Oreck is a company that has been around since the 60’s and has focused from the start on making quality products. They began with vacuums but quickly diversified into closely-related areas such as air purification and carpet cleaning.
Because their history is rooted in vacuum cleaners, we have high standards for the company. They’ve come out with countless models designed to fit many different settings, whether it’s in the home, office, or shop.
We’ll be taking a look at two compact canister vacuums from Oreck: the BB880 Super Deluxe Compact and the CC1600 Ultimate Handheld. These products are visually extremely different, and just looking at them it’s hard to believe they’ve been produced by the same company. But their ultimate purpose is the same: to get an extremely clean home as efficiently and effectively as possible while meeting the specific needs of Oreck’s customer base.
Let’s begin with the basics.
Bagged Canister Features
The CC1600 Ultimate Handheld vacuum uses bags in the unit’s body where the dust, dirt, and debris is collected. But the real draw to the Handheld is what comes just before that bag.
Oreck has decided to go with HEPA filters for this home-marketed vacuum. To be of HEPA standard filters need to be at least 99.97% effective at picking up particles a size of .3 microns or larger. Homeowners with pets, tobacco smoke, or allergen-susceptible children swear by HEPA filters are far as keeping the home clean and allergen-free.
Like the Ultimate Handheld, the BB880 Super Deluxe worked with a collection bag for dirt and debris. It does use hypo-allergenic bags instead of a HEPA filter, but this feature definitely loses its appeal when compared to the Handheld’s approach to allergens. They’ve put the focus on an easy-to-access dustbag-door with a dust lock to prevent escaping debris. But does it hold up to what we’ve already been tantalized with?
Conclusion: As both of these vacuums are canister-based, we need to focus on what Oreck decided to include to make the product more appealing.
The CC1600 is touted more as a household vacuum than anything else, and that’s obvious from its sleek design. It isn’t surprising that Oreck decided to tackle a very prominent worry among their customer base; allergens.
Versatility and Maneuverability
The Oreck CC1600 weighs only 9 lbs, which isn’t bad considering its power. The power cord reaches a length of 20ft and can be wrapped easily around the bottom of the vacuum to make sure you aren’t tripping over it as you work.
The added weight of the CC1600 Ultimate Handheld includes a tool caddy to make sure you have the necessary attachments at hand. With the shoulder strap, you also have the option of carrying the vacuum to better reach high and hard-to-reach places. Oreck has included a five-foot long slinky hose as well.
Oreck has specifically pointed out the Super Deluxe’s ability to reach both high and low, really digging into those tight places. It weighs 4 lbs – less than half of the Ultimate – and also comes with a strap to be worn over the shoulder.
The set of attachments included at purchase are designed for versatile cleaning of areas or objects.
Conclusion: Unfortunately, Oreck has made both of these products dependent on charging cords. The Ultimate does have a cordless option at a different price point, but that’s outside of our discussion today.
Although there doesn’t seem to be a huge difference when it comes to versatility and maneuverability with these two units, we’re going to take the customer’s advice on the matter.
They suggest that the attachments included with the Oreck BB880 just don’t get the job done. They also note that although it comes with a strap, it’s really hard to clean any area other than the floor.
On the other hand, customers find the Ultimate Handheld’s eye-catching design to be a hindrance when toting it around, as the rounded body makes it slip around on the shoulder strap. There aren’t any complaints about its versatility though – so maybe the Ultimate is the way to go.
Suction and Design
Oreck doesn’t do much boasting when it comes to the Ultimate’s suction power, but the company does mention that the attachments are incredibly good at focusing that suction on the problem areas you’re trying to reach.
At first glance, this vacuum has a rather unconventional design. It appears compact, but even without our earlier discussion, you can probably tell that it wouldn’t be that comfortable to lug around.
Oreck has added an appealing feature to the BB880 – the option to turn this vacuum into a blower and get rid of dirt and debris lodged in areas that are hard to reach.
The strength of the suction is enough to pick up a 16 lb bowling ball. But the Oreck BB880 Super Deluxe isn’t exactly easy on the eyes. It almost looks like an old VCR recorder with a hose attached to the front. But if you aren’t concerned with looks, this vacuum definitely has some power to it.
Conclusion: Once you get past the aesthetic design of the Oreck CC1600, it isn’t as impressive as it appears. It covers all the basics of course as far as suction. There are no customer complaints in that area. However, the actual design of the unit itself and how realistic it is considering the product’s intended function is questionable.
The Super Deluxe doesn’t exactly look Deluxe, but it does have a heavy-duty feel to it. You just probably won’t see it in any fancy home commercials anytime soon. With its power and drive, it seems more apt for the back corner of a shop.
Last Words on Oreck BB880 vs CC1600
Oreck has operated for decades as a company founded on vacuum cleaners, and although they’ve diversified, they still keep on top of producing top quality cleaners.
Of the two products, we looked at today, which one you choose for your home might depend on what exactly you’re using it for.
The Oreck BB880 Super Deluxe is a model that looks like it was meant to operate in a work environment, and its features support that – especially the option to turn the vacuum into a heavy-duty blower. Trying to use this model in areas other than the floor might be a bit of a struggle.
On the other hand, the Oreck CC1600 Ultimate Handheld has a much updated, sleek design and appears to be a model meant for home or car interiors – without the powerful pull and blow behind it. It’ll get the job done, especially with the added attachments, but it isn’t up for heavy work.
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