The Dyson DC14

Okay, time for some man talk about VACUUMS. When I first moved into my home in 2002 we received, as an early wedding gift, the Hoover Bagless WindTunnel. Initially this machine was quite the cleaner -- until lately, as a matter of fact. The HBWT lost suction quickly when it's HEPA filter became clogged. Sure, you could clean the filter which would get you another run, maybe two before clogging again. Sure, you could buy a new one (for $40 a pop) and get a few months out of it before it really clogged again. Then there was the belt it needed three times in 4 years. Needless to say, it took more time to clean the vacuum in order to use the vacuum for cleaning!

Enter the Dyson DC14:

As James Dyson put it best, "It quite simply doesn't lose suction." Admittedly, when these things first hit the US market I thought "who in their right mind would drop 4 Benjamins on a vacuum!" The answer, as it turned out, is me -- and boy, is it worth it. Guys love numbers (and motors) so let me hit ya' with this -- typical vacuum motors run between 5000-7000 RPMs while the Dyson RootCyclone models churn an F1-like 14,000 RPM. This machine truly loses no noticeable suction. Bradley labs (aka my house) tested the DC14 model on some very dusty crevices and ceiling fans (which had been spinning 24/7 for months). With the waste bin half full the unit just kept on going. If you're in the market and have the means, make the wise investment.