One of the most common questions we receive is âWhat is the difference between the SEBO Airbelt K-series and the SEBO Airbelt E-series canister vacuums?â. They appear so similar at first glance. This blog post will conduct a SEBO vacuum comparison to help you understand what sets them apart from each other. By the end, you will be better able to make an informed decision when trying to decide between the two.
The Airbelt K-series canister vacuum has been around a lot longer than the Airbelt E-series. SEBO launched the Airbelt K back in 2006. Whereas the Airbelt E made its debut almost 10 years later, in 2015. The Airbelt E was actually intended to replace the Airbelt K, which is why they appear very similar. However, it included some of the updated technology you see in their larger cousin, the Airbelt D-series. But customer demand and sales of the Airbelt K has remained so strong that SEBO has continued to manufacture both models as a result.
Despite being an older design, the Airbelt K still includes the top of the line performance that you can expect from any SEBO vacuum. It has proven itself to be a reliable and lovable addition to many homes over the past 15 years. You can rest assured that even if it does one day finally retire, the replacement parts, filters and bags will still be available.
In comparison to the rest of the SEBO line, both the Airbelt K-series and the Airbelt E-series canister vacuums offer our customers a more compact, quieter, and lighter option. They come in a variety of configurations, either offering air-only attachment floor tools or the world-renowned ET-1 power head. There are also multiple additional floor tool options included.
The Airbelt K and Airbelt E share the patented Airbelt bumper technology. This helps protect the vacuum itself and your walls and furniture from bumps and scratches during use. They also share all the standard features of a SEBO vacuum. These include S-Class, hospital-grade filtration, commercial-grade components and manufacturing, rotating rubber wheels, advanced brush roller technology, and tightly sealed housing (making them ideal for asthma and allergy sufferers).
Lastly, they are both eligible for the extended 10-year warranty. So whichever vacuum you choose, donât forget to register it here on our website once purchased.
One of the biggest differences between the Airbelt K and the Airbelt E is a design change that improved maneuverability, particularly while pulling the canister during use.
On the Airbelt E, the hose connects to the body in the center of the canister vacuum rather than off to one side. This makes for a straighter, more predictable path of movement as you pull the canister around.
The Airbelt E includes technology, borrowed from the Airbelt D-series, that improves air-channeling for a more efficient airflow. This is accomplished by removing unnecessary turbulence within the canister of the vacuum. As a result of this, the Airbelt E vacuum has also become slightly quieter than the Airbelt K. This is especially true when comparing the air-only vacuums since they do not include the electric ET-1 power head. The Airbelt E1 and E2 have a sound level of 58 dBA, whereas the Airbelt K2 has a sound level of 63 dBA â read more on this topic here.
The Airbelt E3 Premium goes a step further in improving airflow with its uniquely designed tapered, conical hose. You will notice that the diameter of the hose becomes smaller as it reaches the hose handle. This improves the focus of airflow resulting in a more efficient suction.
The Airbelt E vacuum is slightly smaller than the Airbelt K. The weight of the canister for the Airbelt K vacuum sits at 12 lbs., whereas the Airbelt E weighs only 11.4 lbs. While this difference seems minimal, for those with mobility issues, the lighter the vacuum the better.
Even though the Airbelt E is technically smaller, it has a larger filter bag. The Airbelt K vacuum has a 3-litre bag, while the Airbelt E vacuum fits a 3.5-litre bag. This larger bag capacity means less bag changes, which results in a more cost-effective option for you and a better outcome for the landfill.
Like the Airbelt D, the Airbelt E features a button on the canister for the automatic retraction of the cord after use. This differs from the Airbelt K, which has a tug and retract cord rewind. The difference is minimal but worth noting. Either way it beats having to wrap the cord up yourself after each use!
All SEBO vacuums come equipped with the S-Class, hospital-grade filtration technology. This is a European filtration standard, comparable to the popular North American term âHEPAâ. In order for a vacuum to be certified with S-Class filtration the entire machine needs to be leak-proof and able to filter 99.9% of particles down to 0.3 microns in diameter. This means that not only do SEBO vacuums have some of the most efficient filters, but they are also tightly sealed throughout the entire vacuum to prevent any dust particles from escaping. It is interesting to note that a HEPA-grade filter requires filtration of 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns in diameter, but this standard only applies to the filter itself and not to the whole machine.
We are aware that the S-Class label is less recognized in North America. Many customers feel more confident using a filter that is certified and labelled as âHEPAâ grade. For this reason, SEBO has produced HEPA grade filters for some of their vacuum models. We do not typically recommend this option since the added filtration efficacy is very minimal and customers may find the vacuum loses some suction performance because the filters are thicker. However, for those with severe asthma or allergies who would prefer to use a HEPA filter, we do have this option available for the Airbelt K-series vacuums. Currently, the Airbelt E does not have a comparable HEPA filter option available for purchase.
As a result of the differences between the Airbelt K and Airbelt E canister vacuums, the Airbelt E is priced a little higher than the Airbelt K. Price can be a big determining factor for some and is most likely why the Airbelt K has remained so popular.Â
Whatever your decision, we hope that this information has helped to shed light on the similarities and differences between the Airbelt K and Airbelt E. No matter which of these vacuums you choose, we are confident that you will be satisfied for many years to come. We hope that you find comfort in knowing that we have you covered for the next 10-years with the complimentary, extended 10-year warranty.
Â
Happy SEBO-ing!