138 of 144 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
WARNING!! Do Not Buy This Machine!, September 17, 2002
This review is from: Hoover U6630-900 Self Propelled WindTunnel Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner (Kitchen)
Over the past 30 years, I've owned several vacuums, and this is by far the most miserable of them all. I bought mine last August, and it's already in the shop, totally dead. And it's not alone! Eight others, exact same models, are lined up for repair before mine.
Like so many, I was drawn to this Hoover's "everything you could possibly want" features. But here's what I experienced when I got it home:
1. Self-propulsion: A great idea, especially on carpets, but NEVER use it on bare floors. Both my hardwood and vinyl floors are indelibly marred from the hyperactive wheels. And I do mean indelibly.
2. Bagless: Cool come-on, but wait till you have to empty the container. It's a ... mess--and you'll have to do it often. Dust will fly when you dump the container; you'll have to dig your hand in to get everything out, and then you'll probably feel compelled to wash (and, of course, dry) the whole system because it's such a mess. If you're trying to eliminate allergens, send everyone outside on vacuum-dump day.
3. Turbo hand tool: The only thing turbo about this toy is it's whirring sound. If you use too much pressure--and "too much" equals anything more than a light sweeping motion--the brush stops spinning, and you have to manually "jumpstart" it. The brush also stops when it gathers the least amount of hair, requiring you to stop and "unstring" the thing.
4. Extension hose: Tighten real hard, or by the time you get to the top of the stairs, the hose will be disconnected.
5. "Blowback:" Expect a third of the dirt you're removing from a bare floor to reappear behind you.
6. Height control knob: Hard to use; breaks easily. Several in the shop needed this repair.
7. Dirt finder display: Trust your own instincts instead.
This Hoover does have great suction and does a fine job on carpets. But isn't that the least you'd expect for its price? If you're willing to spend that [money], check out the lesser known but higher quality brands, such as Miele, Sebo, and Lindhaus. A great place to go for information about these brands (and some Sharps, Panasonics, Hoovers, and others) is ristenbatt.com.
Ristenbatt also offers extremely valuable information about what makes a good vacuum. Today, I'm less interested in gadgets and more focused on ball bearings; cog-type belt designs; multi-fan, multi-filter construction; steel axles, etc. More than even amps and wattage, those are what deliver true high performance and efficiency, durability and reliability. And you can still add all the gadgets you desire.
Meanwhile, my next vac is going to be the [money]Sebo X1 Automatic S-Class 12".
Check it out, dudes.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
55 of 56 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
a person who hates to vacuum, November 27, 2001
By A Customer
This review is from: Hoover U6630-900 Self Propelled WindTunnel Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner (Kitchen)
I bought this because of the powered hand tool. I thought this was going to make the steps so much easier to do, but I was absolutely wrong! Any amount of pressure you put on it makes the brush stop spinning. It doesn't suck hard enough through the hose attachment for the messes that 3 kids make. But... I still love it because the acutal sweeper does suck up excellent. I was leary over the bagless part, because i thought yuck!! It is convenient not to change bags. Seeing how much dust I suck up everytime is encouraging to vacuum more than I like to. Im very pleased with it except for the hand tool thing!
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
46 of 47 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing machine, November 20, 2001
This review is from: Hoover U6630-900 Self Propelled WindTunnel Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner (Kitchen)
This is the most powerful efficient machine I have ever used. I love being able to purchase an extra accessory hose and attach the two together to reach a total of 20 feet, in fact as many as you desire could be attached. The efficiency of the machine is all that is reported. I find emptying the canister a little messy but it helps me know that I have really removed a great deal of dirt, and the upside is that if you clean the cansiter each time then you will know how much you have removed which is a real incentive for cleaning.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No