Who Makes Kirby Vacuums

Kirby vacuums are made by the Kirby Company, which was sold by Berkshire Hathaway to the private equity firm Right Lane Capital in 2026.

Kirby is one of the oldest names in American vacuum manufacturing, best known for its premium price, heavy build, and door to door sales model.

Berkshire Hathaway owned Kirby for decades through its Scott Fetzer subsidiary before recently selling the vacuum business to a private equity buyer.

But why would Warren Buffett Berkshire Hathaway sell off a business it had owned since the 1980s?

This guide will explore who owns Kirby today, where the vacuums are actually built, the brand history, common concerns about the sales model, and whether the investment is worth it.

So let’s get started.

Who Owns The Kirby Brand

Kirby vacuums are made by the Kirby Company, headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio.

Berkshire Hathaway became Kirby owner in 1986 when it acquired Scott Fetzer Company, the parent company that had manufactured Kirby vacuums since 1922.

In 2026, Berkshire Hathaway sold the Kirby vacuum business to Right Lane Capital, a Chicago based private equity firm.

Kirby now operates as a division of Right Lane Industries, ending nearly four decades of Berkshire Hathaway ownership.

Where Are Kirby Vacuums Manufactured

Kirby vacuums are designed and manufactured in the United States, continuing a manufacturing tradition that dates back to the brand founding in 1922.

This domestic manufacturing approach sets Kirby apart from many competing vacuum brands that build primarily overseas.

Kirby heavy, largely metal construction is closely tied to its US based manufacturing process and quality control standards.

It remains to be seen whether the recent ownership change to Right Lane Capital will affect Kirby manufacturing location in future years. Private equity owners sometimes push for cost cutting changes, so this is worth monitoring for anyone considering a long term purchase.

The History Of Kirby

The Kirby Company began manufacturing and selling vacuum cleaners in 1922, based on a design by inventor James Kirby, according to Wikipedia.

Scott Fetzer Company became Kirby parent, and Berkshire Hathaway acquired Scott Fetzer for 400 million dollars in 1986.

Kirby operated under Berkshire Hathaway ownership for nearly four decades, becoming one of the conglomerate longest held consumer product businesses.

Berkshire Hathaway quietly sold the Kirby vacuum business to Right Lane Capital in 2026, marking a significant ownership change for the historic brand.

What Makes Kirby Vacuums Different From Other Brands

Kirby vacuums are known for extremely heavy duty, largely metal construction, contrasting with the mostly plastic bodies used by most mainstream competitors.

The company markets its vacuums as a long term investment, with some models designed to last for decades with proper maintenance.

Kirby vacuums are sold almost exclusively through in home demonstrations by independent dealers rather than through retail stores.

Our guide to who makes Dyson vacuums covers a very differently distributed premium competitor sold through mainstream retail.

Kirby Sales Practices And Pricing Concerns

Kirby vacuums are known for a significantly higher price point than most retail vacuums, often costing close to 2000 dollars once financing is included.

The in home demonstration sales model has drawn consistent criticism over the decades, with some customers reporting high pressure sales tactics.

Complaints have also focused on financing agreements carrying interest rates around 22 percent, substantially increasing the total cost of ownership.

Shoppers considering a Kirby vacuum should carefully review any financing agreement and return policy before committing to a purchase.

Kirby Versus Retail Vacuum Brands

Most vacuums sold at big box retailers, including bagless models, use disposable bags or standard cyclonic filters rather than Kirby heavy duty metal construction.

Our guide to where Bissell vacuums are made covers one of the most common retail alternatives Kirby indirectly competes against.

Retail vacuums are generally far cheaper upfront and easier to find replacement parts for at any local store, while Kirby relies on its network of authorized dealers for service.

Buyers weighing the two approaches should consider both the much higher upfront Kirby price and the ongoing convenience of buying replacement parts at any nearby retailer for competing brands.

Kirby Vacuum Warranty Coverage

Kirby vacuums typically carry a limited warranty that can extend for several years depending on the specific model and authorized dealer.

Warranty service is generally handled through the local independent dealer who sold the unit rather than directly through corporate offices.

Given the recent ownership change, buyers should confirm current warranty terms directly through their local Kirby dealer before purchasing.

Keeping proof of purchase and financing paperwork organized is especially important given Kirby premium pricing. This documentation matters even more now given the recent change in corporate ownership behind the brand.

Is Kirby Really Good Or Really Worth It

Kirby generates a genuinely polarized reputation, largely tied to the sales experience rather than the vacuum performance itself.

On ConsumerAffairs, reviews frequently describe frustration with aggressive in home sales tactics, high financing costs, and a bulky, hard to maneuver design.

At the same time, many long term owners report strong satisfaction with cleaning performance and machine longevity, with some units still running after decades of use.

Positive reviews consistently highlight suction power and the genuine durability of Kirby heavy, largely metal construction.

For buyers comfortable navigating an in home sales process and willing to pay a premium price for long term durability, Kirby can deliver genuine long term value, though the sales tactics and financing terms are worth researching carefully first.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kirby Vacuums

Is Kirby Still Owned By Berkshire Hathaway

No. Berkshire Hathaway sold the Kirby vacuum business to the private equity firm Right Lane Capital in 2026, ending nearly four decades of ownership.

Are Kirby Vacuums Made In The USA

Yes. Kirby vacuums are designed and manufactured in the United States, continuing a domestic manufacturing tradition dating back to 1922.

Why Are Kirby Vacuums Only Sold Through Demonstrations

Kirby has built its business around independent dealers who demonstrate the vacuum in person rather than selling through retail stores or general online marketplaces.

How Much Does A Kirby Vacuum Typically Cost

Kirby vacuums often cost close to 2000 dollars, especially when purchased through a financing agreement rather than paid for outright.