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COPYRIGHT 2002 Consumers Union of the United States, Inc.
WHAT'S NEW
More lower-priced models. A growing number of vacuums that sell for less than $100 have helped lower the average price of a vacuum cleaner to about $175, compared with $250 three years ago.
Low cost often means few features. Most of these low-priced vacuums don't allow you to reduce suction for delicate fabrics. Upright models usually lack manual pile-height adjustment, which lets you better adjust the power head to the carpet, and an off switch for the brush when it isn't needed, which can prevent scattered dust, snagged power cords, and other mishaps. Like other bagless vacs, low-priced versions tend to hold less than models with bags, and their filters may need more frequent cleaning or replacement. Emptying the bins can create enough airborne dust to concern even those without allergies.
WHAT WE TESTED, WHAT WE FOUND
The 39 vacuums in this report include 10 newly tested, relatively inexpensive models plus those available from previous reports. While you can pay $800 or more for a vacuum, some of the best cost a fraction of that price. The newly tested upright Hoover Bagless U5290-900, $170, and upright Dirt Devil Featherlite Plus 85550, $60, did very well on bare floors and carpet. But like many low-priced vacs on which we focused, they compromise on performance as well as features.
The newly tested Hoover and Dirt Devil uprights were very noisy, and none of the new uprights were very good at cleaning with tools. The Dirt Devil's original-equipment drive belt broke on two of the three test samples, though replacement belts, which were different, did not.
Among canisters, the newly tested Miele Plus S251, $425, and Eureka Home Cleaning System 6984, $240, did well. But Eureka canisters have been among the more trouble-prone brands of vacuums.
HOW TO BUY
You'll find many strong choices. Here's what to think about when shopping:
Consider your cleaning. For wall-to-wall carpeting, you're likely to prefer a high-scoring upright, though many canisters perform as well. Canisters also tend to work better with a hose and tools, and are more adept at reaching under furniture.
Check the features. Along with suction control, manual height adjustment, and an off switch for...
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