Review of the Riccar RSL5 SupraLite Vacuum Cleaner

The Riccar RSL5 SupraLite Vacuum is an upright model manufactured by Riccar and part of Riccar’s line of Supralite vacuums. It weighs just 8 lbs. Riccar designed the RSL5 for residential use, and it comes equipped with HEPA filtration. You can only buy Riccar vacuums through authorized Riccar retailers.

The RSL5 uses bags to collect dirt, dust, and debris. These HEPA bags get tossed into a trash receptacle when full.

Riccar includes a 30-foot cord with the RSL5, and the vacuum carries a 3-year household warranty. The vacuum sells for $699.95.

Riccar RSL5 SupraLite Vacuum Features

• Lightweight
• Steel brushroll
• Lifetime serpentine belt
• HEPA filtration bags
• 2 speed settings
• Lightweight

Lightweight

The RSL5 weighs 8 lbs. Many vacuums designed for residential use weigh almost four times as much. Because this model is lightweight, it takes far less effort to vacuum floors, making the job much less exhausting.

Steel Brushroll

Riccar manufactures the brushroll on this model out of steel for added durability. The brushroll includes two rows of replaceable brush strips.

Lifetime Serpentine Belt

This feature eliminates the hassle of changing vacuum belts.

HEPA Filtration Bags

All genuine Riccar bags use an electro-statically charged, 2-ply Micro-liner for efficient filtration. The antibacterial liner captures microscopic particles as small as 0.1 micron, including allergens, spores, pollen, germs, and bacteria. Riccar claims these bags filter six times better than standard vacuum bags and provide 99.7% filtration. Because the vacuum uses bags, the RSL5 releases very few—if any—particles back into the air when you change the bag.

2 Speed Settings

The RSL5 features a 2-speed motor. Use the higher speed for carpeted areas and the lower speed for hard floors like tile or linoleum. (Since you can’t turn off the brush, it’s not recommended for wood floors that may scratch.)

Riccar RSL5 SupraLite Vacuum Recommendations

One standout feature on this machine is the lifetime belt. Less expensive vacuums often rely on cheaper parts, and a broken belt becomes a real headache. You usually have downtime, plus the hassle of finding a spare belt and a screwdriver. With the RSL5, you never have to worry about belt replacements.

Reviewers consistently praised the RSL5’s cleaning performance and lightweight design. One reviewer wrote that she had owned Hoovers and Eurekas and that this vacuum cleaned better than any of them. Another reviewer said she returned her Dyson because the RSL5 felt much lighter, easier to maneuver, and offered comparable suction.

There are a couple of negatives with the RSL5. Because you can’t turn off the brush roller, you risk damaging hardwood floors if you use it on them. Homes with hardwoods may need an additional canister vacuum.

Another concern is the possibility of damaging the fan if you vacuum up small objects like rocks or coins. The good news: if that happens, the fan is inexpensive and easy to replace.