Eureka Boss SmartVac 4870GZ

We bought this because it got great reviews and was a decent price...like $159. Well, I just hate it. It's heavy, awkward, hard to clean, difficult to replace bags and close front. I am trashing it after 2… years and couldn't be happier. Ugh! I called it the "behemouth." Worst vacuum ever. Am still amazed that it got good reviews. Carpet/floor swith a real pain, belt life short, Overall blechhh...and I am not really too picky!

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I purchased this vacuum in March '08 due to the numerous rave reviews it received from other purchasers and the fact that it was mentioned favorably in Consumers Guide. It arrived safely, and without… incident. Vacuuming has always been my least favorite chore, so I was delighted at initially using it. And I was especially delighted that this vac REALLY DID want to vacuum...and near tired me out just trying to keep up with it. I do not have a large home (single floor only), and with one child and no indoor pets, our carpets don't really get that dirty. That being the case, vacuuming twice a month is usually all that is required (I sweep the hardwood & linoleum floor areas). To my surprise after so little use (about 5 months worth) it became louder and a struggle to push. Seems the self-propel action had broke. Unsure as to what was wrong with it, I removed the bottom plate and cleaned debris such as hair, etc. from the roller and surrounding area. I also changed the belt and replaced the bag. None of these solved the problem. The vacuum is still louder than when it first arrived, doesn't pick up like it did when it first arrived, and is an absolute bear to maneuver as it is so heavy to push without the self-propel action working properly. I have been shopping around for another vacuum--it won't be a Eureka--I just don't seem to have any luck with that brand (this was my 2nd). And after reading more recent reviews on this vac, it seems that many others have experienced the same problems that I have.

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First of all I bought this vacuum and have been using it for approximately 6 month. On the positive side, the suction and actually vacuum is great. I love that it uses HEPA filter technology. However… there are some negative points that I would like to point out: 1. At first its very difficult to get the vaccum from an upright to a leaning position to vaccum. Its like its stiff. Over time this gets easier. 2. The stretchy hose is not long enough to do some jobs. I find that the vaccum falls alot when I am trying to get into small spaces or when trying to vacuum the stairs. 3. The cord does stay wound around the back off the vacumm very well. Its like its not big enough to hold the whole cord. I end up just leaving the cord loose in the closet b/c I have given up on actually being able to get it to stay put. 4. The vacuum is on the heavier side which makes it difficult to get up and down stairs and also when it falls when you are using the hose. Overall I still think its a good vacuum for the price but definately has some limitations.

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A friend owned the model previous to this and highly recommended this brand; after much searching and reading reviews etc, we eventually settled for this model. Previously, we owned a Kenmore upright. I… spent a fortune on replacing the belts which would melt and burn at any given time. The suction on the Kenmore sucked(hahha). etc etec. It has been more than three years since we made our purchase. With a household of seven, we use it 1-2 times a day, sometimes more than 3 times depending on what mess took place! My children suffer from pretty nasty allergies, and I have found this vacuum to pick ups extremely well, providing a clean and safe area at all times. After 3 yrs, the suction is still great.. Belts.. still using the original belt that came with the vacuum, and it is still in excellent condition. Hand tools, attachments..still excellent condition, no cracks,or brittle as mentioned by others Headlight..still working The Paw..does a great job with the upholstery and curtains/blinds Bags.. never liked bagless, very happy with the bags. Don't know where the complainers live, but we can find the bags easily at Walmart, Sears and Target. You can vacuum for weeks and they will not be filled. Price..this was a factor for us. We wanted something that was affordable and could not justify spending over $200-300. Weight..ermm, it is heavy, BUT not heavy as I expected it to be after reading some of the negative points. My children vacuum all the time, so if my 8,9,10 yr old's can handle it with ease, I think an adult can too!! We do have a single story, so it may be easier for others to invest in a 2nd vacuum .. It may not be 100% perfect (tell me what is), but this is a purchase we are extremely satisfied with. BTW, I don't go for the CR reviews, instead rely on reviews by customers like you ..

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Well, I read a ton of reviews and decided THE BOSS was the one to get. I've used it almost daily for a few months, and am extremely satisfied. The suction is really strong, be sure there are no itty-bitty… toys in the vicinity or kiss them goodbye - yes, I'm guilty. We have hardwood floors and it's so nice to be able to use the vacuum without having to worry about it scratching the floor-the wheels are rubber. The area rugs felt softer after vacuuming them the first time; this new machine sucked out all the dirt that our old vacuum left. I don't seem to have the handle release problem like I've read about in other reviews - could be that it's just easier to step on the lever when you're in socks. Also, the complaints about the weight make me laugh - sure, it's a bit on the heavy side, but you're not carrying the thing around. And the trick to putting the handle back in the upright position is to wait until the brush stops turning. The power paw is great for going over the chairs and sofa, and the crevice tool is perfect for intake vents and baseboards. I would buy it again.

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