Name: Zoo Keeper
Location: USA
Date: 2005-08-16
Customer Rating: -
Summary: The Eureka Boss Smart-Vac is all around great! Kid & pet tested. Mother approved.
Comment: Edited to say that I've now had and used the Eureka vacuum DAILY for 2.5 years, and my review wouldn't change. This Eureka has been durable and held up well except that the end of the hose where you put attachments on had chipped and cracked some. The only time I've had to replace a belt is when *I* or one of my "helpful" kids vacuumed up something like a stuffed animal or sock. I've been very happy with it and would highly recommend going to check this one out! I still think this is a top choice in the under $300 vacuums. So how did it still compare to the recently received Dyson DC18 Total Access(approximate retail $400 to $500 vacuum) as a gift from someone who knew I considering a Dyson at the time I purchased this? It's kind of like comparing apples to oranges since these aren't even in the same price category, but for those who have wondered....I've tried to do a main points comparison where applicable.
I have the 4870GZ model. It's metallic red and comes with the Power Paw (mini turbo) tool. [The Dyson I now have is the DC18 Total Access with extra accessories but didn't include the mini Turbine head which is $59 by itself. Fortunately the Eureka power paw fits and works with the DC18.]
I am going to rate the Eureka vacuum 5 stars even though I have a few neutral and one negative points. The reason for this high rating is that I have found it is simply the overall best choice for me in the under $300 price category and was only 1/2 of that--paid about $160, I think!
Pros:
Customer Service! It was so nice to have a 1-800 toll-free number to call and actually get to speak to a live representative!
Eureka's web site has good product information, and instructions can be downloaded.
Solid construction.
I haven't found any vacuums in the under $300 range with better suction. [The Dyson suction might have a little more suction, but I certainly did not pull up bags full of stuff that was left behind like you would from cheaper vacuums--maybe the same or a little more than I would have with the Boss and a new bag.]
Sealed HEPA filter that is easy to replace. Unlatch door, remove and replace filter, latch door. Eureka recommends replacing this filter every six bag changes or twice a year. They are about $20 a piece. I did notice that a washable HEPA filter cartridge could be ordered on the parts form included with the instructions for only $39.99. [Dyson DC18 comes with a washable HEPA filter.]
Foam filter that protects motor.
On/off brush roller. This is a convenient feature when only the hose is needed or to vacuum linoleum floors. This saves wear/tear on carpet if vacuuming drapes, upholstery, or something like that. Because the brush head is not turning, I can actually vacuum up the crumbs on the kitchen floor instead of scatter them. On/off brush is a hard-to-find feature in vacuums under $200--at least around here. [DC18 has this feature.]
The bag is easy to install. A guide holds the bag in proper place. Note: the front plastic piece of the vacuum will be difficult to latch if a bag is not installed. It's a feature to ensure the bag is correctly installed for maximum performance. [A push button releases the Dyson canister. Push down on a lever on the contents of the canister drop into the trash, but you might have to "help" it out.]
This vacuum can use the allergy/filtration bags which I found locally for about $2 a piece. [The Dyson uses a canister so no bags to buy, washable HEPA filter, and is certified asthma friendly.]
Headlight feature is nice for dark rooms. Replacing the bulb is as easy as removing two screws, the lens cover and old bulb and replacing with new and reattaching lens cover with two screws. [DC18 did not have a headlight. I miss this feature.]
Assembly was easy. The handle is attached by three screws. Click the onboard tools in place on the vacuum's housing. [Dyson's assembly was easy too.]
The vacuum comes with two nesting wands, crevice, dusting brush, and upholstery tools which snap firmly into the housing. This model also came with a Power Paw tool (mini turbo tool) that really worked well on my furniture compared to just using the upholstery tool. [Dyson comes in several models with most of the difference being the particular tools that come with it.]
Vacuum is designed to allow easy access to clear blockages if this condition occurs. Plus, some of the tubes are even clear so you can see if there is anything in them before taking it apart. Really nice feature!
12 amp. motor., 30 foot power cord, and reinforced plastic around roller brush housing, are nice extras. [DC18's cord is shorter, about 25 feet, that I have to plug it in two different places in order to do the whole house...might need to get an extension cord. I was able to vacuum the whole house from one outet with the Eureka.]
I thought the user's guide stated what needed to be stated clearly and had good illustrations.
Neutral Points:
The vacuum is heavy which may be a disadvantage for some. It wasn't a disadvantage for me. Even though I am extra small, I have no physical conditions that limit movement, and our home is just a single level. Also, it's not "cheap made" so it's going to weigh more for that reason. [The Dyson weighs about 15 lbs. so it noticeably lighter. Only time will tell how durable it is.]
The stretchy hose was too short for the task I do, but Eureka does include their 5:1 stretch hose (deluxe version). I needed more flexibility and length. I am putting this as a neutral point since some vacuums in this class either don't have a hose at all OR you must convert (unplug hose for vacuum and then insert hose for tools and then again reverse this process when you are done) the vacuum to use the hose. With this vacuum, I simply turn a knob (air selector switch) located on top of the vacuum. [The DC18 hose is really nice and very usuable. Leave vacuum in upright position to use.]
The handle release (pedal you step on) and brush roll on/off switch are a little stiff at first. In particular, the brush on/off switch may be difficult to operate for someone that has limited strength in their hands or a condition that makes it physicaly difficult to manipulate objects like this. [Dyson has a step-on latch that easily releases the vacuum from upright to vacuum position and a push-button to turn the brush on/off.]
Negative Point:
I don't see an option to order a longer, stretchier hose. The hose on the unit could have been longer since it is stretched some even when stored.
NOTES:
I did a quick test of comparing the different vacuums' suction by just testing the suction from the hose. Eureka actually has a feature that reduces some of the suction to the hose--a nice feature so you don't suck in the whole drape or something like that instead of just vacuum it off. However, I haven't found any vacuum in the under $300 range with more suction when it comes to cleaning carpets and floors. Some are the close or the same, but I haven't found any with better suction. Anyway keep this in mind if trying to compare suction at the store where you might not get to actually compare what is vacuumed up.
The Eureka is so often compared to the Dyson in terms of suction so that is why I've updated this review, but one has to remember that you could buy almost THREE Eureka's for the price of the Dyson DC18. As far as suction goes, I think both models are very comparable. Where the Dyson should be better over time is you get that "new bag" suction every time. The Dyson DC18's hose, "ball" design which makes it easy to manuever, push button brush on/off, easy to use lever to release vacuum from upright position, no bags or belts to buy, and the same suction as you get with a new bag everytime may make it worth the extra. As for me, it was a gift. It was really nice because it wasn't something I would have bought myself because of the price and it improved on the neutral or negative points I had about the Eureka (but keep in mind the Eureka is much less!), I am being honest in saying I was very happy with the Eureka Boss and had not been looking to buy another. By the way, I personally prefer the DC18 over the older, heavier Dyson models.
Either choice, is a good choice so choose what's right for you and your needs :-).
Name: Michele S. Wheeler
Location: Niantic, CT USA
Date: 2005-08-20
Customer Rating: -
Summary: Great suction, easy to use
Comment: I chose this vacuum after reading Consumer Reports and Amazon.com reviews. I am so glad I chose this model. It is light, easy to use ... and, well, it sucks! I mean, the way you buy a vacuum to do! The suction, even with extension tools, is good enough to draw cobwebs from inches away. We cleaned up after a plastering job had rendered our entire house covered in that fine, powdery plaster dust. With all of the very easy to use attachments, we got the dust from every crevice and cranny. The couches and chairs look great. I even vacuumed off a delicate lampshade by holding the attachment slightly away ... the dust sucked right up and away. The one draw back is that if you are unstable on your feet, it would take getting used to. This is because it pushes extremely easily, but draws back with more effort. I live in a one floor ranch with a combination of hard wood floors and carpeting. The vacuum makes the transition easily. This is a great vacuum at a great price.
Name: jewels
Location:
Date: 2005-10-27
Customer Rating: -
Summary: 4870GZ - A great overall vacuum as suggested by Consumer Reports Magazine!
Comment: -- My older canister vacuum finally failed, so I was in search of a reliable new replacement. I decided to change to an upright vacuum since I no longer live in a home with stairs or much upholstered furniture to clean.
-- Consumer Reports Magazine suggested the Eureka 4870 Boss Smart-Vac as one of the best on the market. Consumer Reports claimed it as lightweight, easy to push, great for cleaning, and a best buy for its price.
-- I did a lot of shopping around first, to find the absolute lowest price for this model. I was quite surprised when Amazon's price was the lowest (including all shipping charges), even compared with walking in to Walmart. I was able to use a pretty standard discount coupon on Amazon's site, that applied to most housewares. The coupon appears to repeat it self several months in a row. You might check their discount section to find it. In August, it was called AUGQUICKDSCNT; and in September, it was called SEPTQUICKDSCNT (I believe).
-- Consumer Reports reviewed the 4870 model vacuum. I was able to find three different 4870 models. Most 4870 models contain a two-letter digit following the model number, which is a code indicating the color and optional extra parts of the vacuum.
The 4870 DT is green with minimal options.
The 4870 GZ is red with a turbo upholstery nozzle attachment.
The 4870 ?? is blue with a turbo upholstery nozzle attachment that has two switch settings.
Amazon carries both the DT and GZ models. I have only seen the blue model available at KMart, but I did not check online.
-- After receiving the vacuum, I pulled it out of its gigantic box, and spent less than five minutes assembling the handle to the base. (It required a screw driver, flat or phillips head.) I was very happy that there was a storage place on the base for each and every accessory tool. However, there was *not* a place for the bonus turbo nozzle accessory included with the GZ model. -- The first run of the vacuum was surprising. On the low pile carpet I started on, the vacuum had so much suction that it actually started walking itself forward immediately. (I almost fell over trying to hold it back! hee hee) On the thicker, larger pile carpet, the vacuum did not walk near as much. But, it had so much suction, the carpet looked incredibly clean. I don't think the carpet has been that clean since it was new!
-- The first few times I ran the vacuum, the HEPA filter, or some part of the exhaust of the vacuum emitted an unusual plastic-like odor, which I assume is due to the fact that this is a new vacuum. However, after a few times, the vacuum emits air that is fresh, and very clean smelling. Its like cleaning the air with one of those air filters while I vacuum.
-- The turbo nozzle attachment that was included with the GZ model is unusual. I was expecting a nozzle attachment with a small motorized roller brush for cleaning upholstery. However, this nozzle is *not* motorized. Instead, it runs on the suction power of the vacuum to turn its roller brush. At first, I thought that the suction of the vacuum would not be enough to keep the roller turning. However, it appears to work great. The only side-effect to not being motorized is that the nozzle makes a strange higher-pitched whining noise (instead of a vibrating motor noise). But I have used it several times on the sofa and recliner to remove dirt and pet hair, and it works great. The only complaint I have is that there is no place on the upright body to store the nozzle attachment with the vacuum.
-- The other thing that confused me is the brush roll control switch on the base of the vacuum. This yellow switch/tab that appears to be used to change the mode of the vacuum from carpet to bare floors cannot be operated by hand. Instead, the switch automatically moves by raising and lowering the upright half of the vacuum to and from its 'storage' position. When the vacuum body is upright, and clicked into its 'storage' position, the yellow switch/tab indicates bare floor cleaning, and the brush roll is automatically switched off. When the vacuum body is lowered, or angled, in its 'vacuuming' position, the yellow switch/tab indicates carpet cleaning, and the brush roll is automatically switched on. You cannot move the yellow switch by hand. In order to vacuum hard floors, you either have to leave the brush roll running, and use the dial indicator to lower the level of the vacuum head to the floor (which tends to fling dirt and dust everywhere no matter how low you set it), or you could put the vacuum in its upright storage position, and pull it around on the floor (this is awkward). I suppose another option would be to use the flat floor attachment and the suction hose to clean the hard floors, which is what Eureka must have intended. I have just stuck to using my broom and/or swiffer instead.
-- The one thing that I love about this vacuum compared to my canister and other uprights are the convenient carrying handles on its upright body. In addition to the standard push/pull vacuum handle, there is a nice cupped-handle below the HEPA filter on the front side, and a complimentary cupped-handle on the center of the back side. These two handles allow you to carry the vacuum at waist height very easily, and well-balanced. I don't have any stairs, but if I did, I would be greatful for these handles. I am extremely greatful for them to carry the vacuum around the house (instead of rolling it). The vacuum is indeed light-weight as Consumer Reports claims.
-- I have used this vacuum for more than a month now, and I can say that I LOVE to clean with it. I love using the double-length extension wand with the circular-brush end for cleaning dust and cobwebs. (I have not used the flat accessory tool.) I have been remodeling one of the rooms in the house, and the vacuum is sturdy enough to clean up the nasty mess left behind from drywall chuncks, sanding, trim pieces, nails, wood chips, and all kinds of dirt. I have tipped over a couple of houseplant pots the other day, and the vacuum cleaned up the dirt even when it was slightly moist. And, my long-haired cat is no match for the vacuum and the great suction it has.
Great vacuum! Highly recommended! Definitely worth the money! If you vacuum upholstery, invest a few extra dollars on the GZ to get the bonus turbo nozzle. It cleans vehicle interiors well too!
Name: Peter Kowalke
Location: New York, NY
Date: 2006-03-17
Customer Rating: -
Summary: Well-engineered vacuum
Comment: We have plush and berber carpet throughout our apartment, and I vacuum it once a week with the Eureka 4870GZ. Overall I'm very impressed, and I already talked my brother into buying the same vac. The suction is good, definitely, and it does what I need from a vac.
Here's a detailed list of the pros and cons:
Pro:
1) The hose tubing is clear when stretched but black when recoiled. I can see dirt and clogs but I'm not faced with that nastiness unless I look.
2) Mine came with the Power Paw brush attachment. The Power Paw ROCKS for stairs. It is like shrinking the vacuum to a more manageable size when doing stairs. Where has this attachment been my whole life?
3) The vacuum is NOT heavy like people say. It isn't light, but it certainly isn't the heavy monster I expected. Don't worry about weight; this vac is average weight.
4) The 4870 is engineered not to tip. I've never had a vac that stays vertical as easily, which is great when doing corners.
5) The motor will turn off automatically if too hot. I haven't needed this feature, but I like that it is there.
6) The extra-long hose attachment is much appreciated. There's hose, then there is an EXTRA hose attachment.
7) There's a switch to turn suction from the floor to the hose. This gives better hose sucking power, I've found. Much better than the Hoovers and Dirt Devils I've used.
8) Changing bags couldn't be easier. Press a button, take out the bag and you're done. Why aren't other vacuums I've known this easy? I mean, it usually isn't that hard, but this one has a really easy bag to change.
9) The vacuum brush automatically turns off when the vac is upright. Nice.
10) There's a nice stairs handle.
11) It came with an extra bag and belt. The bag I expected, but the extra belt I didn't. That was a nice little cherry on top of the purchase, unless of course they know something I don't about the belt on this vacuum. We'll see...
Con:
1) The attachments are tiny. I'm not sure why, but they seem small. Did I buy the Fisher Price vacuum by mistake?
2) I wish it were less a plastic appliance. I'm guessing it will hold up fine, but it seems like something that might melt in the sun. I would have preferred at least a bit of metal.
3) The upholstry brush attachment isn't easy to get when the cord is wrapped around the back of the vac. This isn't that big a deal, but it is unnecessary IMHO.
4) The hose seems awfully loose, and it gets in the way a bit. This can be fixed with some velcro, though.
5) A dirt sensor would be a nice addition. I should have checked if the deluxe model with that feature was much more.
6) This is a very loud vacuum. There's no quiet technology going on here.
7) The foot pedal to recline the vacuum is very stiff. VERY stiff. I think the designers expect you to wear a boot when vacuuming, because pressing the foot pedal is like pushing a shovel into dirt. It is manageable, but it is oddly hard to use considering the nice design elsewhere on the vac. An intern must have developed this part of the vacuum.
Name: S. Rasco
Location: Austin, TX
Date: 2006-01-30
Customer Rating: -
Summary: A great buy
Comment: I just moved and decided to buy a new vacuum. My friend got this after she saw that it won a best buy award in Consumer Reports. I checked before I bought, and they've kept their position at the top. I've been very pleased with this vacuum. The construction is very solid, the suction is outstanding, and the features are well thought-out and executed.
Pros:
1.The onboard attachments are great, especially this Power Paw that they included. It's about 6" wide and has a super fast mini rolling brush that is great for upholstery and getting into difficult spots. You can adjust the amount of suction between the main vacuum and the hose using a dial. This means that all of the power can go to the attachments when you need them.
2.The HEPA filtration system is sealed in so that all of the particles stay in there and don't escape. Great for dust allergies.
3. This thing is powerful. I borrowed my parents' vacuum until this one came in (an Oreck professional model). I used theirs, then used this right over the "clean" floors, and it got all sorts of stuff that the other one missed.
4. The bags are very easy to change and are designed to make it hard for you to spill the contents everywhere.
Cons:
Nothing serious. It's heavy becuase it's really well-made. If you can't lift and like to vacuum your stairs a lot, this could get annoying. In regular use, though, there's no lugging or dragging that you have to do. The first few times you use the machine, the buttons are hard to press (the one that makes it lean back, the switch between roller brush and bare floors). Hard enough that you can't make it lean back unless you're wearing shoes to push the lever down. After maybe ten pushes, though, it's fine.
I would reccommend this vacuum to anyone, and would buy it again in an instant. Amazon definitely has the best price around on it, too.
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