I've used Miele exclusively for 19 years. I am thrilled with it!
http://www.bestvacuum.com/images/miele-healthyclean.jpg

I still have the same one, still working. The black diamond model. Just purchased a racy red new one in 2009 and gave the older one to a friend. It was $379 best price, in the US. It is a canister. Great power, easy to use, glides like a dream.

Here is a similar model, now priced at $399 for 2009
http://www.bestvacuum.com/images/miele/miele-polaris.jpg

It is great for rugs, carpets, hardwood, linoleum, tile, everything. Dirt, dust, spiderwebs, hair, everything.

I buy them and the bags here, great prices and free shipping usually.

http://www.bestvacuum.com/miele.html

Beater bars for rugs aren't necessary, and they usually tangle with everything, including hair and threads and fibers.

Rainbow and Kirby cost the most.
Avoid them. They don't do $1000 to $2000 worth of cleaning.

Also if you are interested, you can buy a Dyson or whatever appeals to you at Costco. Try it out. Then respectfully clean it, and return it if it does not do the job. Return within a respectful month, and with all papers, receipt and box. They are good about returns. I tried one last year. It was about $300. It was noisier and did not have as much suction as the Miele. I also prefer a canister for easy mobility, rather than an upright. But this is a personal choice that you can decide what is easier for you.

good luck!

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