My previous canister vac was a Miele that cost over $1000, and never worked well, not even after another $400 in repairs. For a fraction of that price, this unit sucks up dirt and dust like a champion on hardwood floors, and does a good job on low-pile carpets. It gets into corners and is maneuverable under low furniture. It's almost ridiculously light in weight, and the cord is decently long. Even if I threw one away every year for the next ten years, I'd still have a better deal than with the Miele.