This page describes the Miele S5281 Callisto Power Team which always includes their SEB 228 Electro Plus Powerbrush. In February 2010 it replaced the previous version which included the smaller SEB 217-3 Powerbrush.

Miele Callisto Vacuum Cleaner Introduction

Miele has been designing and manufacturing products for the home since 1899. They produced their first vacuum cleaner in 1927 and celebrated their 100th Anniversary in June of 1999. Their products are world renowned for their power, durability and performance. The introduction of the Miele Callisto vacuum, with its beautiful Deep Black finish, reflects their commitment to designing and manufacturing outstanding vacuum cleaners. As with all Miele products, all its advanced technology and incredible power is harnessed within a truly beautiful work of art. You may even be tempted to purchase a Miele S5281 Callisto vacuum cleaner on its looks alone.

While continuing the strong Miele tradition of quality, design, beauty and outstanding performance, this Miele Callisto, with its very convenient direct connect electric hose, direct connect electric wand, direct connect SEB 228 Electro Plus Powerbrush and new Parquet floor brush, takes Miele's beauty and technology to an even higher level.

Multi-Layer Filtration System

The Miele Callisto vacuum cleaner uses a multi-layer filtration system which increases the life of the high filtration exhaust filter. The air passes through their high filtration 3-Layer HyClean Bag and a secondary electrostatic filter before reaching the special exhaust filter. Each layer of filtration captures more particles as the air passes through them. Ideally, multi-layer filtration enhances performance by ensuring good air flow through the system. It prevents large particles from reaching and blocking the exhaust filter, saving it for critical particle retention.

The Miele Callisto vacuums come equipped with their Active Certified S-Class HEPA exhaust filter for exceptional allergen filtration. A lower cost alternative is the Super Air Clean exhaust filter which is packaged with the dustbags. It is designed for those desiring outstanding filtration but who do not have dust related sensitivities which require the level of filtration which meets the stringent HEPA specification.

In a study conducted by the Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology at the University of Virginia, the Miele vacuum cleaner with the Super Air Clean filter was tested, along with eight other leading brands, to determine if vacuum cleaner efficiency affects the level of airborne allergens commonly found in the home, such as pet dander and dust mite feces. The results indicate that some vacuum cleaners substantially increase allergens in the air. The study proved Miele captures virtually all the dust, dirt and allergens you pick up, improving the quality of the air you breathe. The Certified HEPA filter which comes with the Miele S5281 vacuum provides even greater filtration, producing net filtration which exceeds the stringent HEPA specification.

The Miele Sealed System™

Using the Miele S5281 Callisto canister vacuum differs from your typical home vacuum cleaner because of its special high filtration capabilities and its Sealed System™. This means that the sub-micrometer dust you pick up actually reaches the high filtration exhaust filter and is not blown out through minute cracks in the case or around the exhaust filter like many competing cleaners with high filtration exhaust filters. To protect you even more the dustbag is designed to automatically close its opening when you remove it from the vacuum for disposal. Taking this concept even further, an optional Miele Hygiene Cap can be snapped into the hose inlet of this vacuum when the hose is removed. This added protection enhances the ability of this Miele vacuum to provide extremely low dust emissions.

Vacuum cleaners are designed so that air flows through the nozzle and hose into the dustbag, and then through any additional filters before leaving the machine at the exhaust. Filters capable of achieving sub-micrometer filtration are important but equally important is how much of the air flow containing these allergens, etc. actually passes through the filters to be cleaned by them. With the Miele Sealed System™ you can rest assured that all the air flow passes through and is filtered by the included Active Certified HEPA or optional Active Air Clean exhaust filters. Having a completely sealed system also helps improve suction by ensuring that all air flow through the motor is also pulled through the hose and attachments, not entering through unsealed joints in the case, wands and attachments.

High Performance HyClean™ Dustbag

Miele's revolutionary new HyClean™ dustbag offers unbeatable advantages which really enhance the performance of the Miele Callisto canister vacuum cleaner. First and foremost, the unique new material which composes HyClean dustbags has made significant progress in the quality of filtration: Thanks to its intricate web of three-ply random-spun polymer fibers, far more tiny particles and allergens are retained than with conventional dustbags. This alone accounts for a reduction in dust emissions from the dustbag of up to 50%, based on levels which were already extremely low. Therefore, this vacuum's secondary filter and high efficiency exhaust filter will be kept cleaner, providing outstanding cleaning performance with reduced resistance to the air flow.

The enhanced composition of the HyClean bag virtually eliminates clogging, improving cleaning performance even further. This material captures millions of tiny dust particles and holds them tight within its fibers, keeping the pores of the dustbag open longer. As a result, this Miele vacuum cleaner retains its excellent cleaning performance, even when the dustbag is full. This special polymer material also makes the dustbag practically tear-proof. The risk of damage caused by sharp, pointed objects in the bag is now a thing of the past.

High Efficiency Filters

For those with dust related allergies or asthma, Miele has included an Active Certified HEPA Filter which is tested and certified that it will meet the stringent HEPA specification. It will retain all particles as small as 0.3 µm (micrometers - formerly microns) in size with an efficiency rating of 99.97%. The HEPA acronym is used primarily in the USA whereas Europeans often refer to this same filter as an S-Class filter. This indicates that the filter meets standards like the British Standard 5415 and German norm: DIN 2418B Ti-E EU 13 for filtration performance. Miele's Active Certified HEPA Filter even includes a thin layer of Activated Charcoal for trapping unpleasant odors as well. This hybrid exhaust filter makes your Miele Callisto an outstanding allergy vacuum with extremely low dust and odor emissions. The included Active Certified HEPA exhaust filter normally sells for $49.95.

Miele even offers an optional special filter designed for the pet lovers in our world. Their Active Air Clean Filter features a thick layer of Activated Charcoal sandwiched between two Super Air Clean filters for outstanding odor trapping abilities. It's great for cat & dog owners. When purchasing your new Miele from Ristenbatt Vacuum Cleaner Service, turn it into an allergy vacuum with very low dust and odor emissions by adding the Active Air Clean filter for only $39.95.

By testing the particle retention of the entire unit's filtration system it is one of the world's most stringent filtration standards. Much to Miele's delight, virtually all particulate matter was contained within the vacuum cleaner system in the earlier Miele S500 and S600 series canisters, earning them the world's first certificate of HEPA certification. By incorporating this same system, the Miele Callisto vacuum, when combining the Certified HEPA Filter with their completely sealed system, provides the lowest vacuum cleaner dust emissions available for your home environment.

Efficient Miele Vortex Suction Motor

The powerful 1200 Watt, Miele Vortex suction motor produces plenty of suction for cleaning all heights of carpets when used with its SEB 228 Powerbrush. As such it is a very effective 1440 watt (12 Amps.) power team...both in its ability to pick up dirt and allergens and in its ability to retain them. This high performance motor has fan parts that are aerodynamically designed with no parallel surfaces and nine long fan scoops compared to the typical six shorter ones. These scoops are quite wide near the hub of the fan and become more narrow toward the outer edge similar to that of a jet engine compressor. This single stage "compressor design" optimizes the air flow and increases the overall motor efficiency. Featuring lifetime lubricated ball bearings, well balanced motor parts, enhanced motor suspension and lining of the motor housing, the Miele Callisto vacuum will perform quietly for many years. Due to its typical life expectancy of 1200 hours, Miele proudly warranties this motor for seven years. To learn more about this outstanding motor, see our article on the Powerful Miele Vortex Motor.

Electronic Motor Speed Control

The S5281 Callisto vacuum is also equipped with six different motor speed settings which adjusts the air flow to over 150 CFM, giving you complete control when you clean. The electronic speed control dial on the vacuum enables you to easily select the proper amount of power for cleaning anything from draperies to medium height carpeting. Reducing the suction prevents curtains, upholstery or area rugs from inadvertently being drawn into the cleaning nozzle.

This Miele vacuum, along with others in the new Miele S5 series, has special sound insulation which makes it particularly quiet. The new "Silence Setting" combines the lowest noise level with the ideal power level for the most efficient cleaning results. When operating at this level the vacuum is actually quieter than a pot of boiling water. Now that is quiet!

Complete Power Team with SEB 228 Powerbrush

The Miele S5281 Callisto vacuum is a complete power team that includes the SES 119 Direct Connect Electric Hose, SET 220 Direct Connect Electric Wand and SEB 228 Electro Plus Powerbrush. Its powerbrush is designed for cleaning low to plush carpets.

Having a 1.4 Amp motor to drive the 12 1/2" revolving brush, the powerbrush adds to the power of the Miele S5281 Callisto vacuum. A cog type belt is used to provide positive power transfer from the motor to the brush roll. You can even use the powerbrush to clean small areas of bare floors by stopping the powerbrush motor and brush roll with a flip of the finger-tip power nozzle switch on the hose.

Direct Connect Hose, Wand and Powerbrush

Miele's SES 119 Direct Connect Electric Hose automatically makes the electrical connections when you insert it into the cleaner. In addition to the direct connect at the cleaner, this new SES 119 hose mates with the top of the SET 220 Direct Connect Electric Wand with its internal wiring. The bottom of this wand mates with the SEB 228 Electro Plus Powerbrush. This electric wand even telescopes so you can easily adjust it to match your individual stature. For convenient storage, it collapses to about half its total height.

When you attach the wand to the hose and the powerbrush to the wand, all electrical connections are made automatically. Removing them is just as easy. There are absolutely no exposed cords on the hose, wand and powerbrush which need to be plugged in manually. All electrical wiring is built into them. This new direct connect feature between the electric hose, electric wand and powerbrush provides even more convenience and user friendliness. It really makes it a breeze to switch between the powerbrush, floor brush or other attachment without breaking your pace.

Convenient Covered Attachment Storage

The Miele S5281 Callisto vacuum carries its three small attachments conveniently tucked away in the covered tool storage on the main unit where they are always easily accessible. This design reduces the risk of bumping these attachments, accidentally knocking them from the vacuum cleaner. The dusting brush has soft, natural hair bristles which will not curl and mat like synthetic ones tend to do. The upholstery nozzle has two red strips which are like the "magic lint brushes", capturing the lint, hairs and threads and then cleaning themselves on the reverse stroke.

All Three Wheels Swivel 360°

The Miele Callisto vacuum cleaners are designed to track nicely behind you as you pull them by the hose. They are equipped with three wheels which turn a full 360° making them very easy to maneuver and very stable. Going over electrical cords, door thresholds and around furniture is a breeze. Since it can be moved in any direction, being able to easily push it out of your path when working near the machine is an added convenience.

Additional Deluxe Features

The Miele S5281 Callisto vacuum is designed with many deluxe features not found on other Miele vacuum cleaners nor competing brands. These include an extra large 1 1/3" (34mm) inside diameter hose, large primary filter and more bag compartment ribbing for increased air flow. The redesigned case has an extra wide wrap around bumper for improved furniture protection and more ground clearance for thicker carpets.

One-Year Limited Product Warranty

Miele provides a year of peace of mind, knowing that you will not have the expense of a repair which is covered by their standard One Year Limited Warranty. This limited warranty are reduced to six months if the vacuum cleaner is used for commercial purposes.

Outstanding 7-Year Motor and Casing Warranties

Miele is so confident in the durability of their unique Vortex motor that they cover it with their long Miele Seven-Year Limited Motor Warranty. Also, their vacuums are so well designed and constructed that they proudly include their Seven-Year Limited Casing Warranty with this vacuum. These extra-long waranties provide six additional years of peace of mind, knowing that you will not have the expense of a repair covered by them. These limited warranties are reduced to six months if the vacuum cleaner is used for commercial purposes.

Product Availability

The Miele S5281 Callisto vacuum cleaners are made in Germany and sold in the U.S.A. primarily through their network of independently owned vacuum cleaner specialty stores like Ristenbatt Vacuum Cleaner Service. We also promote and sell additional models of Miele Canisters & Power Teams, various Miele Accessories & Attachments and Genuine Miele Dustbags, Filters & Supplies.

Please feel free to call toll free at 800-413-2778 or 717-665-5126 for more details and information on this and additional models. All of our salespeople are also skilled technicians who are very knowledgeable about vacuum cleaners, both inside and out. They will be happy to talk with you regarding your various vacuum cleaner needs, preferences and desires. We are a vacuum cleaner specialty store providing outstanding customer service to all who purchase from us.

This page describes the Miele S5281 Callisto Power Team which always includes their SEB 228 Electro Plus Powerbrush. In February 2010 it replaced the previous version which included the smaller SEB 217-3 Powerbrush.