Customer Reviews

Hoover S3639 WindTunnel Canister Vacuum Cleaner

5 star:		(62)
4 star:		(38)
3 star:		(15)
2 star:		(15)
1 star:		(20)

 

 

I decided to purchase a canister vacuum after moving into a home that had a combination of hard surface (wood, tile, linoleum) and carpeted floors. After much research, I chose this model based on both product reviews and specific model features.

Overall, I am very satisfied with this vacuum. The suction power is more than adequate for all jobs. I am especially impressed with the hard floor attachment which vacuums in both forward and backward strokes unlike some hard floor attachments which tend to push dirt around. In addition, the handheld attachment includes a rotating brush similar to floor attachments which makes vacuuming stairs very easy and does a much better job than attachments that only provide suction. Finally, the upholstery attachment with soft rubber comb works very well, especially for the collection of hard-to-lift lint and dog hair.

The one negative to this vacuum, possibly inherent in all canister vacuums, is that the carpeting attachment does not have enough weight to firmly press the agitator into the carpeting as compared to a standard upright vacuum. However, I believe some of my dissatisfaction is due to the fact that I have berber carpeting which is known to be difficult to vacuum. This carpet attachment does an acceptable job but I do find that I can continue to remove a small amount of dirt with my upright vacuum immediately after using this carpet attachment.

All in all, I am very satisfied with this vacuum and continue to utilize it as my primary vacuum. This model also balances well on stairs and is lightweight and easy to carry. I would recommend this vacuum to anyone who has a combination of floor surfaces in their home.

I had the next model down Hoover Windtunnel S3630. I think the main difference between the S3639 and S3630 is that the Plus model has the mini power hand tool. We had the vacuum for a little less than a year. The machine had all the good features: on/ off switch for power nozzle, 4 main attachments, added filter for better filtration, covered tool storage, doubled brushed edge cleaning along with special edge groomers- this makes it a little harder to push but it does an excellent job along walls. The machine was convenient to use it had very good suction for cleaning and a high speed power brush that deep cleaned. I don't know why this is but the vacuum was moody, somedays it cleaned well, and others it seemed like I was sweeping the carpet and not sucking up. The vacuum would leave a line of dog hair behind the nozzle entrance that was visible upon moving the power head forward. We did everything: new bags, new belts, checked the brushes, and since it was under warranty we took it to the Hoover Service Center but they found nothing wrong with it. Our cheaper model the Hoover Powermax cleaned hair much better. You could tell that it was deep cleaning like the windtunnel design is supposed to help with but it was cleaning the dog hair. After getting tired of it not getting hair we returned to the company and got our money back, Hoover was very cooperative customer service wise. We now have a Hoover Powermax Runabout that works very well and cost ... less. See my report under the Powermax Deluxe S3607. Our windtunnel might have been a lemon but don't know can't really recommend unless you have hard floors or need a good attachment canister.

Well, I expected a better quality machine from Hoover. Plastic wheels and axles, plastic hinges on the lids and suspiciously weak plastic latches on the wands. I don't expect these to last much beyond the warranty period, if that long. The headlight does not illuminate the floor. The hose connector on top of the machine does not even begin to swivel smoothly. It tends to bind, causing the vacuum to wander erratically everytime the hose is moved. The lack of a swivel mechanism on the tool end is also unfortunate because this almost guarantees that the hose will kink, twist and try to tie itself into knots. There is a strange preset angle moulded into the hand grip (remember it does not swivel). This makes for unnatural and uncomfortable arm and wrist positions while maneuvering various cleaning attachments into position. To be fair the suction power appears to be very good. I wrote to Hoover voicing my concerns (in far greater detail than this review) but only received a form letter that did not address any of my issues. If a product is "Made in USA", then it seems fair to expect better quality.

I orderd this vacuum to replace an old hoover that I thought was worn out. Well, my "worn out" canister vacuum is much MUCH better than this "new" model. The transparent iMac look and the poor performance reminds you of a Fisher-Price toy vacuum rather than a real model. The fancy brush attachment is "powered" only by suction, so it STOPS spinning/brushing as soon as it comes in contact with whatever surface you are trying to clean. The big powered brush head couldn't vacuum cat hair off a low pile rug. After vacumming for three times as long, I was able to do a better job in less time and get the rugs visably cleaner with my old worn out Hoover canister. This new iVac model performs FAR worse than my old Hoover.

I have owned the Hoover Windtunnel Canister vac for 17 months. It cleans well. It has lots of power. Supposedly an upright cleans better, but I like a canister vac because you don't have to push the whole motor back and forth, as well as the cleaning end. You can take it apart if the whole thing is too heavy to take up the stairs. I like having all the other tools so handy.
I have had trouble with putting the power cleaning attachment on the tube because the gasket doesn't want to stay in place. The power attachment developed a noise, after it was out of warranty, that is due to a small piece of the motor brushes breaking off. My dealer is trying to see if Hoover will replace it anyway. The power attachment has a "edge" cleaner that works somewhat. The paper bags that go inside are supposed to filter more things than most vacuums do. I can't judge that. I like the rubber gasket on the bags that that fit tightly. I owned the previous best Hoover canister vac for many years. I thought it was great vacuum. It still works well, but the hose wore out completly, so we have lots of duct tape on it. The little springs were poor quality. It is much heavier than the current Windtunnel canister vac. I can't help but wonder how the new one will hold up when it is so much lighter. What is different?

This is the best canister vacuum I have ever used/owned. It is easy to use, powerful, and has very low emissions. It is a true high efficiency vacuum. The bag, Hoover S, is easy to change.I do have one quibble that keeps it from 5 stars. It is NOISY. If it were quieter, it would be the equal of the expensive European vacuums, like miele, and nilfisk.

I owned a predecessor to this vacuum for about 12 years, but finally some of the plastic pieces were breaking, and I'd gone over the cord a few too many times. It's still up and running, but I figured at a good price I'd go ahead and replace it. I loved the old one, which was a Hoover Futura, and I love this one even more so far. It has a lot of power and I can easily move from one floor surface to another. It even has a switch that you can use to turn of the motorized brushes as you move between carpeted areas. I also especially like the small powered brush that you can use for stairs. It is just the right size to get dirt and fur from corners. The attachments make it perfect for vacuuming the car and it is easy to move around with two metal "wands" that can be detached. I do have a very furry dog so I use my vacuum very frequently. My last vacuum held up wonderfully and I didn't hesitate to buy another Hoover. I would recommend this vacuum to anyone.

Very impressed with the suction, and the filtration. Love the way you can turn the roller brush on/off with a easy to use handle switch. I have always been a canistor user and found the Hoover to exceed my needs. You can use either filtration or regular replacement bags. It's peace of mind to know that Hoover
remains the only manufacturer of Vacuums Cleaners in the US that have their own Factory Repair Centers and great service after the sale. They are also located in the Internet. Try finding that when you buy a Fantum or Regina. I did and they're a joke.

The Hoover Wind Tunnel vaccuum is not very user friendly and has design issues:
1. The extension handle has to be unplugged to use small attachments.
2. The extension lock should be a quick snap and not have to hold the metal snap up.
3. The cannister does not move freely. Needs to be directed by pulling.
4. The hose gets tangled and does not swivel well.
5. The small beater attachment is useless.

On the positive side, this product does have good suction.
Had I seen this product in a store I would not have purchased it.

G. Zaborsky

I purchased my first WindTunnel Canister Vacuum 4 years ago. I liked it so much I purchased a new one recently when my old one was handed down to my daughter who was moving out. This new WindTunnel Canister is improved over my last one (which I liked very much). The seating of the bag is more secure than on my old one, and I like the clear bag compartment cover so I can see what's going on in there. The new one didn't come with the extra plastic extension wands for a super-long reach, but did come with a suction-driven small 'powerhead' that works great for furniture and carpeted steps or small areas like the dog's bed. It's got great suction and I look forward to using it for many years to come.