I've been using this for about two years and I have aged more than it has and it has never required more than a new dust-bag. I've put the conclusion at the top because I do ramble on a bit.
Conclusion: If you really need to clean carpets or you've lots of wet stuff to suck up then you really NEED George and all the relatively minor problems won't matter. If you are a "real-man" type and love the tough, indestructible, everlasting qualities (as I do) then the irretations are a small price to pay. If you just want a hoover then try Henry, he's lighter, smaller and just as tough.
How it feels: George is built from the sort of plastic that
you find in industrial Mop Buckets. Treat it with care and it should last forever, treat it with contempt and it will last forever but will show some signs of wear. George has a cute face stuck on it which is out-of-place on such a mean machine, it needs a menacing scowl! It is a genuine industrial product. Every bit is over-engineered, the switches are big ugly rockers with thick waterproof plastic covers. The metal pipes are very heavy grade and can be used to bend other bits of metal if the need arises, flexible hoses are as tough as they can be and still bend easily. The case (in two parts, top and bottom) is of very thick and heavy duty plastic and all the electrics are hidden completely in the top part. In use, it feels strong and seems to encourage tou to treat it roughly. It has the sort of "battle-hardened" feel that should endear it to men whilst actually doing the job which should endear it to women.
Just hoovering: It sucks up dust and such as well as my old Nilfisk which is high praise indeed. Dust bags are large and have a rubber membrane that stops leaks around the dust-pipe, this is a super idea and it works! But this good performance is not enough to justify the price, weight etc of George. It's party-piece is it's ability to get wet.
Wet work: To work in the wet you need to do a pretty complex conversion job on George. Take the top off, remove the particle filter (pulls off), remove the bag (pulls off with some effort), place the "spray liquid" container in the "bag" area (slides in), put on the snorkle type protection system (place on top), change the plastic pipe (twist & pull) for the "wet" version, connect the spray hose (snaps in with top-grade valve), slide on the spray attachment, replace the "brush head" with the "suction head" (fiddly thumb-screw attachment). Then you're ready to go. If that seems like a bit of a chore then good 'cos it is. You won't be doing this just to clean a small stain it had better be something BIG. From there on it's easy, press the spray pump switch on and use the trigger on the spray attachment to put water/detergent on the carpet (don't go mad or you'll never get it dry!!!) and use the "wet brush" to scrub it in. Then turn off the "pump" and turn on the standard "suck" and watch all that dirty water get sucked up into George. It's hard labour doing this and you'll break sweat no matter how you do it but your carpet will get clean.
Where George really shines: George is useful as a hoover, handy as a carpet cleaner but a miracle for disasters. If things get flooded, George is the just the tool to get the last of the water etc out. He's at home in sheds or workshops or even outside. It's not just a hoover it's a work-horse and I recommend it most highly in this regard.
Not all sunshine: So why don't I just marry it then? Well, it's heavy. If you have to get it up and down stairs all the time you'll get a good work-out. It's not quite. It's no Jumbo Jet either but you won't be chatting on the phone that's for sure. There's no rewind system for the power cable and it's a long cable too. This is more than just "one more job to do" it's a real pain when you have to carry it. George in one hand, suction tube in the other and the cable? Well, it's always good to have a challenge. The dust-filter is re-usable which I hate. You've got to bang it about outdoors to get the dust out and you always seem to get covered in dirt. All the "Wet" stuff takes up as much space as another hoover so if you live somewhere small don't even bother.
Conclusion: If you really need to clean carpets or you've lots of wet stuff to suck up then you really NEED George and all the relatively minor problems won't matter. If you are a "real-man" type and love the tough, indestructible, everlasting qualities (as I do) then the irretations are a small price to pay. If you just want a hoover then try Henry, he's lighter, smaller and just as tough. Personally though, I love George.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
I don't get to choose the vacuum cleaners - that's a privilege left to LegendarymrsDude, so we usually end up with something that's purple. Which unfortunately rules out poor old George. Which might not be a bad thing by the sound of it. Far more than we need. Thanks, Sam.
chazzero 07.12.2005 18:24
and its so cute! yus we need one of these, our shower always leaks into the landing below and would be good to just hoover the water up rather than use towels upon towels
Nar 07.12.2005 14:10
The George model is actually one of the best machines on the market, although do you know you can buy a HEPA filter for your machine from Numatic? Ive still got my Vax but Id consider George in the future when Vax (if it does) breaks down. Whats the accessorires you get with this machine and are they easy to clean? As for the bags - I cant stand the new Henry bags, they may have a rubber membrane seal on them but they are next to useless for putting on in a hurry.
George Wet / Dry CleanerTurboflo Vacuum TurbinePowerflo Pump SystemPermatex Filtration ... more
System for Wet Pick-Up1100W Motor40 L/Sec Air FlowNon-Rust Stainless Steel TubesSafety Float Valve System for Wet Pick-Up2100mm Suction15-Litre Dry Capacity9-Litre W...
Postage & Packaging: £9.99 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
George Wet / Dry CleanerTurboflo Vacuum TurbinePowerflo Pump SystemPermatex Filtration ... more
System for Wet Pick-Up1100W Motor40 L/Sec Air FlowNon-Rust Stainless Steel TubesSafety Float Valve System for Wet Pick-Up2100mm Suction15-Litre Dry Capacity9-Litre W...
Postage & Packaging: free Super Saver Delivery Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
The Numatic George is the true "all in one" wet or dry vacuum cleaner. This classic "all ... more
in one" dry vacuuming, wet vacuuming, scrubbing and drying hard floors, deep cleaning the carpet, cleaning the upholstery, and unblocking the sink. The combinati...
Postage & Packaging: £10.63 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Dec 7th, 2005
very helpful by (91%):
helpful by (9%):
