can look for the hover it's the best I have found so far.....
2006-09-01 04:04:47
Chosen Answer
SunFun:  I have had my Dyson for about 4 years and I can honestly say it is the best vacumn cleaner I have ever had and I have had most of the high end brands. It is so easy to use, no bags, it picks up everything, it is easy to convert with the hose, has great attachments, is easy to carry upstairs, reaches everywhere, have had no maintenance issues. Whoever designed this vacumn was a genius. My husband is jealous (kidding) because I rave about this vacumn so much. I see you can buy them at Costco now. I bought the medium end one yellow for about $400.I have had Kirby, Miele, Bissel, Hoover, Eureka, and more but this is the best.
2006-09-02 21:58:01