The Wall Street Journal-20080124-Home - Family- Shopping Around - Quiet Vacuum Cleaners
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Home & Family: Shopping Around / Quiet Vacuum Cleaners
Stealthier Sweeping
Vacuum-makers are touting a new generation of machines that pack plenty of power -- without making lots of noise. We tested four models and found they are indeed quieter than traditional models, but we wouldn't advise running them during a baby's nap.
Responding to concerns over indoor air quality, manufacturers in recent years have added high-efficiency particulate air, or HEPA, filters to capture things like dust mites and pet dander. Still, Americans' spending on vacuums fell 3% in 2007 from a year earlier, to $3.2 million, according to NPD Group, a market-research firm in Port Washington, N.Y. Hoping to boost consumer interest, manufacturers insulated the motor to reduce noise.
We checked whether we could comfortably talk on the phone while using them. Here's what we found:
-- Electrolux Oxygen3 Ultra with Quiet Clean powerhead
Price: $499.99
Company: Electrolux Home Care Products
Comments: Canister vacuums are typically quieter, but this one is especially so. It's compact, and the manufacturer says its HEPA filter captures dust mites and pet dander. When we made a phone call with it running, the person on the other end said she could barely hear it.
-- Miele Callisto
Price: $799
Company: Miele Inc.
Comments: This sleek canister vacuum also has a soft hum and would be possible to use while on the phone. Easy to maneuver; has a HEPA filter.
-- Healthy Home Vacuum
Price: $269.99
Company: Bissell Homecare Inc.
Comments: This upright is louder than canister vacuums, but isn't as shrill as other uprights. Talking on the phone while using it would be tough, but it's still fairly easy on the ears. Along with a HEPA filter, it has height adjustments and a pet-hair attachment.
-- Oreck XL21 Titanium Upright with IntellaShield Technology
Price: $749
Company: Oreck Corp.
Comments: Also louder than the canister vacuums we tested, but quieter than older uprights. At nine pounds, it weighs less than most uprights and has a HEPA filter.
