Sebo (K1KOMFORT) Bagged Canister Vacuum

If you have never heard of Sebo before then check them out - like Miele they are German and they also make the best quality vacuum cleaners around - Sebo tops number one for reliability and it is easy to see why from the quality of fittings and ease of use.

My Komfort model came with all the standard accessories which the Komfort tag comprises from an air driven turbo floor head roller brush, a parquet brush and a 2 way universal floor brush. To be honest my Parquet brush has never been used in the two years of ownership because the standard universal 2 way floorhead has a plastic soleplate and doesn't scratch any of my floors. Against Miele, who I also considered the Sebo K1 Komfort is a bargain either brand new or secondhand against any Miele model who offer the same three floorheads.

Standard features of the K1 are fit for people who suffer from allergies but the main reason I bought my K1 was the fact that I was fed up with loud vacuums which gave me a headache. The K1 has a decibel factor of around 42 to 44bl which translates to being very quiet in use, even if the variable suction dial raises the pitch of the motor. Coupled with a triple filter HEPA system the filters themselves are the biggest yet I have handled on a cylinder pull along vacuum cleaner (and have to be replaced after 16-32 bags have been used so they are very long lasting against Miele) and the suction is fantastic even when the bags start to fill up. Like Sebo's X range of uprights (my parents have the 14 year old X1) the K1 has a LED light to show when there's a blockage or when the bag is full and individual seal caps come with the bags to seal the dirt when the bag is taken out.

Perhaps the biggest surprise is just how lightweight the K1 is even with the different types of floorheads attached. At 5.5 kg total weight the hose and telescopic height adjustable ratchet tubes are metal and plastic sheathed which absorbs bumps as well as remaining much lighter than Miele's twin tubes. This means cleaning above the floorline is easy and stress free whilst the 1.5 metre hose ensures extra reach with the height adjustable tubes. Oh and unlike Hoover and tons of other companies, Sebo's tubes and floorheads all snap lock on by way of a pip fitting push down lock. So once the tubes are fitted, they will never come off!

Movability is also much better than Miele; my K1 doesn't topple over much and it sits on stairs very well. The best advantage is that once all cleaning is finished, the 6 metre cord can be pulled and the K1 automatically rewinds the cable back in; no pedals here and no fear of being hit in the ankle when the cord whips back into the rear of the machine. And unlike other companies, the crevice tool is a 10" long tool perfect for getting into corners. A flat upholstery tool is standard with the K1 and fits flush on top of the K1. For the omfort model you also get a triangular upholstery brush with a clip for the hose.

Like Miele's S4000 range, the K1 Komfort uses a 3.5 litre triple layer paper/material bag and fitting/taking out a bag is very easy compared to Miele. The fact that you can't see the motor should tell you that you have a quality compact cylinder cleaner at your disposal. Like most Sebo machines however they are built for cleaning and the look of the K1 Komfort may not be pretty for most.

Bags and filters are available both from EBay and high street outlets including Argos. So if you're in the market for a Miele, seek a Sebo first!