Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

This vacuum cleaner has tremendous suction power, so strong it visibly pulls in particles from several inches in front of the nozzle. It lifted substantial amounts of dust and debris from some of our carpets that had just been vacuumed with a more conventional cleaner. This cleaner should be especially desirable for persons with asthma and/or allergies. Its HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air Absorbing) filtration system is claimed to remove at least 99.97% of particles whose diameter is 0.3 microns or more--e.g., pollen, dirt, dust, etc., as well as bacteria and viruses. (Human hair is comparatively fat, with diameters ranging from 50-150 microns.) It may even capture the COVID 19 virus (with diameters from 0.02-0.3 microns), the captured viruses would presumably be embedded in the filters, where they could survive for only a limited number of days. The top handle is very convenient for maneuvering the cleaner around furniture, etc. On the top of the cylindrical dust receptacle (which the manufacturer has chosen to call a “dust cup”) is a carrying handle. But it may be prudent to avoid using this, because lifting the cleaner by this handle places its full weight on the plastic latch that holds the dust cup in place. The on-off switch has three positions: (1) off, (2) vacuum on without activating the brushroll, and (3) vacuum on with brushroll activated. A headlight illuminates the area about to be vacuumed, but only when the brushroll is activated. A brushroll status indicator provides a warning when the brushroll needs attention. There is a control to reduce the suction when cleaning curtains or other delicate items. The powerful vacuum pulls air, dust, and debris through a long flexible hose (which can be attached either to the floor level nozzle or to one of several special attachments), past a pre-filter, and successively through a foam filter, a felt filter, and a special HEPA filter. Potential buyers should be aware that this cleaner requires more mechanical aptitude and diligence than traditional cleaners. If you are accustomed to simply turning a cleaner on and off, vacuuming, and occasionally replacing a dust bag, be prepared for major changes with this (and similar) vacuum cleaners. The manufacturer anticipates that the brushroll should be cleaned after every 7-10 uses. This cleaner has no dust bag—instead, there is a large cylinder. This is to be emptied after every use. The pre-filter, foam filter, and felt filter are to be cleaned every three months (or more often if the vacuum power seems weak) with water only, and dried for 24 hours. The HEPA filter should be cleaned with cold water once a year. Eventually, it will probably be necessary to replace the filters, except for the pre-filter. To compensate for the resistance created by the multiple filters, this cleaner employs two motors, making it rather heavier than traditional cleaners. The accompanying manual provides clear instructions (in English and Spanish) on all the maintenance procedures.