Customer Reviews

Euro-Pro Shark EP238 HEPA Compact Canister Vacuum

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(8)
1 star:		(11)

 

 

The features described are true to form. It has powerful suction and performs well on floors, as well as carpets. It is also well constructed and a bargain compared to similar lightweights.
I like the option of using a disposable bag or the reusable cloth bag (which, by the way, holds quite a lot). Its design makes it easy to manuever while vacuuming, and the adjustable length of the wand makes it comfortable to use.
An additional plus is the built-in handle that lifts away from the body and snaps back into place when not in use.
The only changes I would make to the original design are: 1. a longer cord (17 feet isn't really adequate for a really large room). 2. a press-type button where the hose handle attaches to the chrome tube (to keep it from breaking away during use).
Otherwise, it is convenient for use and storage; and even uncomplicated enough for a young helper to manage.
My pre-teen grandkids love using it, so I'm getting lots of offers to help with vacuuming - I'm ready to try some of the other Euro-Pro appliances, maybe I can retire from housework!

I've owned the EP238 for a year now and have been really very happy with its performance and durability. It works extremely well on hardwood and ceramic floors and the "air powered" rotating brush attachment for denser carpets works like a charm. The attachments all work well and the adjustable suction control is really convenient when you're using the dusting brush. Best of all, it is quiet and easy to move around. Its only shortcoming is a short (17 ft) power cord. I'd buy another one without a moment of hesitation.

I bought the Shark in 2001, shortly after we moved. Thankfully it has a 4 year warranty, which I took full advantage of during my three year relationship with EuroPro. I am happily ending that relationship this week. I actually think that the Shark is a good vacuum, but maybe it's because we've had such bad luck with uprights.

The wheel fell of the standard brush almost right away. I think I've replaced three of them. The turbo brush works great, but again, I've replaced several, always under warranty. Originally their call center was in Canada, or New York, and they were very helpful, always sending me the replacment parts quickly. At one point I complained so much that they sent me everything but the actual vacuum.

However, the thing stopped turning on about two weeks ago. I called EuroPro, since it is still under warranty. As several others mentioned, they have outsourced their customer service, and their helpfulness stayed in Canada. They told me that I would have to pay for shipping both ways to send the thing in. I have never heard of such an outrageous policy before. Accept some responsibility for your lousy products and pay for shipping one way! Not to mention that you don't have a vacuum for 4-6 weeks. I told off the manager because I was angry about the outsourcing and the two way shipping and said I would never buy another EuroPro vacuum. After trying to get it fixed locally (they couldn't becuase EuroPro is so stupid), I decided to junk it. I'm getting the Bissell Butler Revolution instead. EuroPro is a terrible company. Don't buy their products!!!

The compact design is great for the small pick up jobs around the house. It does fine on Pergo picking up sand (unlike the electric brooms we have had) and crumbs. We aren't impressed with the carpet performance, but didn't purchase it for major cleaning. The only critism we have is the lack of some sort of onboard accessory storage.

UPDATE-- Don't buy this!! After a year the suction control quit working!! Piece of junk, it should last longer than a year, I won't buy euro again!!
I love this vacuum, easy to use, "no dust emisions". It has great suction (better than most) and the suction is adjustable. I love it, I can even use it on my computer and curtains because you can adjust the suction. It is fairly light weight but found if I carry it for a while the strap hurts my shoulder.
The only problems I had was the carry strap kept slipping up onto the hose, fixed that by putting a rubber band there so it would stop the slippage. The cord is too short!-- I have to use anextension or I have to stop and unplug it constantly. The floor attachment that has a beater bar does not work good at all. I don't use that attachment any more. It slows down too much when placed on the floor or furniture, even with good suction.
It's a great vacuum if you don't expect it to clean carpeting like an upright. I highly reccommend this machine..

I have used this vac nearly every day for 5 years, and the suction has been extremely powerful. I never had a problem with it, and I have sucked up LOTS of dirt with this thing! I never liked the carpet attachment, and used a brush from my old Electrolux attached to the Hepa Shark wand.

Unfortunately, today I did something very stupid and ruined my vac. A light bulb broke on my deck and rather than sweep up the glass, I thought I would do it the easy way and vacuum it up. My deck "looked" dry, but evidently, was wet from a recent snow, and when I vacuumed the cocoa door mat, lots of water was suctioned up into the motor. It made a noise and when I removed the disposable bag, it was ripped. The vac was FULL of water :(

I have never seen one of these in any store in my area, so I immediately got online to order another one.. Then I read all the negative reviews and am afraid to purchase a replacement. Was I just lucky in getting a really good one?

This vac is the perfect size for a small apartment. I have a dog and need to vacuum often, I need a hepa vac and hate the bagless types. I purchased this vac after my 25 yr. old Electrolux died, and every other vac I used never seemed to have the powerful suction as this little thing, except the $400, models.

Now I am trying to decide if I should take a chance with this. It is hard to find the bags, but I was able to purchase them from a vac & sew outfit in TX. What to do???

UPDATE: May 24, 2005

I dried out my wet motor and my Euro-Pro Shark EP238 HEPA Vac has been working great! I'm glad I did not purchase a new onw, as this old thing seems to have 9 lives. I must have been lucky, as so many others are not happy with this product.

2nd UPDATE : March 8, 2006
I am pleased to report that my little vac still performs as well as it did when new, in spite of the water exposure. I would go as far as upgrading my original rating to 5 stars. I think the secret to its good performance is in keeping the inner filter as clean as possible. Hope I have not jinxed my luck in expounding on the virtues of this machine!

Suction works very well, but doesn't pick up on pile carpet well because there isn't a motor turning the brush. Retractable cord doesn't retract without assistance. The bags are extremely small, need to be changed often.

I have mostly wood floors in my house so i've been wanting a canister vacuum. Finally made a decision and bought this one. So far no regrets. The attachments are great, the suction is great, the size, and price can not be beat. I am a little disappointed with the "wood floor" type attachment, but it's definately doing the job. Even the carpet attachement works well on my one area rug. I too am excited to try out new euro pro products.

I've had this vacuum for two days now and am pleasantly surprised by it. Having had some truly awful vacuums (includind a terrible Fantom up-right), I was expecting the worse. I have a lot of different surfaces - rugs, wood floors, old-fashioned radiators, lots of molding - in my house, as well as a Pomeranian dog and a parakeet. This vacuum is proving quite capable of dealing with just about everything. It has good power and suction and is easy to use. I like the re-usable cloth bag and was surprised at its capacity. The unit is light, easy to carry and move with. The only complaint I can think of...I would have liked a longer crevice tool. Otherwise, this is a great little vacuum and a very good value.

The wheels fell off the attachment within DAYS of buying it. Used super glue- now sort of ok. Cord is too short so added extension- again only ok. Vacuum gets "tired" and quits if you use it too long at a time. Works again after about an hour(??).Now, I can't get bags anywhere. Just not worth it-best cheapo canister vac I ever had was the Mighty Mite. It finally died after 10+ years of overuse and abuse.