This review of the Oreck vacuum will cover the main differences in the different Oreck vacuum models. It will also cover different options as far as filtration and handles. It will also talk about tool options and Oreck vacuum durability.

Basically there are only 3 main differences in all Oreck uprights that we have seen (we have sold over 2000 Oreck vacuum uprights). They are listed below.

1. Filtration. There is the standard Oreck vacuum filtration and there is the Oreck Hypo Allergenic filtration made for people with allergies wanting a higher grade of filtration.

2. Styles of handles. For recent models there are really only 2 different types of handles for Oreck Vacuums. There is the straight handle and there is the ergonomic helping handle. With the straight handle the on/off switch is on the power nozzle. With the ergonomic handle the on/off switch is on the handle near to your hand. Some models of Orecks have 2 speed switches on them, providing a lower speed. Now some of the older models of Oreck vacuums have the ergonomic handle with the on/off switch on the power nozzle, but they are not very common.

3. XL2 Models. This is one of the newer models and they seem to be a little bigger with larger outer cloth bags which would increase airflow and filtration.

Other than that all Orecks are basically the same as far as performance. Really, the only differences between all the different colors and model numbers is color and age. The same motor is used in all XL Oreck uprights that I have seen.

ABOUT ORECK VACUUMS IN GENERAL-

The selling point on Orecks is their weight which is only 8 lbs and are very easy to use and vacuum with. However, an Oreck actually weighs about 12 lbs. They only weight 8 lbs without the power cord, but of course you need the power cord to vacuum with. Parts are readily available and for a vacuum priced under $400 new, they actually last a long time. If I were to guess on an Oreck vacuum's average life span if properly taken care of, I would say 10 to 12 years. The strength of an Oreck vacuum is in its brushroll. Its brushroll speed is faster than your average vacuum, and so it is a really good sweeper and a decent vacuum. When using one, it appears to vacuum up everything in its path. That is really nice because it is nice to have a vacuum that works that well which is that light. A lot of elderly people use Oreck vacuums. Also a lot of people who have lots of stairs (a lot of people carry them around) use them as well.

You can't use tools with an Oreck upright vacuum, and that is why David Oreck sells the Buster B Oreck. Its basically a canister vacuum with tools. So if you want a tool vacuum you would need both. I know a lot of people actually have 2 vacuums. A heavier deep cleaner with tools and an Oreck vacuum for light, easy, day to day vacuuming. You see, it's a law in the vacuum industry when you give up weight you also give up deep cleaning power. It would be nice to have a vacuum as light as the Oreck but as powerful as the Kirby vacuum or the Dyson Vacuum (which weighs about double that of an Oreck) but it just does not happen that way. If you have new carpet with long fibers I would not suggest getting an Oreck for at least 6 months. With its powerful brushroll it will pull up a lot of the new carpet fibers that are not glued (this is common with any vacuum) but they seem to get clogged up inside the vacuum right before it drops into the bag. To a vacuum shop, a reconditioned Oreck is not very profitable, (we sell them below $200 for most models) but they are a very popular selling vacuum (they sell fast). People really seem to like them. I think for the money spent they are an excellent buy and you would be very happy with one.

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