I had an Electrolux canister I purchased about 20 years ago. It eventually broke and I can't afford to replace it. I would if I had the money. It really sucked!

I saw an Electrolux canister vac at Costco - I will have to check it out!

When you say budget friendly, what's your limit? Hard to get anything even acceptable in a canister for under $300 unless you go with used. Do you care if it has a bag or not? The Lux at Costco is made by Eureka... certainly not even close to what jannie is talking about. Jannie... it should only be about 80 bucks at a vacuum shop to get a new motor or something if you still have the Lux. They don't make 'em like that anymore and you should consider fixing it if you still have it... not replacing it with today's modern crap.

I prefer a bag because emptying my current bagless upright grosses me out. I wanted to spend around $200, but if I'm going to have it forever, then I can go up in price. What do you suggest?

I think you are smart to seek a bagged machine. They are easier to use and filter the best. Especially for someone with allergies. I would actually suggest for you to go to Sears. Their Progressive series are pretty good and you can get them for around (a little more) than your price range. They are actually made by the parent company of Panasonic and not only clean well, but also have decent filtration and reliability. I sold for Sears for 2 years, but haven't done so for 3 years so I'm a bit out of touch with current models. It's nice because you can try them out right there, and the return policy is pretty liberal. You can try in in your house for a month and if you don't like it get a refund. They have decent attachments, and a nice quick release wand. They also have the power switch in the hand grip and the power nozzle nests on in a groove on the bottom of the machine for easy closet storage. If you wanted bagless, I'd have told you to get a Dyson for sure.

Thanks for the advice! I will check out Sears - maybe I can catch a sale. I used to think bags were a pain...until I got a bagless! I hated it. I used to cough when emptying it, my hair would be in the filter etc.

Well, it shan't hurt to look! I totally agree with you about bags! Bagless vacs are a marketing fad. Except for the Dyson or other machines that don't have a paper pleated filter in the middle of the chamber. But they still reqiure you to empty them and deal with the flying dust.

Just be sure that you're looking at Progressive series machines. You'll be able to tell just by looking at the power nozzles... the higher end vacs have a more contoured (and I think more attractive) power nozzle. Also, be sure that you get the electric PowerMate Jr., not the air turbine HandiMate junior sold with the cheaper models. Take a look at the attachments as well... the dusting brush should be a round or oval separate tool from the upholstery tool. If you see a rectangular tool with a slide off brush with black nylon bristles and no separate dusting brush with brown horsehair bristles you're probably looking at a lower end machine. Hope you find something that works well for you!

Wow, thanks for the detailed advice! I wouldn't have known what to check for. Do you think the quality difference is worth it to spend around $300? If it's a huge jump in quality, then I will, but if it's only marginally better, I might stick with this Progressive series.

Another option is the Rainbow vaccuum from Rexair. It has no bags or filters but traps the dirt, dust, etc in water, more effectively than any filter. They aren't sold on line, but their web site can direct you to a dealer.

Here is a link that might be useful: Rainbow System

Thanks! That looks really good, but I'm afraid it's like a thousand dollars or something. Do you have any idea about pricing on those?

Not only are they quite expensive, but you have to empty the MUD they make with every use (I have two in my collection). Nice machines for people that are into them, but tedious for most average consumers. Hence why I didn't suggest it! They do filter well though... I'm certainly not slamming them, just paying attention to your requirements.

Thanks, I appreciate all of the suggestions. I really need to keep it as cheap as possible for something good. We just moved, bought new furniture etc....

I thought I'd provide an update. I wound up finding a Kenmore Iridium on clearance, so I got that. So far, so good!

I bought a Miele used canister at my local vacuum store. New they run any where from 500 to 1000. Mine was $300. Super filtration, very very quiet, and German made. Plan on having it (hopefully!)for a very long time.