Today, with the arrival of my latest purchase, I now have a complete, all-original set of the Epic series in white with gray and red trim (manufactured between 1997-9*), namely the top of the line Epic 8000 cylinder, the middle of the line Epic 6500 cylinder, and the Epic 3500 upright**. All of these machines are in near-flawless cosmetic and running condition, and everything on them is original and intact. To say I'm happy would be a huge understatement...I'm ecstatic.
Epic 8000
I've wanted an Epic 8000 for a long time. Its arguably one of the nicest looking Style R models, and when I look at it and the other models, I find myself wishing Aerus had continued with this style for its high-end model***.
The full ensemble. Absolutely gorgeous, if you ask me. I'm not sure if the 8000 came with the combination flip-over rug and floor nozzle, or the dedicated floor brush, but in any case I don't care, because this one matches and works perfectly.
The Epic 8000 is an attractive model, and a great performer. Even though its hard to compare two vacuums with different usage histories, I would put the cleaning performance of the Epic 8000 on par with its "younger brother", the Guardian 75th anniversary. The 8000, however, is slightly quieter, and, even though I'm now used to the looks of the box HEPA filter on the Guardian, the absence of it on the 8000 creates a more streamlined effect.
A shot of "the two companions at their reunion". They make a rather nice matching set:
Attachment compartment. I think this is the best set of standard attachments Electrolux/Aerus ever made, and this set is in great condition. One thing I've noticed: because the machine exhausts out of the attachment compartment, the attachments get quite warm after the machine has been running for a while!
Ratings plate. I'm not sure what "BL4" stands for.
One strange thing about the Epic 8000 (and presumably the Renaissance) is that it exhausts out of the tool compartment, rather than through the blow port. The blow port has a plug that redirects the exhaust air down through the tool compartment, and when the hose is inserted for blowing, the plug gets pushed down and redirects the air through the hose. Clearly they changed this configuration when they added the HEPA filter to the Guardian. I do know that the blow from the Guardian, even on low speed, is almost enough to blow your head off your shoulders, so perhaps there is a good reason for the exhaust redirection on the Epic 8000, and this also gives the machine a quieter running sound versus those that exhaust upward. In fact, I'd be willing to bet the Epic 8000 is one of the quietest Electroluxes since the 80 series (the quietest vacuum cleaners of all time, perhaps?)
Name badge (with a little scarring) + side bumper logo:
The Epic 8000 is so good, even my little nephew has given it his seal of approval:
Presenting the white, gray, and red Epic Series of vacuum cleaners. Call me strange, but I really feel a thrill at seeing this beautiful set. Not only are they aesthetically pleasing, but they all work perfectly and give excellent service.
*The official Aerus model history chart gives the date of the 8000 as 1997-8, and that sounds right, as the 75th Anniversary Guardian came next, in 1999. I'm betting the production dates of the 6500 and 3500 would be 1998-9.
**If I REALLY wanted to have a complete set, I'd add the matching Ambassador III cylinder plus the Floor Pro shampooer/polisher, but unless I can find them at a near free price, that won't be happening.
***I've heard it said that the Guardian Ultra has more power and airflow than the R Guardians, but of course the long cord, variable speed motor, hose handle controls, and adjustable, on-board attachments have disappeared on the Ultra.
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