Miele makes very popular canister vacuum cleaners. They are not cheap but they are very highly rated by consumers and often top best vacuum cleaner lists. There are three Miele canister vacuum series and these are the S2 series, the S4 series and the S5 series. The most affordable of these are the S2 units while the S5 are the high-end machines. The Miele Callisto is part of the S5 series.
Overview and Features
The Miele S5281 Callisto is jam-packed with features. To start with this is a sealed system machine. A sealed system ensures that all of the air sucked into the vacuum is passed through the filters before exiting the machine. Vacuum cleaners without a sealed system allow air to leak out through cracks in the vacuum or allow air to pass around filters. A sealed system vacuum expels properly filtered air and if you are using a machine with a high level of filtration this is especially important. The Miele Callisto uses HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filtration that is capable of removing 99.97% of particles with a diameter of 0.3 microns or more. This includes pet dander, dust mites and many other allergens. The HEPA filter that comes with the Callisto also uses activated carbon. Activated carbon removes odors from the air creating a very fresh, clean smelling exhaust that can be particularly helpful in households with pets.
The 1200 watt vortex motor is made by Miele in Germany and has a 7 year warranty. Miele also indicates that their canisters have an average life-span of 20 years. In this era of disposable appliances this is an exceptional claim. The Callisto includes a bare floor brush as well as a power carpet brush. The brushroll on the carpet brush can be turned on and off via fingertip controls. In addition, there are 5 different height settings on the carpet brush to accommodate different carpet lengths.
Many Miele Callisto vacuum reviews mention that the vacuum is very quiet. This is accomplished via silence insulation used throughout the vacuum as well as the ability to dial down the suction. For a canister vacuum it is relatively light at 13.5 lbs and this makes it easy to carry up and down stairs as well as pull behind you while vacuuming. 360 degree caster wheels mounted on steel axles also help with moving the vacuum. A bag replacement indicator lets you know when the bag requires changing and the 4.76 quart bags are large enough that changes are infrequent. Suction is considered very strong and can be adjusted via a 6-setting rotary dial located on the canister body.
A number of tools and accessories come with the Callisto including an electric stainless steel telescopic wand and three onboard tools: a crevice nozzle, a dusting brush, and an upholstery tool. The vacuum and belt are protected by a safety shut-off should the vacuum overheat. The Miele Callisto carries a lengthy 7 year warranty on the motor while the remainder of the vacuum has a limited 1 year warranty.
Pros and Cons
Consumers have many good things to say about the Miele Callisto although a few drawbacks have also been brought up. On the plus side, people feel that the vacuum works very well on both hard floors and carpets and is excellent at picking up pet hair. The automatic power cord rewind is also a consumer favourite although there are some comments that the cord is a little short. There is singular agreement that the vacuum is very, very quiet and that the adjustable suction is a great feature.
Consumers appreciate the light weight of the vacuum which allows it to be moved and lifted easily, and it is considered by most to be well-built and durable. It is also relatively compact and as a result easy to store. The attachments are on-board and convenient although some people feel they are a little small. The filtration works well and there is consensus that the vacuum produces very fresh, odorless exhaust air, although the HEPA filter cannot be washed. A number of owners also mention the usefulness of the adjustable handle which makes vacuuming for people of all statures comfortable. Vacuum bags, while large, are not cheap and neither is the vacuum itself.
Price
Miele vacuums are not discounted often but you should be able to get a few dollars off the manufacturer's suggested retail price which is over one thousand dollars. The Miele S5281 Callisto can be found at a number of online retail outlets for 9.
Summary
If you are not into compromise and you want a long-lasting, high quality vacuum cleaner that can effectively handle many different floor surfaces, then you will be hard pressed to find a better machine than the Miele Callisto. Its sealed system and activated carbon HEPA filter also deodorize and remove allergens from the air as you clean, making this machine a favorite for those with asthma or allergies.
