After 15 years with an old Royal upright we bought at a garage sale, my husband and I decided it was time for a new vacuum. We did a lot of research (including Epinions -- thanks, guys) and decided this model was the best for us. In fact, we were so convinced that when we couldn't find it at a local store, we ordered it online rather than buy another vacuum.

So now that we've had it awhile, are we still satisfied? Yes, and here's why.

1) The thing just looks good. It's streamlined, compact, and attractive.

2) The attachments store easily on the back, so that you are not always leaving them in drawers or stepping on them in the closet.

3) The suction is great, but what really improves the cleaning is that little light that lights up to tell you that you haven't gotten all the dirt out of the carpet yet. Yeah, so maybe it's a tad temperamental, but it does inspire you to clean more thoroughly. I know our carpets are in better shape now.

4) You can adjust it for carpet height - 7 different ways --with a dial on the bottom. (Does anybody have that many different kinds of carpet?)

5) The front pops open very easily to change bags.

A few other comments, though:

1) Eureka promotes the "15-inch cleaning path" (meaning the footprint is 15 inches wide, too.) It takes up more room than our old vacuum and is not so great in tight spaces. We found one listing that offered a 13 inch path, but couldn't find that model available. Pity.

2) There are several model numbers floating around on this Smart Vac, each of which has different features, so make sure you are getting what you want. Ours does not have the true HEPA filter, for example. If you need that, don't assume every Smart Vac with a dirt sensor has it. They don't.

3) As others have commented, this vacuum is heavy. I don't mind it because it's lighter than our previous one, which was so old it was practically forged out of solid metal by Thor the sky god. But if you're used to a little Dirt Devil or something, this one will give you a workout.

We are happy with this vacuum cleaner, feel it's good value for the money, and will recommend it to others.

Recommended: Yes