Over at the Fool.co.uk messageboards, Dyson owner alex812 is “thinking of lashing out on something else and see that Miele comes out well in reviews”. He’s looking at a S4511 and wants to know if it will it “outperform (a) an old Dyson DC01 and (b) a modern Dyson?”

Howyoodoin immediately answers the question “Does anything outperform Miele?” with a simple no, before going on the quote this month’s Which? magazine in which four out of the top five vacuums were made by Miele. Erstwhile Dyson owner publicimage also swapped their Dyson for a Cat & Dog, while lorodue also recommends Miele on the grounds that “if you have significant allergens hanging around (pets, or fine particulates if you live near a busy road, etc) then get one with a HEPA filter…Nothing else matches up.”

All of which sways alex812 to reply: “Thanks all - Miele it is then.” To check out the conversation in full, jump over to the Fool.co.uk messageboards.

Judging by the judicious use of angry emoticons in her post on vacuum cleaners, Money Saving Expert member mary43 is fed up with the troublesome things. While sprucing up her house for the visit of her one-year old grandson her current vacuum has let her down and having found Dysons too heavy in the past has asked for recommendations for a decent machine to buy.

Meester recommends Miele calling it “…the best brand for suction and reliability” and then gives a full rundown of seven vacuums suitable for mary43’s needs including the Cat & Dog, Revolution 5000, S4581, S4511 and the HEPA 5281. Miele owner LandyAndy is also a fan and describes his as “…very good and, relatively, quiet.” Mary43’s only concern is that she finds upright cleaners easier on her back.

Have you got a tale to tell over a particularly useless vacuum cleaner? What would you recommend to Mary43 in her situation? Have your say in the forum.