Kirby
Recommended 70× on r/BuyItForLife
Shop Kirby
Avalir Platinum Ultimate Home Cleaning System
The Kirby Avalir Platinum is our latest model of high-performance, best-in-class vacuums. Beyond a vacuum, the Kirby easily converts to shampoo carpets & furniture, scrub tile & gr...
Avalir Platinum Vacuum Cleaner
The Kirby Avalir Platinum vacuum cleaner features industry-leading airflow, HEPA filtration, and high-quality materials handcrafted in the United States.
Sentria Upright Vacuum
Comes loaded with genuine Kirby tools, which include the upholstery tool, crack and crevice tool, duster brush, wall tool, floor tool, with two wands. It also includes the pet tool...
Sentria 1 - Vacuum Only - Grey
G5 Basic
Avalir Platinum Vacuum Cleaner
Sentria Upright Vacuum Cleaner
Revitalize your cleaning routine with the Kirby Sentria Upright Vacuum Cleaner. This renewed powerhouse comes with a Complete Home Cleaning Kit and Shampoo System, making it perfec...
G10 Sentria Vacuum Cleaner
The Kiryby Sentria vacuum cleaner is specifically designed to work great on pet hair pick-up. With tubing twice the size of other brands, this vacuum offers no-clog, hassle-free op...
Ultimate Diamond Vacuum
Used Kirby Ultimate Diamond that is loaded with everything you see in the picture and looks almost new. Kirby's are great because they have awesome cleaning power, filtration, and...
Ultimate G7 Upright Vacuum Cleaner
G4 Vacuum
Sentria 2 Vacuum Cleaner and Shampooer
Includes genuine reconditioned deluxe KIRBY shampoo system and genuine tool kit. KIRBY vacuums have been around for over a century, they are tried and true vacuum cleaners. HEPA ba...
Why r/BuyItForLife recommends Kirby
70 mentions from real owners
- #1Dec 31, 2025
How can a company continue to make money if their product lasts forever?
Same for Kirby Vacuum Cleaners. Undeniably the best in terms of raw brute clean the fuck out of your house and last forever... But buying one involved hoping a random person would knock on your door while at home and throw dirt all over the carpet while you sit and watch the show and he snoops around your home...
View on Redditopen_in_new - #2Dec 31, 2025
Tragedy of the Honest in a capitalistic economic system
Tupperware, cutco, and Kirby vacuums are (were?) all good but not worth the hassle of finding a way to buy them.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #3Dec 31, 2025
Tragedy of the Honest in a capitalistic economic system
My parents have a Kirby vacuum and Lifetime kitchen pots that I think are both this model as well. They've held up for decades.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #4Dec 19, 2025
Best Vacuum Cleaner Recommendations?
the OG commercial Oreck or Kirby vacuums can be had, used, for cheap at vacuum repair shops. I managed to snag a 'broken' miele for practically nothing at goodwill that I just needed to extricate a sock from, I'd recommend that if you have the option
View on Redditopen_in_new - #5Dec 6, 2025
What’s a purchase that’s not fun, not flashy but now you swear by it?
You're almost right when you said a vacuum should last at least a decade. Step up to a Kirby. Mine is 41 years old, likely has another 40-60 yeara to go, and probably sucks better than anything else mentioned in this post.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #6Dec 6, 2025
What’s a purchase that’s not fun, not flashy but now you swear by it?
My Kirby is 41 years old. Probably has another 40-60 years left in it.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #7Dec 4, 2025
What’s the BIFL item that you love but everyone around you thinks is ridiculous?
My Kirby vacuum.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #8Dec 4, 2025
What’s the BIFL item that you love but everyone around you thinks is ridiculous?
The tube is less than $20 on eBay. It screws on and is zip tied in place, it's made of plastic and is expected to wear over time. That's an easy fix if you all held on to the vacuum. Source: I fix kirby Vacuums as a hobby.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #9Dec 4, 2025
What’s the BIFL item that you love but everyone around you thinks is ridiculous?
My mom juuuust had to replace her 35+ year-old Kirby. Something about the tube that feeds into the bag broke and for the cost of replacing the necessary parts, she could buy a new vacuum. Figured that thing would out-live all of us.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #10Dec 4, 2025
What’s the BIFL item that you love but everyone around you thinks is ridiculous?
I have a newer Miele because I was told they're the best. It doesn't have that Kirby heft and has a lot of plastic all over, but it has been working well enough. I'm honestly not super impressed. I think a Kirby might still be better despite it being so strong it nearly burns the carpet while it trips your breaker.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #11Dec 3, 2025
What’s the BIFL item that you love but everyone around you thinks is ridiculous?
We had the door to door saleswoman come by like 15 years ago. My roommate at the time taught equestrian lessons and agreed to a year of weekly lessons plus $100 for the Kirby. The lady got arrested after 1 lesson and we never heard from her again. Best deal ever! LoL
View on Redditopen_in_new - #12Dec 3, 2025
Finally stopped buying cheap vacuums and invested in a better one, does it actually last?
You're 100% correct. I can't speak about the newer ones, but the old-ass Kirby I have is bulletproof.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #13Dec 3, 2025
What’s the BIFL item that you love but everyone around you thinks is ridiculous?
My dad was a door-to-door sales man for Kirby before I was born. So he knew some people in the ranks of the distributorships even years after he had moved on to something else. None the less he was able to get my Kirby for about a fourth of retail. Excellent machine for 20 years until my son decided to use it for I don't know, but he was sucking rocks into it which destroyed the impeller blades. Now I know I could have sent the machine in for rebuild but by then my wife was complaining about how heavy it was. So that was the end.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #14Dec 3, 2025
What’s the BIFL item that you love but everyone around you thinks is ridiculous?
Kirby vacuum. Everyone makes fun of our 1960's looking vacuum cleaner...for the last 15 years. Jokes on them, though. Not buying another one anytime soon.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #15Dec 3, 2025
Finally stopped buying cheap vacuums and invested in a better one, does it actually last?
Heavy, unwieldy, old bag system-- all are fair critiques, but Kirby is literally one of the brands I think of when I hear the term bifl
View on Redditopen_in_new - #16Dec 3, 2025
Finally stopped buying cheap vacuums and invested in a better one, does it actually last?
Kirby isn't BIFL? The one I use is 30 years old and works better than my Miele that is 10 years old
View on Redditopen_in_new - #17Dec 3, 2025
Finally stopped buying cheap vacuums and invested in a better one, does it actually last?
While it's an old school design, I have a Kirby that's over 40 years old. I won't be surprised if it's still running 40 years from now.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #18Dec 3, 2025
Finally stopped buying cheap vacuums and invested in a better one, does it actually last?
Ha my mom’s Kirby still going strong!!!!!
View on Redditopen_in_new - #19Dec 3, 2025
Finally stopped buying cheap vacuums and invested in a better one, does it actually last?
Kirby probably makes the best vacuum on the market
View on Redditopen_in_new - #20Dec 3, 2025
Finally stopped buying cheap vacuums and invested in a better one, does it actually last?
I would never get a bagless vacuum again. Too messy. My 30 year old Kirby cost $6 at goodwill & is by far the best one I've owned. I buy hepa filter bags in bulk every other year for around $1/bag. It's a very clean & reliable system. I have mostly wood floors, so the kirby is nearly always used in "canister mode" with a hose attached. If you can't afford or otherwise don't want to spend hundreds on a brand new vacuum i don't think you could beat a kirby.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #21Dec 3, 2025
Finally stopped buying cheap vacuums and invested in a better one, does it actually last?
Is this the reason I am not seeing Kirby on here? We have a Miele and a Kirby and tbh we are preferring the Kirby these days...
View on Redditopen_in_new - #22Dec 2, 2025
which cord vacuum has this sub deemed the best?
I'm still running my mother's old solid aluminum '70s kirby classic 3. I've replaced the belt, roller and and bulb e few times. and had to replace the switch, bearings , brushes about 15 years ago. But has ben awesome for the 20+ years I've had it. If you can do the maintenance they just keep on running. The dog freaking hates it though because it's a bit loud. But the suction on it is superb.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #23Nov 4, 2025
Which vacuum should I go with for an apartment that’s mostly medium pile carpet?
I love kirby vacuums. You can get a used one for a steal.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #24Nov 4, 2025
What’s a purchase that’s not fun, not flashy but now you swear by it?
Bought a Kirby vacuum over 25 years ago. Still going strong .
View on Redditopen_in_new - #25Aug 6, 2025
These were built to be rebuilt. On the Felco website you can order almost any part of any model individually or as a kit. What other products could be given the ship of theseus treatment like this?
Not an expert on Kirby vacuums, but I'm pretty sure most models are very maintainable
View on Redditopen_in_new - #26Aug 1, 2025
I'm moving soon. Any BIFL for cleaning?
We have had our Kirby for about 30 years and we have been able to have repairs on it as recently as last year. Corded, with a bag. It’s important to find a company that actually makes parts or else you can’t repair and can’t have it ‘for life’.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #27Jun 11, 2025
The best vacuum money can buy?
Same here. Silver metal, burgundy plastic, Kirby logo all over the bag. Weighed the same as a small car. I’d use the extension poles when I was pretending to be a deer, much to my mother’s chagrin. She’d always tell me “it’s the Rolls Royce of vacuums!”. She was very proud of it. Pretty sure she still uses it sometimes. I think she had it just before I was born, and I’m 35.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #28Jun 9, 2025
The best vacuum money can buy?
Kirby. My mom had two in my life, and she only bought a new one when I was in high school because the old one was hideously ugly and we were tired of looking at it. It still worked great. I have one. I bought it at an Estate sale and it just works flawlessly every time. Occassional belt change, and mine has disposable bags (don’t get that kind), but it works. Same for my sister.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #29Jun 9, 2025
The best vacuum money can buy?
I currently have a top of the line canister sebo (airbelt d4 premium), a bottom of the line canister Miele (c1), an older Kirby with a million attachments, a roomba and a crappy old eureka from 20 years ago. I use the eureka to clean my shop because it just won’t die. The Kirby is upstairs because it has carpet. I see a lot of crap on here about them. The door to door sales stuff sucks. But I honestly like it. It’s very heavy however, and would be terrible to lug up and down stairs etc. and they are overpriced. the Miele was our main unit for the downstairs (hardwood) we had it for about 8 years and it performed well. Has a ton of suction. I once even forgot to put in a new bag and ran it for weeks with no bag. Just kept thinking “hmm I wonder why this is making so much noise?” We have a bunch of rugs so I upgraded to the sebo recently. I went to a mom and pop vacuum store and asked a bunch of questions. The guy sold me on a sebo mostly because he felt like they were easier to repair and had a better relationship with the company. It’s very nice and well thought out with a super long cord and multiple attachments. I will say, the Miele has more suction. It’s now my car wash unit for the garage. I hate the roomba
View on Redditopen_in_new - #30Jun 9, 2025
The best vacuum money can buy?
Kirby
View on Redditopen_in_new - #31Jun 9, 2025
The best vacuum money can buy?
I have a Kirby that I’ve had since 2001. It’s a beast. It is heavy, but I don’t understand the complaints about how heavy it is…mine has a transmission which you turn on that literally assists with pushing and pulling.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #32Jun 8, 2025
The best vacuum money can buy?
Kirby Built like brick shithouse. Will last longer in life than you. White House still use Kirby vacuums.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #33Jun 8, 2025
The best vacuum money can buy?
Kirby! Don’t cheap out. I got the $3k model 7 years ago. Absolutely no issues.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #34Jun 8, 2025
The best vacuum money can buy?
Kirby
View on Redditopen_in_new - #35Jun 8, 2025
The best vacuum money can buy?
My Kirby is insane. It has handled absolutely everything I've thrown at it so far. I yank it around by the cord and use it to vacuum screws and nails on a regular basis. The belt needs replaced pretty regularly but afaik that's normal, and they're cheap. It recently traveled interstate on the back of a janky trailer.. it broke the shelf it was on (it's a heavy SOB) but it was completely unscathed. Also has a carpet cleaning attachment that works according to the friend who's borrowed it for that use (I don't have carpet)
View on Redditopen_in_new - #36Jun 8, 2025
The best vacuum money can buy?
A 20 year old used Kirby is better than a new Hoover.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #37Jun 8, 2025
The best vacuum money can buy?
Kirby. They are literally built different and built like tanks. They are heavy, expensive, and they are truly BIFL.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #38Jun 8, 2025
The best vacuum money can buy?
I have rebuilt a few Kirby upright vacuum cleaners, and they are built to last.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #39Jun 7, 2025
What modern manufacturers still make long lasting BIFL-worthy items?
Kirby. I would never buy a new one and pay full price, but a good used one is a BIFL vacuum. Kirby also keeps parts available for 60+ years. You will always be able to fix them in your lifetime.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #40Jun 6, 2025
These are the 25 most recommended vacuum cleaners on Reddit (based on 1,821 users, in the past year) wdyt?
Alright I figured out why the Kirbys didn't show up on this list. [Its a similar problem with the Henrys](https://www.reddit.com/r/BuyItForLife/comments/1l3cc4f/comment/mw3ilnd/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button) \- most people refer to their Kirbys as simply "Kirby" without specifying the model. And when they did, there wasn't a standout model in terms of votes. For now, I will solve this by grouping them under a "Kirby upright series" so the votes don't get spread out. With this change, they are no. 16 overall and no. 6 when filtered for VacuumCleaners sub. You can see the updated list here [https://redditrecs.com/vacuum-cleaner/](https://redditrecs.com/vacuum-cleaner/)
View on Redditopen_in_new - #41Jun 5, 2025
These are the 25 most recommended vacuum cleaners on Reddit (based on 1,821 users, in the past year) wdyt?
Kirby Avalir 2, great vaccum, well built and performance very well.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #42Jun 5, 2025
These are the 25 most recommended vacuum cleaners on Reddit (based on 1,821 users, in the past year) wdyt?
AH ok I figured out why the Kirbys didn't show up on this list. [Its a similar problem with the Henrys](https://www.reddit.com/r/BuyItForLife/comments/1l3cc4f/comment/mw3ilnd/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button) \- most people refer to their Kirbys as simply "Kirby" without specifying the model. And when they did, there wasn't a standout model in terms of votes. For now, I will solve this by grouping them under a "Kirby upright series" so the votes don't get spread out. With this change, they are no. 16 overall and no. 6 when filtered for VacuumCleaners sub. You can see the updated list here [https://redditrecs.com/vacuum-cleaner/](https://redditrecs.com/vacuum-cleaner/)
View on Redditopen_in_new - #43Jun 5, 2025
These are the 25 most recommended vacuum cleaners on Reddit (based on 1,821 users, in the past year) wdyt?
The best vaccuum I've ever owned, by far, was a used Kirby I got for $150. Truly amazing.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #44Jun 4, 2025
These are the 25 most recommended vacuum cleaners on Reddit (based on 1,821 users, in the past year) wdyt?
No Kirby? Them Kirbys are workhorses.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #45Jun 4, 2025
These are the 25 most recommended vacuum cleaners on Reddit (based on 1,821 users, in the past year) wdyt?
Which model are you using? I looked into this and the Kirbys do have a fair number of supporters. This one is the highest ranked of em [https://redditrecs.com/vacuum-cleaner/model/kirby-g4](https://redditrecs.com/vacuum-cleaner/model/kirby-g4) However, barely anyone ever seems to specify the exact model, and so its hard to say which model people are referring to. And because of that, their votes get penalized somewhat (see the [methodology comment](https://www.reddit.com/r/BuyItForLife/comments/1l3cc4f/comment/mvzpuwe/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button) for more details) I'll probably do a brand ranking at some point and see how the Kirby ranks in that
View on Redditopen_in_new - #46Jun 4, 2025
These are the 25 most recommended vacuum cleaners on Reddit (based on 1,821 users, in the past year) wdyt?
No Kirbys? That's the most BIFL vacuum ever, I've had mine for over 30 yrs, other than belts and bags this thing won't quit.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #47Jun 3, 2025
What’s one thing you bought once and it’s still going strong years later?
You must not have pets. I have to change the bag in mine monthly. I have a yellow lab and a short hair cat. Kirby's do have unbelievable suction. My only complaints are in the design. I cannot get the vacuum under the bed, and attaching the hose is a job in itself. I finally set mine up to be simply a hose vac, and bought a used Riccar for general vacuuming. Once in a while I'll reattach the brush head for a deep vacuum, but will put the hose back on after.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #48Jun 3, 2025
What’s one thing you bought once and it’s still going strong years later?
I bought a Kirby vacuum from a door to door salesman 15 years ago. With a measured and delicate enough approach I believe this thing could give me a Brazilian. I have changed the belt once and the bag like 5 times. That’s it.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #49Jun 1, 2025
Dust Off the Past — It’s Throwback Thursday in r/BIFLVacuums!
My husband had a super old Kirby when he was in college (minimum of 30 years old) and that thing did NOT stutter no matter what you threw at it. It was (literally but accidentally) thrown down multiple steep flights of stairs, tossed around, and barely maintained, but it lived through three years of college boy rental house nightmares.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #50May 11, 2025
What are some items under $500 you’ve made so far that changed your life?
Used Kirby vacuum
View on Redditopen_in_new - #51May 10, 2025
Brands you swear by that have Buy It For Life quality products
KitchenAid mixer. Mom had hers for most of my life. I don't remember when she got it, but when she passed at 84, it was still in service. So we bought a new one when my wife began making wedding and party cakes. It's about 40 years old now. Kirby vacuums. We've got two. One I got from my late mother. Think she got it in the 70s. The other came from a widow who was moving away. All the parts are replaceable, and they clean very well.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #52May 1, 2025
What's one item you've owned for years that's still going strong-and was totally worth the money?
My 26 year old Kirby vacuum cleaner that we bought from a door to door salesman when we first bought our house. The thing still sucks like it did on day one!
View on Redditopen_in_new - #53Mar 12, 2025
What's the most expensive item you've bought with the intention of keeping it for life?
I still have and use my mother's Kirby vacuum cleaner that she bought in 1972. It's been rebuilt once, to use disposable bags instead of the manual one, but otherwise, it still runs great.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #54Mar 12, 2025
What's the most expensive item you've bought with the intention of keeping it for life?
My Kirby vacuum!! Door to door salesman got me in 1997. We still have it but I use another vacuum more than the Kirby 🤷🏻♀️
View on Redditopen_in_new - #55Mar 9, 2025
Best vacuum cleaner?
My moms kirby is going to outlive her and me. This thing is built like a tank and still running strong 30 years later.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #56Mar 8, 2025
Best vacuum cleaner?
used kirby for pet hair
View on Redditopen_in_new - #57Mar 8, 2025
Best vacuum cleaner?
Kirby
View on Redditopen_in_new - #58Mar 8, 2025
Best vacuum for pet hair?
See if there are used Kirby's in your area. High quality, underrated choice. Just don't buy them new :)
View on Redditopen_in_new - #59Mar 6, 2025
What's the oldest appliance you own?
I have a Domestic sewing machine that was my grandma’s from the mid 1960’s. I never use it because I don’t sew. I also have a Kirby vacuum from 1970 that has been rebuilt a couple of times. I don’t use it either, because I have no carpet in my house.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #60Feb 7, 2025
Vacuum for home use - pls recommend
Someone is likely to call me a sucker(pun intended) but I bought a Kirby and I love it. It’s heavy and solid. Feels well built. Maintenance and repairs are simple. The suction is crazy; I can actually see it lift the carpet up.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #61Feb 5, 2025
What’s one product you bought that has lasted forever and was totally worth it?
Kirby vacuum, used to go through a vacuum a year, at least 20yrs old and like new
View on Redditopen_in_new - #62Feb 5, 2025
What’s one product you bought that has lasted forever and was totally worth it?
Vitamin and Kirby vacuum
View on Redditopen_in_new - #63Feb 2, 2025
What’s one product you bought that has lasted forever and was totally worth it?
They didn't last forever, but my Doc Martens lasted me a solid 8 years of work. They'd have lasted longer if I knew more about maintaining leather. My mom's 1993 Kirby vacuum still works to this day. Hardest part is finding bags when the current one fills. I also have a Forecaster of Boston coat from the 90s my mom gave me that's great for all weather, takes a beating, and has only needed the the buttons and zipper replaced because I'm clumsy.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #64Feb 2, 2025
What BIFL purchase have you most regretted?
Lol. Nope! Just a person who's owned multiple vacuums. My Kirbys are both second-hand and wonderful.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #65Jan 10, 2025
These are the most recommended vacuum cleaners on Reddit (r/VacuumCleaners VS others) as of Jan 2025
Where's my Kirby? It's about forty years old and still sucks!
View on Redditopen_in_new - #66Jan 9, 2025
These are the most recommended vacuum cleaners on Reddit (r/VacuumCleaners VS others) as of Jan 2025
The bifl vacuum is Kirby, get a used one, definitely not from the salesman going door/door. They are both rugged and repairable. They can last 50+ years. This issue becomes qualities beyond bifl. They are also heavy as hell, large, difficult to get into many spaces, and generally difficult to use. …but it’s bifl.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #67Jan 9, 2025
These are the most recommended vacuum cleaners on Reddit (r/VacuumCleaners VS others) as of Jan 2025
Still probably never gonna give up my Kirby 2000.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #68Jan 9, 2025
These are the most recommended vacuum cleaners on Reddit (r/VacuumCleaners VS others) as of Jan 2025
I have two Kirby’s, one from the the mid 00’s and one from the 90’s. I also have a Dyson Ball animal from 2010-ish. All three of them are still going strong. The only drawback is the weight.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #69Dec 1, 2015
What Vacuum for $150 and under? or maybe $200
Check out thrift stores for a few weeks - you're sure to run into vacuums like old Kirby models from the 50s-70s that, while they weigh 50 pounds, will suck an egg through a straw. Edit: and Orecks come up a lot too. Grabbed one for $10 and it's completely replaced my Shark. Saw a professional model for $50 at a goodwill today actually.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #70Dec 1, 2015
What Vacuum for $150 and under? or maybe $200
Used Kirby. Crazy good parts availability, lots of power.
View on Redditopen_in_new