Vacuum cleaner just died - Update

[Nina, Phil, Harlow & Lacey]

And with 3 dogs and 2 cats we have a definite need of a new vacuum cleaner ASAP!  What brand do you have and what do you like/dislike about it?  

Update: Thanks everyone for their recommendations/comments on vacuum cleaners.  We decided to go with the Dyson.  Ordered it through QVC.com (they had it on sale, free S&H and 6 easy payments made too good to pass).  It arrived today (2 days sooner than promised).  OMD does it pick up dust, dirt, dog and cat hair!  The carpet looks a shade lighter where I took it on a test drive.  And it is so quiet to boot.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I have a Sears vacuum. After the head was killed by a cleaning lady I went to Consumer Reports, my bible. Ther was something I didn't like about all the vans reviewed. So I bit the bullet and ordered a new power head for my old vac.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Me too F.  My cleaning lady killed the head on mine also.  I think it was a son who kept sweeping up guitar strings that did it in.  I looked forever to replace the vac but could not find any that were rated high on hardwood floors or had 12AMP.  So, I bought another one. 

Get this. Roger hates sweepers. For some reason ours bothers his ears. So, he uses a Shop Vac when he vacuums.  It works great.  So, I bought a carpet attachment for the Shop Vac!   I can't believe how well it works.  It does not fluff the carpet though, but it cleans really well

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

We are on our second Electrolux, but it is held together at this point by duct tape.  We had it refurbished a few years back.  I may get a Miele based on what I have read here as we now have all wood floors downstairs.  

[Sheila & Finnley]

I tell you this as the wife of a man who's part time entrepreneurial job, is fixing vacuum cleaners.

I think Kirby's are great, but heavy as all get out, and the Dyson brand gets fixed a lot... at least the ones in my area that get filled with pet hair do !! Electrolux is also good. I don't think my DH has ever had a Shark brand.

 I just have a plain old Hoover. It gets the job done.

So that is my two cents worth !

[Bonnie and Kona]

Sheila,
You are so right about Kirby being heavy! The saving grace is the automatic drive so you don't have to push it. But carry it upstairs? Not if I can help it! I have an upstairs vacuum and a downstairs one. Besides being heavy it has to be one of the most expensive on the market. Anything for my kid's commission. Hahaha

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

Eureka upright and Kenmore Little Blue Cannister!!  I am a vacuum finatic too.  Every day!!!

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

I have the animal Dyson and love it. Have had it 5 years.