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.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

If you ever build a house, install Central Vac. There's nothing like it, and you empty the bag twice a year. 

[Star and Goldie]

What is central vac? I've never heard of it but it sounds intriguing.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

It's a system where you have a central power unit and canister in some remote location like a basement, and the ductwork is in the walls, with little inlets throughout the house where you just plug in your hose. No vacuum itself that you psuh around, just a hose and attachments. The suction is more powerful than any vacuum you can buy, because the motor is on the unit and not on the thing you are pushing around, lol. It's so powerful you can easily pick up broken glass, nails, just about anything that will fit through the hose. Also, there is no exhaust vent like every vacuum has, where the air (and some of the dirt) blows back out as you clean, so it's much better for allergy sufferers. And the canister is enormous, so you only change the bag 2 or 3 times a year. 

The advantages, From Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_vacuum_cleaner

• Increased suction power — Because the vacuum cleaner motor and dirt collection system need not be portable, the weight and size of the unit are not as severely constrained as in a portable system.^[7][8] In addition, bagless filterless systems avoid the inevitable loss of suction in filtered systems caused by collected dust clogging the filters.^[2]
• Ability to handle "difficult" debris — Central vacuums, especially filterless models, can efficiently remove difficult dry substances, such as plaster dust, spilled flour, laser printer toner, metalknockout slugs and wire clippings from electrical work, or even small pieces and slivers of broken glass. This ability may depend on the ability of the filter bag to resist clogging or breakage; filterless models are capable of removing the widest range of materials. "Wet vacuum" accessories are available for some systems; these operate by separating liquids from the dirty airstream prior to passage into the in-wall tubing or central unit. These "wet vac" units are subject to the same limitations as "wet-or-dry shop vacuums", and must be washed out and dried after use to prevent unpleasant odors and mold growth. However, toxic materials, such as asbestos should never be cleaned up with anything but specialized equipment made expressly for the purpose.
• Complete removal of allergens and noxious odors — Central vacuums generally do not recirculate exhaust air back into the space being cleaned.^[7][2] This contrasts with the well-known acrid "vacuum smell" of fine dust and hot air exhausted from a portable vacuum. Instead, central vacuums exhaust spent air into a utility space, or directly outdoors. An external exhaust outlet can be easily concealed under a porch or behind shrubbery, but in any case is less obtrusive than a standard clothes dryer appliance vent.
• Low acoustic noise — Well-designed central vacuums are very quiet at the point of use, since the powerful motor is located remotely in a utility space. This is a benefit to the person vacuuming, as well as anybody else occupying the space being cleaned, who otherwise might be woken up or driven out by the loud whine of portable machines.^[8][2]
• Convenient cleaning — Setup, use, and stowage of a vacuum hose and cleaning tool can be quick and efficient. Cleaning stairways is much easier without having to balance a heavy, hot appliance on each step, and coping with both an electrical cord and a vacuum hose.^[7][8]
• Infrequent emptying — Central vacuums typically can accumulate up to 10 kg (22 pounds) or more of dirt and dust before requiring disposal. This is an unavoidable messy task that must be performed for any vacuum cleaner, but can be done much less frequently, perhaps a few times per year. Disposable filter bag systems are easy to empty, though care must be taken to refit the replacement bag to allow maximum airflow without leaks. Emptying the dust canister of a cyclonic vacuum is best done outdoors on a breezy day because of the fine dust cloud that can be released.^[2]
• Low consumables cost — For filterless systems, there are no ongoing costs, other than occasionally replacing a worn-out brush or vacuum hose.
• Compatible with standard tools and accessories — Most central vacuum hoses are compatible with a wide range of industry standard brushes and tools used with ordinary portable vacuum cleaners. In the US, the de facto standard size is 1-1/4 inch (3.175 cm) inside diameter for tools. For some accessories, it may actually be necessary to "bleed off" excessive suction, usually by partially opening a small bleed port on the side of the vacuum hose handle, provided for that purpose.
• Reduced damage and wear to furniture and walls — There is no heavy or awkward canister or other motorized unit to carry from room to room when vacuuming. Only a lightweight vacuum hose and the cleaning tool being used need to be carried.^[7][8] To further reduce wear to furniture feet and projecting baseboard corners, a soft woven "hose sock" can be installed over the corrugated vacuum hose.
• Durable equipment — Good-quality central vacuum systems can last indefinitely, perhaps requiring replacement of the motor brushes once per decade of use.^[7] Besides using heavy-duty components, central vacuums avoid the damage caused by accidental dropping or collisions of portable equipment with fixed objects. Many manufacturers give a "Lifetime Limited Warranty" on all permanently installed components of a central vacuum system.

[Nina, Phil, Harlow & Lacey]

My in-laws had a central vac in their former house.  It worked great. But you are right it needs to be put in when you are building new (or a whole house gut job).

[Heather]

I have a Miele on my first floor and an Electrolux on my second floor. I Love them both, but I'm partial to my Miele. Can't go wrong with either one. Had the Dyson before I saw the Miele, DH bought it for me, I Hated it and returned it for the Miele.

[Seamus & Haidee]

I have a Miele also and I love it. Over 10 years old and still running great:)

[Lynette Main]

Dyson picks up at my house. Three doodles and muddy paws.

[Linda, Webber and Seda]

Have a Miele canister downstairs and a Miele vacuum/broom thing upstairs. They have worked beautifully for over ten years now.

[Seamus & Haidee]

I love my Miele canister:)

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I have the Dyson Animal, the purple one with the ball. I had central vac for 26 years, so no regular vacuum can compare, but this one is the best one I've tried. 

[Stella]

Dyson Animal, there is no going back once you have one!!!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

AMPS

It is the amps that count. So if you have a brand you prefer, be sure to get enough sucking power