One of the best bagless uprights you can buy
Written: Nov 11 '02
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Pros: Extremely powerful suction
Fantastic carpet cleaning
Excellent suction with on-board tools
Bagless
Cons: Somewhat heavy (22 lbs)
The Bottom Line: Buy it - you will be amazed at its power and at what your old vacuum is leaving behind.
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| rpons's Full Review: Eureka 4880 Bagless Upright Cyclonic Vacuum |
I had been wanting one of these since they were introduced by Eureka about a year ago. It was very highly recommended on a vacuum cleaner forum as the best performing bagless available in the USA at the time. However, our current vac was still performing perfectly (a Eureka Ultra Smart Vac 4870 we've had for two years now) and I couldn't convince my wife that we needed a new one. When I was able to get one of these on eBay for only $46, I was ecstatic. It was a customer return with a broken belt. So, for $71 ($5 belt plus $20 S&H), I got a practically brand-new vacuum. I am very impressed with the performance of the 4880.
Note: This model is the functional equivalent of the Ultra Whirlwind 4885 but without the indicator lights for the dirt alert, pre-motor filter clean, and HEPA filter change.
We have had the Ultra Whirlwind 4880 for two weeks now and I can offer the following comments:
- The suction power is phenomenal - greater than any other vacuum, canister or upright, that I've ever used.
- Excellent performance on all types of carpet. Although the Eureka Ultra Smart Vac 4870 we have been using is also an excellent vacuum, the 4880 has even more suction to pick up more dirt and sand from deep in the carpet.
- Excellent performance with the on-board tools. This is because the same hose that connects to the vacuum cleaner head (for carpet cleaning) is used for the on-board tools. This is not the case with most other uprights which usually have reduced suction (sometimes only 1/2) for the accessory hose.
- The suction hose is a very large diameter (at least 2"). This allows for a tremendous amount of airflow (and therefore suction). It also minimizes the likelihood of objects becoming lodged in the hose.
- Bare floor cleaning is very good. On either of the hard floor settings, debris is sometimes sucked up from several inches away. This is one of the few uprights that has enough suction at the cleaner head to actually pick up kitty litter or even larger material. The vacuum doesn't have a low profile head, so you do have to use the hose and wands to clean under the cabinets.
- The brush roll control switch is a feature that every upright should have. It also automatically stops the brushroll from turning if the cleaner is upright (for cleaning with the on-board tools). This protects the carpet from being damaged or worn by leaving the vacuum in one spot for a few minutes. The control switch can be somewhat difficult to engage, but you get used to it. The default setting is for the brush roll to be on. To turn it off (for bare floor cleaning), push the lever to the back until it clicks. This disengages the belt so it won't turn the brush roll.
- This bagless model maintains its suction power far longer than almost any other model (except a Dyson). One reason is that the 4880 employs a dual-cyclonic system that separates the fine dust from the larger debris. Larger dirt particles and hair are kept in the main dirt cup while the fine dust and dirt is deposited into the smaller, separate tube on the right. The majority of any remaining fine particles are caught in the pre-motor filter. This filter is washable and has a larger surface area than most other uprights, helping the vacuum maintain its powerful suction longer. Any dust or ultra-fine debris that gets through the pre-motor filter is captured by the HEPA exhaust filter on the front. I don't think much dust gets through the system to the filter because it still looks brand new (as does the filter on our 4870). It is only slightly discolored from carbon deposits from the motor (this is normal). I usually vacuum the pre-motor filter after each use (with the 4870) although Eureka suggests you can go longer (3-4 weeks?). Be aware, however, that if you get a 4880 and find yourself emptying the cup after every room because of all the dirt that your old vacuum left behind, you will have to clean the pre-motor filter much sooner. This will only be in the beginning and should not be considered a negative. Some purchasers have complained about the pre-motor filter clogging with dust very quickly after their initial use. Again, this is almost certainly because of all the dirt and fine dust that was left behind by their old vacuum. You can purchase a spare pre-motor filter for about $10 directly from Eureka. This will allow you to rinse one filter and let it dry overnight without having to wait to vacuum again.
- Emptying the dirt cup isn't too bad, although I don't do it indoors. I usually empty it in the garage so I can shake the cup and the lint trap/cone. Both pieces can also be washed and rinsed if you are so inclined. Just make sure they are completely dry before reinstalling in the vacuum.
- The weight - 22 lbs. - isn't too bad. This is only 1 lb. heavier than the 4870 and my wife hasn't complained about using either vacuum. I actually find the 4880 slightly easier to push. One reason may be because, since you empty the cup after each cleaning, you don't have the weight of the collected dirt in the bag. I know some of the bags from the 4870 have weighed at least two pounds when I've changed them.
- No "doggy" odor or other smells from the exhaust. Again, since you empty the dirt cup each time you vacuum (or you should), the dog hair and dirt don't have a chance to stink up the vacuum. The exhaust is always clean-smelling.
I would recommend this vacuum to anyone with almost any amount of carpeting or large area rugs in their home. Our house is almost completely carpeted, so it has been great for us.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 46
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Epinions.com ID:
rpons
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Reviews written: 4
Trusted by: 1 member
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