Kirby is very different from 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. Their "Home Care Systems" have been well known for reliability, quality and performance. Manufacturing takes place in Cleveland, Ohio and Andrews, Texas and all home care systems are built in America. But what exactly can their machines provide customers today...
Who is 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 Kirbys 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.
Interested in a Kirby? Checkout Kirby parts, attachments, and vacuums on Amazon
The Features
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.
Kirby Vacuum Cleaner Manuals
We have provided links to the most popular Kirby Vacuum Cleaner manuals here - the Sentria and the Sentria II:
Kirby Sentria Manual
Kirby Sentria II Manual
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Comments
My favorite part is using the hose attachment. I used the hard floor head today and it did a great job. You don't have to fight the hose to pull it out, and the Kirby actually rolls behind me pretty well. I like to use the attachments to vacuum the deer head mounts, ceiling fans, etc.
I don't like the way it does an entrance rug. I can't seem to get the brush roll height right.
I will keep it since what can you buy for $75 that has HEPA and holds up?
Quieter than most.
XLNT pickup.
Bulletproof, well built.
Low dust emissions.
High rated (except price) by C. R. For above traits.
Easy to work on, adjust, fix.
Cons:
Pricey (if bought new)
Heavy (older models)
Gotta buy thru salesman
Care:
Proper adjustment height & brush.
Change bag when half full.
CLEAN HAIR brush, roller, and motor OFTEN.
Check belt, change when needed.
Better machines? Only Filter Queen, to my knowledge. Don’t bother with plastic or bag less machines. You see them on the curb, every trash day, for good reason.
End of story.
Salesman and apprentice were courteous.
When we used the shampooer, it seemed that we had to use an extravagant amount of product; 2 average 9x12 rooms and now we need more shampoo.
After reading many of these revues, I am wondering... ours is supposed to be guaranteed forever.
If this is true, why do you sell replacement parts? it seems they should be GIVEN instead of sold.
Then there is the bag... never looking at the machine, before purchasing it;seems that the bag was on a demonstrator before being sold to us; it was full the first time we used it! on ONE 9 x 12 room.
How do we get in touch with the people who sold it to us; seeing as they will not answer the phone? There is voice-mail, but when we leave a message there is never a return call.
If Mr Kirby were still here; I am sure he would fix this situation! with a new bag and better explanation on shampooing.
pay for the servicing trip. The dealer says that he can\'t afford to make the trip our way. we are disappointed with the whole Kirby system, esp since we paid an incredible amount of money for the machine. We are thinking of abandoning it at the dealer\'s and have already reported him to the BBB
Thank you for your time.
Misti Brown
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.
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.
may have been stolen
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...
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.
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.
Since the vac broke, we tossed it and the company out with 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.
I hope this helps you!
John the KIRBY Guy!