While vacuum marketers continue to push allergen relief along with the usual cleaning, results from a new Consumer Reports test show those promises mean less than they suggest. Months of rigorous testing on vacuums at all price levels also showed that some new names and designs didn’t cut it in Consumer Reports’ evaluations.

 

article continues below ↓

Some uprights, including models from Bissell, Dirt Devil, Dyson, Electrolux, and Oreck, claim to filter allergens. Dyson touts an Asthma Friendly seal from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America certifying its uprights are “proven more suitable for people with asthma and related allergic sensitivities,” and many of its models carry a Seal of Approval from the British Allergy Foundation for products that “restrict or remove allergens from the environment of allergy sufferers.” Vacuums that made those claims did, indeed, pick up allergen-sized particles in Consumer Reports’ tests. But so should others, since pollen, mold spores, and other typical allergens are large enough to fall to the floor, where they’re easy to capture.

CR also found two models that quit—the Electrolux and the Eureka Optima. The Electrolux suggests using its Twin Clean canister’s “powerful brushroll” for deep-cleaning, which this model did well in the carpet tests. But the tough pet-hair test stopped it cold. The latest Eureka Optima was better than earlier versions at capturing larger particles. But it scored a “Poor” in the emissions tests. Two samples temporarily shut down after those tests triggered their thermal-overload protection.

Two less-familiar brands also proved disappointing. Koblenz markets its U-610-ZN ($440 ), upright for commercial use, yet it delivered less-than-stellar cleaning, won’t accept tools, and was noisy enough to require hearing protection. Metropolitan’s ADM-4PNHSF ($600), canister proved fine on carpets and floors, but only “Fair” in our hose-airflow tests.

“With all the promises, it’s easy to get confused when shopping, especially if you have asthma or allergy concerns. But at roughly 100 times larger than the smallest specs we measure, allergen particles should be easy game for practically any vacuum. And models that scored at least Very Good in our dust-emissions tests will nab the bad stuff,” said Bob Markovich, Home & Yard editor at Consumer Reports. “Our long list of Quick Picks and CR Best Buys includes vacuums that cost as little as $60 and proved capable at a variety of cleaning tasks.”

The vacuum story is in the October 2007 issue of Consumer Reports. The report can also be found online at www.ConsumerReports.org.

Stylish Doesn’t Always Mean Functional

Consumer Reports found two less than stellar designs during testing. Electrolux’s Intensity EL5020A folds into the most compact upright CR has tested. But pushing and pulling it wasn’t easy. Hoover’s Constellation S3345 canister floats on a cushion of air. While relatively easy to handle, it lacks a motorized brush and was subpar on carpets and pet hair.

CR’s latest findings also identify which vacs work best for different needs, whether it’s an upright vacuum for everyday cleaning, one that weighs or costs less, or a canister vac that cleans the carpets as well as the floors. CR Quick Picks include four CR Best Buys. Among upright vacuums, the top-scoring Kenmore (Sears) Progressive with direct drive 35922 ($300), offers the best blend of performance and features, while the Eureka Boss Smart Vac Ultra 4870 ($150), performed nearly as well for less.

You can also get fine performance and less weight for less money. CR picked three Hoover uprights that cost even less and weigh well under 20 pounds. The Hoover Tempo Widepath U5140-900 ($60)—a CR Best Buy—and the Hoover WindTunnel Supreme U5458-900 ($130), delivered superb carpet cleaning. Choose the capable Hoover EmPower U5262-910 ($100), if you prefer a bagless vacuum and don’t mind the added dust when emptying a bagless vac’s bin.

Canisters tend to cost more than uprights, but that doesn’t mean consumers have to spend top dollar for top performance. The Kenmore (Sears) Progressive 27514 ($300)—also a CR Best Buy—performed similarly to its top-rated brandmate for far less. Choose the Hoover WindTunnel Bagless S3765-040 ($180), if an even lower price outranks handling and pet-hair pickup. Also consider the pricier Electrolux Oxygen Ultra EL 7020A ($500), for its superb carpet cleaning and Electrolux Oxygen EL6988A ($400), for its fine handling and superb pet-hair performance.

How to Choose

CR found that most vacuums were far from perfect when it comes to handling. Look for models that did well at the cleaning you care about most. Then keep these tips in mind:

 

• Choose the right kind. Most vacuums do well on bare floors. Uprights tend to do best on carpets. But you may prefer a canister’s easier pushing and pulling, since you move mostly the hose and powerhead. Canister vacs are also easier to use on stairs.
• Check its features. A brush on/off switch helps prevent scattering dirt on bare floors. Manual pile-height adjustment lets you match the vacuum’s height more precisely to carpets; while suction control lets you reduce airflow through the hose when cleaning curtains and upholstery.
• Think twice about bagless vacs. Our Ratings include top-performing bagless models. But you’ll probably prefer a bag if you have allergy concerns, since emptying a bagless vacuum’s bin is a frequent and dusty task. And while HEPA bags and filters can provide added filtration, they don’t guarantee that the vacuum they’re in won’t spew dust. We test all models with their standard bag or filter. Vacs that did well should do well in your home if you use the bag and filter types they came with.
  

 

About Consumers Union

Consumer Reports® is published by Consumers Union (CU), an expert, independent nonprofit organization whose mission is to work for a fair, just and safe marketplace for all consumers and to empower consumers to protect themselves. To achieve this mission, CU tests, informs and protects. To maintain its independence and impartiality, CU accepts no outside advertising, no free test samples, and has no agenda other than the interests of consumers. CU supports itself through the sale of information products and services, individual contributions and a few noncommercial grants.