4880 BT A GREAT VACUUM 1st Impressions
Written: Aug 21 '04
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Pros: Strong suction, good tools, easy to use, well built.
Cons: none
The Bottom Line: Same results as a Dyson for less than half the price with a established reputable company.
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| kabyash's Full Review: Eureka 4880 Bagless Upright Cyclonic Vacuum |
I have immediate praise for this vacuum. After reading every online review I could find on this model, the Hoover windtunnel and the Dyson models, I purchased the Eureka 4880BT. My wife and I love it.
Out of the box, attach the upper handle with 2 screws and read the instructions ( even though I am a man ) and you're ready to vacuum!
It had been 3 weeks since my Phantom Cyclone died after 7 years of service. I was deciding on a new vacuum while using my old stand-by, a 25 year old Eureka upright bag model given to me 16 years ago by my father who used it for 9 years prior. That I only needed to replace bags and occasionally a belt is part of what impressed me about the long term quality of the Eureka brand. So after these 3 weeks of "old" bag capture vacuuming; the amount of dirt, dust, dander and hair picked up by the NEW Eureka was incredible.
We own 4 cats, or rather they own us, 3 of which are short haired solid black and 1 a long haired mostly cream colored Birman. On the first use I emptied the canister 5 times and ended up with enough cat hair to make another cat.
The phantom never picked up the debris this vac does.
I will now comment on some points I read in other reviews. It does weigh 22 lbs. We do have carpeted stairs leading to our carpeted bedroom. I used the hose and the optional Turbo Brush I purchased which did a fantastic job. I moved the vacuum from the bottom of the stairs to the landing and then to the top of the stairs. I only started to tip it over when I was pulling UP on the hose ( it didn't stretch any further ). There is a tool accessory kit that includes a very long hose extension and a few more extension tools. I plan to purchase this also. IT is not an Oreck but really, 22lbs. is not all that much unless you do have physical limitations. My wife stated the hose wanted to contract when using the attachments, though that did not make it difficult to do the task. I commented that if the hose were of a stiffer material it would NOT expand as much and be difficult to store on the vacuum. It was a small point that really didn't bother her and she knew it was also due to the incredible suction power this vacuum has when using the attachments.
Height adjustment and handle release. The vacuum arrived with the switch in the bare floor position, which is where it will always be as long as the handle is in the upright position to disengage the brushrollers. I pushed it forward to the carpet position but it seemed to do nothing, until I released the handle and it went into position. Adjusting the floor height is not difficult but nice and solid feeling with a distinct click into each position.
BAGLESS! YEA! So was my Phantom. The Eureka is by far easier to dump. After removing the canister a few times the Lock in place slide lever became easier, it was stiff the very first time I removed it. You remove it, pull the top off and dump. Put the top back in place, reinstall and go! I had to twist the Phantom canister then pull out the plastic filter which always pulled hair and dirt with it and floated everywhere. I know the DYSON has a neat little design that allows you to hold the canister over the trash can and the bottom drops open so the dirt falls straight down. Still not a feature worth an extra $300. At an online review site www.reviewcentre.com I learned that this vacuum is based upon an earlier Dyson model that its patent had expired upon, subsequently grabbed by Eureka and re-patented. This same site also found during tests conducted on vacuums that this Eureka model performed just as good as the Dyson models.
The first time I stepped on the foot lever for the handle to be released from the upright position it was almost difficult. As always indoors, I was bare-footed and using my heel. I had to put a shoe on! But wait! After the 2nd time it wasn't necessary to wear a shoe and after the 10th time it didn't require too much force. I.E. it will apparently be easier each time i use it, just as the canister lever became easier each time. It just needs a little time for breaking in.
While vacuuming our carpets, my wife and I both found the movement close to effortless. Going forward or backwards it does NOT take a lot of strength to move and control. It almost feels as if it is gliding. It does not have self- propulsion but hold it ever so slightly and it wants to creep forward as if it does ( great suction and brush power).
The HEPA filtration system is simple and efficient. Since we removed so much dirt from our first use I went ahead and cleaned out the canister and rinsed out the washable filter. I had to occasionally wash out the canister on the Phantom. Be smart about it, do it AFTER you are finished doing the weekly vacuuming. Dump the canister of course and rinse the canister and filter in your bathtub where it is easiest to clean up and let it dry thoroughly.
When it comes time to change a belt on this, it should not be a problem because the screws holding the plate you need to remove are very visible and accessible, unlike the Phantom where you finally figure out how to get to the guts of the machine after approaching it the wrong way and breaking plastic parts. ( sometimes I'm that kind of man )
Live and learn.
To summarize this, I have to say my first impressions are all on the positive side and I enjoyed vacuuming all the carpets AND the furniture in our house. It truly made everything look better. Now if I can only use it to vacuum the cats...HMMMMM.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 200
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Epinions.com ID:
kabyash
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Reviews written: 6
Trusted by: 0 members
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