Why the Kirby Avalir 2 Lives Up to the Hype

As we’ve discussed previously, several metrics can play into vacuum cleaner power — but none are quite capable of telling the full story on their own. Amperage, for example, might seem low for the Kirby Avalir 2. This model has a far lower amperage than key competitors in the high-end vacuum market, taking in a mere seven amps from a typical power outlet. This isn’t indicative of a problem, meaning that the Kirby is more efficient than most vacuums of its ilk.

The vacuum’s airflow also warrants consideration. With the Kirby Avalir 2, this reaches 132 CFM. This exceeds the airflow ratings of many competitors. As a result, the Avalir 2 can handle even the most difficult high-pile carpets. It’s common for upright and cordless models from Dyson and Shark to get around 50 CFM. Bissell has been known to exceed 100 CFM with select models.

Kirby has long held a remarkable reputation as a reliable vacuum manufacturer. Some of this prestige comes from Kirby’s commitment to building vacuum cleaners in the USA. The Lifetime Rebuild Program also earns the company a lot of goodwill from loyal customers. Ultimately, however, all this could be stripped away, and users would still be passionate about their Kirby vacuums.

While tremendous airflow is important to pull dirt from deep within the carpet, agitation to shake the dirt loose is important as well. Kirby’s brush roll, spinning at 3200 revolutions per minute, agitates and lifts the dirt from carpet with ease.

Also important is having the correct height to optimize airflow. The Kirby’s toe-touch control has seven different positions to clean any type of or style of carpeting.

The difference lies in the powerful suction that new and old Kirby models deliver. These days, this is evident with the Kirby Avalir 2, which delivers a powerful clean in almost any setting imaginable. However, a simple glance at the stats might not be sufficient to understand how the Kirby Avalir 2 works and what makes it so powerful.

Consumers often find air wattage even more confusing than the other metrics referenced above. This is a newer rating that takes output into account. Like airflow, air watts measure how the vacuum in question can carry air through a nozzle or other opening.

Definitions of ‘ideal’ can vary dramatically based on the vacuum style, but uprights should reach an absolute minimum of 100 AW. It’s common for canister vacuums to appear ahead, often reaching AW ratings of over 250. The best uprights, however, combine the high air wattage of the canister design with enhanced mobility.

Measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM), airflow determines how the vacuum motor can “pull” across a surface. This comprehensive calculation considers the motor’s power and resistance from the bag and the filtration system. Remember that while airflow provides excellent insight for general vacuum operation, ratings may be less accurate when using attachments.

Few vacuum specs are as telling or difficult to understand as water lift. This determines the extent to which a vacuum’s motor can lift a one-inch column of water. This concept only applies if the motor is completely sealed. A vacuum with a solid water lift rating can handle resistance more effectively, especially after the dust bag begins to fill.

As we’ve touched on, the concept of vacuum power is far from simple. The input power — measured in watts — plays a role but cannot be depended on alone to determine how effectively a vacuum might clean. High input power may not translate to impressive suction depending on how the vacuum is designed or how efficient the motor is. Still, a simple overview of wattage should provide insight when accompanied by other important specs.Amperage ratings are arguably more important.

This denotes the amount of electrical current used while operating the vacuum. While the motor uses the lion’s share of the electrical current, many other components are also influential. When making direct comparisons between vacuum models, however, the specific amperage of the motor can provide far more insight into the suction power and related cleaning abilities.