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Electrolux Oxygen Canister EL6988E

*Est. $325
Reviewed
October 2011
by ConsumerSearch
Electrolux Oxygen Canister EL6988E

Best-value canister vacuum

Pros
  • Good cleaning on all surfaces
  • Quiet
  • HEPA filtration
  • Convenient features
  • Long warranty
Cons
  • Awkward to maneuver
  • Durability concerns
Where to Buy
 

The Electrolux Oxygen Canister EL6988E is the best-rated vacuum we found that falls in the middle of the price range and is suitable for cleaning all surfaces. In professional tests, this vacuum performs well on both carpets and hard floors, and its adjustable suction makes it suitable for drapes and upholstery as well. Its features include a washable HEPA filter (the highest standard in filtration), fingertip controls and a retracting cord. It also comes with an extra-long 5-year warranty -- which you may need, since several users report breakdowns within the first two years of this vacuum's life. A couple of owners also caution that there can be a long wait for repairs. However, they do agree that the vacuum is powerful and quiet, and the features are convenient. The Miele S5281 Callisto (*Est. $900) gets very good reviews, but it costs nearly three times as much as the Electrolux Oxygen. If you do not need to vacuum carpet, you may be able to manage with the budget-priced Eureka Mighty Mite 3670G (*Est. $65) .

ConsumerReports.org includes the Electrolux Oxygen Canister EL6988E in its tests of canister vacuums. Each vacuum is tested on both carpet and hard floors, and its handling, emissions and noise level are also rated. The vacuum also earns a grade of A-minus from the editors of Good Housekeeping. We found 150-plus reviews for this vacuum from users at Amazon.com and Walmart.com.

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Miele S5281 Callisto Canister Vacuum Cleaner
Buy from Amazon.com
from Amazon.com
New: $989.00 $899.00   
In Stock.
Average Customer Review:  
image
Eureka 3670G Mighty Mite Canister Vacuum
Buy from Amazon.com
from Amazon.com
New: $120.27 $62.99   
In Stock.
Average Customer Review:  
Where To Buy
Genuine Electrolux H10 Anti-Allergy s-bag EL202F - 4 bags

 (228 reviews)
Buy new: $13.99 $8.82   42 New from $5.80

In Stock. Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping
 

Our Sources

1. ConsumerReports.org

The Electrolux Oxygen Canister EL6988E is one of 34 canister vacuums rated by the editors of ConsumerReports.org. Ratings cover performance on hard and carpeted floors, plus noise, handling, emissions, tool airflow and pet hair removal. The site also reports on the repair record of each vacuum cleaner brand.

Review: Vacuum Cleaners, Editors of ConsumerReports.org

2. Good Housekeeping

The Electrolux Oxygen Canister EL6988E earns a grade of A-minus from the editors of Good Housekeeping. In their tests, it performed well on both carpets and hard surfaces, and consumers who tried it found the vacuum easy to use. The main drawback listed is its price.

Review: Electrolux Oxygen Canister EL6988E Vacuum, Editors of Good Housekeeping, Sept. 2010

3. Amazon.com

More than 125 owners have reviewed the Electrolux Oxygen Canister EL6988E at Amazon.com, giving it an overall score of 3.5 stars out of a possible 5. While owners say the vacuum is powerful, lightweight and quiet, we also saw quite a few complaints about its durability.

Review: Electrolux Oxygen Canister Vacuum Cleaner, EL6988E, Contributors to Amazon.com

4. Walmart.com

About 35 owners at Walmart.com give the Electrolux Oxygen Canister EL6988E an overall score of 4.5 stars out of 5. Users say the vacuum is powerful, lightweight, quiet and good on all surfaces, though a few find it hard to maneuver. More than nine out of 10 users say they would recommend the vacuum.

Review: Electrolux Oxygen Sealed HEPA Canister Vacuum with Motorized Power Nozzle, EL6988E, Contributors to Walmart.com

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