Hi Fred,
The S3825 is yet another bagless "import" -- metallic blue with non-WindTunnel power nozzle. I checked out the Hoover website and the manual is here -- http://www.hoover.com/pdfs/manuals/S3825.pdf
This is yet another renamed Vax canister and of what worth I cannot assess as I have not used one. Nonetheless, the manual may well help you decide your yea or nay in regard to making the purchase. At $189.00, the Costco price is nice. A quick check showed as high as $250 is being asked elsewhere for this specific model. I do not know what your budget is, but checking out Consumer Reports turned up only three canisters in the upper tier ratings at $250.00 to $300.00. Don't let that stop you from looking around at other brands AND don't let any one tell you your life will end if you don't by a machine that you see as priced beyond your budget.
Check out your local vac shops for rebuilt or used with warranty vacuums. There are several still easily repairable brands that are good performers and sturdy and that can be had at nice prices. Such deals are often far better quality-wise than many new offerings.
I'd also think on the manner by which I clean to help in deciding whether an upright or canister would suit best. Uprights are good, especially if the main part of your vacuuming is usually focused on your floors. If you also regularly concern yourself with vacuuming above floor, a good canister vacuum with a power nozzle may serve you well.
You should be aware that bagless machines require frequent emptying and regular, thorough cleaning of filters to maintain optimal performance. The same is essentially true for bagged vacuums but a michine with a reasonably sized bag allows a few weeks of cleaning before emptying is needed. Please note -- by all means do learn the cost of bags, filters and belts before you buy. If you have issues with exposure to dust you may want to consider a cleaner that has bags.
Also, if you have pets and/or kid or heavy traffic regularly happening at home you may want to think on setting aside extra from the budget for possibly a better machine whether bagged or bagless. By the way, what was the brand and model of your prior vacuum and how much of your home is carpeted versus bare floor?
Venson
Thanks for the reply. Went ahead and purchased it. Price was right and I needed something now. Have a pretty good upright, but the house we're in now is better suited to a canister.
Fred
