Oreck Commercial XL Upright Corded Vacuum Cleaner Review
When it comes to commercial-grade vacuum cleaners, the Oreck Commercial XL Upright Corded Vacuum Cleaner (Model XL2100RHS) stands out due to its lightweight design, powerful suction, and ability to transition smoothly between various floor types. This review will delve into its features, performance, pros and cons, and user experiences to provide a holistic view of this vacuum cleaner.
Product Overview
Specifications
- Model Number: XL2100RHS
- Dimensions: 6 x 13 x 35 inches
- Weight: 9 Pounds
- Date First Available: December 9, 2008
- Manufacturer: Oreck Commercial
- Country of Origin: China
- Is Discontinued By Manufacturer: No
Key Features
- Multi-Floor Versatility: Easy transition from carpets to hard floors without manual adjustments.
- Powerful Agitation: High-speed roller brush designed to agitate dirt and debris deep into carpets.
- Cord Guard: Integrated cord guard protects the cord from damage.
- Helping Hand Handle: Designed to reduce hand and wrist strain during use.
- Wall Bumpers: Non-marring bumpers safeguard furniture, walls, and baseboards.
- Side Edge Brushes: Effective for cleaning corners and along baseboards.
Performance
Cleaning Efficiency
The Oreck XL2100RHS is celebrated for its powerful suction and cleaning capabilities. Users frequently mention its effectiveness on both carpets and hard floors. The high-speed roller brush penetrates deep into carpet fibers, making it particularly adept at picking up pet hair and debris. Many reviewers noted that they were able to clean various flooring types, including plush carpets and hardwood, without needing to make adjustments.
User Experience
While the vacuum is lightweight and easy to maneuver, some users reported issues with noise levels. The vacuum is described as “extremely loud,” which can be a drawback for sensitive ears. The machine is also known for having a simple operation, with just one power switch and an easy-to-change bag system, making it user-friendly for both commercial and home use.
Maintenance
The bagged design has its advantages, as it reduces the frequency of emptying compared to bagless models. However, users noted that the lack of additional attachments can limit its versatility for cleaning hard-to-reach areas such as vents or ceilings. This vacuum shines in its intended purpose: cleaning floors.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Powerful Suction: Consistently effective on various flooring types.
- Lightweight Design: Easy to carry and maneuver.
- Ease of Use: Simple operation with minimal adjustments required.
- Wall Protection: Non-marring bumpers protect home decor.
- Cost-Effective: Generally considered a great value for the performance it offers.
Cons
- Noise Level: Users frequently mention it being quite loud.
- Limited Accessories: Lacks additional tools for specialized cleaning tasks.
- Durability Concerns: Some users have reported issues with longevity and performance over time.
- Single Height Adjustment: No height adjustment for different carpet types.
User Testimonials
User feedback varies, highlighting both satisfaction and concerns:
- Satisfaction with Performance: Many users praise its cleaning efficiency, particularly for pet hair and dirt on hard surfaces. One user mentioned using it daily in a large home with multiple flooring types and found it performed excellently across the board.
- Noise Complaints: A common theme among reviews is the noise level. Users were surprised by how loud the vacuum is, which could be a significant consideration for those sensitive to sound.
- Durability Issues: Some users experienced mechanical failures after less than a year, leading to dissatisfaction with the investment. Comments about the quality of materials used in construction suggest that while the vacuum is lightweight, it may compromise on durability.
- Ease of Use: Many users appreciate the lightweight design and straightforward operation, making it easy to use for extended periods without fatigue.
Overall Rating
Given the mixture of positive and negative experiences, the Oreck Commercial XL2100RHS earns a balanced rating of 3.8 out of 5 stars.
Conclusion
The Oreck Commercial XL Upright Corded Vacuum Cleaner is a solid choice for those seeking a powerful and lightweight vacuum for hard floors and carpets. Its straightforward design and effective cleaning capabilities make it appealing for both residential and commercial users. However, potential buyers should consider its noise level, lack of accessories, and concerns regarding long-term durability. Overall, it serves its primary function well, making it a worthwhile investment for the right user.
Matthew Buckley-Golder –
Quite pricey for a product that barely lasts a year. After 11 months, it struggles to pick up small bits of paper or dirt, just rattling around without doing its job. I’ve disassembled it to check for blockages, but found nothing. The motor simply isn’t functioning well anymore. A disappointing investment, and I won’t be purchasing Oreck products in the future.
karen honhold –
I was looking for a vacuum that would solve my problem of hauling around a bulky canister vacuum in my small, three-story home. Most of my floors are low-to-mid-pile carpet, and I usually don’t vacuum my non-carpeted areas; I prefer mopping or sweeping.
Many upright vacuums on the market seem more focused on aesthetics rather than functionality, leading to excess bulk and reduced efficiency. I wanted something compact enough to store in my closet and flat enough to reach under beds and low furniture.
If you’re prioritizing functionality over design, this vacuum might be for you. It powers on and off easily, has a single height setting, and features a cord that must be manually wrapped around the back retainers. It’s lightweight enough to carry upstairs with one hand and boasts strong suction. However, it is quite noisy, lacks a light, and has no attachments. Overall, it fits my needs perfectly.
For cleaning beyond floors, I recommend Oreck’s canister vacuum (like the BB1200DB). It offers a great balance between larger canisters and inexpensive handheld options, excelling in similar ways.
JB –
PROS: Always powerful performance. Comes with a 35′ cord. Features a single power switch. Bag replacement is a breeze. No unnecessary extras. Lightweight design. Effectively cleans edges and under beds. Works well on all floor types without needing to change settings. Just keeps rolling. I’ve purchased one for my home, my workplace, for my two sons, and my summer house. Straightforward and affordable. Outperforms all other high-end brands easily. CONS: Lacks attachments for vents, ceilings, etc. Overall, the BEST vacuum for FLOORS. Highly recommend!
J.R. –
Extremely disappointed. I chose this vacuum because it was marketed for commercial use, thinking it would be perfect for a family with kids. However, the plug doesn’t fit UK sockets, and there’s no adapter available! I recommend going with Sebo instead; it’s fantastic and will save you time and money.
AMG Enthusiast –
This vacuum is a complete disappointment. I purchased a $59 Bissell from Walmart, and it outperforms this Oreck XL2100RHS by a mile. For starters, there are no replacement parts available for this model!
It’s surprisingly lightweight, but if you open it up by removing the five hex screws, you’ll see there’s hardly anything inside. While it does have suction, it lacks a brush roller adjustment and ends up damaging your carpets. The roller brushes are poorly made, with inadequate bearings and large gaps that trap dirt, heat up, and ultimately melt. They recommend frequently checking and replacing the belts and brushes, which are difficult to find. Brushes cost about $20 and are a frequent issue, as they melt at the bearings. The use of flimsy coat hanger wires in its construction is also concerning.
You’ll notice there’s even space when you disassemble it to hide a brick, which, if glued in, could enhance its performance! If you wait more than 90 days to replace the brush, you might smell a burning odor.
When putting it back together, make sure you don’t install the roller brush upside down, or you’ll face major issues and have to disassemble everything again. None of the parts are stocked by Oreck, meaning you can only buy from dwindling third-party supplies. You could buy four Bissell vacuums for the price of this one.
My advice:
AVOID THE XL2100RHS. Look for a more widely available model.
DO NOT PURCHASE AN ORECK unless you need an extremely lightweight option.
If you have another vacuum, lower the brushes to the lowest setting to achieve a similar effect as the Oreck (but beware: this may damage your vacuum, and that’s not my responsibility).
Just get the $60 Bissell from Walmart and save yourself the trouble. Even after going through three of those, you’ll still come out ahead!
AMG Enthusiast –
I’ve owned one of these before and they’re fantastic—so lightweight and easy to use, plus you don’t need to empty the bag every few minutes. This model is quite noisy, but I’m still pleased with it.
Briffany –
I absolutely love the weight of this vacuum! When I first lifted the box, I honestly thought I had been scammed because it felt so light. Assembly was a breeze, and I was ready to start cleaning in no time. It performs exceptionally well on apartment carpet, boasting impressive suction power that’s perfect for tackling cat hair. However, it struggles a bit on plush carpets and those with raised patterns; it just doesn’t roll smoothly there. On bare floors, though, it shines.
Now, about the noise—it is incredibly loud! I was not prepared for that level of sound from such a compact vacuum.
I’ve only had it for two days, but I’m satisfied so far. It does exactly what it’s supposed to, which is the most important thing. I plan to buy bags and will continue using this vacuum alongside my bagless one for my plush carpets.
LG –
I’ve tested numerous vacuums in stores and had a few at home that I didn’t like. Some brands, starting with the letter D, were particularly disappointing. The new models seem to yank carpet out of their strips, and I found many stick vacuums to be cumbersome and frustrating. Then I discovered this Oreck, and I’m glad I took a chance on it. It’s lightweight, easy to maneuver, and does an excellent job. I had my first Oreck about 25 years ago and loved it, but when I replaced it with a newer model, it was a letdown, which might explain why their stores closed down. This one is reasonably priced and has been reliable—until now.
We’re currently moving, and suddenly this vacuum won’t pick up even a piece of lint or a feather from a down pillow. We’ve loved this Oreck, but it has stopped working. We changed the bag, and my husband checked the belt—everything seems fine, but it just won’t pick up anything. It’s Sunday night, and we’re in the midst of a move with a closing on Thursday. What should I do now? Please help!
Elizasmith –
I bought this vacuum about 2.5 years ago, and I use it every day in a house with two large dogs that shed heavily and bring in sand during the winter. My home is 3,000 sq ft and has various types of flooring: standard carpet, shag carpet, indoor/outdoor carpet, hardwood, concrete, tile, and linoleum. Its performance on hard floors is outstanding—unlike many other upright vacuums I’ve tried that just push debris around. This one excels at cleaning in every room and is lightweight enough to carry upstairs. The bagged design is very convenient, but remember not to let it get too full and support the bottom when removing it.
This vacuum doesn’t come with attachments, so if you need to clean high areas like curtains, you’ll need a separate tool. I even pick it up to run it over my couch. We chose this model for its ease of use; my old canister vacuum had too many features and was a hassle to maneuver. This one is a breath of fresh air. Here are a couple of tips, especially for large carpeted areas:
Since it’s lightweight, it doesn’t have a massive motor doing all the work, so it may feel a bit hard to push at first. Align your pushing elbow with your hip and avoid overextending your arm. Take a step or two forward, then back, and keep your arm close to your body.
If it suddenly feels difficult to push, it likely needs a belt change. We used it daily for two years before needing to replace the belt for the first time. It’s so easy to use and effective on every surface that it gets a lot of use. Much better than a heavy “does it all” machine that you dread using.
TP –
This vacuum is exactly what I needed—simple and effective. I have a cat that sheds quite a bit, and it handles her hair with ease. It’s also lightweight and user-friendly. My only drawback is the noise level; it can be quite loud. Aside from that, I’ve been using it for over a year without any issues. Just a heads up, it doesn’t come with extra attachments, and you can’t detach the hose for cleaning tight spaces.