Amazon.com recently sent me a ProTeam ProForce 1500XP to test and review (their Vine program). This brand is used mostly by housecleaning services, but it needn't be excluded from homes. I like that it reaches under some furniture better than my old, old Dyson.

Our house is full of small crannies, and if I'd actually paid for this vacuum, I'd have chosen the 1200XP, which has a 3-inch shorter brush bar.

I only buy Hoover uprights, my present one is a wind tunnel, it's great. I also have a whole house vac and like you I often use my Hoover, less trouble to get out.

"none of them have groomed the carpets as well as the cheapo commercial Hoover Elite our cleaning lady brings."

Sanitaire gets used heavily by the commercial cleaners around here, but they're not cheapos. Many of the expensive "residential" vacs are just pretty plastic pieces of junk, like Dyson. You may have to pay for that extra power with a higher noise level, but that's a good excuse to buy a set of Shure wireless noise cancelling headphones.

Here is a link that might be useful: one sanitaire.

Hoover Wind Tunnel user here, too! Has done the job for 15+ years...bags are available everywhere. Don't buy such a unique, niche product for which bags are either expensive or difficult to find.

Hoover Wind Tunnel for me too. I buy the Hepa Filter bags. Excellent for carpet, hardwood and tile floors. One drawback is that even though it is self propelled, it is a bit heavy.

I am happy with my Eureka Boss (second one I have owned). It is heavy to use but great for getting dog hair (think 2 collie type dogs) and has held up well. I like the convenience of the on-board tools too.

Shark vacuums are our favorite. The amount it sucks up will shock you! They are lightweight, have different attachments and easy to empty canister.