Century Sensei vs Durrmaid vs Aztec

Lightman · 12-12-06, 03:34

Guys I've decided it's time to step up to a more professional extractor from my LGPH that I'm currently using. I do less than 5 cars a month, detail for myself, family, and a limited external clientele...so I don't need anything huge or super-commercial, and I occasionally go mobile. I figured these three units were my best choices. I've searched and read just about every post regarding these models, but want some up to date comments and info. I believe the durrmaid and aztecs have both been updated in the last few years, and a lot of the complaints (particularly durrmaid) were based on old models... so fast forward to today and current models - what are the real world performance differences in these three models? I believe the durrmaid and aztec to be similar - but would love to hear from owners...and also wonder how much better is the sensei? I don't mind forking over the extra $ for it if it has a significant performance or reliability advantage.. Thanks in advance for any insight.

Aztec model
Aztec Heated Mini Extractor

Durrmaid
Aztec and Durrmaid Carpet and Upholstery Cleaners and Extractors. Heated Aztec Hot Spotter Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner and Aztec Mini Heated Extractor. Durrmaid heated Carpet / Upholstery cleaner and Extractor.

Century Sensei
Carpet Extractor Top Seller

Lightman · 12-12-06, 04:03

I have one more to add to the list - that may actually be a heavy contender... the mytee lite appears to have the same power of the sensei, just half the capacity. I didn't quite realize how much bigger the sensei is than the durrmaid or aztecs...6 gal and 6 gal vs 3/3. So anyone with experience with the mytee lite please chime in as well.

Cleaning Fool · 12-12-06, 04:28

The Sensei has has a 100 psi pump versus 60 on the others, which will mean better vacuum and better suction. HOWEVER, in my opinion its grossly overpriced for what you are getting, Ive owned several extractors in my carpet cleaning business. With a 1 1/2 gallon tank you will be dumping and filling water alot, something to think about. Make sure you get some de-foamer to put in your recovery tank because it will foam alot, causing you to start and stop all the time. If your looking for a good extractor look here Cross-American Corporation Carpet Cleaning Equipment & Chemicals | If I were getting a small unit no question thats what I would buy

Juztang · 12-12-06, 04:33

I've been trying to decide on the same thing. I will be using mine at a fixed location and mobil. I like that the Sensei only uses 7 amps. Does anyone else sell the Sensei for cheaper?

fdizzle · 12-12-06, 04:40

ok, im gonna chime in here since iv posted threads on this and Pm's a ton of people...

the mytee spyder and sensi are heavy hitters, and their 37'' more lift and 40 more PSI , larger tanks and more powerful vacumes make them uncomparable to the duramaid and aztec. they are more powerful machines and will extract better. hence their price, tank size and overall size difference. they also use a lot more power ( you will trip a regular 15 amp house breaker - 20A min )

the smaller units like the duramaid and aztec are lighter, designed with tanks big enough for 1 - 2 vehicles (all dependant on size). The will still extract, but less lift means more water left behind, longer drying time. less psi means less powerful soloution spray. however, thair smaller tanks allow them to head faster, and beleive me. . . 60 psi and 102 '' lift is still lightyears ahead of what a LGCM can even think of doing.

you cant go wrong with the sensi (on top of the line.com, 1400 bucks) or the spyder from mytee (that has almost identical specs, and also has a blower hookup)

now onto the duramaid.

confirmed by both DANASE, TOL, and DURAMIAD . . .

the duramid used to be made by azted. the designer was unhappy with the units preformance, stoped having it produced, and now - after improvement, utalizes another manufacturer. it is different than the aztec.

i like the clear lexan plastic detail tool, with different spray tips for increased or reduced water flow (ie - more for carpet, less for seats) and the suction regulator, allowing you to decrease suction for softer materials like headliners.

it has similar specs as far as lift, heating elements, suction, weight, power requirements, psi and tank size to the aztec and unit from rightlook.com.

i am going to buy the duramiad this week. i will post a review as soon as i have a chance to use it a few times. currently, the duramaid ( the new version ) is also one of the least expensive units, and is perfect for my application. i just cant see spending 400 more for the spyder or another 700 more for the sensi when im gonna be using it on only one to 4 vehicles a week. (im still in school and work full time)

hope this helps. search my screen name for my posts, and threads, or search for duramaid. . .

you will see some bad vibes, and bad reviews, from reputable people on here too . . . the choice is up to you. im taking a chance.

Juztang · 12-12-06, 04:46

Great write-up Fdizzle!

Juztang · 12-12-06, 04:49

Check this out Aztec and Durrmaid Carpet and Upholstery Cleaners and Extractors. Heated Aztec Hot Spotter Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner and Aztec Mini Heated Extractor. Durrmaid heated Carpet / Upholstery cleaner and Extractor.

Cleaning Fool · 12-12-06, 05:04

Alot of the reason the Sensei is priced high is because of the heater for the water. In my opinion for these smaller units you don't need the heater, not worth the $400 dollars its going to add to the price. Hot water from the sink will do the same thing. Ill take better suction and psi over heat for cleaning cars. You can make up for lack of heat bye using good chems. Look at comparable units with 100 psi with no heat and they are alot cheaper.

fdizzle · 12-12-06, 07:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cleaning Fool

Alot of the reason the Sensei is priced high is because of the heater for the water. In my opinion for these smaller units you don't need the heater, not worth the $400 dollars its going to add to the price. Hot water from the sink will do the same thing. Ill take better suction and psi over heat for cleaning cars. You can make up for lack of heat bye using good chems. Look at comparable units with 100 psi with no heat and they are alot cheaper.

you bring up a good point . . .

more psi and suction, along with increased lift will extract faster, and more efficiently. However, for a mobile application, hot water from the hot water heater might not be avalible, making the heating element worth investing in should you require an extractor for mobile applications. . . .

the small size of the units also allow for easy transport, few worries about what amperage plug you will be using. . . .

now if they made the small units with lift, suction and psi comparable to that of the sensi and spyder . . . i would already have one . . . but i have yet to find such a magical device. . . .

Lightman · 12-12-06, 09:29

Fdizzle and cleaning fool - the 8070 mytee lite, which is 3 gals and 3 gals and heated (compared to teh 55psi 8020) has 100psi and 85" lift. I think this is the best combination, especially at $800.

tom p. · 12-13-06, 04:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lightman

I think this is the best combination, especially at $800.

You'd better put this baby to work and get it to pay for itself!! Enjoy.

Lightman · 12-13-06, 07:13

Tom, I can't wait to get it and try it out...I'm hoping and expecting it's going to blow my LGPH out of the water!