Miele S 7210: Solid Vacuum, With A Twist

As the new year approaches, we’re feeling the urge to clean out everything (relationships, closets, bank accounts…). We’re also resolving to clean our habitations more often, and thoroughly. After noticing how quickly cat hair builds into an unattractive area rug, we pulled out the Miele S 7210 Twist and took it for a spin.

Besides being a cute play on various dance forms (Miele also has models called the “tango,” the “swing,” and the “salsa”), the “Twist” describes the maneuverability of this vacuum. An innovative, patented “swivelneck” allows you to steer the machine in all directions, at all angles. We were able to vacuum around table legs, and even under a bed, without needing to pull out the attachment. The front wheels have 360 degree rotation, making it easier to zag around odd-shaped rooms. We tapped a foot switch, and the floor head casing disengaged and the rear wheels retracted into the vacuum body, further smoothing movements. Remind anyone else of playing with Transformers?

One of the reasons we often put off vacuuming is the horrible noise that accompanies the chore. Listening to music becomes impossible, and hearing yourself think improbable. Though not ninja-silent, the Miele Twist creates less rumble than the vacuums we grew up with, even with the 1200-watt motor. This vacuum is heavy enough that you’re not going to want to cart it around, but the weight balance makes it easy to wield. We were also impressed by the 39-foot cord- finding a free power outlet in the right place was not a problem.

We usually hate changing vacuum bags- the poof of dust and allergins often sparks a coughing fit. Miele tackles this problem with nine-layer electrostatically charged bag, in an airtight vacuum chamber. It did work, but we’re not crazy about needing to buy replacement bags, around $20 a pop. We tried out another upright vacuum recently, the LG Kompressor, that utilized a canister instead, while still being allergy-friendly.

The bottom line, we found the Miele S 7210 a solid, reliable vacuum. It felt like it would last a long time. It doesn’t have the futuristic aspects of some of the other vacuums we’ve reviewed, but is an improvement on the vacuums we grew up with. You can invest in one from Amazon for around $430.

Now to get an early start on those resolutions and vacuum behind the couch…