Vacuum Cleaners Discussions

Has anyone seen this yet?  It just hit the shelves a couple of weeks ago at Wal-Mart (not even on the Hoover or WM website at this point), I picked one up around that time after speaking to Tom G. (who was the first one to tell me about it) but had neglected to post about it on here until now.  I finished posting a review in the Reviews section, needless to say I am very impressed with the machine now that I have been using it for a couple of weeks and highly encourage everyone to at least head to Wal-Mart and check it out. 

For those of you who haven't seen it, TTI/Hoover has finally jumped on the multi-cyclone bandwagon after experimenting with dual-cyclone for a couple of years with the Mach series, and only recently getting *that* right with a redesigned shroud for the Mach 3.  This Whisper is completely different, it's a copy of a Root Cyclone Dyson and a damn good one at that.  At $120 I am blown away by the type of machine it is, very substantial and not cheap-feeling by any means.  It's a completely new design, and appears to contain elements of the Mach series, the failed "One" cleaner in the UK, and, oddly enough, the LG/Kenmore Premalite.  At first glance it appears to be a dual-cyclone machine, until you either look at the side of the box or separate the two halves of the cyclone assembly.  Indeed, there are 6 high-efficiency cyclones hidden above the bin, and they look just like a Dyson's.  You will also notice the cyclonic "arrows" on the Hoover logo in front, for added emphasis

Carpet performance is good, it handles very nicely (positive weight) and the double-chevron brushroll helps pull the machine along; the bristles are soft but still effective.  What sets it apart from the Dyson though is above-floor cleaning convenience.  You push a button and the handle wand releases, you do not even have to let go of the handle; you're using the SAME ergonomic handle you just vacuumed the carpet with.  The wand is long as well, and does not need to be inverted for use.  There are only 2 attachments, and the wand isn't adjustable, but the brush/upholstery tool is, I presume to reach tight spaces.  I suppose if worse comes to worse other standard 1 1/4" attachments could work, it appears to be the same though I have not tried it.  I'll check that out further and post the findings.  The motor is soft-starting (like the Hoover Z), and the brushroll (driven by a separate motor) automatically starts and stops when the handle is lowered or raised, if the brushroll switch is on.  There are also 2 indicator lights showing when the brushroll is on, and when the suction is blocked.

This machine is basically a Dyson DC07 or DC14...at a third of the price.  Being a Dyson fan I hate to say it, but Dyson may be facing some competition with this machine as far as regular uprights are concerned, once it is more widely available and more people find out about it.  It's no match for the DC17 in terms of performance, obviously, but I can't see any reason why the 7 or 14 would be more desirable, as strange as that sounds.  If it was inexpensive and worked well but cheaply made, then it's obvious the Dyson would be the clear winner (as it usually is), but that's the thing...this machine does not seem to be cheaply made at all.  Definitely no WindTunnel here and I can't see why it wouldn't last a reasonable length of time.   On the other hand, while possibly not-so-good news for Dyson this could be some positive news for Hoover, perhaps the first of many machines to come?  It will be interesting to see what the future holds.

-MH

HARDSELL wrote:
Hi HS,

The grey button on the right side (where the on/off switch is on the left) is the brush shut-off switch (the machine actually has a separate brush motor and no clutch like the Mach series).  With the switch in the "on" position, the brushroll will shut off automatically when the handle is raised, but the brushroll can also be turned off (via the switch) to clean bare floors.

-MH

Motorhead wrote:

Thanks MH. As you can tell I was just looking at it cosmetically. Did not give a thorough exam.

I am anxious to give one a spin.

CarmineD wrote:
At the moment the 4870 is about the only thing Eureka has going for it.  I'm kind of surprised Eureka don't push it more than they do.  I noticed in the CR that it lists this model as having limited retail availability in the US.  Anyone heard if this model is being dropped?

On another note, while we're doing comparisons.  The Riccar Superlite is advertised as cleaning 40% better than the Oreck.  You ever wonder what your leaving behind in the carpet, Carmine? :-)

Dusty

dusty wrote:
I agree.  The 4870 is a good machine for anyone wanting a sealed HEPA bagged cleaner on a budget.  I haven't seen any indication of Eureka dropping that model since it does seem to be a good seller, which for Eureka nowadays says a lot.  However, it has been around for about 5-6 years IIRC with the only changes being in the color of the machine, so who knows what the future holds for it.  

In the next few weeks Eureka should be coming out with a new Wal-Mart model, the AirXxtreme which is a dual-cyclone upright.  Besides the dual-cyclone Whirlwind canister (6510A) it's the first cyclonic model they have brought out in a while.  It's still amusing, though, that while other manufacturers are introducing multi-cyclone models, that Eureka is just now jumping back on the dual-cyclone bandwagon.  Then again, Eureka was never known for being ahead of the game. 

I hear cries of "me too, me too!" in the distance. 

-MH

Motorhead wrote:
All of this from a company that promotes "innovation, not imitation" on it's product literature. Is the Wal-Mart vac the same as the new Eureka Envirovac?  The cyclonic filter system in that thing looks like they stole it from a Europro upright.  I don't mind the bagged version of the Air Extreme but the bagless fails in the same spot most of the other Eureka bagless fail..foam filter clogs quickly and suction drops off.  Give them another 5 years, somebody at the company will notice multi-cyclones and finally institute it into the line.

Dusty

dusty wrote:

Hey Dust Man & Motor:

It's not so much the soft brush roll as the rug height adjustment.  On many plush carpets soft brush rolls work very well if combined with a rug height adjustment.  The EUREKA Boss Smart Vac 4870.  has a 7 position rug height adjustment with a brush roll on/off switch.  That's what makes the big diff with a dyson DC07 and the 60 percent better cleaning by the EUREKA.

Carmine D.

dusty wrote:

Hey Dusty:

No chance of dropping.  COSTCO just added the EUREKA Boss Smart vacuum to its sales venue.  Wal*Mart has always carried it.  BEST BUY stores too, as I mentioned it's top seller for most stores.  Even a small scale retailer like Fry's Electronics carry the EUREKA Boss Smart vacuum.  In fact selling on sale this week for $120, a $30 savings.  Just to mention a few of the big box stores.  That's pretty pervasive.

Second question:  No, never give it a second thought.  Why?  I vacuum everyday with the ORECK.  It takes surface dirt and dust 5 days to get embedded deep down into the carpet fibers and backing.  It doesn't get that chance in my home. 

Having said that, I mentioned earlier when there was talk about a new RICCAR/SIMPLICITY lightweight, that I planned to purchase as soon as they become available in LV.  I still do. 

Carmine D.

HARDSELL wrote:

Hey HS man:

I caught you [plural].  You were an accomplice in this seedy cynical alliance.  It wasn't dyson.  It was a dyson dupe: dualcyclone aka Tom Gasko.  The alter ego, id, best friend and mentor of Motor man here.  They think, speak and act alike.  Like siamese twins.

It made for a comfie, cozy and confidential twosome on WTBVF and here for all things pro dyson and anti Carmine D.  Dualcyclone [Tom G.] had a willing cohort for his scheme.  You fell into his trap for a gift of a free DC07.  Not even a new one for $399.  It was a repack.  Commonly called in the industry a dyson refurb.  No wonder you sold it.  Have you bought a new one yet?

Carmine D.

CarmineD wrote:

Such a whimsical response from you Carmine. I have never met nor communicated with any outside this forum.

You were so naive as to think that Dyson wanted to give you a free vac for you use and feed back.  Your opinion would be useless to Dyson. Many got a laugh at Dyson once again kicking your rear.

I already told you how I got my free Dyson.  I would feel guilty to take another that way.

Looks like a decent bagless cleaner for the money,Great price , has all the right parts [even though its bagless], Whats D have to combat this machine,another $500.00 piece of art work?

But, But, we have level 3 cyclonic cleaning action,And were nice guys [HONEST],

MOLE