Upright Reviews

Save your money on this. It doesn't pick up anything! It's horrbile!

A cheap vacuum. Spend more and get a better quality vacuum that will last longer. This one is awkward, cumbersome, and loud. It cleans decently after you adjust the high-low knob according to the floor/carpet you have, but there are better vacuums around. Mine lasted over a year, but now I have the same problem as others who posted here. I think the motor is shot. Now, it shakes, is LOUD, and smells like something is burning.

Great cleaner for a small apartment or similar spaces. Lots of suction power, and lots of attachments for those tight, hard to get to areas. The only drawbacks might be the loudness (think of a dentist's drill multiplied by 20), and the rather delicate design which seems to consist of nearly all plastic parts. No problems so far, and I've had mine for three years, which in my opinion, makes it well worth the cost.

The machine was advertised as new, but I obviously got used and not working. The fan never blew. The only thing that worked was the Caution light. I'm sending it back and hoping to get a guaranteed working product in return for my money.

Doesn't put out much heat. I have to sit right on top of it. And my dial broke immediately, too. It pushes right beyond the highest setting, in which case I get no heat at all.

Despite the reivews of others, I was looking for a cheap way to heat my office, and this has done the trick so far. Yes, this is a cheap - cheap prodcut; all palstic parts, could easily break if you don't pay attention. It does the job. It can heat my 12'x12' office from 57 degrees to 73 degrees in about 1/2 hour. This does not put out high heat - but it does put out good consistant heat. You are getting what you pay for here. For under $25.00 people should expect so much from a product like this. Stay warm!

I don't know why everyone is saying this vacuum shuts off after 5 minutes. I have never had that happen with mine. compared to our upright vacuum, this vacuum was wonderful! It sucked up stuff our other vacuums wouldn't. My only complaint is, I lost a part to it and there doesn't seem to be a replacement for it so now I can't use it anymore.

Maybe I don't know what else is out there (I bought this to replace a 10 year old vacuum) but I LOVE MY SHARK ROADSTER! The strap allows you to carry it on your shoulder so you don't have to trip over the canister and get tangled in the cord. I love the fact that it has a HEPA filter and that it's bagless. I must admit that the cord is unusually short but have you ever heard of this great new invention called an extension cord? Maybe I'm just easy to please but I think it's a great buy.

It's sad to see that people who buy products don't read the manuals. If you had read the manual before using this vacuum you would have noted that it has three filters. The main filter is a HEPA filter that catches every particle that the vacuum sucks up. The other two are there to catch anything the HEPA didn't before blowing the air back out. It states in the manual that because of the filters the vacuum must be emptied out on a regualr basis. And also that the HEPA filter needs to be tapped out before being replacing in the vacuum - if you do this you will see how much dust it catches. It also says that you should wash out the HEPA filter after a heavy vacuum (I do it once a week). This will improve the suction power and the life of the filter (It took about a minute to clean). If however you are one of those people who doesn't read the instructions you will run into problems. The vacuum will overheat because the filter is jammed with so much dirt that air cannot pass through the motor to cool it off. It does have a safety feature that stops the machine before it burns out. This vacuum is the best one I have ever owned. It is lightweight and has great suction power. It also comes with lots of attachments. People need to learn to read manuals before using a product. Just because it's a vacuum doesn't mean you just plug it in and go. It was designed to capture all of the dirt, dust and whatever else you are vacuuming and not blow it back into the air. READ PEOPLE! -It's a great little machine!

I have had this machine for a little over a year. Problems started surfacing after about 8 months... the internal "thermostat" kept shutting off the motor. Initially, I thought the problem was air flow, so I replaced the main filter... (which was, as an earlier reviewer noted... impossible to find -- not even the retailer who sold me the machine stocks this basic filter... I finally found one after hours of web searching at Grimes Discount Vacuum, which sells them online.) After chaning the filters, the machine would run for longer intervals, but still shut down. Those intervals continued to decrease until the machine was only good for 30 seconds before needing a 20 minute "cool off". Thinking the problem might be motor RPM's due to belt slippage, I replaced the belt... and things got worse! I have now spent enough time disassembling this machine to know 2 things: (1) the manufacturer put in a super high power motor without testing air flow after regular use... (i.e., deterioration of flow due to debris accumulating in the rotors), and (2) Hoover (a division of Maytag) is really in the business of sending lots of repair business to its servicemen: you can't even get a simple answer about filters from Hoover "customer support". I consider this machine garbage - I would never buy another Hoover.

The Hoover Widepath Bagless with Hepa filter seemed like a dream come true for the price and features offered. The first time I used it, I was impressed with the powerful suction and the amount of cat hair the carpet brush was able to pick up. The second time I used it, a burning smell indicated trouble and when I looked underneath, the brushes were not turning. In investigating the problem, I decided to empty the dirt cup which promptly dumped a significant amount of dirt onto the floor as it released with an abrupt pop. Figuring it was a bad belt and liking the original performance of the machine, I exchanged the non-functioning vacumn for another of the same model. I had exactly the same experience, (only this time, I know how to release the dirt cup without spilling). The vacumn on the second use again emitted a burning smell and this time the brushes still turned but the suction was nil.
I give this product two stars for the power of the motor but the durability is very poor and the ease of use of the hose is very poor. Also, there is no apparent way to stop the brushes turning while you are using the hose. This can be hard on carpet and flooring when you leave the machine parked in one spot while you use the hose.
My advice is do your research and buy a vacumn with a good track record. I did find a comparable model well reviewed in the same price range by a different manufacturer.

This is a great vaccum, if you know how to use it. I had the same problem of a burning smell that a lot of people have written about, and the belt to the vacuum broke almost instantly. However, when I took it to the repair place, the guy showed me that I had the carpet level setting all wrong, and that's what caused the smell and the broken belt. Now that I know how to use my vacuum, it works like a charm. It comes with a bunch of different attachment tools and is great at picking up cat hair.

This machine worked great, for about 10 minutes. Then, I smelled something burning and the motor blew up. It won't turn on at all now. The rotating brush seemed to really struggle on my thick carpet. The cleaning power though for that first 10 minutes, was exceptional. It did leave large lint balls all over the floor so you'll have to follow up with a vac after the carpet is dry. I'm not sure whether to exchange it for a new one (maybe I just got a lemon) or to forget Bissell all together.

It worked REALLY well for about the 1rst 2 months. I use it a lot, I have 3 dogs & a baby. It does not suck up like it used to, and that is the whole point!!!! It leaves the floor wet, and I can't keep everyone off of it for 2 days to dry. This is my second one, too, and it is doing the exact same thing.

this is ok for an average person

That's what we said after the first time we turned it on. This vacuum is way too loud. My old, steal green Eureka vacuum I bought in the early 80s wasn't nearly as loud as this one. It has a high pitched screeching sound when I vacuum. I've had to take it apart many times to try and figure out what the clanking inside the plastic base was. But there wasn't anything in it. It also stinks whenever I turn it on, like burnt rubber and dust. The filteration does not work because dust often sprays out of the plastic cracks polluting the air. It takes multiple times running it over dirt until it fully picks it up. The other day the belt broke which I had to replace and had a hell of a time getting the parts off, especially the spinner-sweeper thing. After I had it all put back together that clanking started again inside the motor/base and would not stop. There was no way I was taking it apart again. I turned it off and then turned it back on again and it stopped. But yesterday it fell down the stairs and crashed into the front door. Leaving a black scuff mark on the door. Flusterated, I grabbed it and picked it up, plugged it in, and turned it on. The most horrible noise left my ears ringing after I turned it off. It's about ten times louder now than it used to be. The screeching is almost unbearible. Later on, my daughter started using it to clean her room and all of the sudden I hear BAM!!! BOOM!!! BA BA BA BAM!!!!!!!!!! I thought she was busting the hell out of it! My daughter shouted and said it broke. I wasn't surprized. "What the hell did you do to it?" I said. "Nothing!" she said. "It's shot". She was flusterated and threw it down the stairs. Oh boy did I tell her! She's 19 and still acts like a little kid. Now I have to run to K-Marts tomarrow and get a new one. Bye. Allison Conner.

I've got to ask; WHAT DID YOU EXPECT FROM A $70 VACUUM????

I bought this vacuum *brand new* for $40 dollars somewhere else before I headed off the college this year, and all I can say is that it works GREAT! I have had no trouble with it so far, and it cleans my little dorm room great.

The good things about this vacuum is that it has a cord storage that really isn't hard to use if you know how to use it properly. It also has a detachable hose that is NOT hard to use if you know how to attach it and detach it properly... There is a release lever on the side of the hose where you pull it out. Finally, it sucks out dirt BETTER than any of those typical lightweight compact upright college vacuums.

The bad things about this vacuum is that it is big, bulky, and a little heavy. So if you don't have the extra space in your dorm room closet or college apartment, then I would suggest something else. It is also LOUDER than the typical lightweight compact upright college vacuum, but aren't vacuums supposed to be loud?

So basically, if you find this vacuum for less than 50 dollars somewhere else and if you need a vacuum for college, then GET this because it is worth it. But keep in mind of the size of this vacuum if you have limited space in your dorm room or college apartment.

Although it has good suction and a power head.... It topples over all the time while vacuuming, gets clogged and my power head went dead and no one can fix or replace it.... so that's it! I only used it 6 times in 1 year, since I have maid service. Worst ever! This was my second and last Fantom!
Tony in Florida

I bought this vacuum because I owned the Fantom Fury upright and thought it was great, but wanted a canister. It seemed perfect- bagless, hepa, light, etc. It is the worst vacuum I've ever had. My dustbuster has more suction. The parts are made of cheapo plastic. The "adjustable suction" nob keeps opening. The body keeps flipping over. The retractable cord keeps sticking. The worst part is that dust gets so caked onto the filter that I have to scrape each ridge with a toothpick between each use, or there's no suction at all. Today I plugged it in, and it didn't turn on. I just bought this piece of junk 3 months ago. This is the first review I've ever written, but I felt I had to warn everyone.

My mom makes me vacuum the carpets and the tile floors a lot. When our very old Kenmore canister's engine burnt out we needed a very good and powerful vacuum fast. Our floors get very dirty and we have shag carpet in the basement. Its best feature that didn't come on out old vac is the hard floor cleaning tool. I was looking at the reviews all the other people wrote and they don't know what they are talking about!! I really thing you should consider this canister vac.

The information on the pages that pertain to this hose needs to be changed to reflect the fact that the hose DOES NOT fit Hoovers with a HEPA system. It only fits Hoovers with product #'s beginning U53.., U54.., U64.. I ordered it along with a new Windtunnel that has a Hepa system, since the product information stated that these 2 items were bought together by other people. Unfortunately, it does not state that these people (now including me) have to return the hose because it does not fit all Windtunnels. So be sure to check and doublecheck before you buy. ...

Upon opening the box I found that the information given in the buying information for this product did not reflect the actural product. For one thing it only fits unright WindTunnel models that use bags. This hose is for models beginning with U53, U54 and U64 only.

False advertising. It is only 15'-16' *fully* stretched and is only a "20' reach with wands and crevice tool" according to the tiny print on the bottom box. This is not an extension but fits as a replacement, so you are only getting 9'-10' more reach than the original 6' hose. That is still helpful, altho the quality of the tubing is 1/2 that of the original hose and will not sustain pulling or pinching with the same durability.

I purchased this Hoover less than one year ago. It kept getting clogged with dust and carpet fiber; in order to remove the clogs the bottom had to be unscrewed and the roller brushes removed. After doing this several times the plastic that held the screws became stripped and the bottom literally fell off. Since the clogging was apparently a design flaw, I did not have the vacuum repaired but replaced it with an Electrolux Aptitude. Well there is no comparison! The Electrolux is much quieter, cleans just as well and raises the nap of the carpet better is better looking and better constructed. Disassembly does not require a screwdriver so there is no problem with stripped plastic like the Hoover. The Electrolux also comes with a better variety of cleaning tools and a power-driven brush. Admittedly, the Electrolux is slightly more expensive but it is worth the difference.

Both my mother and I have had hoovers, and we have had the best results from them. I currently live in a one room house with 2 dogs, a cat, and a laundry room with access for the landlords 3 cats that I often vacuum for her. I was immediately impressed by the suction of this vacuum, however after a few months it inevitably locked up and wouldn't work. Like all the other reviewers, we found that not only was it clogged but the plastic had melted and locked up the wheel.
I ALSO STRONGLY DON'T RECCOMMEND THE BAGGED, or any bagged with this design. The bag is very small so I end up changing it all the time, and it is very akward to get in. I also read the reviews for the bagless and they had the same problems with melting as the bagged (reccommend you read these also- theres more of them).
I am surprised hoover let this vacuum get out their store.

I really like mine. I have had it a couple of months now, and it works much better than my old one. I like the ability to turn the brushes on and off which works well on my tile. Also the automatically turn off when the handle is fully up, which is great for using the hose on the furniture or baseboards.

I bought this vacuum at a local wholesale store today. I brought it home, put it together, and vacuumed for about five minutes until the hose ripped. I'll be returning it this evening. I didn't realize it was made by Euro-Pro, the same people who make the Shark line of products--which I was also disappointed with. The other vacuum didn't have much suction, and wasn't worth the money. Look elsewhere to spend your money, this brand is all Lemon!

I own the fantom falcon for 6 months and the belt has gone bad on the power head. I placed an order for another belt and the fantom company told me it was on back order and it would take 6 to 8 weeks to get a new one sent to me. "WOW" no vacuum for that long, I have wall to wall carpet with a persain cat. I also don't like the way the hepa filter is on the basket it sits right in the middle of where you collect the dirt and that collects most of the cat hair and dirt> I always had to use a air compressor to blow out the dirt every time I used It. Please anyone looking to buy this vacuum that doesn't have a air compressor and has wall to wall carpet better think again.

This vacuum is just not as powerful as it boasts to be. I always felt it was inferior, but getting a second opinion sealed it. I had my grand piano tuned, and the tuner asked to borrow the vacuum to clean out some dust. When I gave him this fantom to use, he told me "you have a pretty weak vacuum here". It couldn't even efficiently clean dust from a piano. the vacuum is only 6 months old, but I can't take it back, so I'm going to put an ad in the paper to get rid of it. Another thing is I find it difficult to store in a closet, and a pain to drag around. I'll be going back to an upright model, and I'm open to suggestions. :O)