I just bought an upright Riccar vacuum cleaner – the Radiance – and it’s the best vacuum cleaner I’ve ever had. It was an expensive purchase but I think it’s worth every penny and I can’t fault it. However, I recently met someone who bought a Riccar upright vacuum a few years back and they told me about the problems they had after using it on damp carpet.
I had an Electrolux vacuum cleaner and I loved it. It faithfully cleaned my floors and carpets for over 8 years before dying of old age. At first I thought I’d buy another Electrolux – I think it was the Oxygen – anyhow, I started reading some vacuum cleaner reviews online and found myself getting very confused. Some reviews of the Electrolux vacuum cleaner were complementary while others derided it. I then started looking at other brands, which was a bad idea, as I just got even more confused. Eventually, I went to our local vacuum retailer and I’m really glad I did.
It was in the store that I first came across the Riccar vacuum cleaner. I’d never heard of it before but the man in the store told me that Riccar don’t advertise that much and its vacuums are more or less sold by word of mouth. Anyhow, he demonstrated the Riccar Radiance upright and I was amazed at how powerful it was. I was also able to try out the Electrolux vacuum cleaner. While it was good, I really preferred the cleaning power and ease of use of the Riccar.
Furthermore, the salesman told me that Riccar vacuum cleaners are built to last. He showed me the metal components of the vacuum and I was able to compare it to the Electrolux. I was amazed at how much metal is used in the making of the vacuum (and how little is used in other brands). The vacuum comes with a reinforced metal pedal, a stainless steel bottom plate, metal wand and even a polished metal cord hook!
Other features that impressed me were the indicator lights telling you when the bag is full, when to change the filter and when the brushroll gets jammed. It’s also comes with cute LED headlights.
As you’d expect the Radiance comes with a HEPA filter, however, the filtering is further improved because the filter is sealed.
But without doubt the most impressive thing about the Radiance is its motors, 2 to be precise. They work synchronously and it’s called the Tandem Air System. One is a high-velocity motor placed right above the head so you great tremendous suction. The other is placed above the other and it provides the suction for the onboard tools and helps with the high efficiency filtration system.
I’ve now been using the vacuum for several weeks and it’s been great. I have both hardwood and carpeted floors. With my old Electrolux vacuum cleaner I would have to manually adjust the brushroll but the Riccar vacuum is self-adjusting, which makes cleaning my floors a lot easier. The onboard tools are easy to use and snap on and off easily. All in all, I’m delighted with it and find it very hard to find fault with it.
However, recently I was playing tennis with an acquaintance and afterwards we started talking about vacuums cleaners – as you do – and when I told them I bought and loved my Riccar they told me they had bought one several years ago and it was a mistake and ended up being a pile of expensive junk. Apparently, they used it on carpets that had just been washed and were still damp. Afterwards they left it on the carpet. Anyhow, a day or two later the axel between the rear wheels rusted and pretty soon they couldn’t push it along. They tried to complain and get their money back but the company told them they had ‘abused’ the vacuum and told them the warranty was void. I’ve made a note never to go anywhere near water with mine.
I’m really happy with my Riccar vacuum cleaner and think the build quality, materials and suction power make it one of the best vacuum cleaners you can buy, even if it is also one of the most expensive.
