Three-way cleaning.

• Position: What's New? Small Appliances, Tools, And Gadgets - Vacuum cleaners; carpet shampooers - Brief Article - Product Announcement

* We've been big fans of Dirt Devil products for years, and now that the Royal Appliance Mfg. Company, Glenwillow, Ohio, has added three more can't-be-beat Platinum Force cleaning appliances--a bagless upright vacuum, carpet shampooer, and hand vac--to its burgeoning line, there's no reason not to officially crown them the kings of dirt removal.

The bagless upright ($195) is proof positive that not all upright vacuums are created equal, Start with its exclusive airpath system--shorter, wider, and located in the center of the nozzle--that provides more suction power than any other 12-amp upright. Its easy-to-empty lidded dirt container and special cogged belt guarantee that you'll never have to buy a vacuum bag or replacement belt again. Thanks to its three-stage filtration system, only clean air passes through the motor, while all air that exits the machine goes through a HEPA filter that traps 100% of pollens and ragweed and 99.97% of dust and allergens. Now that's cleaning! Moreover, since the revolving brush can be turned off, cleaning hardwood, tile, marble, or linoleum can be accomplished without scattering dirt or scratching the surface.

The onboard stretch hose and attachments further ensure a clean home. Included are a crevice tool to remove dirt from tight spaces as well as a telescopic extension wand to reach curtains or tall window frames. The patented Swivel Caster wheels make for easy pushing and turning around furniture and in deep pile carpet; the edge brush flips down to clean along edges and baseboards; and the wrap-around scuff guard bumper protects walls and furniture. Perhaps best of all, consumers will never have to bend down to operate this machine as all adjustments are made from the handgrip and footpedal. It comes with the longest warranty in the industry--four years on the motor and six years on parts.

For the carpet shampooer...