Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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1,233 of 1,247 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Eureka Boss Smart-Vac is all around great! Kid & pet tested. Mother approved., August 15, 2005
Edited to say that I've now had and used the Eureka vacuum DAILY for 2.5 years, and my review wouldn't change. This Eureka has been durable and held up well except that the end of the hose where you put attachments on had chipped and cracked some. The only time I've had to replace a belt is when *I* or one of my "helpful" kids vacuumed up something like a stuffed animal or sock. I've been very happy with it and would highly recommend going to check this one out! I still think this is a top choice in the under $300 vacuums. So how did it still compare to the recently received Dyson DC18 Total Access(approximate retail $400 to $500 vacuum) as a gift from someone who knew I considering a Dyson at the time I purchased this? It's kind of like comparing apples to oranges since these aren't even in the same price category, but for those who have wondered....I've tried to do a main points comparison where applicable.
I have the 4870GZ model. It's metallic red and comes with the Power Paw (mini turbo) tool. [The Dyson I now have is the DC18 Total Access with extra accessories but didn't include the mini Turbine head which is $59 by itself. Fortunately the Eureka power paw fits and works with the DC18.]
I am going to rate the Eureka vacuum 5 stars even though I have a few neutral and one negative points. The reason for this high rating is that I have found it is simply the overall best choice for me in the under $300 price category and was only 1/2 of that--paid about $160, I think!
Pros:
Customer Service! It was so nice to have a 1-800 toll-free number to call and actually get to speak to a live representative!
Eureka's web site has good product information, and instructions can be downloaded.
Solid construction.
I haven't found any vacuums in the under $300 range with better suction. [The Dyson suction might have a little more suction, but I certainly did not pull up bags full of stuff that was left behind like you would from cheaper vacuums--maybe the same or a little more than I would have with the Boss and a new bag.]
Sealed HEPA filter that is easy to replace. Unlatch door, remove and replace filter, latch door. Eureka recommends replacing this filter every six bag changes or twice a year. They are about $20 a piece. I did notice that a washable HEPA filter cartridge could be ordered on the parts form included with the instructions for only $39.99. [Dyson DC18 comes with a washable HEPA filter.]
Foam filter that protects motor.
On/off brush roller. This is a convenient feature when only the hose is needed or to vacuum linoleum floors. This saves wear/tear on carpet if vacuuming drapes, upholstery, or something like that. Because the brush head is not turning, I can actually vacuum up the crumbs on the kitchen floor instead of scatter them. On/off brush is a hard-to-find feature in vacuums under $200--at least around here. [DC18 has this feature.]
The bag is easy to install. A guide holds the bag in proper place. Note: the front plastic piece of the vacuum will be difficult to latch if a bag is not installed. It's a feature to ensure the bag is correctly installed for maximum performance. [A push button releases the Dyson canister. Push down on a lever on the contents of the canister drop into the trash, but you might have to "help" it out.]
This vacuum can use the allergy/filtration bags which I found locally for about $2 a piece. [The Dyson uses a canister so no bags to buy, washable HEPA filter, and is certified asthma friendly.]
Headlight feature is nice for dark rooms. Replacing the bulb is as easy as removing two screws, the lens cover and old bulb and replacing with new and reattaching lens cover with two screws. [DC18 did not have a headlight. I miss this feature.]
Assembly was easy. The handle is attached by three screws. Click the onboard tools in place on the vacuum's housing. [Dyson's assembly was easy too.]
The vacuum comes with two nesting wands, crevice, dusting brush, and upholstery tools which snap firmly into the housing. This model also came with a Power Paw tool (mini turbo tool) that really worked well on my furniture compared to just using the upholstery tool. [Dyson comes in several models with most of the difference being the particular tools that come with it.]
Vacuum is designed to allow easy access to clear blockages if this condition occurs. Plus, some of the tubes are even clear so you can see if there is anything in them before taking it apart. Really nice feature!
12 amp. motor., 30 foot power cord, and reinforced plastic around roller brush housing, are nice extras. [DC18's cord is shorter, about 25 feet, that I have to plug it in two different places in order to do the whole house...might need to get an extension cord. I was able to vacuum the whole house from one outet with the Eureka.]
I thought the user's guide stated what needed to be stated clearly and had good illustrations.
Neutral Points:
The vacuum is heavy which may be a disadvantage for some. It wasn't a disadvantage for me. Even though I am extra small, I have no physical conditions that limit movement, and our home is just a single level. Also, it's not "cheap made" so it's going to weigh more for that reason. [The Dyson weighs about 15 lbs. so it noticeably lighter. Only time will tell how durable it is.]
The stretchy hose was too short for the task I do, but Eureka does include their 5:1 stretch hose (deluxe version). I needed more flexibility and length. I am putting this as a neutral point since some vacuums in this class either don't have a hose at all OR you must convert (unplug hose for vacuum and then insert hose for tools and then again reverse this process when you are done) the vacuum to use the hose. With this vacuum, I simply turn a knob (air selector switch) located on top of the vacuum. [The DC18 hose is really nice and very usuable. Leave vacuum in upright position to use.]
The handle release (pedal you step on) and brush roll on/off switch are a little stiff at first. In particular, the brush on/off switch may be difficult to operate for someone that has limited strength in their hands or a condition that makes it physicaly difficult to manipulate objects like this. [Dyson has a step-on latch that easily releases the vacuum from upright to vacuum position and a push-button to turn the brush on/off.]
Negative Point:
I don't see an option to order a longer, stretchier hose. The hose on the unit could have been longer since it is stretched some even when stored.
NOTES:
I did a quick test of comparing the different vacuums' suction by just testing the suction from the hose. Eureka actually has a feature that reduces some of the suction to the hose--a nice feature so you don't suck in the whole drape or something like that instead of just vacuum it off. However, I haven't found any vacuum in the under $300 range with more suction when it comes to cleaning carpets and floors. Some are the close or the same, but I haven't found any with better suction. Anyway keep this in mind if trying to compare suction at the store where you might not get to actually compare what is vacuumed up.
The Eureka is so often compared to the Dyson in terms of suction so that is why I've updated this review, but one has to remember that you could buy almost THREE Eureka's for the price of the Dyson DC18. As far as suction goes, I think both models are very comparable. Where the Dyson should be better over time is you get that "new bag" suction every time. The Dyson DC18's hose, "ball" design which makes it easy to manuever, push button brush on/off, easy to use lever to release vacuum from upright position, no bags or belts to buy, and the same suction as you get with a new bag everytime may make it worth the extra. As for me, it was a gift. It was really nice because it wasn't something I would have bought myself because of the price and it improved on the neutral or negative points I had about the Eureka (but keep in mind the Eureka is much less!), I am being honest in saying I was very happy with the Eureka Boss and had not been looking to buy another. By the way, I personally prefer the DC18 over the older, heavier Dyson models.
Either choice, is a good choice so choose what's right for you and your needs :-).
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380 of 385 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great suction, easy to use, August 19, 2005
I chose this vacuum after reading Consumer Reports and Amazon.com reviews. I am so glad I chose this model. It is light, easy to use ... and, well, it sucks! I mean, the way you buy a vacuum to do! The suction, even with extension tools, is good enough to draw cobwebs from inches away. We cleaned up after a plastering job had rendered our entire house covered in that fine, powdery plaster dust. With all of the very easy to use attachments, we got the dust from every crevice and cranny. The couches and chairs look great. I even vacuumed off a delicate lampshade by holding the attachment slightly away ... the dust sucked right up and away. The one draw back is that if you are unstable on your feet, it would take getting used to. This is because it pushes extremely easily, but draws back with more effort. I live in a one floor ranch with a combination of hard wood floors and carpeting. The vacuum makes the transition easily. This is a great vacuum at a great price.
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120 of 121 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Overall a pleasure to use, but does have some flaws..., October 19, 2005
I purchased this product to replace an old Hoover that finally died. I had heard a lot of negative reviews about the bagless, so I was looking for a vacuum that used a bag. After reading all of the reviews, and hearing that this vacuum received high marks from Consumer Reports I finally decided upon this one. I have only been using this vacuum for a short while, but I have the following to say:
1. Overall the suction is better than my old Hoover (which is not saying much), but not quite what I expected. I thought it would do a better job with fluffing the carpet up.
2. I like the switch to stop the roller brush for hard floors, but I do not like that I have to bend down to flip it. It would be nice if I could use my foot.
3. The cord is a great length, and I like the hook to put the cord on while you are using the vacuum so you don't vacuum over the cord.
4. The foot lever is quite awkward to get used to.
5. It is nice to be able to turn the suction on for use with the attachments only, makes the attachments very powerful.
6. My vacuum came with the Power Paw attachment, it works pretty well, but there is no place to store it on the vacuum, and it is VERY loud, and makes an awful noise that makes it unpleasant to use.
7. The vacuum itself is the quietest that I have ever used, which is great with kids around.
8. A lot of bagged vacuums will come with around 6 to 7 extra bags, this vacuum only comes with 1 extra bag--so that was a bit of a disappointment.
9. It has a wide cleaning path which is nice.
10. It was fairly easy to assemble, but you will need a screwdriver.
11. The vacuum is quite bulky, but you get used to it.
This vacuum is also sold at [...] for $[...] less, but I bought it here off of Amazon using the $[...] off promotion this month and free shipping. For $125 this vacuum was worth the price, and I do enjoy using it despite the minor flaws. Great job to Amazon for the extra quick shipping for this item too..I ordered it on a Sunday, and was using it by Wednesday afternoon. I would purchase this again.
UPDATE (2/2/2008): My original review was from Oct. 2005, almost 2.5 years later this vacuum is still holding up fairly well, except for one thing....you cannot find these bags anywhere but online now! So, if you do not want to have to buy the bags online for this vacuum, I would not suggest buying it.
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