I just bought a Riccar upright vacuum, the Radiance, and it is the best vacuum I have ever owned. It was an expensive purchase, but I think it’s worth every penny and I can’t complain. However, I recently met someone who bought a Riccar upright vacuum a few years ago and he told me about the problems he had after using it on a wet carpet.

I had an Electrolux vacuum cleaner and I loved it. She faithfully cleaned my floors and carpets for over 8 years before dying of old age. At first I thought of buying another Electrolux, I think it was the Oxygen. Anyway, I started reading some vacuum cleaner reviews online and found myself very confused. Some reviews of the Electrolux vacuum cleaner were complimentary, while others derided it. Then I started looking for other brands, which was a bad idea as I got even more confused. Eventually I went to our local vacuum retailer and I’m so glad I did.

It was in the store that I first came across the Riccar vacuum cleaner. I had never heard of him before, but the man in the shop told me that Riccar doesn’t advertise as much and his vacuums are more or less sold by word of mouth. Anyway, he demonstrated the Riccar Radiance in an upright position and I was amazed at how powerful it was. I was also able to test the Electrolux vacuum cleaner. While it was good, I really prefer the cleaning power and ease of use of the Riccar.

Also, the salesperson told me that Riccar vacuum cleaners are built to last. He showed me the metal components of the vacuum cleaner and I was able to compare it with the Electrolux. I was surprised by how much metal is used in the manufacture of the vacuum (and how little is used in other brands). The vacuum comes with a reinforced metal foot pedal, stainless steel bottom plate, metal wand, and even a polished metal cable hook!

Other features that impressed me were the indicator lights that told you when the bag is full, when to change the filter, and when the brushroll is clogged. It also comes with nice LED headlights.

As you’d expect, the Radiance comes with a HEPA filter, however filtration is further improved because the filter is sealed.

But without a doubt the most impressive thing about the Radiance are its engines, 2 to be precise. They work synchronously and it is called Tandem Air System. One is a high-speed motor positioned right on top of your head so you get great suction. The other sits on top of the other and provides suction for the built-in tools and assists with the high-efficiency filtration system.

I have now been using the vacuum for several weeks and it has been great. I have hardwood and carpeted floors. With my old Electrolux vacuum, I would have to manually adjust the brush roll, but the Riccar vacuum adjusts automatically, which makes cleaning my floors much easier. The built-in tools are easy to use and snap on and off with ease. Overall I am delighted with it and find it very hard to find fault with it.

However, recently I was playing tennis with an acquaintance and then we started talking about vacuum cleaners – like you do – and when I told them that I bought and loved my Riccar they told me that they had bought one several years ago and that it was a mistake and it ended up being a bunch of expensive junk. Apparently, they used it on freshly washed and still damp carpets. Then they left it on the carpet. Anyway, a day or two later, the axle between the rear wheels rusted, and soon they couldn’t push it. They tried to complain and get their money back, but the company told them they had “abused” the vacuum and told them the warranty was invalid. I made a note to never go near water with mine.

I am very happy with my Riccar vacuum and I think the build quality, materials and suction power make it one of the best vacuums you can buy, even if it is also one of the most expensive.