Best canister vacuum
- Good cleaning on all surfaces
- Superior filtration
- Very quiet
- Maneuverable
- Convenient features
- Expensive
- Manual not that useful
- Some problems with power nozzle
The Miele S5281 Callisto is expensive, but some users say it is worth the high cost, particularly if you're an allergy sufferer or just someone with dust sensitivities. In professional tests, this vacuum does a good job on both carpets and bare floors. Its allergen and emissions control is excellent, thanks to its sealed-system construction and two-stage filtration, which includes a HEPA filter. Users say the vacuum is lightweight, maneuverable and quiet, and they appreciate its useful features, which include adjustable suction and a retractable cord. However, a couple of users found the power nozzle on this vacuum unreliable, and several claim that the user manual is not very helpful. If you're not prepared to shell out $900 for a vacuum cleaner, consider the Electrolux Oxygen Canister EL6988E (*Est. $325) , which has many of the same features as the more expensive Miele.
ConsumerReports.org includes the Miele S5281 Callisto in its tests of canister vacuums. Each vacuum is tested on both carpet and hard floors, and its handling, emissions and noise level are also rated. This vacuum is also reviewed in detail by editors of AllergyBuyersClub.com, a specialty retail site for allergy sufferers, and it earns a recommendation from retail site Ristenbatt.com. We found only about 10 user reviews for this vacuum at Amazon.com and Epinions.com.
| Miele S5281 Callisto Canister Vacuum Cleaner | |
(76 reviews) In Stock. Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping |
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| Featured Stores | Store Rating | Notes | Total Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  9 store reviews | In Stock. | $899.00 | See It |
 |  235 store reviews | In Stock. Fantastic prices with ease & comfort of Amazon.com! | $899.00 | See It |
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Our Sources
1. ConsumerReports.org
The Miele S5281 Callisto is one of 34 canister vacuums rated by the editors of ConsumerReports.org. Ratings cover performance on hard and carpeted floors, plus noise, handling, emissions, tool airflow and pet hair removal. The site also reports on the repair record of each vacuum cleaner brand.
Review: Vacuum Cleaners, Editors of ConsumerReports.org
2. AllergyBuyersClub.com
Expert reviewers at this retail site award the Miele S5281 Callisto a rating of 4.5 stars out of a possible 5, with top marks for filtration, cleaning power, maneuverability, noise level and durability. The vacuum also earns a perfect 5-star rating from a couple of users on the site.
Review: Miele S5281 Callisto Canister Vacuum Cleaners, Editors of AllergyBuyersClub.com
3. Amazon.com
We found fewer than 10 owner reviews for the Miele S5281 Callisto at Amazon.com. Most of the reviews give the vacuum 5 stars, saying it is powerful, maneuverable and great at controlling dust. However, a couple of reviewers report problems with the power nozzle.
Review: Miele S5281 Callisto HEPA Canister Vacuum Cleaner w/ Electric Power Brush and Floor Brush!, Contributors to Amazon.com
4. Epinions.com
We found only one review for the Miele S5281 Callisto at Epinions.com, but it is highly detailed and absolutely glowing. The reviewer gives the vacuum 5 stars out of 5 for its cleaning power, quietness, light weight and long warranty, saying it is well worth its high price.
Review: Miele S5281 Callisto Bagged Canister VacuumContributor to Epinions.com, June 2010
5. Ristenbatt.com
The Miele S5281 Callisto is one of eight canister vacuums recommended at this retail site. However, the review is not very detailed, and there's no indication that any actual testing was performed.
Review: Ristenbatt Vacuum's Preferred Models, David E. Ristenbatt
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Canister Vacuums
- Best canister vacuum Miele S5281 Callisto *Est. $900
- Best-value canister vacuum Electrolux Oxygen Canister EL6988E *Est. $325
- Budget canister vacuum for hard floors Eureka Mighty Mite 3670G *Est. $65
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