Riccar

Overview

Riccar is a vacuum cleaner brand specializing in upright, canister, handheld, and central vacuum models, focused on airflow, suction, and filtration for home cleaning. Operating as Riccar America from Missouri, it positions itself in the premium segment through U.S. design and assembly, originating from a Japanese sewing machine company that expanded internationally in the 1960s.¹²⁷⁸

History

Riccar originated from the Japanese Riccar Sewing Machine Company Ltd., founded in 1939 as Nippon Shokusan Kogyo and renamed in 1949, which established Riccar America in 1964 for international sales. The brand shifted focus to vacuums under U.S. operations, opening a factory in St. James, Missouri, in 1997 to produce upright models previously made in Taiwan. Acquired by Tacony Manufacturing, it moved canister production from Asia to the U.S. by around 2012, emphasizing domestic manufacturing.³⁴

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Riccar vacuums are designed and assembled in the United States, primarily at facilities linked to parent Tacony Manufacturing in Missouri, including St. James along Route 66. Upright production began domestically in 1997, shifting from Taiwan, while canister models moved from China and Korea to the U.S. around 2012.⁴⁵

Notable Products

• RSL Series Uprights - Lightweight uprights with tandem air system for superior carpet cleaning.
• Radiance Canisters - Bagged canister vacuums emphasizing airflow and filtration.
• Supralite Canisters - Compact canister models for versatile floor and hard surface cleaning.
• Hand Vac 2.0 - Cordless handheld vacuum for quick cleanups.
• Central Vacuum Systems - Built-in home systems with advanced power units.

Reputation

Riccar is regarded by vacuum enthusiasts for durable construction, strong performance, and U.S. manufacturing, often praised for longevity and quality materials over mass-market brands. Professionals note reliable suction and filtration but mention higher prices and limited distribution compared to larger competitors. Some criticism exists on weight of certain upright models.¹⁵