When it comes time to buy a new vacuum cleaner, Sanitaire and Oreck are two of the biggest names in the industry. Both companies make high-quality vacuums known for their power, durability, and reliability. But which is better for your home – Sanitaire or Oreck?
In this comprehensive comparison guide, we’ll analyze the key differences between Sanitaire and Oreck vacuums across critical categories like design, features, performance, maintenance, cost, and more. Read on to learn which type of vacuum is the right fit for your cleaning needs and budget.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Category | Sanitaire | Oreck |
| Design | Upright with wheels | Lightweight without wheels |
| Weight | Heavy, metal body | Light, under 9 lbs |
| Suction Power | 117-140 air watts | 96-108 air watts |
| Filtration | HEPA available | HEPA available |
| Attachments | Included | Sold separately |
| Cord Length | Up to 40 ft. | Up to 35 ft. |
| Bagged Vs. Bagless | Usually bagged | Bagless |
| Carpet Cleaning | Excellent, adjustable powerhead | Good for low-pile carpets |
| Hard Floor Cleaning | Lacks hard floor optimization | Settings specifically for hard floors |
| Edge Cleaning | Wheeled design can make edges tricky | Lower clearance reaches corners easily |
| Pet Hair Removal | Specialized pet hair models available | Tangle-free brushes effective on pet hair |
| Noise Level | Can be loud | Quieter operation |
| Maintenance | More frequent belt changes, bag changes, filter cleaning | Less maintenance required |
| Cost | $180-$500 | $200-$700 |
| Durability | 8-10 years | 5-8 years |
Vacuum Design
One of the most noticeable differences between Sanitaire and Oreck vacuums is their design and structure.
Sanitaire vacuums typically have a metal or heavy-duty plastic body that sits on wheels. This upright design makes Sanitaire models easier to maneuver around furniture or stairs. Many Sanitaire vacuums have height adjustment settings and tool storage on the body for convenience.
Oreck vacuums feature a lightweight, streamlined body without wheels. This allows you to carry Oreck models room-to-room easily. However, the lack of wheels and low-profile base may make vacuuming under furniture more difficult. Oreck vacuums prioritize portability over onboard tool storage.
When choosing between the two brands, consider your floor plan and storage space. Sanitaire’s wheeled vacuums work well for multi-story homes, while Oreck’s lighter weight is ideal for apartments.
Vacuum Features
Both Sanitaire and Oreck offer vacuums with a variety of features to improve cleaning effectiveness. Here’s an overview of some popular options:
- Suction control: Sanitaire vacuums allow you to adjust suction power as needed for different surfaces. Oreck lacks manual suction control on most models.
- HEPA filtration: Many Sanitaire and Oreck vacuums use advanced HEPA filters to trap 99.97% of particles and allergens.
- Powerheads: Sanitaire’s height-adjustable powerheads are great for carpets. Oreck uses lower-profile powerheads best for short carpets.
- Tools/attachments: Sanitaire vacuums have onboard storage for crevice tools, dusting brushes, and more. Oreck owners must separately purchase desired attachments.
- Cord length: Sanitaire offers cords up to 40 feet long for wide cleaning reach. Oreck caps cords at 35 feet.
- Bagged Vs. bagless: Most Sanitaire models use bags to contain dirt and debris. Oreck vacuums are predominantly bagless with easy-empty dust cups.
Think about which features would benefit your home cleaning the most when deciding between the two brands. Homes with lots of carpeting may benefit more from Sanitaire’s adjustable powerhead, for example.
Vacuum Performance
Of course, suction power and cleaning performance should be top priorities when selecting a new vacuum. Here’s how Sanitaire and Oreck models stack up:
Suction power
- Sanitaire vacuums have strong suction ranging from 117 air watts on basic models up to 140 air watts on high-end varieties. This makes them excellent for deep carpet cleaning.
- Oreck models have good but slightly lower suction around 96 to 108 air watts. They work well for shorter carpets and hard floors.
Cleaning hard floors
- Sanitaire vacuums excel on carpets but aren’t always optimized for bare floors. Some models lack hard floor tools or require shutting off the powerhead.
- Most Oreck vacuums have settings specifically for cleaning hard floors, making them very versatile for homes with different surface types.
Edge cleaning
- Sanitaire’s wheeled design can make reaching corners and edges tricky. The powerhead is also quite wide.
- Oreck’s lower clearance and lighter body allow you to easily maneuver into corners, edges, and under furniture for thorough cleaning.
Pet hair removal
- Variants like the Sanitaire HEPA Vacuum Cleaner are specially designed to eliminate embedded pet hair. The height-adjustable powerhead helps to thoroughly clean carpets.
- Oreck models contain tangle-free brushes effective at removing pet hair from carpets and furniture. The lack of wheels aids maneuverability around pet beds or toys.
For the strongest overall cleaning across floor types, Oreck may hold a slight edge over Sanitaire. But Sanitaire offers superior carpet cleaning for high-pile or heavily soiled rugs.
Also Read: Is Soniclean Better Than Miele?
Maintenance And Durability
To get the most value from your vacuum, it’s important to consider maintenance requirements and long-term durability:
- Filter cleaning: Sanitaire vacuums have filters you must regularly wash and air dry to maintain suction. Oreck uses disposable filters for easier maintenance.
- Belt replacement: Expect to replace Sanitaire’s belts every 1-2 years with regular use. Oreck belts often last 5+ years before needing a swap.
- Bag changes: Bagged Sanitaire models need bag replacements every 1-3 months depending on use. Oreck’s bagless tanks take longer to fill up.
- Repairs: Both brands offer 5-10 year warranties on parts, but Sanitaire repairs may be more expensive due to the metal construction. Oreck repairs are generally affordable.
- Durability: Sanitaire vacuums often last 8-10+ years with proper maintenance. Oreck lightweight models average 5-8 years before possible motor burnout.
Oreck’s bagless design and disposable filters make their vacuums a bit more hassle-free long-term. But Sanitaire models are built to withstand very heavy residential use with proper upkeep.
Cost Considerations
Affordability is an important factor for most shoppers. Here’s an overview of costs:
Upfront costs
- Entry-level Sanitaire vacuums start around $180, while basic Oreck models are priced from $200.
- High-end Sanitaire vacuums range from $300 to $500. Oreck’s premium models reach up to $700.
Accessory costs
- Oreck buyers will need to purchase attachments separately if desired, adding to the overall cost. Sanitaire tools often come included.
Consumable costs
- Sanitaire’s regular bag and belt changes raise long-term costs. Oreck’s bagless and long-lasting belt design lowers ongoing expenses.
Repair costs
- Oreck repairs are generally affordable at around $100-200. Sanitaire repairs can be pricier due to metal construction.
For shoppers on a tight budget, Oreck may fit more within initial spending limits. But Sanitaire delivers value via robust construction and inclusion of tools/accessories.
Also Read: Comparison Between Bissell 1940a vs 19405 Steam Mop
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Hotels often choose Oreck vacuums for several key reasons:
Lightweight design – At just 8 pounds, Oreck models are extremely easy for housekeeping staff to carry between rooms on busy shifts.
Low profile – The streamlined base slides easily under hotel beds and furniture without requiring adjustments.
Bagless model – Oreck’s bagless tanks mean less frequent interruptions to empty bags while cleaning multiple rooms.
Easy maintenance – Features like disposable filters help Oreck vacuums withstand heavy commercial use with minimal upkeep required.
Powerful suction – Oreck vacuums provide strong suction for quick, effective cleaning even in high-traffic spaces.
Reliable performance – Well-built Oreck motors maintain suction over years of hotel use. Many run up to 1,000 hours before servicing.
Versatile – From plush carpets to hard floors, Oreck vacuums handle a range of surfaces found in guest rooms and common areas.
Sanitaire vacuums are manufactured by the BISSELL company, one of the largest vacuum brands worldwide. The Sanitaire line was originally established in the 1930s as a commercial and industrial vacuum division within BISSELL.
Today, Sanitaire continues producing high-quality, heavy-duty vacuums designed for commercial use. Many of their models also appeal to residential consumers seeking professional-grade cleaning power.
Sanitaire commercial vacuums are made in BISSELL factories based in the United States and sell globally through the company’s extensive distribution network. The brand is focused on innovation and has pioneered vacuum features like full bag indicators, on-board tool storage, and height-adjustable powerheads.
With over 80 years of experience creating robust, high-performing vacuums, Sanitaire is recognized as an established leader in the commercial cleaning industry.
Oreck vacuums suffered a decline in the late 2000s after the founder, David Oreck, sold the company to the New Zeck Corporation in 2003. Under new ownership, Oreck experienced shifts in strategy and distribution that led to decreased sales. Manufacturing was moved overseas, stores closed nationwide, and product quality suffered.
In 2013, the Oreck Corporation filed for bankruptcy and began being managed by new ownership under the name Oreck Homecare. The modern Oreck company has worked to regain customer trust by:
Moving manufacturing back to the United States
Improving vacuum quality and performance
Updating models with new features
Expanding availability through major retailers
While Oreck faced challenges, the brand has recovered well and continues providing lightweight, user-friendly vacuums for home and hotel use. Improved customer service and warranties increased satisfaction. Oreck remains popular even among consumers hesitant during their difficult transition period.
In 2013, the Oreck Corporation underwent bankruptcy and restructuring under new ownership called the Oreck Homecare division of New Zeck Corporation. This new management included:
Tom Oreck, son of the original founder, who aimed to revive his father’s company by moving operations to Tennessee and updating manufacturing.
The Steinhafels family, who purchased Oreck Homecare and helped overhaul the supply chain and product designs.
Ascribe, a private equity group who invested in Oreck Homecare to boost growth and retail presence.
Oreck executives like Alan Mulally, former Ford CEO, who leveraged auto industry knowledge to improve Oreck’s engineering.
Under this new leadership, Oreck rebuilt brand image and performance. Customer service, marketing, and distribution were overhauled to be competitive again in the vacuum industry. While no longer family-owned, Oreck’s latest evolution allowed one of America’s most recognized vacuum brands to survive and thrive into the 21st century.
Also Read: Comparison Between Bissell 2075A And Bissell 2181.
The Verdict
So, when considering your options between Sanitaire Vs. Oreck, which vacuum is right for you?
For superior carpet cleaning power, choose Sanitaire. Options like the Sanitaire Professional give you excellent suction and height-adjustable powerheads to lift dirt from carpets. The metal body also makes Sanitaire the more durable choice for heavy carpet cleaning.
For lightweight portability, Oreck is the winner. Models like the Oreck XL Classic glide easily under furniture and into corners with the bagless design weighing under 9 pounds. Oreck also works well if you have lots of hard floors or short carpeting.
For pet hair pickup, both brands offer capable options. Look to Sanitaire’s dedicated Pet Lover vacuums or Oreck’s tangle-free brushes to conquer pet hair.
For household use on a budget, Oreck is likely the more affordable option long-term. The lack of bags and long-lasting belts reduces ongoing costs. Sanitaire provides greater value for commercial-grade performance.
For low maintenance, Oreck takes the lead. Features like disposable filters and bagless tanks require less frequent upkeep over years of use. Sanitaire offers superior durability but needs more regular maintenance.
As you can see, there’s no universal winner between the two brands. Make your choice based on the design, cleaning performance, and maintenance features that best suit your home and lifestyle. Both Sanitaire and Oreck make exceptional vacuums loved by professionals and consumers alike.