Eureka Boss SmartVac 4870GZ Review

What the reviewers like:
In tests, the Eureka Boss SmartVac 4870GZ cleans as well as or better than more expensive vacuums, and does especially well picking pet hair off carpeting. Also, the Eureka has a see-through hose to cut down on clogs, as well as on-board attachments and a brushroll on/off control -- and its operation is quiet.

What the reviewers don't like:
At 20 pounds, owners and reviewers say the Eureka SmartVac 4870GZ can be difficult to push and hard to carry up and down stairs. A few owners complain of breakdowns, but not enough to make the Eureka 4870GZ upright vacuum stand out as unreliable.

Eureka Boss SmartVac 4870GZ review highlights

Reviewers say the Eureka SmartVac 4870GZ is the best value in a bagging upright vacuum cleaner, cleaning as well or better than more expensive models and doing a very good job of picking up pet hair on carpeting. However, at 20 pounds, this vacuum can be cumbersome to push and hard to carry up and down stairs.

We found the best review of the Eureka Boss SmartVac 4870GZ at Consumer Reports, which runs 65 vacuums over the equivalent of eleven miles of carpet and bare floor and rates them for cleaning ability, noise, emissions, ease of use and (for the first time) ability to pick up pet hair. The Eureka SmartVac 4870GZ is also reviewed by The Green Guide (though it's not clear if it was actually tested), and a previous model is included in a thorough comparison test by Good Housekeeping. Finally, this Eureka vacuum cleaner receives tons of comments from owners posting to Amazon.com and Epinions.com.

Also see full report: Vacuum Cleaners

*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

1. Consumer Reports
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Vacuums: Top Picks for Pet Hair
Editors of Consumer Reports
Mar. 2007

Consumer Reports runs 65 upright and canister vacuums, including the Eureka SmartVac 4870GZ, over the equivalent of eleven miles of carpet and bare floor, rating them for cleaning ability, noise, emissions and ease of use, as well as the ability to pick up pet hair from carpeting.

2. The Green Guide
Ventilating, Vacuuming, & Filtering Out Allergens
Emily Main

In this article, Emily Main discusses HEPA filters and allergen source control, recommending Eureka Boss vacuums along with the SEBO X4 and X5 uprights and the Dyson brand in general. However, it's not clear if she actually tested these vacuums in controlled conditions.

3. Good Housekeeping.com
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The Best New Upright Vacuums
Editors of Good Housekeeping
Oct. 2004

In this roundup, the Good Housekeeping Institutes tests and compares eleven upright vacuums, including the predecessor of the Eureka Boss 4870, the 5855 -- which is chosen as the "best value." Unfortunately, testing isn't well defined.

4. Amazon.com
Eureka 4870GZ Boss Smart-Vac Review
Contributors to Amazon.com

The Eureka SmartVac receives almost 600 reviews from owners at this retail site, earning generally positive reviews.

5. Epinions
Eureka Boss SmartVac 4870 Review
Contributors to Epinions.com

Not as many owners register their opinions here as at Amazon.com, but if you're looking for user reviews on the Eureka SmartVac 4870, Epinions is worth a look.

Also see full report: Vacuum Cleaners

Eureka Boss SmartVac 4870GZ Review