Eluxography

Disclaimer 

1. All of the text and pictures in this blog are owned by me. Kindly don't use text and/or pictures from this blog without my permission, especially to sell vacuums on eBay, Craigslist, Kijiji, and the like. Respect your customers and take your own pictures and write your own description of the actual machine you have for sale. If anyone out there buys a piece-of-shit vacuum based on any of these pictures in my blog, they're going to be sorely disappointed. 
   
2. All logos and brand names are trademarks of their respective companies. No harm, financial or otherwise, is intended to these companies.
3. None of the vacuums presented in this blog are for sale, and there are no vacuum parts, supplies, or accessories for sale. 
4. I'm by no means an expert on Electrolux or Aerus vacuums, or any other brand, for that matter. There is no advice here about vacuum cleaner related problems, nor are there any vacuum repair diagrams/manuals or vacuum owner's manuals, and to hammer this point home, nor will there ever be such. I don't mind taking my own machines apart and fiddling around with them, but I hesitate to give anyone else any serious advice about vacuum problems.
5. Further to note 4: I've been asked several times about good places for finding hoses and parts, etc. Truth is, the only thing I can suggest is to either go to an Aerus repair depot or other suitable vacuum repair depot, and, if that doesn't work, try eBay (I don't really mind recommending a few eBay sellers and/or stores whom I've had good experiences with). At the very least, if you buy a part from Aerus or another reputable dealer, it'll be backed with some kind of warranty or guarantee in case something goes wrong. If you do buy on eBay, make sure you know you're buying the right thing (I don't mind giving advice on this score). 
6. I'm not a repair person or sales person, and have absolutely no connection to the Electrolux or Aerus companies, other than buying, using and admiring their products. 
7. I don't claim to know everything about the models in my possession, or any other model of Electrolux or Aerus, nor do I know anything about the "value" of any machine whatsoever. The 'value' of any vacuum cleaner is the amount of money someone is prepared to give you for it. Period.
8. This blog does not represent a comprehensive history of the Electrolux and Aerus companies and/or their products. In several places in this blog, I point out that the information contained therein is "to the best of my knowledge", and I do not intend for it to be taken as gospel truth.
9. I'm not recommending one particular model over another, or even one brand over another, although it is true that the only brand I care seriously about is Electrolux/Aerus. My interest in other brands (i.e. Hoover) is purely passing and/or academic. As it pertains to models, I happen to like different models from different eras of Electrolux and Aerus history, and all of the models in my collection have their good and bad points. I'm not interested in any "which vacuum is the best" contests, nor do I necessarily think that vintage Electroluxes are better than the modern ones.
10. The information and pictures in this blog are here for hobby purposes only...i.e. a personal showcase of the vacuums in my collection, as well as other models and/or series of models that pique my interest, and an examination of their features, style, design, and history.

About me and my hobby:

I've been fascinated by Electrolux (now Aerus, of course) vacuum cleaners as long as I can remember. The first Electrolux I ever saw (and touched and used) was my grandparents' white and red ZB86 2nd version with cord winder, and with the added-on green electric hose, green telescopic electric wand, and PN IV (all of these green attachments matched the ZB87/89). Incidentally, they also had another 86 with the standard red attachments that tended to be used as a downstairs or 'shop' vacuum. Many of my fondest childhood memories involve playing with, using, and admiring these and every other Electrolux vacuum in sight. Thankfully, throughout the years, there were many examples around. 

Why Electrolux vacuums? I'm not completely sure, but one of the things I do love about them is the distinctive cylindrical/bullet shape, quite unlike the majority of machines out there. In fact, the very basic design of Electrolux vacuums has never really changed. Perhaps its this longevity that attracts me? In any case, I remember what a seller said to me (the fellow I bought one of the Epic 3500s from); he had recently bought a new Lux Legacy upright, and wanted to get rid of the old one. He said "I spent a fortune on this new one, but I won't have anything other than Electrolux in the house." I understand and share his view. In addition to that, its true that Electrolux and Aerus make vacuums that are easy to use, durable, powerful, long-lasting, and dependable.

Oddly enough, there have only been two Electroluxes in my immediate family over the years, both of which came by chance, and both of which I still have: a new-in-box Diplomat that my mother won at a church raffle in 1990, which served as the household vacuum during my university years and after, and an Epic 6500 in white, gray, and red inherited from an aunt after her passing in 2002 (she bought it brand new in 1999). I have 40-odd others, most of which are in my possession right now, and are used regularly for actual cleaning. A couple are "loaned out", and some are dismantled for repair, but I do have quite a selection of cleaners to choose from, ranging from the oldest, an Electrolux ZB30 from 1939, to the newest, an Aerus Lux Guardian from somewhere in the late 2000's. That's a truly amazing 70+ year selection of fine vacuums. A good few of my machines have been bought locally, through answering classified ads...I've found quite a few gems this way, not to mention all the ones I've missed. Some are from fellow vacuum collectors in various places, some are inherited from family members, some are eBay buys, and a couple are vacuum shop purchases.

I know quite a few vacuum collectors. Some collect for the aesthetic and emotional appeal of the machines, some like to repair and/or restore them, and some collect machines for actual use. I go all ways...I do love the design, stylistic and emotional aspects of Electrolux and Aerus models over the years, and I do like dismantling and servicing them, but I also want them to be useful and used, even the oldest ones. If a machine is in poor running condition, and/or in hopelessly bad cosmetic shape, I'm not interested. I'm neither a professional detailer/restorer, nor a repair expert, and I would never want to be.

My interest in various periods of Electrolux and Aerus history does tend to change from time to time. Right now, I'm very strongly attracted to the Lux 4000/6000 uprights and Style R machines, but as a "loyal Canadian", I have a particular fondness for the exclusively Canadian models as well, especially the 80 series and, to some extent, the AP series. To me, a Canadian Electrolux IS Electrolux, whatever others may think. All that said, I admire and use Canadian and American models from the early days to the present.

My current collection:

Electrolux Canada (made and sold in Canada):

1. ZB30 (1939)
2. ZB55 1st version (1949)
3. ZB55 3rd version (1957)
4. Z57 (1956 - with brown cord winder)
5. ZB/Z88 1st version (1961)
6. ZB/Z86 2nd version (1963)
7. ZB/Z86 2nd version (1966)
8. ZB/Z88 2nd version (1963)
9. ZB/Z88 2nd version (1965)
10. ZB89 (1970)
11. ZB89 (1972)
12. 89E (1972)
13. 89E (1973)
14. AP100 (1977 - second version with logo on filter cover, non-trigger handle, and PN 100)
15. AP200 (1979)
16. Trivac (yellow and white; matches AP200)
17. AP280 (1982)
18. 2100
19. System 90
20. LE (gray and brown)

Electrolux U.S. (made and sold in the U.S.):

1. Model E
2. Model G (1967 - 2nd version aqua with power nozzle plug underneath front wheel)
3. Model G (1967; bronze)
4. 50th Jubilee

Electrolux North America (made in the U.S., sold in the U.S. and Canada):

1. Discovery III
2. Discovery Advantage 
3. 2100 Special Edition (grey and wine)
4. Diplomat (2nd version?)
5. Ambassador
6. Ambassador II
7. Genesis LX
8. Epic 3000 
9. Renaissance - dark gray (Model C104A) 
10. Epic 3500 - battleship gray
11. Epic 3500 - battleship gray
12. Epic 6500 - battleship gray
13. Renaissance - battleship gray (Model C104H)
14. Epic 3500 - white-gray-red
15. Epic 6500 - white-gray-red (Model C102G)
16. Epic 8000 (Model C133A)
17. Guardian 75th Anniversary (Model C134A)
18. Lux 4000 (Model U140A)
19. Guardian Encore (Model C134C)
20. Lux 9000 (Model C134D)
21. Guardian by Electrolux (Model C134E)

Aerus (made* in the U.S., sold in the U.S. and Canada):

1. Lux 6000 (Model U140B; side-mounted after filter)
2. Lux 9000 (Model C134F)
3. Guardian (Model C154B)
4. Lux Guardian (Model C154E)

Shampooer/polishers:

1. Electrolux BX-10 (red and cream; matches ZB88 1st version)
2. Electrolux B21 (1972; green; matches ZB89)
3. GE

Vacuum wish list:

• Aerus Lux 6000 upright, front filter version (Model U156A), in original condition, with colour matching Sidekick, electric hose, combo dusting/upholstery tool, and baby crevice tool (with exterior ridge)
• Aerus Lux 9000 Model C154A cylinder, in original condition with all original accoutrements
• Electrolux ZB/Z83
• Electrolux ZB/Z86 1st version
• Electrolux ZB/Z86 2nd version
• Electrolux ZB/Z87/87E
• Electrolux Genesis upright, in original condition, with cord coming out of the 'bulkhead' (i.e. NOT the one with the problematic cord coming out of the top of the handgrip)
• 'Spare' Electrolux Lux 4000, in original condition with all original accoutrements
• 'Spare' Aerus Lux 6000 Model U140B or U140C, in original condition with all original accoutrements
• 'Spare' Aerus (by Electrolux) Guardian Model C154B cylinder, in original condition with all original accoutrements
• 'Spare' Aerus Lux Guardian Model C154E cylinder, in original condition with all original accoutrements

Parts wish list:

• Cord winder for Renaissance C104A with original charcoal grey plug and cord
• 'Spare' white and blue Sidekick for Lux 4000/6000
• Grey cord winder pedal for Epic 8000
• 'Spare' grey and blue hose with "Electrolux" handle for Guardian Encore and Electrolux Lux 9000 
• Grey and white combo floor and carpet nozzle for Epic 8000 and Guardian 75th Anniversary
• Grey crevice tool for Epic 8000 and Guardian 75th Anniversary
• 'Spare' ''Lux'' power nozzle for Electrolux and/or Aerus Lux 9000
• Side bumper decals or new side bumper with decals for Electrolux Lux 9000
• Cream and red PNI with attached plastic wand and red hose cord for ZB/Z88
• Cream and red PNI with red electric telescopic wand, red hose with cream handgrip, and red hose cord for ZB/Z88
• Red hose with trigger handle and red hose cord for ZB/Z88
• Original green electric hose for ZB89/ZB87

My favorite Electrolux and Aerus models, in terms of looks and style**:

• Electrolux Renaissance C104A (absolutely no contest here!)
• Electrolux ZB/Z88 2nd version (no contest here either...my favorite vintage machine)
• Electrolux ZB55 1st version
• Electrolux ZB/Z88 1st version
• Electrolux Epic 8000 Model C133A and Epic 3500 (white/grey/red) - tied**
• Electrolux Guardian C134A 75th Anniversary**
• Electrolux ZB/Z89
• Electrolux Lux 4000 Model U140A and Aerus Lux 6000 (side filter version, Model U140B and/or U140C) - tied**

*Some of the materials and/or parts in these machines were made in China and/or elsewhere. The Sidekick II, for example, was entirely made in China, according to the ratings sticker, and some of these machines have a sticker on the attachment door saying "Designed, engineered, and assembled in the U.S., from parts manufactured in the U.S. and overseas". In fact, if memory serves, the motor in the Sidekick that came with my folks' 1990 Diplomat was made in China as well.

**Naturally, this is a very subjective topic. There aren't that many Electrolux and Aerus models that are outright ugly. Note, too, that only one Aerus model appears in my favorites, and that one is a virtual copy of an Electrolux-branded machine. I'll definitely admit, though, that the Aerus Lux Guardian Platinum, and the machine it is a virtual clone of, the Lux Intelligence, are sharp looking machines. The Epic 8000 + Epic 3500 and the Guardian 75th models are not necessarily outstandingly beautiful, but I do like their understated white with a touch of grey and red/blue respectively. Very elegant. Also, I could say the same about the Lux 4000 and 6000, and, in addition, I like the 'professional' look that the onboard hose and wand gives them.