For this review, we unpacked and assembled the Sanitaire by Electrolux Duralux SC9180B commercial upright vacuum cleaner, then put it through its paces on our bare floors, low-pile commercial carpeting, a Berber rug, and deep-pile shag carpeting.
The SC9180B was in need of some assembly when we were tasked with reviewing it. Our seasoned reviewers usually feel confident assembling test vacuum cleaners without the aid of a manual, but because of the SC9108B's unconventional handle setup, we were right to think that following the manual would simplify the process. Rather than attaching to the top or back, the SC9180B's handle attaches to the front of the housing. This configuration gives the SC9180B a large, top-loading bag compartment. It also allows the handle to attach to a lower point on the housing than a different configuration, which in turn allows for more even weight distribution. We needed to use a Phillips head screwdriver to attach the handle to the front of the housing. Beyond that, no tools were required for assembly.
When we set out to test this vacuum, we decided to put our new decibel reader to work. The SC9180B registered at around 70 decibels, which is the average listening volume of a television or radio. We were pleasantly surprised to discover that this vacuum cleaner's noise output is actually quieter than some of the residential upright vacuum cleaners we've tested. There was no difference in noise output between the bare floor and carpet cleaning modes.
When it comes to cleaning and control, the SC9180B offers just the right level of minimalism without seeming oversimplified. A toggle switch on the side of the housing acts as both the power button and the brushroll on/off control. A power nozzle suction dial and hose/power nozzle suction selector dial are the only other mechanisms on this vacuum. The four-setting height adjustment dial on top of the power nozzle raises or lowers the brushroll to clean different floor types, from bare floors to deep shag carpeting. When changing height adjustment settings, you can see the power nozzle adjusting itself as you turn the dial. This helped us to gauge whether the nozzle was set to the correct setting for our different floor types. The hose/nozzle selector wheel gradually cuts off air flow to the power nozzle and redirects it to the cleaning wand for vacuuming above-the-floor surfaces and narrower areas where the full unit cannot fit.
When we were finished, we wrapped the generous power cord around two hooks on the front of the vacuum and stowed it away. While we initially thought that a front-wrapping cord was unusual and impractical, we quickly realized that this setup allows for more compact storage. Because the cord wraps around the front of the unit, the back is essentially flat, and can be pushed closer to walls for more compact storage.
We eagerly recommend the Sanitaire by Electrolux DuraLux SC9180B upright vacuum cleaner for all your commercial cleaning needs. For more information about this or any other commercial vacuum cleaners that we carry, please call (866) 972-8227.
