The Miele Bolero S7580 is the second in Miele's line of S7 upright vacuum cleaners. With a Deep Black finish and the same features as the Miele Tango, the Miele Bolero represents a combination of the best attributes found in Miele's canister vacuum cleaners, as well as, their commitment to quality. Having already tested the Miele Tango, I was looking for the Miele Bolero S7580 to provide comparable, if not the exactly the same, cleaning results as the Tango. Tested against deep and low pile carpet as well as finished concrete and rubberized flooring, the Bolero was well-suited for each task.

What I like about the Bolero

As usual, I use several different types of carpet samples and rugs, all thoroughly prepped by being used as doormats or as beds for my dog. Whether on thicker, high pile carpet or thinner, low pile mats, the Bolero had ample suction to remove even the most embedded pet hair and dirt. With only a few quick passes the entire sample section was clean, and while using it on these samples I noticed the roller brush nearly propels the Bolero forward. For the smooth flooring I disengaged the brush roll, and the straight suction power of Miele's Vortex motor made this upright extremely efficient. As far as cleaning ability is concerned, the Bolero comes out on top.

The controls of the Bolero are both simple and convenient. On the ergonomic handle is one switch to power the vacuum on and off and another to engage the brush roll. This makes transitioning from one type of carpet easier is the automatic height adjustment. Spring loaded wheels work to ensure that the brush roll is set to a depth that allows for maximum cleaning on any surface.

The automatic suction setting is also a time saver. The Vortex motor will adjust itself depending on the type of flooring you are cleaning, and if an automatic setting is not for you, the Bolero has simple electronic controls to set the suction to just what you need for any particular task.

Miele's new Swivel-Neck design is truly impressive. Unlike bulky, hard to maneuver uprights, the swivel-neck design provides much greater flexibility when it comes to movement and vacuuming around furniture. On carpet the Bolero handles even the tightest of corners with a simple twist of the wrist. The swivel-neck feature along with the ability to lay the Bolero flat makes it ideal from some of those hard to reach places, and because it stands on 6 when lying flat it is much easier to use under furniture than comparable vacuum cleaners.

As always, the HEPA filtration and sealed system are excellent features for those who suffer from allergies or asthma, or for those simply concerned with the quality of the air inside their homes. The filter is very easy to replace, and the new S7s will fit both the S4/S5 and the S300-S600 HEPA filters. Something that also adds to the overall cleanliness of this vacuum is the newly designed, 9-ply HyClean U bags. They are thick and strong, provide great filtration and have a very large capacity.

What I do not like about Bolero

There was little to dislike about the Miele Bolero. In one regard, I was spoiled by the self-winding cord that is featured in all of Miele's canisters, and though Miele did consider this option, it ultimately was not included due to weight concerns.

Because the Bolero lacks any sort of special brush for edging, like many vacuums it can be difficult to vacuum as tightly against walls as some would like. On smooth flooring this is not an issue. The suction of the Vortex motor is more than ample to pull in dirt and debris without having to run directly over it.

As is the case with the entire S7 lineup, the cost of these vacuums may be prohibitive to some. However like all Mieles, when you weigh quality, performance, durability and initial cost against other uprights that do not clean nearly as well or last nearly as long, the Miele S7 Bolero is a worthy investment.

For allergy and asthma sufferers alike the Miele Bolero is truly a best buy. In all regards, the Bolero provides identical cleaning ability and function compared to the Tango. From the conveniences of suction control, automatic height adjustment and self-sealing bags to the practical innovations of the an extra long cord, sturdy yet sleek design, swivel-neck handling, and extra long hose and wand, the Bolero delivers on all promises and will leave you satisfied for many years to come.