Vacuum Cleaner Suggestions - Carlsbad,CA

I have a Riccar SupraLite and love it. It's similar in price to an Oreck (and also weighs less than 8 lbs). It doesn't have attachments, per se, but it came with an over the shoulder unit (completely separate with it's own motor and bag) that DOES. My kids use it to clean out the car. I use it on curtains, lampshades, sofas, etc.
The upright vac is wonderful. We DO have a dog (a GSD, and they shed a LOT) and this vacuum gets dog hair up without a problem. The only "problem" I've had with it since we got it about 3-4 years ago is just regular maintenance stuff---the belt gets old/worn and has to be replaced. It's a do-it-yourself "job" and the belts cost about $1 each.

It has a HEPA bag, so they keep all the "particles" inside.

They have lots of other upright models, some of which do have a attachments. And after having the one I have, I would recommend any model they make.

http://www.riccar.com/products/uprights/

I bought mine through a local vacuum store (went looking to try out an Oreck and liked this better) and paid less than the website shows on pricing. Search around...there are compare features on the site to compare the different models they sell.

ETA: Even if you go without attachments, the one I have is so light that you could probably use it on stairs if you wanted to. It is a DREAM to push around. The vacuum I had before was impossible--I couldn't even teach my kids to vacuum b/c it was so awkward and heavy. This one, I taught them the day we bought it. SUPER easy and it WORKS.

I just gave in and got a dyson. Unfortunately for you, it is bagless. The thing that sold me on it though is that there is no belt. So many times the darn belt on my vacuums would break if I ran over something and I would have to change it and have no clue how to do so. Not having to deal with the belt was worth it.

Have you heard of Rainbow? It's certified by the Allergy and Asthma Foundation. It is very expensive, but if you get a prescription or something from the doctor for an air purifier you can write it off on your taxes. It is a vacuum, Air purifier, you can get attachments to make it a mop, etc. I'm not a dealer, but I've seen their demonstration and if I could convince my husband to spend the money I would have one unfortunately he won't. http://rainbowsystem.com/

I still really like my boring Hoover upright. We've had it for years and it still works great. The only complaint now is that the belts seem to be breaking, but it's at least 10 years old and I think I bought the belts in bulk! There is a tablet or something that you use for allergies, but I don't use it because it doesn't seem to be a problem in our house.

Good luck!!

I have had a hoover, a dyson, an oreck and even a kirby and the one vacuum I love and use now is a MIELE! Best I have ever known. I bought mine at Sew and Vac in Long Beach, where I got not only a great deal, but they took my old dyson in trade (they repair them and donate them to charity). It really controls the pet hair too! Love it and I think it is the first one that really was worth what I paid for it!
LL

Love my Oreck!

It was pretty spendy but it has been well worth the money, IMO.

~I also love my Shop-Vac...I actually use it every time I vacuum for the stairs and the edges and such...works like a charm!