Kirby is very different to the majority of companies that manufacture and market vacuum cleaners. In fact, many would say that the company is completely unique. In a world where customer service seems to have gone awry, Kirby still appears to take pride in who they are and what they do. But what exactly can their vacuum cleaners give to the world... [REF Kirby Vacuum Cleaner Reviews 2008]
Who Are Kirby?
Kirby was founded by Jim Kirby, an incorrigible inventor that refused to give up his dream of making a living out of his ideas. He invented a number of products that are still manufactured today and was awarded over 200 patents in his lifetime, but the most famous of all of Kirby’s inventions was and still is his vacuum cleaning system. Although he had begun designing vacuum products in 1906, he did not begin to manufacture them until after World War I.
In 1925, Kirby introduced the Vacuette Electric to the world. It was an early version of the accessorized vacuum we see today, having a removable handle and a nozzle that could be used to access awkward places. There have been many models introduced to the Kirby range over the years.
The Products
Unlike other vacuum manufacturers out there, Kirby only manufactures and sells one vacuum cleaner at a time. It is currently the Sentria System and has been since 2006. The Sentria System utilizes all of the latest technology and essentially incorporates two vacuums into the one package. The detachable elements ensure that it can be used as a handheld vacuum as well as an upright one, and there is also a mode to polish wooden floors as well – an all-in-one approach. You can also adjust the height of the vacuum as well to suit your own needs and prevent strain injuries.
Aside from the features listed above, this vacuum cleaner also has a headlight so that you can see where you are cleaning, TechDive so that you do not have to use much force to move the vacuum, and a HEPA 11 filtration system.
Although it is not a feature of the Kirby vacuum cleaner itself, the fact that Kirby products are only available via house call reiterates the fact that the company is still proud of its customer services record. The house call service is available in the USA and 26 other countries worldwide, including the UK, Australia, South Africa and Russia.
However, as one might expect, the Kirby vacuum cleaners are relatively expensive, costing potentially hundreds of dollars more than similar models that are manufactured at the moment. However, the argument for these vacuum cleaners lies in the extensive list of features.
I bought a used G6 and it is easy to push in nuetral but does not self-propel. I had a G4 years ago and I am almost certain I am putting the bag on right. The motor turns on and it vacuums, it just never gets easy to push. Like the power-drive feature does not work.
Misti if you are having a problem with your unit there are service center located around the world, and they are very fair priced. However since you purchased the unit used you do not have the Lifetime Rebuild/Replace warranty available to it.
I would recommend you check out a new unit directly from us (Google Kirby and set up a demo). If you purchase a Kirby new it will last past your lifetime and if in 4, 5, 15, or 20 years it is scuffed, scratched, dinged, or just needs some work you can send it in to the company with $175 and they will rebuild it and it will come back to you as new as the day it was purchased.
Unless you hold onto your original purchase information you are kind of out of luck with the whole "REBUILD" option. I purchased mine in 1996, and after a minimum of 12 moves, a divorce, etc. I have no idea where any of this is, so sorry CHARLIE is basically what I was told by a women in the parts department at Kirby! and after receiving my rebuild documentation, it's on there to in big black letters. SO...for a vacuum I love and have had for 15 years, I guess it's bye bye!
I have a friend that has one and I'm surprised on how expensive his vacuum was when I have a dyson that isnt self propelled but picks up the same amount of dirt and dust. and he spent hundreds more than I did. Not saying its a bad vacuum just saying there are vacuums out there that are way cheaper that do just as good of job.
I think some of the testimonies in this forum will show that since one vacuum cleaner can last 15, 20 or even 40 years... divide its price over that many years to find your annual cost. I know a lot of people buy cheaper ones but have to replace it every 5 years or less. So do the math!
The Kirby vacuus was the first signicant purchase that my wife and I made, the year was 1968, when we set up house in San Diego. Since then the unit has performed dependably. Although the unit has beem repaired from time-to-time, due to normal wear-and-tear type use, this is certainly to be expected! The thing about it is that the Kirby was a tremendous tool in 1968 and it is just as good today (although it isn't as shiny as when it was new). I will always go with equipment which is dependable and repairable!!! You can take that to the bank :). Raymond
Used to have a Kirby. Sales people in Canada very pushy, even dishonest. My wife had to threaten to call the cops on them when they would not leave.
Since the vac broke, we tossed it and the company out with it.
I purchased my Kirby used over 25 years ago and it's just starting to need some real attention. The thing that I like the most about it is that it's not plastic.
I bought a new Kirby G5 in 1994. It is just starting to have some troubles. I read on this website that I can send it somewhere to get it fixed. I'd be delighted to know where I can send it. Thanks!
Brenda, call Kirby's Rebuild Department at 216-433-7797, or email them at rebuild@kirbywhq.com
That is, assuming that you're the original purchaser. So long as you are, they'll help you arrange a complete rebuild of your G5 for $175. When they're done with it, you'll get back your G5 looking exactly the way it did the day you bought it.
I'd love to have my Kirby refurbished--it's beginning to need a few minor tune-up touches after 14 years of use. However, after all these years, I'm not sure how we could prove proof of purchase. Is there a record somewhere within the company?
If you are the original purchaser, you have your serial number registered with Kirby and they will have that on file. There's a reason Kirbys, like Rolexes, are registered. Call the number and you can find out.
I bought the diamond kirby in 2006 and although it does its job there are a few features as to why I sold it. First the attachments are a little complicated and takes a lot longer to actually clean places with the attachments. Had the shampooer attachment hated it, I did more dumping then cleaning. Also the vaccum is quite heavy and bulky. It does a good job of cleaning but its just not fast and easy to use.
Love my Kirby G3 which I purchased in 1990. I'd love to have it refurbished.
Didn't know that that the warranty would cover it for life. Thanks for the information. So glad that I happened onto this site and learned this.
Best vacuum ever!!! I never thought my husband would even consider spending the money for a Kirby. One of the best items we've ever purchased.Cleans like a dream. If anything ever goes wrong I can have it completely rebuilt for less then a new crappy vacuum, $175. Worth every penny!
In the early 80s, we bought a Kirby. I don't remember the model#, but it was a heavy beast. Worked flawlessly. The weight I think helped it really get into the carpet. It did not have drive wheels on it that I remember. After nearly 20 years, we had to get rid of it in favor of the much lighter Oreck. It was still vacuuming quite well as I remember.
It really was a great machine. The only things we did not like about the Kirby were (1) the weight - got to where we could not lift it up and down the stairs anymore; (2) The rubber drive belts were difficult to remove/install; (3) The headlights, while great, burned out way too often for the cost. (4) The cost. They are very proud of their machines...
I sold Kirbys for about three weeks. I quit selling them because I did not like the way the were doing business and pushing their sales.
HOWEVER,the Kirby is an amazing product and I still believe in it 100%. Dont buy one from a salesman though, it is way overpriced if you do that. Look for them on eBay or a reseller.
I started with a Kirby Classic in 1971 and upgraded to a G5 in 1997. I had the Classic refurbished for $69 and gave it to my daughter. When I had the G5 refurbished recently, they removed the metal impeller and replaced it with a plastic one. Then they told me that impellers are NOT covered items and they charged me extra! Recently, I looked over the $199 Shark that my son purchased. I cleaned my carpet with my Kirby then went over it with the Shark. An incredible amount of dust was missed by the Kirby. My son doesn't have to buy EXPENSIVE bags and belts for his machine. Since Kirby actually downgraded my machine by putting in a non-covered plastic impeller, I've decided that my next vacuum will NOT be a Kirby. Technology has overcome the advantage of this big expensive vacuum cleaner.
Don't purchase this vacuum from a salesman.
Saleman will try to charge you over $3000.
Buy online and you can get a refurbished or new one for less than a grand.
The salespeople are very pushy, deceptive. Check out wiki; it tells about all the lawsuits, rapes and other unforgivible offenses caused by those scum of the earth-also known as a Kirby salesman.
I just bought the Kirby sentria. I love it and the salesman was not pushy, disrespectful, or otherwise scum. He would be welcome back anytime. I got rid of my 8 mo old shark ghat replaced my Dyson because they just don't hold up. In the 6 years my husband and I have been together we have spent 800 on vacuums that just can not keep up with kids, pets, and the filth that follows.
I work for Kirby and i also am a proud owner of a Sentria. People talk about how expensive Kirbys are and blah blah blah...but Kirby is not the most expensive one out there. Rainbow Vac actually sell anywhere from $2000 to $3800 and all it is is a canister vac which was...get this...INVENTED BY JAMES KIRBY...Yep the same guy who invented Kirby Vacs. He sold the patent to the rainbow company
