Buying guide for best Oreck vacuums
Keeping the floors in your home clean is impossible without a reliable, high-performance vacuum. That means choosing a model from a trusted brand with a solid reputation, which is why so many homeowners choose an Oreck vacuum. Oreck makes some of the best vacuum cleaners available. When it comes to cleaning carpets and keeping hard floors clean, you can count on these machines.
But there are so many Oreck vacuum cleaners available that choosing the best Oreck vacuum for your home can feel like a challenge. You have to decide whether you want a canister vacuum, a stick vacuum, or another model, as well as what types of features would fit your needs.
To prepare for your purchase, it helps to read a thorough buying guide with Oreck vacuum cleaner reviews that point you in the right direction.
Types of Oreck vacuums
Handheld vacuum cleaners
Oreck handheld vacuums are lightweight, compact models that you hold in your hand. These cordless vacuums are ideal for spot-cleaning throughout the house and in your car. Handheld vacuums work well to remove pet hair from furniture, dust from blinds, and crumbs from kitchen countertops. However, they’re not ideal for cleaning carpets; we suggest a larger machine for this purpose.
How much do Oreck handheld vacuum cleaners cost?
Oreck handheld vacuums are the least-expensive options in the Oreck family, with prices from $100 to $130.
Canister vacuum cleaners
Oreck canister vacuums are full-size models, but the motor and bag are contained in a separate unit. The vacuum head attaches to the canister via a flexible hose, making it easy to clean under furniture and to access hard-to-reach spots.
A canister vacuum is usually lightweight, but it can be difficult to maneuver if you must trail it behind you as you clean. Oreck makes extremely lightweight vacuums that are easy to carry or wear with a shoulder strap.
How much do Oreck canister vacuums cost?
Oreck canister vacuums usually cost between $130 and $280.
Expert Tip
When using vacuums that require bags, keep track of how many bags you have on hand so you don't run out.
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Stick vacuum cleaners
Oreck stick vacuums are similar in design to upright vacuum cleaners, but they are not as large, nor is their cleaning path as wide as that of an upright. These usually don’t have the same suction power as the best uprights, either, and they may or may not have motorized brushes.
In many cases, Oreck stick vacuums are better for cleaning hard floors than cleaning carpets. Because sticks aren’t as powerful as full-size vacuums, they work best for smaller homes or as a supplemental vacuum for touch-up cleaning.
Oreck stick vacuums are usually cordless with rechargeable batteries that allow you to vacuum anywhere in your home without worrying about having an outlet nearby. The batteries usually provide more than 30 minutes per charge.
How much do Oreck cordless stick vacuums cost?
Oreck cordless vacuums usually range from $220 to $570.
Upright vacuum cleaners
These full-size, one-piece vacuums have a cleaning head connected to the motor housing and dust container. An upright vacuum usually has a wide cleaning path and a rotating, motorized brush roll that pulls dirt and debris out of carpeting. Oreck upright vacuums are also suitable for use on hard flooring.
How much do Oreck upright vacuum cleaners cost?
Oreck upright vacuums are usually the priciest options, ranging from $155 to $599.
Did you know?
Oreck stick vacuums don’t have a dirt bin like other stick vacuums. Instead, the vacuums feature a self-sealing POD that you dispose of and replace once it’s full.
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Oreck vacuum features to consider
Bags
When you’re shopping for a vacuum, you have a choice between a bagless vacuum cleaner and a bagged vacuum cleaner.
- Bagged vacuum cleaners collect the dirt, dust, and debris in disposable bags that must be replaced when full. All of Oreck’s full-size vacuums have bags, enabling them to pick up more dirt and debris than bagless models. Keep in mind that you’ll need to purchase replacement bags for as long as you own the vacuum.
- Bagless vacuums gather dirt and dust in a cup or bin that you empty when full.
Weight
A vacuum cleaner’s weight affects how easy it is to maneuver. In general, full-size vacuums tend to be fairly heavy, with some weighing over 20 pounds. Stick vacuums usually weigh less than half that, and handheld models, the lightest options, usually weigh just a few pounds.
Oreck vacuums are unique because even the full-size models are extremely lightweight.
- Oreck handheld vacuums weigh less than 5 pounds.
- Oreck canister vacuums weigh about 5 pounds.
- Oreck stick vacuums usually weigh less than 6 pounds.
- Oreck upright vacuums weigh less than 10 pounds, with some models weighing less than 8 pounds.
Expert Tip
Oreck vacuums offer some of the longest cords. This is great for those who need to clean large areas.
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Speed
Most Oreck upright vacuums offer two speeds that control how fast the brush rolls. You can adjust the speed based on the type of flooring you’re cleaning.
Cord
Corded vacuum cleaners must be plugged into an outlet, so pay attention to the cord length on the vacuum you buy. You want a model with a generous cord length that enables you to easily clean an entire room without having to move to another outlet.
Oreck vacuums have cord lengths of 20 to 35 feet – long enough for you to vacuum a fairly large area without having to move to another outlet.
Flooring
While vacuums are typically used to clean carpeting, you’ll get more versatility from a model that can accommodate hard flooring as well. Fortunately, all Oreck vacuums are suitable for use on different flooring surfaces, so you can easily clean both carpet and bare floors. Many models can be used on furniture and upholstery, too.
Expert Tip
The best Oreck vacuums last for an extremely long time, which makes them great investment vacuums.
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Filter
A full-size vacuum cleaner needs an effective filtration system to prevent dust, dirt, pet dander, and other particles from releasing into the air as you clean. It’s especially important if you have pets or if someone in your family has allergies, asthma, or other respiratory issues.
All Oreck vacuums feature high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, which are able to contain 99.7% of particulates. Even better, a HEPA filter can capture particles as small as 0.3 microns. A HEPA filter provides the highest level of filtration available, so you can trust that your Oreck upright or canister model will keep your air as clean as possible.
Headlights
Many of the best Oreck upright vacuums have LED headlights on the front that enable you to see more easily beneath furniture and in dark corners. Some have two headlights; others have four.
Attachments
Some Oreck vacuums, including canister models, include attachments that provide greater versatility when it comes to cleaning your home. Some attachments to look for include the following:
- Crevice tool for cleaning tight spaces
- Upholstery tool for cleaning furniture and curtains
- Dusting brush for cleaning various surfaces
FAQ
Q. How are Oreck upright vacuums so lightweight?
A. Oreck upright vacuums weigh less than the products of many competitors because these vacuums pull dirt and debris into the bag with direct suction. Because the process is so streamlined, the lightweight vacuums require smaller motors than other uprights.
Q. What type of warranty does Oreck offer?
A. The warranty varies from model to model. However, all models offer at least a three-year limited warranty. Some offer up to seven years of warranty protection.
Many Oreck warranties include a free annual tune-up of your vacuum. The brand’s trained technicians will inspect and clean the appliance to make sure it’s in proper working condition.
Q. Do I have to use an Oreck filtration bag with my vacuum?
A. For the best performance, always use a brand-approved bag with your Oreck vacuum. Oreck offers a range of bags with different filtration options, including those designed for allergy-sensitive homes and removing odors.
