Review of Riccar RSL1A SupraLite

The Riccar RSL1A is a super light vacuum manufactured by Riccar for home (not commercial) use. The RSL1A weighs a mere 8 lbs. The RSL1A uses disposable paper vacuum bags, and the filtration system is twin ply electrostatic. The RSL1A is backed by a 3 year manufacturer’s warranty, and has a MSRP of $309.95.

Riccar claims this model vacuum cleaner out cleans Oreck’s XL2 model by almost 40 percent.

**The Riccar RSL1A outperformed the Oreck XL2 Ultra by 38.84 percent in Intertek Testing Service ASTM test F608-03 for embedded effectiveness, conducted on November 19, 2004. Oreck and XL2 Ultra are registered trademarks of Oreck Holdings LLC Limited Liability Company.

The Riccar RSL1A has also earned the Carpet and Rug Institute’s Seal of Approval/Green Label certification. To earn this certification, the vacuum must not release more than 100 micrograms of dust particles/cubic meter of air, keeping dirt and dust locked tight in the vacuum bag and not letting it escape back into the air.

Riccar RSL1A SupraLite Features:

• 30 foot cord
• Low profile, handle extends almost to floor level
• On/off switch
• Rubberized handle and furniture guard
• Lightweight

30 Foot Cord:

The Riccar comes with a 30 foot cord on its vacuums, which is longer than some manufacturers put on their machines. If you have ever vacuumed with a 20 foot cord you know longer is better, you don’t have to stop vacuuming to find an electric outlet. It just makes for more efficient work.

Low Profile Vacuum Head and Handle:

The vacuum head is low to the ground, and the handle, when full extended, touches the ground. The vacuum only needs about 6- 8 inches of clearance, meaning it can get whether other vacuums can’t. The RSL1A is able to get under bed frames and other low lying furniture.

ON/Off Switch:

The on/off switch is conveniently located on the left side of the base of the vacuum. One tap with your left foot is all it takes to turn it off or on.

Rubberized Handle and Furniture Guard:

The handle of the Riccar RSL1A is rubberized, making for a comfortable grip. There is also a rubber strip going around the entire perimeter of the vacuum base, to prevent scuffs and scratches to furniture and walls.

Lightweight:

The feature that stands out the most with this model vacuum is the fact that it is so lightweight. It weighs only 8 lbs, but does a great job vacuuming dirt deep out of carpet. At 8lbs, it’s incredibly easy to carry the vacuum up flights of stairs if necessary. Vacuuming is not such a heavy job with this model – many other comparable upright vacuum’s weigh up to 3 times this much.

Riccar RSL1A SupraLite Recommendations:

One reviewer wrote that she would recommend the RSL1A for anyone looking for an upright vacuum that picks up pet hair with ease, and is light and powerful. She found it easy to use, and because it was so light, it didn’t really need pushing or pulling, just some guiding. She described vacuuming as “effortless.”

One of the negative things about the Riccar RSL1A is that it the motor is one speed only, and the vacuum is specific for carpet use only. (Because the brush doesn’t shut off, it wouldn’t be safe for use on hard wood or other delicate floors.) The motor is 5.5 amps, which may not be powerful enough for thicker carpeting.