The Whisper is a is a new (just introduced) model of cyclonic bagless from Hoover exclusive to Wal-Mart (though other retailers may carry it in the future), besides their recently redesigned dual-cyclone Mach 3. When I bought mine last month the week they had arrived to Wal-Mart stores, not only was it the only one on the shelf, they did not have any price tags for it or a display model set up, it was that new.
At first I thought it was going to be another dual-cyclone cleaner as it seemed to have a proper dual-cyclone shroud (not the previous Mach shroud with the vertical holes), at $120 I didn't expect it to be anything else. There was nothing that indicated otherwise on the bin, unlike a Dyson or Bissell HealthyHome where the high-efficiency cyclones are exposed. I examined the box a bit closer and noticed it was claiming multi-stage cyclonic filtration. Imagine my surprise when, after I unboxed the machine, I removed the bin, separated the two halves, and saw 6 conical high-efficiency cyclones hidden inside! They were there, just not exposed. I was now aware that this machine has a lot of potential. But just how much?
Examining the brushroll, I notice that it is a good double-chevron type with the bristle pattern directed towards the suction opening, revealing yet another Dyson characteristic. On most Dysons, the suction opening is intentionally small to concentrate the airflow. Hoover has done this as well with the Whisper. As to whether or not that affects performance, I was about to find out.
I push the switch and notice that it does not start immediately like most machines. Instead, it does a gradual ramp-up to full speed, taking a page from the failed Hoover Z upright. I also notice that when it does reach full speed, it is still relatively quiet, enough to maintain a conversation while using it. The claim that it is "20% quieter than all leading cyclonic brands" is not all hype here.
This is a 2-motor upright, something virtually unheard of at this price range (and even above it on anything less than a high-end cleaner). When the brushroll on/off switch is in the "on" position, the brushroll automatically comes on when the handle is lowered, and stops when the handle is raised. No need to push a button each time. There is also a brushroll indicator light on the nozzle that shows when the brushroll is turning, as well as a suction indicator light that glows when the hose is blocked. Carpet performance is good, the machine has a positive, substantial feel to it (a bit of handle weight but not much of a problem) and once I have it properly adjusted (this machine sports a 5-position height adjustment) the brushroll assists in pulling the machine along. The bin does not remain empty for long, due in large part to the concentrated airflow opening I pull a surprising amount of sand from the rug. Impressive considering I vacuumed the same rug with my Dyson DC21 canister only a couple of days before.
Switching to attachment use is a breeze, in fact you do not even have to let go of the handle! Simply push a button with your free hand and pull the handle up. In typical Hoover fashion the Ultraflex stretch hose is very long, flexible, and durable. Also in typical Hoover fashion there isn't much in the way of attachments, only a long dusting brush and crevice tool, and the handle wand isn't adjustable. Considering what the machine DOES have to offer for the price, that is only a minor annoyance more than anything and for quick pick-ups will come in very handy. It has for me with various pet hair/dust bunnies that accumulate on the floor and are slightly out of reach to the machine itself. The dusting brush also swivels.
As with a Dyson, the bin releases with one hand, with a convenient "trap-door" release for emptying, and the pre-motor filter is easily accessible in the compartment underneath. Much like a Dyson's filter it is a 2-piece washable with a foam insert.
For all intents and purposes the Hoover Whisper is a Dyson DC07 or DC14, look no further than the cyclone assembly. Fortunately or unfortunately, it also has some advantages over those, extremely low price notwithstanding. I honestly cannot see why anyone could justify the cost of a DC07/DC14 over this, as the Whisper gives identical performance (perhaps a bit better).
Being a die-hard Dyson fan, it takes a lot to compare with what I am used to and I am very impressed with the Hoover Whisper. It is a great cleaner and an excellent value to say the least, I would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone! How many other multi-cyclonic vacuums that work "properly" can you find for $120? This could definitely be the start of a new beginning for TTI/Hoover. If they keep going this route by producing good machines, they could easily have the potential to become a very respectable name again, and gain word-of-mouth popularity as Dyson did and still continues to do. For that reason, I give this machine a 5-star rating, all the way.
Date Purchased: 6/08
Price Paid: $120
Recommend: Yes |
Pros:
Multi-stage cyclonic separation (exactly like a Dyson), good brushroll, filters easily accessible, convenient switches, quiet operation, "soft start" on the suction motor, separate brushroll motor can be turned off for bare floor cleaning, brushroll and suction indicator lights, long cord, long stretch hose, switches to attachment use in seconds without even letting go of the handle, very well-built machine for the price. All in all this vacuum will impress and surprise the most die-hard of Dyson fans, including myself.
Cons:
Only 2 attachments, wand is non-adjustable and may be too long for some areas, some controls (wand release, bin release, final filter cover) feel a bit flimsy. |
