Eureka 4870GZ Boss Smart-Vac Upright Vacuum
by Eureka
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List Price: Category: Home See more product details |
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Tools and Hardware Reviews of Eureka 4870GZ Boss Smart-Vac Upright Vacuum
Customer Review: Only thing it needs is better instructions!
Summary: 5 Stars
Like some other people here, my family was confused as to how to use the bare floor mode since we never really thought to push that switch quite that hard.
So I thought maybe the switch was broken when I flicked it to Bare floor then tested it on the bare floor...only to find that it hadn't done anything (since it hadn't locked in). The noise was pretty horrible from the brushes going nuts on the floor.
Luckily these other reviews have also let me figure out just how to use bare floor mode, so yay to Amazon reviews.
Some of the reviews complain that it's too heavy-the vacuum isn't too heavy, and if you truly think that it's too heavy it might be time to join a gym. However, the high speed spinning of the brushes and the suction do combine to make it SEEM like it's really heavy when you're going backwards on the vacuum since it's trying to claw itself forward.
However, if you read the manual (and I know I'm not the only person here who didn't really read the manual first) it actually does provide a solution to this problem-just drop back the carpet settings until it stops pulling itself quite as hard.
Personally though, I like the pulling feeling-it sounds silly but it's great to FEEL just how powerful this vacuum is, and know that the brushes are going nuts on the carpet cleaning every last bit.
The first time my mother tried to use the vacuum she left it on hose mode but tilted it back. Which apparently made the brush start spinning like it normally would but also made the machine divert the suction to the hose...the resulting mounds of dust that came out of the hallway carpet was literally frightening (my brother was shocked that he had been living with all that dust around). I heard the frightened screams of horror and ran over to find the selector on Hose mode, and once it went into floor mode the vacuum cleaned up the mess easily.
So, to summarize:
1) It's insanely powerful
2) It's not actually that heavy but the insane power makes it feel like it
3) The bare floor selector button needs to be pushed very hard (read the manual first too), so does the button to tilt the vacuum
4) This vacuum basically needs the manual to explain a little better how the bare floor selector button works, and maybe the explanation that you have to push hard on the buttons on this machine.
5) My only real complaint is that the tools don't quite store as nicely as on my old dirt devil (one of the brushes is already somewhat bent due to this-I think someone got confused while trying to store it), and the extra power brush doesn't have a storage place at all on the machine.
Still, you simply can't beat the value of this machine! And the HEPA filter works great as far as I can tell-the air doesn't have a nasty dusty smell anymore!
Customer Review: A vacuum that would make June Cleaver proud
Summary: 5 Stars
If you really want to get your house clean, get this vacuum! My carpets have never been cleaner, and I was amazed to find how well it works on my hard (vinyl) floors too. It's absolutely incredible. But still, my big *WOW* moment was the first time I switched over to use the hose attachments. My lord, the attachments will actually suck things up! The day I got it, I ran all over the house, joyfully vacuuming vents, blinds, corners, floor edges, & furniture like a woman possessed.
Pros:
1. Incredible all-around suction power for carpets, hard floors, & with attachments.
2. Intake path (the route the dirt/debris has to take to get from floor to bag)is well-designed; dirt/debris travels on a direct, straight route up through intake tube to bag. Trust me, this matters. My old vacuum's (smaller) intake hose required the dirt/debris to pass through several U-bends before entering the bagless bin, and it plugged up constantly.
Also, the intake tube is big enough that stuff doesn't get stuck. I've successfully vacuumed up pine needles from our Christmas tree, gum wrappers, bits of uncooked macaroni (yup, got kids). Watch out for gerbils, hamsters, & lizards.
3. Nice long cord.
4. Quiet for a vacuum.
5. Filtration actually seems to leave air cleaner.
6. Attachments are on board & easily accessible (except PowerPaw).
7. PowerPaw great for pet hair on furniture.
Cons:
1. As many people have mentioned, the handle release pedal is ridiculously hard to push down. I've found it helps to turn on the vacuum first before trying to push it. Wear shoes, preferable army boots.
2. The little lever used to switch between carpet (brush roller on) & hard floor (brush roller disengaged) settings is also a bear to work. If you push really hard, it *will* snap into place, but you need strong fingers. Must do this w/ vacuum on.
3. If you've been using the hose and then switch back to vacuuming the floor, BE SURE TO SET THE DIAL FROM "HOSE" BACK TO "FLOOR." If you don't, when you begin vacuuming the floor, after a few seconds dust will begin to spew out into the air in noticeable quantities. Reset the dial, and all is well.
4. Hose is a bit short.
5. (Very minor) Little clip on cord plug (used to hold plug in place during storage) is too small to clip onto cord.
The pros far outweigh the cons IMHO, because the vacuum is so effective at what it's supposed to do: clean. The cons are minor inconveniences that the company should be able to fix in future versions.
Customer Review: THE BEST ON THE MARKET RIGHT NOW!
Summary: 5 Stars
The suction on this vacuum is so powerful. It sucks up stuff my bagless dirt devil left behind. It is by far the best vacuum even better than more expensive models. I was prepared to spend 300 or 400 dollars on a dyson because I wanted the cleanest carpet possible but after a lot of research I determined that this was exactly what I wanted. It out performed the dysons and other more expensive brands in the consumer reports test. This vacuum uses a bag, but believe it or not that is a great thing. Bagged vacuums have much better emissions than do the bagless. Empyting the bagless vacuums is actually more of a hassle than changing a bag- granted you do have find and buy the bags. (Eureka makes this easier by putting a sticker with the bag and filter names on the handle of the vacuum) This vacuum is also pretty quiet! It is not hard to push at all- in fact it gets away from you if you don't hold it back!
I did a ton of consumer reports research and determined that their favorite two vacuums were indeed the best two. Theirtop choice was the Kenmore Progressive (I forgot the specific model #) which is no longer available and was about $250. Their second favorite was this Eureka 4870 model. Any of the versions that say 4870 fit the consumer reports criteria. The only thing the letters that come after the 4870 mean is that it will be a different color and in two cases the letters mean that you get the "power paw" stair brush attachment which is awesome. The 4870 GZ is one of the ones that has the power paw which has rotating brushes in it that turn up dirt for more effecient hose cleaning.
So I bought this one and couldn't be happier. I love it. I was looking for something with very strong suction and minimal release of dust etc. into the air. I used to think I wanted bagless until I read about how the bagged vacuums are the cleanest because dust doesn't get everywhere when you have to dump out the bagless canister. So I determined that a bagged vacuum is the way to go especially if you have babies and are concerned about them breathing in nastiness. My only complaints are that one of the attachments won't stay in place in it's holding spot on the back of the vacuum and that the long stick like attachment that lengthens the hose does fit on the hose but attachments don't fit on it.
Customer Review: Thanks Amazon reviewers!
Summary: 5 Stars
I went out today and bought "The Boss" based solely on the numerous positive reviews (almost 500) here on Amazon. I must say I agree 100% with all of my fellow reviewers---this vacuum is awesome! Did I mention that it's cheap too?
Considering that there's little to be said that hasn't already been said umpteen times in these sundry reviews, I'll keep mine brief. I will say though that "The Boss" restored my faith in Eureka. Let me explain. Around Christmas I bought Eureka's notorious "Altima" vacuum. It was horrible! Why, it couldn't pull a greasy string out of a whale's mouth. It could hardly even suck the ash from the end of a cigarette. It was terrible and I swore I'd never buy another Eureka. Well, that was then and this is now!
The Boss is awesome! It has the suction power of a Kansas tornado yet runs as quietly as a purring kitten. Speaking of kittens, this thing is wonderful on pet hair---especially when using the "Power Paw" attachment. The "Power Paw" on my old "Altima" was a worthless clod of plastic, but this very similar attachment on the Boss is superlative! It is an absolute must on steps as well as car seats---just you wait and see! The only gripe I have with it is that there is no practical storage for it on the vacuum itself. The Power Paw will, unfortunately, have to be stored separately.
As I've already mentioned, this thing operates very quietly. This does not mean that it's not doing its job though---far from it. My fairly new plush carpet looks BETTER than the day it was installed a few months ago. Most vacuums leave tracks on plush carpet and I suppose that's to be expected. Not with The Boss though! The Boss seemed to magically "fluff" my carpet as well as clean it. Don't ask me how---maybe it's supernatural or maybe it's just my imagination---but I am impressed with the fluffy feel of my plush carpet.
What more can I say really? This vacuum is a snap to assemble from the box, it's lightweight enough to easily carry with one hand, it cleans as well as a Dyson (in my humble opinion), a drooling idiot can figure out how to operate it in less than a minute, and it can be had for well under $200. To quote The Who, "I'd call that a bargain, the best I ever had!"
Customer Review: Awesome!!!! Pets, Children and Allergies
Summary: 5 Stars
This is the best vacuum I have ever owned. The 4870GZ model is the best vacuum for the price. I got it with two specials that were going on at Amazon for only $110. It is under $300 and very good with consumer reports.
This is a great vacuum for any price if you have pets, allergies or children. I have all three. Two children, two large dogs and allergies. I sucks up everything. My model had the power paw which I have come to love.
A vacuum with a bag is the only way to go for someone with allergies. I had a bagless vac, but couldn' empty it because I couldn't breath when exposed to all of the dust. I takes to long anyway to empty and clean. I like just throwing away the bag.
Amazon was really great. I originally got the wrong model. This is because the first one I received was a rebuilt older model, but in the box of the model I ordered. Just human error. Amazon had UPS pick it up at my door the next day and the day after that I received the correct one. Excellent on timing.
I have read reviews where people have reported it is too heavy. I am only 5 feet 2 inches and can carry it. It is a little heavier than other vacs but that is because it works so well. If you want a lighter vac it isn't going to clean as well. I don't really excersise but am use to picking up children. Older folks may have a probelm though.
Also I have read that people have had problems lowering the handle. It is important to know that the button you step on does not go back towards you. It goes to the left. So when you step on it, do not push down towards yourself (assuming you are standing behind it), push out to the left.
Another observation of mine has been that in order to change back and forth between bare floor and carpet you need to have the handle down. The switch is stiff, so don't be afraid to use a little pressure until it clicks into place.
One more thing. It feels like the vacuum is self propelled. I think this is because the roller goes so fast. You can't even tell from looking that it is moving. It just takes off when you start. It is harder to pull back. This just further proves how well it is cleaning.