Two months ago, I unknowingly let the Kirby sales team into my home, tempted by the promise of a free carpet cleaning. Little did I know, it would end with me making a sizable purchase. Despite my unintended acquisition of a Kirby vacuum, I don’t regret the decision. Let’s dive into whether the high-cost Kirby vacuum is worth its price.
VACUUMING EFFICIENCY OF KIRBY
I used to think my Dyson was the best vacuum out there. I was such a Dyson fan that I could’ve been their brand ambassador. But then I tried the Kirby Sentria II. Compared to the Kirby, my Dyson’s performance seemed lacking.
After several months of using the Kirby, I’ve noticed a big difference in my carpet. It feels softer after vacuuming, and it looks brighter and cleaner.
ADDING VALUE WITH KIRBY’S FEATURES
The Kirby vacuum comes with several useful attachments. I like how you can extend the hose to clean places you usually miss, like fan blades and curtains.
One small drawback is that to use the hose, you need to remove the vacuum head. With other vacuums like Dyson, the hose is easier to access. However, the Kirby hose can reach higher, so both have their advantages.
Impressively, the Kirby also works as a carpet cleaner, matching the performance of our previous Bissell cleaner, which was heavier and bulkier. For couches and mattresses, the suction of the Kirby’s detachable head is better than any vacuum hose I’ve used.
The Kirby also offers extras like upholstery cleaning, a tool for washing hardwood floors, and the ability to inflate air mattresses and toys.
KIRBY’S DOWNSIDES
While I admire many aspects of the Kirby, it’s only fair to mention a few annoyances.
It’s heavier than the Dyson, which can be tiring during long cleaning sessions, especially for anyone with arthritis. The weight comes from its mostly metal body compared to the Dyson’s plastic and metal build.
For some, the Kirby vacuum might be hard to figure out. Without guidance, I would’ve struggled to learn how to use it. It comes with an instruction DVD, but if you’re not willing to spend time learning, the Kirby might not be right for you.
Lastly, it requires bags – one feature I appreciated about the Dyson was its bagless design. Although an extra cost, the bags don’t need frequent replacement, usually every 4-6 months, depending on how dirty your home is and how often you clean.
IS THE KIRBY WORTH ITS PRICE?
Whether the Kirby vacuum is worth its high cost depends on the price you get it for. Initially quoted at just under $3000, I repeatedly said no, and the salesperson finally dropped the price to $1090, including tax. Considering it replaced my Dyson and the Bissell, the price felt reasonable.
When thinking about a Kirby, consider the long-term savings. If it extends the life of your carpet and mattress by five or more years, it’s already paying for itself. A well-maintained Kirby should last 20 years or more. In that time, you’d probably replace other vacuums 3-5 times.
In conclusion, I believe the Kirby vacuum is worth its price. If I look back in 10-20 years and still enjoy using it, then it was definitely worth every penny.
Do you own a Kirby vacuum? What are your thoughts on it?