Miele S4212 Vacuum Cleaner Review

Avg. consumer rating = 98/100 

There are two Miele S4212 vacuums - the S4212 Polaris and the S4212 Neptune.  The base model, the Miele S4212 Polaris is the replacement for the Miele S4210 Carina.   It should be noted that the S4212 Polaris is entirely the same vacuum with the same features as the S4210 Carina.  The only difference is the color - the Polaris is a light blue color (baby blue) while the Carina is a light yellow.  Like the S4210 Carina, the S4212 Polaris is the entry level Galaxy S4 series Miele canister vacuum, and like the Carina it is recommended for short-pile carpeting, area rugs and smooth flooring.

The S4210 series is still available in many stores and sells very well.  As a result there are quite a few more customer reviews and ratings for this series.  However a few were dug up for the Miele S4212 Polaris and as you can see it also gets great reviews (given that it is the same vacuum this is not unexpected).

Source	Consumer Rating	#Ratings
Amazon	5 stars out of 5	6
Abt Electronics	4.86 stars out of 5	7
Comet	4.7 stars out of 5	3

There is also a Miele S4212 Neptune – this is the replacement for the Miele S4210 Antares.  Again, the same vacuum with a different color – the Neptune is turquoise.  Like the Antares the new Miele S4212 Neptune comes with the Miele STB 205-3 Turbobrush and the Miele SBB300-3 Parquet Floor Brush.  The Neptune is recommended for low to medium-pile carpeting, area rugs and smooth flooring.

A detailed review of the Miele S4210 series of vacuums can be found in our Miele S4210 Review but a quick overview of the vacuum features (S4210 and S4212) is provided below:
 
Power
  1200-watt, Miele-made Vortex Motor System with 6 variable power settings
Filter System (Included)
  Filters - Super Air Clean Filter
  Bags - 3.7 quart, Type FJM, HyClean dustbag, with spring-loaded, self-sealing collar
  Canister Construction - Sealed System construction
Included Floor Tools & Accessories
  Polaris Floor Tools - SBD450-3 Classic Combination carpet/smooth floor tool
  Neptune Floor Tools - Miele STB 205-3 Turbobrush, Miele SBB300-3 Parquet Floor Brush.
  Hoses - Non-electric Hose
  Wands - Stainless steel telescopic wand
  Additional Accessories - Deluxe Handle Assembly & VarioClip, Dusting Brush, Furniture nozzle, Crevice Tool, Stored on Board
Standard Features
  21 foot power cord
  Automatic cord rewind (via foot pedal)
  Dustbag change indicator
  Quiet operation (insulated motor)
  Electric power display
  Overheating lamp & safety shut-off
  Storage bracket
  Well-designed wheel castors
Optional Floor Tools & Accessories
  Floor Tools - STB205-3 Turbo Comfort Brush, SBB300-3 Parquet Floor Brush, SBB 235-3 Smooth Floor Brush
Filtration Options (Not Included)
  Active H.E.P.A. Filter

 

Miele S4 Series Vacuum Testing
As an aside it is interesting to learn that all Miele S4 series vacuums, including the S4210 and S4212 series, undergo a number of tests to ensure the durability of each unit.  These tests include the following (and this information is all according to Miele): 

The Cable-Pull Test
The vacuum power cable is pulled out and retracted over 10,000 times.  This is done to ensure the cable reel will perform effectively for years.
 
The Hose Test
Hose endurance is tested by hanging, from the hose, a vacuum cleaner plus an additional 11 lbs of weight then stretching the hose thousands of times.  The hose must pass this undamaged.

The Floor Test
Miele floor tools and accessory cleaning brushes are tested on many miles of different flooring, and are also repeatedly dropped from a height of about 3 feet.  The tools and accessories must pass these tests undamaged to be approved for production.

The Threshold Test
The S4 series vacuum's castors, bumper strip and outside casing are tested on miles of track where stresses such as simulated door thresholds, bumps and harsh curves are exerted.

The Longevity Test
The vacuum cleaners are tested to last a minimum of 1,000 operating hours or what Miele indicate is an average of 20 years residential use.