Vocal Voices

Anyone wanting to buy a powerful vacuum cleaner has only ten days left to be certain of getting one - following new EU rules that come in next month.

From 1 September, companies in the EU will be banned from making or importing vacuum cleaners above 1600 watts.

Hoover - based in South Wales - said that most of its cleaners were in that category.

It has been replacing its models since July with less powerful versions, but a few are still left on the shelves.

Elements of the directive - known as 2009/125/EC - are being challenged by the Dyson group.

The consumer organisation Which? says many of the models involved were rated as "best buys" by its researchers.

In one recent study, five of the top seven cleaners had motors of more than 1600 watts.

hoover model
Models like this Hoover will no longer be available
The new European rules are part of the EU's energy efficiency directive, designed to help tackle climate change.

Among the models which will soon no longer be available are:

Hoover Spirit TSP2101 (2100w)
Miele S5281 (2200w)
Samsung CycloneForce Sensor (2100w)
Bosch BSG8PRO1 ( 1800w)
No models made by Dyson are affected, as all the motors on their machines are below 1600w.

So glad that Dyson's aren't affected. I've been using them for about 15 years now and would be lost without mine.

The reason why Dysons are affected is that they have a lower suction level to start with. I wouldn't give them the time of day.

I might be being really thick but why? Why won't they be allowed to sell them any more?

Do "they" think we are not responsible enough to use powerful vacuum cleaners?

It seems that it is to protect the environment!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I suppose the increased levels of dust and poorer standards of hygiene because of feeble vacuum cleaners won't affect the environment at all.

Talk about Nanny state!

Why do we put up with it. Why doesn't our government tell them to bog off?

Crazy!!!

Lower suction power means it will take longer to do the cleaning, meaning more electricity will have to be generated. So more fuel burnt defeating the object.

Luke's new vacuum cleaner is 1900w it is brilliant. Presume we got one of the last ones