Oreck Vacuum Cleaner Reviews
| ||
---|---|---|
Corded | Battery | Corded | 30 ft | |
Bagless | X | |
Filter | SaniSeal Select | |
Weight | 9 lbs | |
Hose | X | |
Brush Roll | ✓ |
| ||
---|---|---|
Corded | Battery | Battery | 35 min | |
Bagless | X | |
Filter | Pollen & Dust | |
Weight | 5.6 lbs | |
Hose | X | |
Brush Roll | ✓ |
| ||
---|---|---|
Corded | Battery | Corded | 20 ft | |
Bagless | X | |
Filter | HEPA | |
Weight | 5.5lbs | |
Hose | 3 ft | |
Brush Roll | X |
| ||
---|---|---|
Corded | Battery | Corded | 35 ft | |
Bagless | X | |
Filter | SaniSeal Superior | |
Weight | 10 lbs | |
Hose | X | |
Brush Roll | ✓ (on/off) |
| ||
---|---|---|
Corded | Battery | Corded | 35 ft | |
Bagless | X | |
Filter | SaniSeal | |
Weight | 8.2 lbs | |
Hose | X | |
Brush Roll | ✓ |
Just the image of a classic Oreck upright vacuum can be enough to trigger nostalgia in many people. Oreck vacuum cleaners have been mainstays as both professional vacuum cleaners as well as home carpet cleaning products for several decades. Their classic, minimalistic design makes them easily recognizable against other vacuum brands and is likely the very reason why Oreck vacuums today look almost identical to their classic counterparts.
Oreck vacuums are simple, carpet-focused vacuums that tend to remain relatively affordable while still proving to be some of the most effective vacuums for carpet and long-term use. And while many Oreck vacuums look alike, small changes can make a big difference when it comes to overall performance, price points, and value. This article breaks down five of the best offerings from Oreck and highlights the features you need to look for to best suit your home. We’ll also be looking at how Oreck vacuums have evolved to the innovative and effective products we see today.
Oreck Overview
Oreck vacuums, despite their classic quality, is actually a relatively newer vacuum brand compared to current leading manufacturers. When David Oreck founded the company in 1963, the focus on Oreck design was on the hotel cleaning industry, and very soon after their launch, Oreck vacuums became mainstays for such maintenance. These lightweight and powerful vacuums are what propelled the company into success, but Oreck makes more than vacuums for hotels these days. Currently, you can find Oreck in steam mops, purifiers, cleaning supplies, and floor machines.
Still, the company has never shied away from making a product that’s functional, unassuming, and lightweight. Traditionally, Oreck has always put a large focus on weight and simple carpet cleaning solutions, which makes them less comprehensive than the types of products you may find from comparable companies. For example, Oreck sticks with the bagged upright model for the most part and does not currently offer a vacuum with a brush roll that can turn off. With two exceptions on our list, this almost eliminates Oreck vacuums from consideration by those who own hardwood, but the choice was made with purpose and with the intent to make a vacuum that outclasses within its niche. It’s also the choice that’s helped keep the brand relevant and thriving even as other products continue to change with the times.
HowToHome Pick
Upright | 30 ft cord | Bagged | SaniSeal Select Filtration | 9 lbs | X Hose | ✓ Brush Roll
Oreck’s current flagship bagged upright has all of the features you’ve come to expect from Oreck, including SaniSeal filtration, a lightweight and ergonomic design, and a powerful brush roll. Those familiar with other vacuums at this price point might be surprised by the lack of hose or attachments, but for anyone who wants the complete Oreck experience, this is where to start.
Pros
- Excellent Filtration
- Powerful brush roll
- LED Headlights help to spot debris
Cons
- No hose
- No attachments
- No adjustable brush roll
Features
- SaniSeal Select Filtration
- Side Brushes for a wall-to-wall clean
- Attachments: N/A
- Warranty: 1 year (& 1 Service Tune-Up)
The Oreck Elevate Control UK30100 is the entry-level Elevate bagged upright currently offered by the company alongside the Command and the Conquer. This simple design makes maintenance and upkeep simple, as the only moving part to speak of is the brush roll.
Oreck’s Elevate performs admirably on low-to-mid pile carpeting and comes with a few extra features, like LED lights and advanced SaniSeal filtration, that set it apart from its predecessors. It also features Oreck’s standard 1-year warranty that comes with Oreck’s unique feature of a service tune-up.
Even when compared to other Oreck machines, however, the Elevate Control is surprisingly sparse in features. There are no hoses, no adjustable brush rolls, no variable-speed motor, and no attachments. In short, the Elevate Control is designed for carpet cleaning alone. Still, this specialization is nothing to scoff at, and the strong quality of the Oreck, even at this entry-level price point, makes it a valuable choice for small business owners and homeowners dealing with a carpet-only cleaning situation.
Stick | 35 min Battery | Bagged | Pollen & Dust Filtration | 5.6 lbs | X Hose | ✓ Brush Roll
Oreck’s attempt at a cordless stick is as well-built and reliable as you would expect from the Oreck brand. This cordless stick vacuum can be a bit quirky for those who are used to similar bagless designs, but provided you don’t mind Oreck’s commitment to bags and brush rolls, this Cordless Vacuum with POD is a formidable product that can compete with the likes of Dyson and Shark.
Pros
- Variable speed motor helps in precision cleaning
- Bagged design holds more debris than bagless comparable alternatives
- Effective handheld mode aids in picking up debris above floor
Cons
- Ongoing cost with unique POD system
- Not much variation with attachments
Features
- POD system allows for greater control over suction
- Mount charging station and tool rack
- Attachments: Crevice tool, brush tool, upholstery tool
- Warranty: 3-year White Glove Warranty
Oreck vacuums tend to look similar over time, but after noting the increasing trend in the market towards cordless stick vacuums like the Dyson V8, Oreck’s foray into this market comes with a unique design and some surprising choices. Oreck POD BK51702 is Oreck’s attempt at making a vacuum that can clean far more than carpet.
On top of the standard brush roll, Oreck’s new POD system allows for total suction and greater control over the power of the vacuum. Being a stick vacuum, Oreck’s offering also features three attachments to use the vacuum in handheld mode, which allows for quick and easy cleaning of furniture, countertops, and more.
All of the debris picked up by this cordless stick vacuum cleaner is placed into Oreck’s POD bag system, which is said to hold up to 3 times the amount of debris as other vacuums in this category. It’s a bold claim, but even if true, the need to purchase smaller POD bags more often can be a bit frustrating to those who are used to the autonomy of a bagless stick design.
Likewise, the attachments offered not exceptional, and the lack of greater control over the brush roll (namely turning it off for hardwood use) makes this model less than ideal. Oreck’s powerful filtration and suction have not been left off of the device, though, so we feel confident in recommending this for those who love Oreck but need a vacuum that can clean far more than carpets. Plus, with an extensive White-Glove warranty that offers expert service and free shipping, there’s little to lose in choosing this model.
Budget Pick
Canister/Handheld | 20 ft cord | Bagged | HEPA Filtration | 5.5 lbs | 3 ft Hose | X Brush Roll
Oreck’s Compact Canister is a small hand-held product that can be used for above ground cleaning as easily as it can for cleaning out cars and in other hard-to-reach places. Lots of attachments, affordable cost, and lightweight make this product appealing to many, but, for an Oreck, the lack of carpet cleaning options can be somewhat surprising.
Pros
- HEPA filtration proves effective for small and large debris
- Bagless design appealing for many who dislike the constant cost of bags
- Hose convenient for crevice and upholstery cleaning
Cons
- No brush roll means this product will struggle on high-pile carpet
- Suction power somewhat limited due to the small size
Features
- Blow dirt or vacuum debris with through design
- Flexible hose and extension wand for farther reach
- Attachments: Shoulder strap, crevice tool, upholstery tool, dusting brush, extension wand
- Warranty: 3-year Limited
The Oreck Compact Canister BB1200DB is Oreck’s go-to product for both handheld and canister needs. It offers a 3 ft hose and lots of attachments while still offering solid filtration and a large cleaning radius to clean everything from your countertops to your car. Bearing strong similarity to a shop vacuum cleaner, this Oreck vacuum can also blow air as well as vacuum debris, and the included attachments allow users to pick up dirt and debris in almost any location.
Still, for an Oreck vacuum, we’re a little surprised to see the lack of brush roll or intuitive carpet cleaning solution, which can hold back this product from being recommended as an all-in-one device. Likewise, the suction power, most likely due to the through design, is less powerful than what we typically see in an Oreck vacuum. Nevertheless, for a vacuum that comes with an effective 3-year Warranty, you can expect this Compact Canister to last as long as any other Oreck product. It’s also quite affordable and makes for a great vacuum to pick up when you also need a device to help clean out crevices in your vehicle.
Upright | 35 ft cord | Bagged | SaniSeal Superior Filtration | 10 lbs | X Hose | ✓ Brush Roll
Oreck’s high end bagged upright vacuum pulls out all of the stops with a flexible low profile design, SaniSeal Superior Filtration, adjustable brush roll for hardwood floors, and extra-large capacity. It isn’t cheap, but provided you don’t mind the price and lack of hose or attachments, this is the best Oreck bagged upright available today.
Pros
- Brush roll can be turned off for hardwood cleaning
- Extra-large capacity means more time cleaning and less time replacing bags
- Low profile design makes it easy to go under furniture
Cons
- Expensive
- No attachments or hoses
Features
- SaniSeal Superior filtration picks up 99.97% of unseen particles
- Extra-large capacity holds 4 times that of a typical bagless vacuum
- Attachments: N/A
- Warranty: 7-year Limited (& 7 Service Tune-Ups)
The Oreck Elevate Conquer UK30300 is the top-of-the-line vacuum in Oreck’s current Elevate series and brings a large number of premium features to the simple bagged upright design. Its low profile design and swiveling head means it’s easier than ever to maneuver around furniture and get under low-clearance couches and armchairs. Likewise, the brush roll on this model can indeed be turned on and off, which means that this vacuum, along with the Oreck Compact Canister, can be safely recommended for those who have hardwood floors.
Many homeowners are surprised to find that these features only come with the Elevate Conquer, which hangs at the absolute top of the consumer vacuum price range. The lack of hoses and attachments also means that homeowners may fear spending this much on a vacuum that can seemingly do so little. Despite these potential issues, the Oreck Elevate Conquer UK30300 is a powerful device that comes with one of the best warranties in all consumer vacuums. You can service your vacuum with a licensed professional up to 7 times during the 7-year Limited Warranty. This protection, alongside Oreck’s professional-grade build quality, means that this investment might just pay off in the long run.
Upright | 35 ft cord | Bagged | SaniSeal Filtration | 8.2 lbs | X Hose | ✓ Brush Roll
Oreck’s current standard Professional vacuum cleaner stands as a unique counterpoint to the other consumer vacuums on our list, boasting a ridiculously powerful brush roll and a focus on low pile carpeting typically found in hotels. There’s a limited amount of functionality for the home, even when comparing to the Elevate Control, but for offices and other professional workspaces with low pile carpet, there might not be a better option.
Pros
- Automatic floor adjustment aids in switching between carpets
- Powerful 6,500 RPM brush roll is great for carpets
- Sturdy and intuitive design
Cons
- No manual adjustment for carpeting
- Design can be somewhat difficult to maneuver around
- Can struggle on pet hair
Features
- 6,500 RPM motorized brush roll
- Automatic floor adjustment
- Attachments: N/A
- Warranty: 1-year Limited
While we’ve been giving special attention to Oreck’s consumer vacuum cleaners, we can’t wrap up any list of Oreck products without mentioning their current flagship model for hotel and professional vacuum cleaning solutions. The Oreck XL Commercial Upright XL2100RHS is Oreck’s current vacuum aimed at their original audience of hotel owners and housekeepers.
While this professional bagged upright can be used in a myriad of situations, certain features have been designed for larger, carpeted locations. These features include the automatic floor adjustment which can easily swap between rugs and carpeting as well and a powerful 6,500 RPM brush roll that won’t fail to agitate any carpeting.
This vacuum has been built to last and should have no problems outliving its relatively short warranty period, but its simplicity can be a bit of a detriment to some. Having no ability to adjust or turn off the brush roll limits the professional use of the vacuum, and since this product is more affordable than even the low-end consumer models from Oreck, you won’t find much regarding ergonomic design and handling. This Oreck professional vacuum is built like a workhouse, however, and should have no problems cutting through any amount of debris, hair, or dirt. With Oreck’s SaniSeal technology and bagged design, you don’t have to worry about making a mess when using this product: just toss the bag, replace it, and keep cleaning for as long as you need to.
Oreck also offers other Professional Vacuum Cleaners, like the Oreck 2000, that has a focus either on ergonomics, filtration, or capacity. These models tend to have minute differences that have a major impact on productivity in a workplace setting, so if you’re interested in an Oreck for this reason, be sure to shop around for the right Oreck for you before making a purchase.
Final Thoughts
With the exception of the Oreck Commercial, these four Oreck vacuum cleaners each appeal to homeowners with different situations and different desires in a vacuum cleaner.
If you want the classic Oreck design that’s been updated for the modern age, the Oreck Elevate Control offers the best this company has to offer regarding quality and structural design. For those who want an Oreck that’s designed with cordless needs in mind, the Oreck Cordless Vacuum with POD is perfect for apartment dwellers and smaller home owners.
If you need your Oreck vacuum to be portable and easy to move around your space, then the Oreck Compact Canister provides a host of features that make it the most versatile vacuum on our list. Finally, for those who need the best possible cleaning solution, the Oreck Elevate Conquer is one of the most powerful bagged uprights in the market for carpets, rugs, and even hardwood.
In either case, purchasing an Oreck means adjusting to a simple design and a focus on carpeting. In some homes, an Oreck vacuum can seem redundant or almost wasteful. In other homes and many businesses, however, the Oreck is second to none in performance as well as quality.