Yes, Kirby still manufactures vacuum cleaners and sells them through authorized dealers

Kirby has been making vacuums since 1908 and continues to produce them today. The company is now owned by Bissell, which acquired it in 2016, but Kirby vacuums are still built in the United States at their factory in Cleveland, Ohio. You can buy current Kirby models through authorized dealers — not in big-box stores — and the company still offers the trade-in program that has been central to how Kirby sells for over a century.

If you own an older Kirby or are thinking about buying one, understanding what's currently available and how Kirby's sales model works will help you decide whether a new machine makes sense for your household.

Key Takeaways

  • Kirby vacuums are still manufactured in Cleveland, Ohio, and sold through a network of authorized dealers rather than retail stores.
  • The company offers a trade-in program where you can exchange an old Kirby for credit toward a new model, which is how most Kirby sales happen.
  • Current Kirby models cost between $1,500 and $3,000 depending on the model and features, with financing options available through dealers.
  • Kirby vacuums are designed to last 20 to 30 years with proper maintenance, and parts and repair service remain available through the dealer network.
  • If you want to buy a Kirby, you'll need to contact a local authorized dealer — they do not sell online or through major retailers.

What Kirby models are currently available

Kirby's current lineup includes several models aimed at different household needs. The most common are the Kirby Sentria II, Kirby Avalir 2, and Kirby Diamond. Each model comes with different attachments and cleaning features, but all are upright vacuums with the characteristic Kirby design that has remained largely unchanged for decades.

The company also makes the Kirby Shampoo System, which is a wet-cleaning attachment that works with the main vacuum unit. This is not a separate machine but an add-on that turns your Kirby into a carpet cleaner. Dealers can tell you which models are in stock and what the current pricing is in your area, since prices vary by location and dealer.

How the Kirby dealer and trade-in system works

Kirby does not sell through Amazon, Walmart, Target, or other online retailers. Instead, the company maintains a network of authorized dealers who sell directly to customers. Some dealers operate showrooms; others work by appointment. To find a dealer near you, you can call Kirby's customer service line or visit their website to enter your zip code.

The trade-in program is how most people buy a new Kirby. If you own an old Kirby — even one that no longer works — you can bring it to a dealer and receive credit toward the purchase of a new model. This credit typically ranges from $300 to $600 depending on the condition and age of your old machine. The dealer will assess your trade-in and explore the credit to the price of the new vacuum. If you don't have an old Kirby to trade, you pay the full retail price, though dealers often offer financing plans.

Current Kirby prices and what affects the cost

A new Kirby vacuum costs between $1,500 and $3,000 before any trade-in credit. The exact price depends on which model you choose, what attachments come with it, and your location. Dealers set their own prices within Kirby's guidelines, so two dealers in different cities may quote different amounts for the same machine.

If you trade in an old Kirby, that credit reduces the final price you pay. For example, if a new Avalir 2 costs $2,200 and your trade-in is worth $400, you would pay $1,800 plus tax. Most dealers offer financing options — typically 12 to 24 months with no interest if you pay within that period — which spreads the cost across monthly payments. Ask your dealer what financing terms they offer before you commit.

Why Kirby vacuums are expensive and what you get for the price

Kirby vacuums cost significantly more than machines you'll find at a department store, and the reason is durability and design. A Kirby is built to last 20 to 30 years with regular maintenance — far longer than most household vacuums, which typically last 5 to 8 years. The motor, bearings, and internal components are heavier-duty than in cheaper models, and the machine is repairable rather than disposable.

You also get a full set of attachments with a Kirby: hose, wands, brush heads, upholstery tools, and crevice tools are included, not sold separately. The shampoo system attachment is optional but available if you want to clean carpets wet. Because Kirby vacuums are designed to be serviced, parts are still available for machines made 30 or 40 years ago, and authorized dealers can repair them. This repairability is part of what justifies the higher upfront cost — you're not replacing the machine every few years.

Where to get parts and repair for Kirby vacuums

If you own a Kirby and need a replacement belt, motor brush, bag, or other part, you can order through an authorized dealer or contact Kirby directly. Parts are not hard to find because the company has maintained a consistent design for decades, and many parts fit multiple models and years. A replacement belt costs $15 to $30, a motor brush kit costs $20 to $40, and a vacuum bag costs $10 to $20, depending on the part and where you order.

For repair, take your Kirby to an authorized dealer in your area. They can diagnose the problem and either repair it on-site or send it to a service center. Repair costs vary — a straightforward belt replacement might cost $50 to $75 in labor, while a motor replacement could cost $200 to $400. Because Kirby machines are built to last, repair is often worth the cost rather than replacement. If you're unsure whether repair makes sense, a dealer can give you an estimate before you commit.

Comparing a new Kirby to other vacuum options

If you're deciding whether to buy a new Kirby or choose a different vacuum, consider how long you plan to keep the machine and how much you use it. A Kirby makes sense if you have a large home, multiple carpeted rooms, or pets that shed heavily, because the machine is powerful and built to handle heavy use. The upfront cost is high, but spread over 20 years of use, the per-year cost is lower than buying a new $400 vacuum every 5 years.

If you have mostly hard floors, a smaller home, or light cleaning needs, a mid-range upright or canister vacuum from another brand may be more practical. You'll spend less upfront and won't be paying for power and durability you don't need. The trade-in program also matters: if you already own a Kirby, trading it in makes the new one more affordable. If you're starting from scratch with no old machine to trade, the full $1,500 to $3,000 price tag is a bigger commitment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a Kirby vacuum online or from Amazon?

No. Kirby sells only through authorized dealers, not online retailers or big-box stores. You can find a dealer near you by entering your zip code on Kirby's website or calling their customer service line. Some dealers operate showrooms where you can see machines in person; others work by appointment.

What happens if my old Kirby breaks down and I want to trade it in?

You can still trade it in even if it doesn't work. Dealers assess trade-ins based on age and condition, not whether the machine runs. A broken Kirby may be worth less than a working one, but you'll still receive some credit toward a new model. Ask the dealer what they'll offer before you agree.

How long does a Kirby vacuum actually last?

With regular maintenance — emptying the bag, cleaning the motor brush, and replacing the belt when needed — a Kirby typically lasts 20 to 30 years. Some owners report machines lasting 40 years or more. This is much longer than standard vacuums, which is why the higher upfront cost can make sense over time.

Are Kirby vacuums made in the United States?

Yes. Kirby vacuums are manufactured at the company's factory in Cleveland, Ohio. This has been the case for over a century, and Bissell has maintained U.S. manufacturing since acquiring the company in 2016.

Can I get parts for an old Kirby vacuum from 20 years ago?

Yes. Because Kirby has used a consistent design for decades, parts from old machines are still available through authorized dealers. Belts, bags, motor brushes, and other common wear items fit multiple models and years, so you can keep an older Kirby running without difficulty.