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Post by Morningstar on Jul 31, 2009 23:31:44 GMT -5
I've been wanting to get a Shop-Vac for years after reading on SS/SOOS how well they perform, but they are not readily available in New Zealand. They are obviously available somewhere as I have seen used ones advertised on local internet auction sites, but could not find any retail stockists in NZ. I have an AEG T7 turbo with Hepa filter and it performs okay on slightly dirty carpets, but is absolutely hopeless against the kind of stuff I trek in from outside (wood shavings, hay and the like) and the amount and type of grime that builds up. It fills quickly (and loses suction once it does so), needs emptying 4-6 times in the course of vacuuming my house (which is only 50 square metres in size), and the filters dirty quickly and are a nightmare to clean. Using it to vacuum my house takes so much time and effort (for not great results), I tend to vacuum only once every couple of months. I hate using it and wanted to upgrade, but I couldn't afford $500-$800+ for a decent well-performing vacuum like Miele or Dyson. I checked out commercial-type vacuums online as I thought they would better handle the sort of crap that accumulates and appeared to be more affordable than premium domestic vacuum brands. I looked online at local retailers and online auction sites and bookmarked a few promising-looking vacuum cleaners. Then lo and behold....I saw the front cover of a flyer on the website of a nationwide hardware store, and on that cover was a Shop-Vac! I downloaded the flyer and saw that it was on special! I did a little more online investigation to make sure it was a genuine Shop-Vac, and not a cheap knock-off version - and indeed it was, but a model made for the export market (not sold in the US). The special price was only good for a few days, so I went straight to the shop that day. The shop didn't have any in stock but could order one in (would take week to arrive). I ordered and paid for the Shop-Vac, then went home to wait in eager anticipation.  I didn't hear anything from the store, so phoned today and it had arrived in. I whizzed in and picked up the vacuum (with five minutes to spare before the shop closed for the weekend), took it home, attached the feet and handle, inserted the disposable bag that came with it and read the instructions.  I started it...and WOW WOW WOW! The suction on this thing is incredible...it picked up wood shavings, hay, bits of paper, the numerous (dust) bunnies lying around, as well as two months-worth of dust. I vacuumed my whole house in 20 mins (doing it with the old vacuum cleaner would take 2+ hours) and my floor has not looked so clean for ages. The volume is a little louder than my current vacuum, but bearable; fortunately it does not have that irritating high-pitched whine that some vacuums are known for. I am in love  with this vacuum and it is already one of my favourite cleaning tools!  I am never going back to a straight domestic vacuum cleaner again! The flip side is that the domestic-purpose cleaning head, brush and upholstery tools and filters/bags have to be purchased separately from Shop-Vac Australia (unless I can find a NZ stockist), but even purchasing these items in addition to the vacuum will work out cheaper in total than the budget-priced vacuum I currently have. I bought this model shopvac.com.au/92601.htm from Placemakers, but there is also a stainless steel version from SuperCheap Auto. In Australia, Shop-Vacs are available from Bunnings and SuperCheap Auto. More information on available models, accessories, stockists and authorised repairers can be found at Shop-Vac Australia: shopvac.com.au If you're looking for a reasonably-priced heavy-duty vacuum cleaner (around NZ$160), I highly recommend a Shop-Vac. It may take a bit of time and effort to source one, but you won't be disappointed.  MS |
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Post by howardsgirlfriend on Aug 1, 2009 0:29:49 GMT -5
I'm so glad you found one!
I fell in love with mine when I saw it pick up a ballpoint pen.
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Post by 60isolderthanithot on Aug 1, 2009 9:36:28 GMT -5
What kind of electricity does Aus/NZ use? Is it 120 volt AC 60 cycle or some other form?
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Post by bigtimetroubles on Aug 1, 2009 16:39:10 GMT -5
I got mine at SEARS in USA perhaps on website of Walmart if they ship internationally....good luck you sound like you are the type that could use one with wood chips and straw...hehehe hugs btt
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Post by Morningstar on Aug 1, 2009 19:22:06 GMT -5
Hi 60isolderthanithot, Electricity in NZ operates on 250V and 10A (according to the plugs of various appliances around the house - some the of the smaller appliances run at 7.5A). Power sockets are designed to take three-pronged plugs, although the plugs of some small appliances have only two (the 7.5A, two-pronged plugs appear to belong to cheaper, Chinese-made appliances like CD/radio players, kettles etc). I think Australia might be on a similar voltage, but I don't know that for certain. Howardsgirlfriend, thanks for the feedback, it's certainly proving to be worth its weight in gold! After a little more reading online, I've come to the conclusion that a thirsty wet/dry, commercial or workshop-type vacuum is the best allround kind for my situation, as domestic vacuums (especially those with Hepa filters) are not designed to pick up large pieces of debris or outdoor/workshop type waste - clogs 'em up too quickly. BTT, major chains like Sears or Walmart would no doubt ship internationally, but it probably be not worth the bother for electrical appliances - you'd need adaptors, maybe cords rewired etc. Thanks for the suggestion though, it is exactly what I needed for the house - it'll be great for the car and the rabbit area as well.  MS |
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Post by mish on Aug 1, 2009 20:00:51 GMT -5
Morningstar, I'm just gobsmacked at the price!! Well done you! I paid several hundred for a Dyson which does work well, but the problem is the operator... I need to use more often than I actually do! Guess the same could be said for all vacs, tho. |
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Post by flylady on Aug 2, 2009 5:15:53 GMT -5
Thanks for that I need a new vacuum, just have to save up for one. I love the idea of a shop vac, and I am guessing they are a lot sturdier? Morning Star Oz is 240 volts Also another place to go is Godfreys. |
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