A company driven by the passion to make world-class vacuum cleaners, Riccar is totally different from the other companies that oftentimes fret over selling the highest number of vacs. The emphasis at Riccar lies not with numbers but rather selling credible vacuum cleaners. Performance is at the core of every appliance that the company has ever made. Their creativity is underpinned by an obsession towards suction power as well as high airflow numbers. The company battles with the slightest tweaks to the motor, seals and fans that could lead to a more robust performance. Riccar is owned by Tacony, a company which also controls the Simplicity brand (which I plan to cover in the close future).
The engineers at Riccar worked tirelessly to come with their new Tandem Air technology, which beats the direct air as well as clean air machine technologies. Direct air machines were incredible in cleaning carpeted areas while the clean air systems did an excellent job when it came to filtration and abundance of on-board tools. With these two technologies now combined, the result is a vacuum cleaner that offers excellent filtration mechanisms alongside efficient cleaning performance.
Having the idea that American homes are unique, Riccar has endeavored to produce all their systems in in St. James, Missouri, USA to ensure that the design goes in line with the cleaning exercises expected in these homes. The houses being spacious with a variety of flooring materials, will need an all-inclusive vacuum cleaner, and this is exactly what Riccar is out to offer its customers. Their products and services include:
Tandem Air Uprights
These are top-of the line vacuum cleaners, endowed with the patented Tandem technology which simply combines two different motors to give exceptional cleaning power. You will therefore enjoy advanced HEPA media filtration mechanisms, strong suction power and remarkable carpet cleaning results. Here is one of my favorites:
Riccar Premium Radiance RADP
Exclusive to the category of Tandem Air Uprights is the Premium radiance vacuum cleaner, an upright vacuum cleaner with an unsurpassed cleaning performance.
Combining the convenience of powerful on-board tools with the revolutionary Tandem Air System, it is an appliance that every user marvels at. Unique to this appliance is the dirt-sensing display, which illuminates the carpets to indicate whether the embedded dirt has been successfully cleared from its fibers. It features a stainless steel bottom plate, 7-stage HEPA filtration systems, 6-position carpet height adjustment, an 8-year warranty, a filter-check light, dirt sensing display lights and a self-sealing HEPA media vacuum bag.
There are some debates over the usability of this vacuum cleaner, especially related to the power suction, but its pet tool is absolutely wonderful, it is one of the quietest uprights I’ve ever put my hands on and has easy to use, ergonomic controls.
Clean air Uprights
Appliances under this category have powerful attachments and the HEPA media filtration. They are therefore best-suited to keep your home free of dirt and dust. These vacuums offer a high degree of versatility, drawing from long-stretch hoses and telescopic wands which allow users to lean floors and ceilings without struggling. And there’s one Clean air I like:
Riccar Ultra Premium Vibrance R2UP with 2-stage motor
It is a unique vacuum cleaner under the AirClean uprights category, which is designed to offer ease of use, low maintenance needs and outstanding durability. Its body has been restyled to offer excellent airflow, not forgetting the lifetime belt and self-sealing HEPA media bag system.
The appliance also features a unique two-stage motor system, whose end-game is maximum cleaning performance. It also comes with a surface selector, allowing you to choose between carpets, bare floors and rugs. The on-board tools on this appliance have the softest bristles, and can therefore complete a gentle cleaning exercise. Additional features on this vacuum cleaner include a headlamp, 6 years warranty, full-bag indicator, a surface selector switch, rubber wheels, lifetime belt and a 40-ft cord.
Unfortunately, you can only buy this directly from Riccar’s website or from authorized resellers (as all Riccar products), which are basically using the same door-to-door salesmen policy as other US brands, such as Kirby.
Lightweight uprights
Riccar has invested in lightweight vacuum cleaners, some of which are weighing less than 9 pounds, but this does not in any way undermine the power that they deliver even on the dirtiest carpets. They are easy to transport to various rooms and utterly convenient when you are required to move up and down the stairs.
Riccar SupraLite Sand Trap
This is one of the most powerful vacs under the SupraLite line of lightweight uprights from Riccar. You probably understand that sand destroys all your carpet fibers, and this appliance comes as a savior to help you fight back. It also features a powerful two-stage motor system to remove the smallest particles of sand which might be ingrained deep into your carpets.
It is a perfect appliance for someone who has a home close to the beach or adjacent to a golf course. The machine is built to last, designed to perform and finished to offer convenience as well as the ease of cleaning. Unique features on this appliance include:
- a metal brush-roll
- 5 year warranty
- a lifetime belt
- deluxe touch handle grip
- rubber wheels.
Commercial uprights
These are vacuums which have been built to stand the wear and tear that comes with daily use. They are mostly made of metal components, with extra-long commercial-grade cords which are easy to unplug and re-plug.
Riccar Commercial 8925
It is the most common appliance under the commercial category. Commercial vacuum cleaners have longer shelf lives; thus the 8925 is a premier machine with an able muscle which can deliver to the expected standards of commercial cleaning. Its unique features include:
- 1 year warranty
- surface selector
- on-board tools
- a 12-Amp two stage motor system
- 6-stage filtration system
- metal bottom plate
At a price range of $700, this is one of the cheapest commercial vacuum cleaner one can find. These are vacuum cleaners are meant to clean large areas, carpeted or covered with rugs. If you prefer canisters to uprights, Riccar has got it covered. Its full-size vacs come with a power nozzle to earn you an excellent cleaning exercise regardless of the floor surface.
Finally, it’s your turn. What do you think, is a Riccar product worth your money? Do you already own a Riccar vacuum cleaner? Are you planning to buy one in the near future? Share your thoughts with us.
Jason Roberts
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Sid Dinerstein says
I have narrowed down my choices to Dyson, Riccar and Miele and wish to keep the cost between $400 and $500. My house has 65% carpet with tile and wood for the balance. I prefer an upright. I have no pets however occasionally my daughter visits with her dog which sheds quite a bit. Your advice please. Yhank you
Jason Roberts says
With your budget, you can get a Miele Dynamic U1, which is my favorite. Check out either the Limited Edition, Twist or Jazz models. A good Riccar is a bit more expensive, but you could also check out their SupraLite Deluxe R10D and Vibrance Deluxe R20D units.
Sid Dinerstein says
thank you for your assistance
Sue McFarland says
Which do you consider the best upright vacuum made by Miele or Riccar for soft plush carpeting such as Smartstrand Silk?
Jason Roberts says
From Miele, the Dynamic U1 Cat & Dog. From Riccar, the Premium Radiance. If I were to choose among these 2, I would take the Miele, based on the cheaper price.
Lyndsy Struck says
My German husband died but he was one for the highest quality. He shopped at a dealer that sold everything and upon watching demonstrations of all the vacuums in there, he brought home the riccar. That was years ago. Raising two children and two dogs our Riccar has taken quite the besting. I’m on my 3rd one now only because I like their updates. They have many lifetime guarantees in the vacuum. You get what you pay for and I’d never settle for anything less.
Rebecca Keiser says
15yrs ago I bought a Riccar upright vacuum cleaner. Previously I had Kirby ‘ s & Electrolux uprights. Both were good vacuum cleaners. My 1 & only Riccar, to me, is by far the best vacuum cleaner I’ve ever used or owned. I have dogs, cats, children & husband who does woodworking. We live in the middle of 40 acres of which is mostly crop land. Which means a lot of dust & dirt along with pet hair. I love my Riccar. It’s time to invest in a new vacuum. I have done research. Had many people tell me this brand or that brand is the best. But I wonder if we’re comparing apples to apples which vacuum is the best? I need & want a vacuum that preforms as well if not better then the 15yr old Riccar I currently own. It still works. I have it serviced yearly. The service person was amazed at how well this vacuum still works. The only thing is it is a bit heavy. I have a long hose for steps. Attachments to do walls, curtains etc.. . And a 30ft cord so I can continue my task without stopping to switch electrical outlets. If you can recommend a vacuum that meets my needs & the cost I will be grateful. There’s a lot of vacuums on the market & I am buying one very soon.
Thank you.
Jason Roberts says
Rebecca, things have evolved a lot in the recent years. Check out my comparison chart, and 10 of the best vacuum cleaners made in US.
Cynthie M says
Jason, do you have an opinion about the Riccar R10E? I am looking for a lightweight well-performing vacuum. A friend has recommended an Oreck, but i just found the Riccar on sale. I need a vacuum that works on carpet and wood floors. We have new wood floors, so it is important (I believe) to have the option to turn off the brush rotation. I am willing to pay for quality up to a point, but i cannot afford a high end vacuum at this time.
Thanks so much!
Jason Roberts says
Unfortunately, the Riccar R10E doesn’t have an On/Off brushroll switch, so it will not work with bare surfaces, including your wood floors. However, at this price there are plenty of other options. Check out my list of vacuum cleaners under $200, as well as some of the other tops I’ve made.
Cynthie says
Thanks, Jason. I will check our your reviews.
Jacquie Bayley says
I am buying a new vacuum cleaner and a cannister has been recommended to me. I have mostly hardwood and tile floors with oriental area rugs and runners. I have carpet in the 6 bedrooms. Right now I have a dog that doesn’t shed but she has lots of ‘friends’ visiting.
A Prima Straight Suction has been recommended to me with both heads and the carpet attachment.
Thoughts?
Jason Roberts says
Prima Straight Suction has its strong points, but for that budget, you can consider other units, such as Mieles (C1, C2 or C3). For a fraction of the cost, you could also get a Shark Rocket Powerhead which works great on bare floors and carpets.
Anna says
I have an opportunity to buy an older (8-10 years) Riccar 1500 for a very good price (under $50), but it only comes with the power brush and crevice tool. Am I likely to find the missing attachments for sale?
Jason Roberts says
For sure. You should take the deal.
Karen Horton says
I have maple wood floors on my main level of my townhome. I would like a vacume cleaner at a reasonable price for hardwood floors. I was considering the puple Supralite Riccar vacume cleaner. What do you think about this vacume cleaner? Are there any others you would recommend. I don’t want to pay $400 and above range.
Jason Roberts says
Check out my hardwood floors list.
Mike says
I work for a Riccar dealer and they do not do door to door. They will only sell through shops that do in-house repair work. BTW they are an amazing company to deal with as far as getting warranty work done. They go out of their way to help their customers.
Barbara Holder says
I purchased a Riccar vacuum from a local store $449.00 a couple weeks ago. I have had several vacuums in my 60 some years of house cleaning. It was the WORSE I have ever had. It would not pull even a feather up and threw dirt out the back side of it. I ended up getting one that was a loan out one from the store or other words a used one for the trade off. SO I ended up getting a $449.00 used vacuum. It was suppose to be a more expensive one but yet used. It was such a disappointment thinking I would use a local merchant but ended up being a very upsetting experience.