I don't know what it is about upright vacuums these days, but not only do they look hideous and downright complicated with multiple chambers and all those attachments hanging on the handle, but they simply do not work all that well. They are also very heavy and difficult to maneuver even with power drive. I was recently in Costco which just started to sell Oreck machines, but based on reviews in various magazines, they are expensive and not all that good. I do like the lightweight aspect and thought I met its match at Lowe's when a Shop Vac EasyLift caught my eye, and what a price - on sale at $49.95. Upon close examination in the store, it looked cheaply made, but so do all the others including the Oreck. It only weighs 7 lbs and has a low profile to fit under furniture, so what the heck, I bought one, brought it home, and took it for a spin. The noise is horrible but other Shop Vacs have the same reputation so I guess I kind of expected the ear-splitting sound. I can live with the noise, but will wear earplugs when I use the thing. If the noise is any indication of the suction power, I thought, wow, I have found one heck of a powerful machine in a compact, lightweight size. It's easy to maneuver and fits under most of my furniture. It's great on both carpets and my tiled kitchen floor. Out of curiosity, I removed the hose that runs from the motor directly to the bag and it produces a tremendous amount of output, and consequently, lots of suction. In fact, I noticed some air leaking from around the flexible hose connection which snaps on and off. I secured it with an adjustable clamp which solved the leak. My previous vacuum was an Electolux Intensity. Whoever designed the Intensity should be fired and the thing cost me $300 and now will just sit in the closet on a shelf. Oh yes, it has a folding handle and that's the only good thing I can say about it. So I think I'll keep the Shop Vac EasyLift. The bags are available on line at two for $5.00 so you can't beat that. Frankly, as long as I wear ear plugs, it's one heck of a vacuum, and if you can find one at Lowe's for the sale price of $49.95, buy it (don't forget the ear plugs while you are in the store, seriously). I don't think, however, I would pay $149.00 like some reviewers have.
Date Purchased: Sept. 2009
Price Paid: $50
Recommend: Yes |
Pros:
Light weight, low profile, compact size overall, easy to push, long cord (30 feet), easy storage, high suction, good headlight, convenient switch on the handle, large filter bags that are easy to change, very maneuverable, long warranty, rubber bumper
Cons:
It's very loud. The quality of materials matches the price I paid $49.95 (or cheap, I guess is what I want to say), some air leakage around hose connection from motor to bag (dust accumulation around the housing at this location was the tip off plus you can feel the leak while it's running). A simple hose clamp solved the problem. |
