Here is an Interesting Vacuum
It is my Hoover Elite Cyclonic. I think this was one of hoover's first serious attempts at a multi-cyclonic vacuum that ACTUALLY separates dust effectively. I wanted a canister for versatility. This was before I had a ton of vacuums to choose from. I bought it from target for $215 in September 2010. I can't say that $215 was the best value for this, but I think the price of them now (about $130) is very fair. I think that these have been discontinued, the only ones left being warehouse specials. I have heard that these have had problems, but the only thing I have ever had to replace is the HEPA filter. I remember seeing these around christmas time 2008 at sears, which had them for $249.99. What is interesting about this vacuum, as though it appears to be only dual-cyclonic, it is in fact multi-cyclonic. The cyclones are positioned sideways facing the inner 2 cyclones, as oppose to up, in dyson's cyclones. You do not see these cyclones, unless you take the assembly apart. It does a GOOD job of filtering dust. I do not have to wash the pre motor filters until after about 7-8 uses. The filters are THICK, so I would guess that the motor has seen very little fine dust, also considering that it has only seen about 20 hours of use. I used it for my main vacuum, for about 6 months. As I got more vacuums, I used it less and less. I only use it 1-2 times a month now. For what it is, it is a good machine. Basically, it is comparable to a Fantom Lightning. OK suction, excellent performance on low pile carpet, very good filtration (the Hoover has much better pre-motor filtration, and it is multi-cyclonic) Basically, I see it as an improved Fantom Lightning. My only worry now is that parts are starting to get hard to find for it. Here is a recent pic of it. I still have the box and manual (I don't know where the manual is though) It also came with a decent floor brush. Here is a brief overview:
Pros:
-good value considering price
- good filtration w/ effective multi cyclonic efficiency
- decent suction
- motor well protected from dust
- good for low-medium carpet
- good for floors
- adjustable wand
- long life belt
-easy to access tools
Cons:
-plastic is still fairly cheap
-motor runs fairly hot
- dust container small
- attachments are small and flimsy (older hoover upright tools do fit this)
- not the best for very thick carpeting
- narrow, non-crush-proof hose will be hard to un-clog
- blue exterior easily shows wear and scratches
- fairly heavy
-impossible to fully clean cyclone chamber (the top portion does not come off)
T
he bottom line: It is a good vacuum is you want a bagless canister. It is best for if you have a mix of floors and low pile carpets. The tools are pathetic and are not meant for heavy above-floor cleaning. Make sure to clean the filter after at least every 8 uses, for dirtier jobs, after every 3 uses. Replace the HEPA filter every 1 1/2 years. Be sure to take care of it, don't abuse it. The vacuum is fairly cheap, and parts will break if it isn't taken care of. This vacuum is best for people who only have to vacuum a couple of times a week, and don't have heavily-soiled carpets.
Does anybody know the facts behind the development of this Hoover?
