Review of Riccar Vacuum Cleaners

Riccar vacuum cleaners come from a California company that has operated for more than 50 years. Oddly enough, the company manufactures both sewing machines and vacuum cleaners, and both product lines show exceptional quality. Riccar makes models for home and commercial use. Homes with a lot of carpet may even benefit from one of their commercial models, although the top choices in each category share many similarities. Riccar’s motto, “the first name in vacuums that last,” matches what tests and customer reviews say—these machines hold up extremely well.

The RSL3 & RSL4: The Amazing Little Riccar Vacuum Cleaners

Riccar’s best vacuum cleaners aren’t necessarily their top-of-the-line models. Many people consider the smallest vacuums in the lineup true lifesavers. The “Supralite” series includes several models that weigh just 8 pounds.

Why Lightweight Vacuums Matter

With the baby boomer generation aging, many families face challenges around independence. Parents often want to remain self-sufficient, which means keeping up with household tasks and chores they’ve managed for decades.

Maintaining the ability to vacuum may seem like a small thing, but for someone noticing a decline in strength, being able to handle this chore independently can make a huge emotional difference.

Who Benefits from the RSL3 and RSL4

At 8 pounds, these vacuums are incredibly easy to push, carry, and operate. Because of their design, the Riccar Supralite RSL3 and RSL4 are excellent choices for elderly individuals, people with limited mobility, and even wheelchair users.

Families with children also appreciate these models because kids can help with vacuuming sooner. Homeowners with two-story houses benefit as well; carrying one lightweight vacuum between floors eliminates the need to buy and store a second machine.

Riccar Vacuum Cleaners Specifications

Both the RSL3 and RSL4 operate on 5.5 amps. (Amps indicate energy usage, not suction strength.) Even with lower energy use, they deliver suction that matches some vacuums three times their weight.

Cord Length and Filtration

A 30-foot cord reduces the need to stop and search for new outlets. Both models produce low emissions and rely on excellent HEPA filters to trap fine dust and allergens.

Lighting and Maneuverability

Each model includes two xenon headlights bright enough to help you see small objects before you accidentally vacuum them. The RSL4 adds six wheels for better maneuvering, two cleaning speeds, and a squeegee designed for bare floors.

Simple Controls

Modern vacuums often overload users with buttons and indicators. Riccar kept things simple. Both models use a basic on/off switch located at the handle, so no bending is required. The switch even lights up for easy visibility.

Test Results and Ratings

The Supralite RSL3 earned recognition as the lightest vacuum—and the only one under 10 pounds—to place in the top 10 of Consumer Reports March 2006 Vacuum Ratings. It performs equally well in other testing comparisons. For a small machine with impressive power, the RSL3 works best for carpeted homes, while the RSL4 handles both bare floors and carpeting.

The Rest of the Riccar Vacuum Cleaner Line

Riccar produces far more than the Supralite series. Their offerings include central vacuums, canisters, and uprights designed for long life and strong suction.

Central Vacuums

Riccar’s central vacuum systems cover 4,000 to 20,000 square feet for residential and commercial settings.

Uprights and Canisters

Their canister and upright vacuums are built to be light, easy to operate, and durable. Stainless steel on key components—such as the release step, bottom plate, brush bar, and motor parts—ensures longer life than plastic alternatives. Soft rubber wheels make maneuvering smooth and protect delicate flooring like marble and hardwood.

The Radiance Upright Series

The Radiance series includes standout features such as an automatic brush roll jam detector. If thread, socks, or draperies get caught, the brush roll stops immediately and a bright alert light signals the problem. Another light indicates when the bag is full. With a 7-step filtration process, the Radiance functions almost like a vacuum and air purifier combined. Riccar also backs this series with an impressive six-year warranty.

The 8900 Premiere Line

Both household and commercial vacuums appear in the 8900 Premiere line. Warranties for home use run longer, even on commercial models. Many higher-end machines in this line use more than one motor fan and offer extra-long cords—sometimes up to 40 feet. Six levels of height adjustment help users clean everything from low-pile rugs to thick carpeting.

Accessories and Ease of Use

Most Riccar canisters and uprights include a set of five accessories that attach easily. Users can reach pile adjustment, brush on/off, and suction control switches without bending over. Several models even include lifetime guarantees on their belts.

Riccar Vacuum Cleaners Recommendation

Riccar vacuum cleaners are sold through vacuum dealers—who can also service them—or through online retailers. Whether you choose the ultra-light Supralite, a canister model, a central vacuum, or one of the full-size uprights, you can expect long-lasting performance and strong warranties. Riccar vacuums consistently prove themselves reliable, powerful, and a very smart buy.