Riccar Vacuum Reviews – Are They Worth The Cost?

The rare thing about Riccar vacuums compared to the majority of other vacuums in the market is that they are made exclusively in the US. Another aspect that sets them apart is that they are only sold via independent vacuum retailers. For instance, you won't find Riccar vacuums on Amazon or other online stores (except for their own website).

Riccar's objective is to make truly world class vacuums. They are obesessed with achieving the best performance possible and producing robust vacuums that excel in terms of suction power and air flow control. As a result their best models are the highest performing but also the most expensive vacuums we've reviewed.

Introducing the Riccar Vacuum Brand

The Riccar brand of vacuums was established in 1988, so their latest vacuums have the benefit of 30 years of development.

They started with two Clean Air style uprights and a focus on developing the vacuums with the best suction for powerful on-board tools and attachments. We'll take a look at what their Clean Air technology is shortly.

In 2004 Riccar introduced Patented Tandem Air Technology to their vacuums. These were the first vacuum cleaners in the world to use two distinct cleaning motors for exceptional carpet cleaning, advanced filtration and powerful suction for attachments.

Let's dive into the tech.

Riccar Vacuums Review

Riccar's vacuum technology focuses on cleaning performance: suction power, air flow, carpet agitation and filtration.

They also produce robust vacuums that are built using strong components that will last. You won't find cheap plastic parts that break easily on their vacuums.

Furthermore, Riccar's vacuums have the longest warranties you will find in premium vacuums, with up to 8 years for their top model.

Riccar Tandem Air Vacuums

Riccar's Patented Tandem Air vacuums have both a clean air motor and a direct air motor in them to bring you the benefits of both. Their innovative technology provides:

The result, as Riccar proudly state themselves, is a level of clean you've never seen.

Riccar Vacuums comparison

Riccar Vacuum Types

Riccar produce a wide range of different types of vacuums and these can be categorized as follows:

Spoilt for Choice

Riccar claim to have a model of vacuum to suit your specific circumstances and budget and they have a huge range of models in each of their vacuum categories. We've counted 35 models to choose from on their website!

WIth so many options you can tailor your choice of vacuum to select different materials used for the vacuum's components such as its bottom plate, brush roll, wheels and handle tube. Furthermore, the models have various power outputs, cord length, and filtration options.

In addition, nearly all of Riccar's upright and canister models have received a Gold Seal of Approval from the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI). We value the CRI highly for their testing of vacuum cleaner performance on carpets.

As well as testing for soil removal and dust containment, the CRI also test for changes to the surface appearance of carpets. As a result you can be sure that these vacuums clean carpets will not harm the texture of your carpet over time.

Navigating the options

Riccar have an excellent website which provides full specifications of each of their models.

As well as browsing and comparing the different models on offer, you can also find a vacuum that's a perfect fit for your home using their "Find By Living Space" option.

This lets you select the features of the living spaces you need to clean such as mostly hardwood or carpeted floors, multi-surfaces or if above floor cleaning is important to you.

In addition, you can specify if you have a preference for allergy relief, speed or cleaning up after pets.

Based on your choices Riccar will provide you with their recommended models. Since they have such a broad choice of vacuums this is a great tool to help you find a model to suit your specific needs.

Let's take a deeper look at the different Riccar vacuums currently on offer.

Riccar Upright Vacuums

Riccar claim to have an upright vacuum to suit any situation. Whether you need carpet cleaning only, a long reach with tools, advanced filtration or removing pet hair, there's a model of Riccar upright to suit. 

There are 4 categories of upright in the Riccar upright vacuum range:

There's currently a total of 23 different Riccar upright models across these 4 categories! If you're considering a Riccar upright it is worth browsing the specifications on their website to understand the different options and prices. 

Riccar Tandem Air Uprights

There are 5 vacuums in the Riccar Tandem Air upright range as depicted in the table below. These vacuums all deploy the dual motor technology.

These are the best upright vacuums for deep cleaning of carpets. Using these vacuums will help protect your carpets as dirt that sets deep into carpets cuts into its fibers and destroys it over time.

Riccar Radiance Premium

The Radiance Premium is one of the best vacuum cleaners for allergy sufferers you will find. However, the price tag for this vacuum is an eye watering $1,600!

This is the highest priced vacuum that Riccar produce so as you'd expect it comes complete with their best technology and is made from their most durable components.

The Radiance Premium uses metal components for the highest durability in high-wear areas. The handle tube, brushroll, bottom plate, foot pedal and telescopic wand are all constructed of metal to withstand years of heavy use. 

Riccar backs this up with its longest upright vacuum warranty (8 years) and the Red Carpet Service Plan, honored at participating retail stores. This is the longest warranty we've seen on any of the best vacuum cleaners we've reviewed!

Highlights

Video review

The video demonstration below from Vac World gives you an excellent look at the Riccar Radiance. 

Riccar Lightweight Uprights

Combining powerful agitation and airflow whilst still being lightweight is something many uprights do not achieve. These vacuums do exactly that and so are perfect for multi level carpeted homes. These are some of the best lightweight vacuum cleaners for carpet you will find.

Riccar Supralite Cordless

The Supralite is our top pick of Riccar's lighweight models. As well as being super lightweight at only 11 pounds it also has the advantage of being cordless. 

The Supralite's 312 watt motor is powered by a 44-volt lithium ion battery, which runs up to 50 minutes on a single charge. The run time will vary based on the floor surface, charge level and age of the battery. It also re-charges really quickly.

However, the drawback with this model compared to competing cordless vacuums such as the Dyson V10 or the Shark IONFlex Duoclean is the lack of on-board tools. This is the same for all of Riccar's Lightweight uprights and therefore above floor cleaning is not possible with these models.

Highlights

Video review

The video demonstration below from Vac World gives you an excellent look at the Riccar SupraLite. The demonstrator also confirms the high performance of this vacuum in terms of battery run-time, pick up on both carpets and bare floors and sealed filtration.

RIccar Clean Air Uprights

These models excel in terms of suction power, filtration versatility and durability. Since they only employ the single clean air motor they come at a lower price compared to the tandem air models. 

Riccar Vibrance Deluxe

The Vibrance Deluxe features the latest bodyshape in Riccar's Clean Air Upright range.

In addition to the Riccar clean air technology for high performance cleaning and filtration its strengths lie in its robust metal components.

For example, the Vibrance Deluxe features a metal brushroll, bottom plate, handle tube and wand.

Highlights

RICCAR Canister Vacuums

Riccar canister vacuums, like their upright models are some of the highest performing vacuums on the market.

They have 5 different models to choose from as shown in the table below.

Some of the models feature Riccar's Tandem Air technology, whilst some use only a Clean Air motor.

RICCAR Prima Power Team Canister

With the Prima Power Team Canisters you have the option of a Tandem Air Nozzle for the deepest cleaning of carpets.

There are different nozzles to choose from and the canister comes with more tools than we've seen on other premium canister vacuums.

In addition, these models have a long hose and wand for extended cleaning reach and 100% sealed HEPA filtration.

Highlights

RICCAR Speciality Vacuums

The Riccar Gem is a powerful corded handheld vacuum that comes with a flexible hose and tools. Use this for vacuuming your car or for quickly vacuuming spills around the home.

Finally, the SupraQuick Canister is super versatile and portable. This offers improved power and filtration compared to the Gem handheld and comes with more tools. This could certainly compete with some of the best car vacuums that we've reviewed.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed reading our Riccar Vacuum Reviews. 

You now have a good understanding of the Riccar Vacuum Cleaner Range and what the different models have to offer. Their vacuums are firmly in the premium category of vacuums and well suited for carpeted homes where their performance is second to none.

If you're considering buying a Riccar then you will need to find a retailer near you. You can do this on their website as well as finding out the full specification of the models you're interested in.

If you do commit to purchase you will have some serious cleaning power on your hands that will last you many years.