Miele S2 Vacuum Cleaners

Avg. consumer rating = 95/100 

Manufactured in Germany and new for 2010, the Miele S2 series of canister vacuums range in price from about 300USD for the Olympus to about 600USD for the Titan.  It can be a little confusing determining which S2 canister is the right one for your needs.  In this review we describe what the Miele Olympus, Miele Delphi and the Miele Titan have in common as well as where they differ.  Additionally we discover some of what consumers think of this relatively new Miele S2 vacuum cleaner series.

The Miele S2 series is a slighter lower entry point to the Miele Canister than the S4 or S5 series.  The Miele S2 series of vacuum cleaners includes the following models:

- Miele S2120 Olympus Canister Vacuum Cleaner
- Miele S2120 Delphi Canister Vacuum Cleaner
- Miele S2180 Titan Canister Vacuum Cleaner

Filtration
The S2 series canisters use high efficiency vacuum bags constructed with three-ply random-spun polymer fibers.  These bags, according to Miele, remove more particles and allergens than conventional paper bags and also provide better airflow.

The S2 also comes with the Miele “Super Air Clean” exhaust filter” which captures 94% of all particles 0.3 microns or larger that pass though it.  This level of filtration is often sufficient for those who do not suffer from allergies or asthma.  However HEPA filters can be purchased and fit into the S2 series.  HEPA filtration captures 99% of particles 0.3 microns or larger.  The HEPA acronym is predominantly used in the USA and in Europe this level of filtration is often referred to as “S class” filtration.

Active charcoal filters can also be purchased and fit into the S2.  These are sometimes useful for homes with pets as the activated charcoal is very effective at eliminating odors.  These filters are not cheap but they are apparently effective.  They are about 37USD on Amazon – see image to right.

Motor & Warranty
The Miele S2 vacuums are powered by Miele’s 1200 watt high output motor that uses the Vortex Suction Motor System.  Miele Vortex Suction uses a series of fan blades designed to optimize airflow and increase motor efficiency.  Motor suction can also be controlled by a rotary dial located on the canister.  There are six motor speed stages on the dial  (from 200W to 1200W).  Additionally Miele have also lined the motor housing with noise dampening material and this ensures fairly quiet operation – indicated by several consumer comments.

The motor has a life expectancy of some 1200 hours – and Miele provide a 7-year motor warranty.  The vacuum casing is also covered by a 7-year warranty.  The rest of the vacuum carries a 1-year limited warranty.

Other S2 Series Features
The Miele S2 vacuums all have 21 foot power cords (Miele advertise this as a 29.5 foot operating radius and this kind of measurement is hard to compare with other vacuums as most do not take this approach).  In our opinion 21 feet is a little short and some consumers have also indicated this. 

The vacuum bags are large with a capacity of 4.76 quarts and the canister uses three rubber wheels that rotate 360 degrees to provide easy mobility.  There is also a vent on the vacuum handle which the operator can open to varying degrees such that suction at the vacuum head is carefully controlled.  This ability to fine tune suction is provided so that delicate items such as curtains or rugs can safely be vacuumed.

The S2 also comes with telescopic wands that allow for extra reach when needed, and the power cord has an auto-rewind feature that is activate via a foot pedal.  Miele also utilize “crush proof” hosing on the S2 series.  These don’t use wire reinforcement but, according to Miele, can be stepped-on, run-over, bent, etc. and they will revert back to their normal shape.

Attachments that come with each S2 model include a crevice tool, dusting brush and upholstery/stairs tool. The vacuum is also very light at 9.4 lbs.

How do the Olympus, Delphi and Titan differ?

Vacuum Hose
Olympus: standard (non-electric)
Delphi: electric
Titan: electric

You may be wondering why some have the electric hose and others do not.  This has to do with the ability to attach an electric nozzle.  See the different vacuum nozzles provided with each model below.

Vacuum Nozzle
One of the largest differences in the Miele S2 series vacuums is the vacuum nozzle. 

Carpet
- Olympus: Combination rug &  bare-floor nozzle (SBD 350-3)
- Delphi: Direct connect powerbrush (SEB 217-3) (note: electrically driven)
- Titan: Direct connect powerbrush (SEB 217-3) (note: electrically driven)

Bare Floors
- Olympus: Combination rug &  bare-floor nozzle (SBD 350-3)
- Delphi: Direct connect powerbrush (SEB 217-3) (note: electrically driven)
- Titan: Parquet floor brush (SBB Parquet-3)

The Direct connect powerbrush goes for about 130USD on Amazon and is designed for vacuuming low to medium pile carpets.  It has a rotating brushbar.  The Parquet floor brush is about 70USD and it gets great ratings on Amazon.  This brush is designed specifically for vacuuming parquet flooring but it is also effective on most bare floors.  The Parquet floor brush has a 12 inch wide cleaning path.  Miele indicate that this is better on bare floors than the combo nozzle that comes with the Olympus.

 

Telescopic Wand
Olympus: stainless steel telescopic wand
Delphi: electric direct connect telescopic wand
Titan: electric direct connect telescopic wand

The electric wand can be placed between the vacuum hose and a power attachment (it is built to quickly snap into place and all wiring is instantly connected).

Filtration
Olympus: Super air clean
Delphi: Super air clean
Titan: Active certified HEPA

The filtration list provided above simply indicates those filters that come standard with each given vacuum model.   Bear in mind that every S2 series model can be fitted with any of the Super Air Clean, Active Certified HEPA or Active Air Clean filters.

Miele S2 or S4?
Just a quick not to indicate that there are a few minor differences between the Miele S2 and the Miele S4 series although these are hard to find.  In general construction materials are a little less expensive on the S2 than the S4.  For example the S2 uses more plastic in it’s attachments than the S4.  Also the S4 canisters have “Sealed System” construction that ensures air does not leak prior to filtration.  This may be a key factor for those with bad allergies or asthma as filtration is only effective if all the air passes through the filters   The S2 canister construction is described by Miele as a “CleanAir System”.  It would appear the S2 canister may not be a sealed system (unless they have simply changed their terminology – this is not known).

The S2 also uses a 4.76 quart bag while the S4 series use 3.7 quart bags.  Additionally, the S4 has a non-powered hose and only non-powered nozzles will work with it (the STB205-3 Turbo Brush for the S4212 uses air power (see image under vacuum nozzle section above) – this brush can also be used with the S2120 Olympus as it has the non-electric hose).

Finally, the base model S4 (the Polaris as seen to the upper left) is about 100USD more than the base model S2 (the Olympus).  Although the next step up in the S4 series, the S4212 Neptune (as seen to the upper right), appears to be about the same price as the S2120 Delphi.  All S4212 canister vacuums get top notch ratings in Amazon.

S2 Consumer Sentiment
As the Miele S2 vacuums are quite new to the market there are not too many consumer reviews and ratings at this time but there are some.  These are provided below.

OLYMPUS

Source	Consumer Ratings	#Ratings
Amazon	5 stars out of 5	5
J&R	4.5 stars out of 5	2

DELPHI

Source	Consumer Ratings	#Ratings
Amazon	4.7 stars out of 5	3
J&R	4.0 stars out of 5	1

TITAN

Source	Consumer Ratings	#Ratings
Amazon	5 stars out of 5	3
Epinions	4.5 stars out of 5	2

A review of consumer comments from several quality sites yielded the following common Miele S2 vacuum likes and dislikes:

PROS
- Strong suction
- Light
- Stylish
- Quiet
- Maneuverable
- Durable

CONS
- Tools are small
- Miele accessories and supplies are not cheap
- Power cord is little short
- Floor nozzle is not powered (specifically the Olympus)
- Attachments are mounted to the hose
- Sometimes tips over

 

Do you have this vacuum?  Would you like to share any insights with other readers?  We encourage comments!