Yes, Kirby vacuums are still manufactured and sold, but not in the way they were decades ago
Kirby has been making upright vacuums since 1908, and the company still produces them today. However, the brand changed hands in 2014 when Kirby Company was acquired by Emerson Radio Corporation, a publicly traded electronics manufacturer. Production and distribution shifted, and the way you buy a Kirby is now very different from walking into a department store and picking one off the shelf.
Today, Kirby vacuums are sold almost exclusively through direct sales—meaning a salesperson comes to your home, demonstrates the machine, and takes your order. You cannot buy a new Kirby at major retailers like Walmart, Target, or Amazon. This direct-sales model has been Kirby's primary channel for decades, but it is now their only channel for new machines.
The machines themselves still exist and still work, but understanding where they come from, how much they cost, and whether one makes sense for your home requires knowing how the modern Kirby business operates.
Key Takeaways
- Kirby vacuums are still manufactured and sold, but only through direct sales representatives who visit your home—not through retail stores.
- The company has been owned by Emerson Radio Corporation since 2014, which changed how machines are distributed and priced.
- New Kirby vacuums cost significantly more than comparable upright vacuums sold in stores, typically ranging from $1,500 to $3,000 or higher.
- Used and refurbished Kirby models are available through secondary markets and can cost much less than new machines.
- Kirby machines are built to last and have strong resale value, but whether one is worth the price depends on your cleaning needs and budget.
How Kirby's direct-sales model works
When you see a Kirby salesperson, they are typically an independent contractor or work for a local Kirby distributor, not directly for Kirby Company. These distributors buy machines from the manufacturer and hire salespeople to demonstrate them in homes. The salesperson's job is to show you what the machine can do—usually by cleaning your carpet in front of you—and then take an order.
This model means there is no middleman markup from a retailer, but it also means the salesperson's commission is built into the final price you pay. A new Kirby typically costs between $1,500 and $3,000, depending on the model and any attachments included. Some sales include financing options, which can stretch payments over 12 to 24 months.
The direct-sales approach also means Kirby does not publish a standard retail price list. Two people in the same town might pay different amounts depending on what the salesperson negotiates, what promotions are running, and whether you accept a trade-in offer for an old vacuum.
What models are currently in production
Kirby's current lineup includes upright models designed for both carpet and hard floors. The most common current models are the Kirby Sentria II, Kirby Avalir 2, and Kirby Diamond Edition. Each model comes with different attachments—hose, wands, brushes, and upholstery tools—and the price varies based on which version you choose.
Kirby does not release new models every year the way some appliance makers do. The machines are designed to last 20 to 30 years with proper maintenance, so the company focuses on durability and repairability rather than frequent redesigns. This means a Kirby model from 2010 is mechanically very similar to a current model, though newer versions may have updated motors or slightly different attachments.
If you are interested in a specific model, a Kirby salesperson in your area can tell you what is available and when it might be delivered. Lead times vary, but most orders arrive within two to four weeks.
Where to find used and refurbished Kirby vacuums
Because Kirby machines hold their value and last for decades, a robust used market exists. You can find older Kirby models on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, eBay, and local classified sites. Prices for used machines typically range from $200 to $800, depending on the model's age, condition, and included attachments.
Some Kirby distributors also sell refurbished machines—vacuums that have been returned, cleaned, and restored to working condition. These are usually cheaper than new machines but more expensive than used ones from private sellers. Refurbished models often come with a limited warranty, typically 30 to 90 days.
Buying used or refurbished makes sense if you want to test whether a Kirby's weight and design work for you before committing to a new machine. Kirby parts are widely available online and through authorized dealers, so repair costs are usually reasonable if something breaks.
Why Kirby machines cost more than other uprights
A new Kirby costs two to four times more than a comparable upright vacuum from Dyson, Shark, or Bissell. The price difference comes from several factors: the direct-sales commission built into the cost, the machine's weight and metal construction, the lifetime availability of parts, and the brand's reputation for durability.
Kirby machines are heavier than most modern uprights—typically 16 to 20 pounds—because they use a metal chassis and a powerful motor. This weight makes them harder to push, especially up stairs, but it also means they are less likely to break. A Kirby can be repaired at 20 years old because parts are still manufactured and sold. That is not true for most lightweight uprights, which are designed to be replaced every 5 to 10 years.
Whether the higher cost is worth it depends on your home's size, your physical ability to handle a heavier machine, and how long you plan to keep a vacuum. If you move frequently or prefer lightweight machines, a Kirby is probably not the right choice. If you have thick carpet, multiple pets, and plan to keep the same vacuum for 15 years, the math may work in Kirby's favor.
Kirby's warranty and repair support
New Kirby vacuums come with a limited warranty that typically covers defects in materials and workmanship for one to five years, depending on the model. The warranty does not cover normal wear, damage from misuse, or parts that wear out over time, such as belts or brushes.
Authorized Kirby dealers and service centers can repair machines, and parts are available through the company's website and authorized retailers. Common repairs—replacing a belt, unclogging a hose, or fixing a motor—are usually inexpensive because parts are standardized and widely stocked. Many owners perform basic maintenance themselves, such as emptying the bag, cleaning the filter, and replacing the belt.
If your machine breaks outside the warranty period, repair costs are typically $100 to $400, depending on what needs to be fixed. This is often cheaper than replacing a lightweight upright, which may cost $300 to $600 new.
How to find a Kirby salesperson in your area
Kirby salespeople find customers through door-to-door canvassing, referrals, and local advertising. If you want to contact Kirby directly, the company's website has a locator tool where you can enter your zip code and find distributors near you. You can also call or visit a local distributor's showroom if one exists in your area.
Be aware that once you contact a distributor, a salesperson will likely reach out to schedule a home demonstration. If you are not interested in a sales visit, you can decline politely. There is no obligation to buy, and salespeople are used to hearing no.
If you live in a rural area or a region with few Kirby distributors, finding a salesperson may be difficult. In that case, buying a used Kirby or choosing a different brand sold through retail channels may be more practical.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still get parts for an old Kirby vacuum?
Yes. Kirby parts are manufactured and sold through the company's website, authorized dealers, and online retailers like Amazon and eBay. Common parts—bags, belts, filters, and brush rolls—are inexpensive and widely available. Even for models made 20 or 30 years ago, you can usually find what you need because Kirby uses standardized parts across many models.
Is a Kirby worth buying new, or should I buy used?
That depends on your budget and how long you plan to keep the machine. A new Kirby is expensive upfront but will likely last 20+ years with maintenance. A used Kirby costs much less but may have unknown repair history. If you can afford new and want a warranty, new makes sense. If you want to test the brand or have a tight budget, used is a reasonable option.
Why can't I buy a Kirby at Walmart or Target?
Kirby has chosen to sell only through direct sales and authorized distributors, not through mass retailers. This keeps the brand's pricing and distribution under the company's control and allows salespeople to demonstrate the machine in your home. It also means you cannot compare prices across stores, which is why Kirby machines cost more than similar uprights sold in retail.
Do Kirby vacuums work on hard floors?
Modern Kirby models have settings for both carpet and hard floors, though they are designed primarily for carpet. The brush roll can be adjusted or turned off for hard floors to prevent scattering. If you have mostly hard floors, a lightweight upright or a canister vacuum may be more practical than a heavy Kirby.
How long does it take to get a new Kirby delivered?
Most orders are delivered within two to four weeks, though this varies by location and distributor. Some areas may have longer wait times if the local distributor has limited stock. Ask the salesperson for a specific delivery date before you commit to a purchase.