No matter which part of the States you live in, you probably own at least one product with the Electrolux tag on it. In fact, the brand is extremely popular all over the world. While it manufactures many different types of home appliances, the brand is mostly known for its vacuum cleaners.
You might be surprised to know that Electrolux vacuums history dates back to the 1900s. Over time, it has focused on technological innovation and delivered the most advanced products to satisfy the consumers. That’s why it’s one of the biggest vacuum brands of the industry now.
Hence, many of us might often wonder how the brand gained its name in the world of vacuums and became this huge. To appreciate its journey fully, here we will discuss the story of Electrolux and some of its most popular vacuum models. So, let’s jump right in.
Foundation of Electrolux
Although we all know it by the name ‘Electrolux,’ it actually started with the name AB Lux. The company was founded in 1901, located in Stockholm, Sweden. It was popular for selling kerosene lamps used for outdoor lighting.
However, the company’s sales started to decline when electronic lights took the spot in the marketplace. Understandably, it had to find a new alternative product to keep the business running. And then everything changed when Axel Wenner-Gren entered the scene in 1912.
Axel Wenner-Gren was a Swedish salesman who encountered an American vacuum cleaner in a shop in Vienna. His innovative brain instantly coined the idea of making the tool smaller and lighter to increase its appeal among the general homeowners.
Along with engineer Sven Carlstedt, founder of Elektromekaniska AB, Wenner-Gren manufactured a new vacuum cleaner, namely Model I or Lux I. They took the creation to AB Lux and saw the potential of the design. And that was the start of a new collaboration that changed the company’s fortune forever.
Following this collaboration, Elektromekaniska AB and AB Lux started working together under their new name ‘Electrolux’ in 1919, and Mr. Wenner-Gren became the new CEO of the new company.
Story of Electrolux Via Notable Models
As we mentioned, Electrolux has been ruling the vacuum market with its clever design and consumer insights. At this time, the company is the second-largest manufacturer of home appliances. Let’s look at its journey with the most significant vacuum models.
1912: Introduction of Lux I
At least 500 Lux I vacuum cleaners were produced in 1912 for the Swedish market. Although the vacuum weighed nearly 31 pounds, it was much lighter and smaller than the traditional vacuum cleaners of that time.
The price of this model was 350 Swedish Crowns, and it became quite popular among the people. It was the first household vacuum with a blower, and it was user-friendly as people didn’t need to hold it in hand throughout the cleaning process.
1913: Introduction of Lux II
Mr. Wenner-Gren manufactured another new model, Lux II or Model II, in 1913. This new model was even lighter, weighing around 20 pounds, and the price was also lessened to half.
The man used his 10 years of selling experience and marketed the product from home to home, taking notes about the consumer’s needs. It was also the time when he became the CEO of Electrolux.
1921: Year of the First Portable Model
Before 1921, vacuum cleaners were heavy, stand-up units that were hard to move. Electrolux introduced their Model V or Lux V cleaner, which was the first easily portable vacuum.
It was a sled-vacuum cleaner and featured two metal runners so that the user could easily move it from one place to another. Moreover, the vacuum could lay flat on the floor during the cleaning process.
This innovative design was so popular that nearly every vacuum after the Model V had the same sled-runner feature.
1937: Time for Streamlined Design
During that period, trains and cars had streamlined designs, making them better looking and more efficient. Mr. Wenner-Gren noticed the potential of such designs and attempted to give the Electrolux products a similar elegance.
So, he hired the best designers and engineers to do the job. Hence, a new model, Model XXX or Model 30, was launched. It was sleek, elegant, and more functional than every other model. It was also the very first complete American Electrolux.
1951: The Addition of New Features
In the 1951 model Z55, Electrolux added a new foot-switch. It helped the users to turn off the vacuum more conveniently. Model Z55 was also an energy-efficient tool using 350W only. The model was so light that users could hang it on the wall without any trouble.
1964: First Luxomatic Vacuum
The first Luxomatic model set the standards for a new generation of electronic vacuums with all its excellent features. It had some very useful automatic safety features like the automatic cable winder and dust alarm.
The dust alarm was designed to activate when the dust bag was full. More impressively, the vacuum featured automatic-closing dust bags making it more appealing to the consumers.
1975: Addition of New Accessories
The 1975 model was called Z325 Jumbo-Matic, and it featured some of the handiest accessories like rotating accessories for furniture cleaning. The vacuum cleaner was sold with changeable automatic nozzles to make the tool multi-functional.
The vacuum included an automatic breakdown feature to handle the issues of missing dust bags.
1994: Launched a New Model for Efficient Cleaning
In 1994, Electrolux produced a new model, the D795, with a ‘HEPA’ filter. The filter allowed people to deal with the tiniest dust particles. It was also the first model to feature a 9m long cable to serve the user with some extra mobility.
2001: Developed the First Robot Vacuum
It was yet another breakthrough model from Electrolux. The Electrolux Trilobite was the first commercially available robotic cleaner. It could use ultrasonic sensors to avoid obstacles. After completing the cleaning task, the vacuum could charge itself using a power base.
2010: Electrolux Launched Green Models
In 2010, Electrolux manufactured their first Green vacuums from 55% to 70% recycled plastic. The purpose behind the green models was to raise awareness about the increasing amount of plastic in seawater. Green vacuums were designed to save around 50% of energy compared to regular vacuums.
Types of Electrolux Vacuum Cleaners
Depending on the design, there are mainly 5 types of vacuums. Each type is suitable for different cleaning purposes with varied capacities. Here are the main types:
Canister Vacuums
This type of vacuum cleaner features a stick and a canister that collects dust. Canister vacuums are powerful with a suction motor, and you can use them to deep clean your carpets and floors. Electrolux canister vacuums usually come with many advanced and multi-functional features.
Stick Vacuums
Among all the types, it’s the least powerful and the most compact one. It’s a great option to clean the hard-to-reach corners of your place. This company makes one of the best stick vacuum cleaners found anywhere. You can use it to clean your hardwood floors, rugs, and carpets. Electrolux stick vacuums can be cordless to offer you better portability.
Upright Vacuums
Probably the most common vacuum type, the upright vacuums create powerful suction powers to deep clean a surface. Their upright vacuums have simple designs, so the tools are very easy to use. You can use upright vacuums to clean the carpeted surfaces and all kinds of bare floors.
Handheld Vacuums
As the name suggests, this type of vacuum has a very light design, allowing you to easily carry it with your hands. The vacuum is suitable for cleaning tight spaces, cars, and small areas. Electrolux actually makes a combination stick and handheld vacuum vary largely in their design and prices. Yet, all of them are cordless and portable.
Robotic Vacuums
Robotic vacuums offer you the highest comfort being the most advanced type. All you have to do is set up the tool’s settings, and it will roam freely to collect any small debris and mess from your floor.
Electrolux robotic vacuums are among the most advanced ones as the tools use ultrasonic sensors. However, this type of vacuum is the costliest of all types.
Final Words
So, there you have all the interesting facts on the Electrolux vacuums history. It’s truly fascinating how the company that started back in 1901 has managed to keep producing the most advanced and some of the best vacuum cleaners for their customers.
If you’re a young entrepreneur, the history of this company can be a very useful guide in your long journey.
Related: Interesting history of vacuum cleaners
The post Electrolux Vacuums History and Popular Model Types appeared first on All Great Vacuums.
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