Riccar Radiance Review

What the reviewers like:
The Riccar Radiance (and similar Simplicity Synergy) is said to perform well on carpeting and bare floors, and it has an included HEPA filter, full bag alert, manual pile adjustment, suction control and overload protection for its blower fan motor. Tools for crevices and upholstery are included.

What the reviewers don't like:
At a relatively heavy 21 pounds, the Riccar Radiance can be difficult to maneuver or carry up and down stairs. The high price is the main drawback, especially when other vacuums perform as well for less in reviews.

Riccar Radiance review highlights

The Riccar Radiance (also sold as the Simplicity Synergy) is said to be a solid vacuum cleaner, with good cleaning ability on carpets and hard floors, as well as features like a HEPA filter and overload protection for the blower fan motor. However, this vacuum is fairly heavy at 21 pounds, and it can be difficult to maneuver. Although this has no bearing on its performance, Riccar and Simplicity vacuums are the only brands still made in the U.S.

Because Riccar vacuums are only sold in brick-and-mortar specialty shops, reviews of these vacuums are hard to find. Fortunately, however, Consumer Reports includes the Riccar Radiance (which is also available as the Simplicity Synergy) in its most recent roundup of vacuum cleaners. We also found an interesting professional endorsement.

Also see full report: Vacuum Cleaners

*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

1. Consumer Reports
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Vacuums: Top Picks for Pet Hair
Editors of Consumer Reports
Mar. 2007

Consumer Reports tests 65 vacuums, including the Riccar Radiance, for cleaning ability, noise, emissions and ease of use, as well as (for the first time) the ability to pick up pet hair off carpeting.

2. Mrs. Clean House Cleaning Specialists
Riccar Vacuum Cleaners

Although not exactly a review, we found this interesting endorsement of Riccar vacuums on the website of a housecleaning service, which presumably has some extensive experience with vacuums.

Also see full report: Vacuum Cleaners