I first noticed the Hoover Nano Lite when it was new at Wal-Mart last summer after another vac person had mentioned to me about it and how they liked the machine. At $50 you could not go wrong.
If you have limited space and/or are on a tight budget (or just need a second, smaller vacuum), compared to the Dirt Devil Dynamite or Eureka Optima, this is the machine to get in this price range. First off, for a $50 machine it is not badly made at all, the telescoping section of the handle is metal and the plastic components are not made from that cheap "grainy" material.
The main reason is that the Nano Lite will clean circles around all of them. It only weighs 11 lbs. but has a 12-amp motor, and the brushroll is very aggressive and will pull the machine across the carpet. You can also shut the brushroll off with a handy control on the side to clean bare floors, since it is a mechanical belt shifter it needs to be done when the machine is off. Like most lightweights there is no handle release, just put your foot on the nozzle and pull the handle back. Very cheap-feeling, but seems to be OK. The hose can be detached for above-floor use, the crevice tool is long to allow for an easy reach. The lack of attachments is probably my main complaint about this machine, there is no extension wand or upholstery tool and the dusting brush is less than substantial. But for the price I cannot complain much.
Yes, it is bagless, and yes, it does have the dreaded bin filter arrangement, but the interesting twist is it is not as messy as one might think. There is a handy slide lever on the back of the bin, moving it back and forth "taps" the dust off of the filter to settle at the bottom of the bin. When that is done, push the button and dirt falls into the trash can. As convenient as that is since you do not have to touch any dirt, the filter will have to be replaced over time with frequent use. But from someone who normally prefers a cyclonic bagless, this is a bin filter arrangement I can actually live with.
The Nano Lite is a good machine with a great value overall. I do recommend this machine for someone on a budget needing a decent vacuum, or for someone needing a lighter weight machine to use as their second supplemental cleaner.
Date Purchased: 8/07
Price Paid: $50
Recommend: Yes |
Pros:
Powerful suction, aggressive brushroll that can be shut off to clean bare floors, filter easy to clean without touching dirt, small storage footprint, easy to carry, decent construction, better than all other lightweights in this price range.
Cons:
No handle release (you have to step down on the nozzle), bin filter arrangement, attachments could be better. |
