I got a Shark rocket Pro at Walmart for around $150 or so. Mine is purple. Easily switches between hardwood and carpets. Lots of power and easy to use. Removable head like a dust buster too. I love it. I have the expensive Dyson and much prefer the Shark.

I have a Riccar I bought at the Pfaff dealer shop. Finally, a vacuum that has suction--picks up threads from the carpet. Bought a Bissel Hepa filter at Walmart before that and will never purchase a vacuum from any of those stores again. They just don't have the suction.

I got a Dyson cordless last year and I absolutely love it. I've also had a Shark and loved that as well.

I use mine, a Dirt Devil, mostly for just picking up dog hair. I have hardwood floors so I use a dust mop and broom also. It does pretty good. DH used to laugh like I was nuts because I actually washed the see-through canister. It's all plastic so why not. I also wash the plastic attachments. If I don't they smell like dog. I sprinkle baking soda into the canister. When the air spins the baking soda does also and helps when I empty the canister. It's like the dust sticks to the baking soda and doesn't float so much. The canister empties cleaner. I've had my dirt devil probably 12 years.

I love my Sharks! I started with a smaller one for our motorhome and could not believe how much suction it is has. Then brought it into our house to use because it was so much better than the Dyson I had bought a couple years ago. Decided to get the Shark Professional model for the house because it is bigger and has good attachments for the wood floors in the house. We have two dogs and lots of messy traffic in and out of our house! I looked on Amazon for the reviews and found that very helpful in my decision making. I think the last model was around $175. Bought it Bed Bath and Beyond and used 20% off coupon. I have bought so many different vacuums over the years, my family likes to make fun of me about it But I really like the Sharks!

Dyson. there is no other.

I have a Shark Rotator Pro & would not trade it. Got it at Wal Mart on sale for $99.00. Used it as soon as I got home & was shocked at the suction. I knew my Eureka was slowing down but didn't realize just how bad it had gotten. Also love the long cord. 1 of my clients just bought a Hoover that has good suction but the cord is short & I have to change to different outlets 3-4 times instead of just 1. Wish they had listened to me.

My DH wanted a Dyson but it is way to heavy for me and it fills up the canister with carpet fibers when he uses it. I have heard they are hard on carpets. I bought a Shark to use and really like it.

I havr both a Dyson and an Oreck and the Oreck wins-hands down. It is so lightweight but does a terrific job. They have a little portable;e that does a fantastic job on stairs etc. I will never but anything else

a lot of great suggestions... funny, I didn't see any posts on Kenmore by Sears. I have a Kenmore canister vac at each of my homes and have had them both almost 10 years and they still work great.