Attractive prominent ads, co-op advertising lures, and pre-paid freight programs all attract dealers to Beam's line of products. For the most part they are a forward thinking company looking to produce a larger market share for all Built-In Vacuum companies. We applaud them for their efforts, but obviously feel we provide a superior product.

The greatest product difference to note is their filtering system. As completely detailed elsewhere in this publication1 we are completely sold on our paper bag dirt separation compared to the Beam inverted "self-cleaning" cloth filter. Beam installs a permanent 2 layer filter where: "The Front side is made of static free dacron while the back up filters made from napped back cotton sateen". "The self-cleaning feature is attained when the vacuum is turned off. At that time, the weighted filter inverts and shed any dirt that has accumulated on the filter". Two major problems exist here. First the dacron allows dirt through which is caught by the sateen. How can this dirt be removed? If you've ever serviced a Beam unit that is a few years old you know how you can physically feel the globs of dirt caught between the 2 filters! This creates a permanent suction loss that the homeowner cannot easily rectify.

Secondly: If the vacuum unit is shut off to activate the "self-cleaning" action the bag must drop rather slowly as the seal diminishes. Please see the attached diagram taken directly from their operation manual that tells you once a year to clean the "self-cleaning" filter.

Doesn't one simple larger paper bag make a lot more sense? You change it.... you're back to full power! Beam also states "For best results empty the canister when it is only half full!" Why, even their sales brochure for their Model 287c states, "Increased filter capacity also improves cleaning ability."

Beam units can contain anywhere from 3 to 8 gallons compared to MD having 8 or 12 gallon capacities and Beam also has had problem with their canister gasket While replacing the trash receptacle its easy to misalign and air can escape, decreasing the power of the system. The trouble shooting section of their instruction manual states this as a possible reason for "partial loss of suction".

A few other cosmetic and functional differences separate the 2 brands as Beam hangs on one stud where MD is much firmer on two studs. Also the intake stub for the tank is made out of styrene (MD is metal) and is located on the left side (right side on some models) that limits the installer unlike MD with necks on both sides. Beam units are typically installed much higher in the garage than MD's that, along with the top-motor configuration, causes them to run hotter then MD units. Beam does now use a low voltage modular printed circuit board that MD has historically avoided due to the reliability of Honeywell and Basler components. (If it works... don't fix it!) Some of Beam's units have a Dura-lite? plastic dirt receptacle that avoids corrosion and allows visual inspection of trash levels without opening the unit. Lifting an MD lid is quite simple or clear lid is available.

Beam does not offer all the motor configurations that MD offers especially units for larger homes which contain (2) 7.2" motors. Their large units typically utilize small motors that are running at very high speeds. Patented "Silent Master" technology in which MD has limited the noise output is not available from any other manufacturers including Beam, even though they have produced a "Quite Beam" which is nowhere near as quite as the Silent Master. Beam used a high performance acoustic motor that is not ventable and is susceptible to overheating and a much shorter life span.

Another major difference is evidenced in the warranty. Beam's "Limited Lifetime "Warranty is only to the original consumer at the original installation site. Furthermore, "This warranty does not apply to loss or damage due, in Beam's sole opinion, to normal wear and tear... or failure to provide proper maintenance." Compare this to MD's 6 year fully transferable warranty that does include wear and tear and it's easy to see MD believes in their product!

Written by Grant Olewiler