- Both are German family businesses. Miele was founded in 1899; SEBO started in Velbert in the late 1970s.
- SEBO is known for uprights like the Felix and Automatic X7, as well as its Airbelt cylinders. Miele is known for cylinders (Guard, Complete C3, Boost and Blizzard) and also makes Triflex cordless sticks.
- Warranty: SEBO NZ offers up to 5 years on domestic machines (conditions apply). Miele vacuums come with a 2-year warranty.
- Both suit wool carpet. Bremworth names the Miele Guard range and SEBO domestic vacuums.
We’re often asked how SEBO and Miele compare. Both are German brands with loyal fans. We sell both, and we don’t say one is better than the other: the right one depends on your home. The right one for you depends on your floors, how you like to vacuum, and whether you want an upright, a cylinder or a cordless stick. Here’s how they compare.
The companies at a glance
| SEBO | Miele | |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | Registered in 1978 in Velbert, Germany (SEBO NZ and Australia say 1977) | 1899 |
| Ownership | Family business | Owned by the Miele and Zinkann families |
| Where vacuums are made | Mainly developed and made in Velbert, Germany | Bielefeld, Germany since 1927, plus sites in China and the Czech Republic |
| NZ distribution | SORMA has distributed SEBO in New Zealand since 1991 | Miele New Zealand |
| NZ warranty | Up to 5 years parts and labour on domestic machines, with conditions | 2 years |
The ranges we stock
SEBO
- Uprights: Felix Premium and Automatic X7 Boost.
- Cylinders: Airbelt K1 Onyx, Airbelt K1 Family, Airbelt K1 Pet and K3 Premium.
- Commercial: Dart 2.
Miele
- Bagged cylinders: Guard S1, Guard M1, Guard L1 Cat & Dog, Guard L1 Comfort XL, C1 Classic Eco and the Complete C3 (Cat & Dog, Family All-Rounder).
- Bagless cylinders: Boost CX1 Powerline, Boost CX1 Cat & Dog and Blizzard CX1 Cat & Dog.
- Cordless sticks: the Triflex HX2 and Duoflex HX1 ranges.
Upright or cylinder?
This is often the real decision. An upright pushes like a lawn mower and suits homes with lots of carpet, since you don’t bend down and the brush roller does much of the work. A cylinder (barrel) vacuum pulls along behind you, which makes stairs, under furniture and hard floors easier, and you can usually swap between floor heads. SEBO gives you a strong choice of uprights; Miele’s range is mostly cylinders and cordless sticks.
Bags and filters
Both brands’ main models use bags. Miele’s HyClean Pure bags close automatically when you remove them, so you can change them cleanly. SEBO NZ’s warranty conditions ask you to use genuine SEBO bags and filters. We stock bags and filters for both brands.
Which suits your home?
- Mostly carpet, and you prefer an upright? Look at SEBO’s Felix or Automatic X7.
- Stairs, mixed floors or lots of furniture? A cylinder from either brand: Miele Guard or Complete C3, or a SEBO Airbelt.
- Want cordless as well? Miele makes the Triflex HX2 and Duoflex HX1 sticks.
- Allergies in the house? See our vacuums for allergies guide.
The easiest way to decide is to try them both. Come into any of our stores and we’ll show you the SEBO and Miele machines we have in store.
Frequently asked questions
Are SEBO vacuums made in Germany?
SEBO says its products are mainly developed and manufactured at its site in Velbert, Germany.
Are Miele vacuums made in Germany?
Miele has made vacuum cleaners in Bielefeld, Germany, since 1927. Miele also lists production sites in China and the Czech Republic, so check the individual model if this matters to you.
Which has the longer warranty in New Zealand?
SEBO NZ offers up to 5 years on parts and labour on domestic machines, with conditions, including registering within 30 days and using genuine SEBO bags and filters. Miele vacuums come with a 2-year warranty. VacDirect is an authorised SEBO dealer. Check the warranty for the exact model you’re buying.
Are SEBO and Miele both suitable for wool carpet?
Both can suit wool carpet. Bremworth names the Miele Guard range and SEBO domestic vacuums as examples of suitable machines. See our wool carpet guide for more.
Do I have to use genuine SEBO bags?
SEBO NZ’s warranty conditions say to use genuine SEBO bags and filters, and that washing filters or reusing bags can void the guarantee.
Ask us for advice
Not sure which machine suits your home? Bring your questions into any of our stores, where you can see machines working before you buy, or chat with us online.
Sources
- SEBO Germany, History: www.sebo.de/en/about-us/company/history
- SEBO Germany, About us: www.sebo.de/en/about-us
- SEBO NZ, History: www.sebo.co.nz/sebo-history.html
- SEBO NZ, Warranty: www.sebo.co.nz/sebo-warranty.html
- Miele USA, Miele celebrates 125 years: www.mieleusa.com/cs/newsroom/miele-celebrates-125-years-of-quality-and
- Miele, Miele at a glance (2023): www.miele.de/media/ex/ce/presseartikel/2023/miele–at-a-glance.pdf
- Miele, 50 millionth vacuum cleaner: www.miele.de/en/m/miele-celebrates-50-millionth-vacuum-cleaner-2738.ht
- Miele, Bielefeld factory: www.miele.com/en/com/germany-bielefeld-factory-2306.htm
- Miele NZ shop, FJM HyClean Pure bags: shop.miele.co.nz/en/product-zid12421140
- Bremworth NZ, Helpful tips for vacuuming wool carpet: bremworth.co.nz/blogs/wool-carpet/helpful-tips-for-vacuuming-wool-carp
Written by the VacDirect team. We sell, service and repair vacuums, floor cleaners and robotic mowers from 8 stores across New Zealand, so our advice comes from what we see in the workshop every day.
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