Hoover Powermax S3530 Canister Vacuum: Long-term test drive
Written: Oct 19 '04
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Pros: compact design, good parts availability, fairly durable
Cons: plastic construction also attracts dirt, small parts subject to fail under harsh use, disposable bags
The Bottom Line: If this review sounds like a used car, it's a coincidence.
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| javajoop's Full Review: Hoover Powermax S3530 Bagged Canister Vacuum |
If you ask me which chore I like the least, that would be vacuum cleaning my home. I would not only clean the floors but, also the upholstery, window sills, air-conditioners and refrigerator coils. Needless to say, I needed a no-nonsense appliance that can be flexible, fairly powerful and has useful attachments. I had no reference to make my decision except for our past purchases, mostly of canister-type cleaners. So, I surfed on the net and naturally went to Epinions.com. The Hoover Powermax S3530 Canister Vacuum was one of the top ten cleaners ranked at that time, circa Sep '01. It's cousin, S3510, was ranked highly by a major consumer magazine so the search was on to find a good deal. Well, cut to the chase, I did find S3530 at a closeout store for about $180.00 plus tax. The spare 3-bag pack Type S was about $6.00.
The cleaner weighs about 25 lbs with the canister unit at 15 lbs. Nicely and efficiently designed, the S3530 dimensions stands about 20"h x 11"w x 8"d. The unit includes a 6' hose, 3' adjustable wand and 2-position power nozzle with agitator. The four-piece attachments - dusting brush, crevice tool, hard floor tool, and furniture tool stows firmly on the outside of the canister's housing. One of my favorite feature is the power cord which unreels to over 27 feet! Once I finish vacuuming, one press of the pedal retracts the cord in a snap.
The 9.4 amp motor ably sucks the dust, dirt, nuts and bolts up very well. The lighted power nozzle glides easily over my berber and sisal carpeting. Nice features are the rubber bumpers surrounding the canister and nozzle. The cleaner maneuvers around the rooms with the benefit of two large rear wheels and one swiveled caster situated up front. The wand detaches easily to allow attachments to be exchanged for various task whether catching cob webs in ceiling corners or dusting soiled air conditioner filters. Just be mindful of the plug to the power nozzle near the handle while changing.
Maintenance requires changing the S-type bag frequently. When the "check bag" gauge indicates red, it's time for me to choose either the standard or "allergen filtration" variant which comes at a slight premium. Whenever I do mind my brother's cats, these bags come mighty handy. Another component to occasionally check is the secondary filter which protects the motor from dirt particles. Frequent checks of the belts and agitator allow for worry-free operation.
After three years of operation, I've suffered only one burnt light bulb and the collar ring surrounding the wand sometimes falls off. I wished the plastic construction didn't attract dirt that much but it's a minor distraction. I do hate it when I forget to buy extra bags but luckily my local store does carry it. The S3530 is still manufactured by Hoover as of this writing albeit as the S3606. Cosmetically different but, at heart, the same machine. Hmmm. I do like the racing stripes on that model. I wonder....
The Hoover Company
240 Edwards Street
Cleveland, TN 37311
(330) 499-9499
(800) 944-9200
www.hoovercompany.com
Full one year warranty for parts and labor available in US, its territories, possessions, military exchanges and Canada.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 179.00
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Epinions.com ID:
javajoop
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Location: New York, NY
Reviews written: 23
Trusted by: 3 members
About Me:
Cacoethes scribendi - "Bad habit of writing"
caveat venditor/emptor - "Let the seller/buyer beware"
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