You probably have some scrap pieces left for you by the installers. Take a good sized piece to a vacuum store and start testing. I use a Hoover WindTunnel but also have a Hoover SteamVac like this.

If you are open to it, find a used Miele on ebay or Craigslist. I have the older Red Velvet model and it is a great unit. The older Mieles were all made in Germany too. You want one with the Miele SEB 236 Electro Premium Full-Size Electrobrush and it is an adjustable head for different pile carpets. What is your price point?

Good luck!

Dan1888 mentioned Hoover Windtunnel models. You may want to look at the Windtunnel "T" series. I've heard from a couple of friends that that the Hoover WindTunnel T series models do a decent job with pet hair and such on their plush carpeting. They tell me that the effectiveness of the HEPA filtration is so-so and the dust container needs frequent emptying to maintain effective pick-up. Last I heard, the T series models were selling for around $130.

You asked about using a Shark brand vacuum on plush pile carpeting. When I was shopping for a new vacuum cleaner last year, an older friend of mine recommended the Shark Navigator Lift-Away "Pro" from Costco for around $200. He had just bought one for himself after using one on very plush carpeting at his daughter's & SIL's house where he had been dogsitting for them. They have two kids, four largish dogs, and plush carpeting everywhere (but the kitchen) in a huge house. Apparently, they first bought the less expensive "non-pro" version of the Lift Away but returned it to Costco and got the $200 "Pro" Lift Away model instead.

After reading reviews, I'd love a Miele, but $1,000 for a vacuum is out of my budget. I was thinking more around $300. Hoover T Series sounds like it would work. I'll look at those and trading in my Oreck XL for an Oreck Magnesium.

Knickema,
Are you ok with a used Miele models?

Refurbished, yes. If it's just used without being refurbished, I'd be afraid it was being sold because something was wrong with it.

Knickema,

Understood. A few vacuum repair stores have refurshibed or vacuums from upgraderitis in stock. Some of these vacuum repair stores are on eBay. If you don't; have a local Miele vacuum retailer, you may try Ristenblatt.

Good luck on your vacuum hunt!

My wife has an old Kirby that is self-propelled. It is great for our thick carpet and pad. Just find a good used one. Look on craigslist.com and check local dealers. I prefer the former because some dealers have left a bad taste in my mouth. I also have an OLD Hoover self-propelled upright that uses bags to filter the dust and are easy to change. Of course my wife uses the Kirby.