Let's Compare: Eureka Smart Vac & Hoover Windtunnel Supreme Bagged

[vacman117]

I've heard a lot of talk between these two, on which is better. I figured I'd list all the pros and cons and such:
The Eureka seems like it is more "plasticky", it creaks and seems like the plastic bends a lot. The Hoover seems more of a solid vacuum. The Eureka is much bigger and harder to maneuver, but the when cleaning under beds, etc, the base does not lift up when it is the vacuum is laying flat, unlike the eureka, so you can clean under beds easily. I really like the actual top-fill bag on the Eureka. It is much easier to remove and install a bag. I also like how it features an on/off brushroll. Which I CANNOT get to work. The Eureka also has an awesome brushroll. It is considerably large, and has stiff bristles.
Now the Hoover: It seems like the Hoover has so much more suction. It also has a bigger hose, which makes it a lot easier in my opinion. The Eureka's hose end is very small, making the suction feeling very minimal. The Hoover also has the Dirt Finder, which I like a lot, I am aware that they did make a SmartVac with "Dirt Alert", but I have never seen one. The Hoover seems so much lighter, where the Eureka is very heavy. I also see a lot of Smart Vacs in for repair at Vac shops. I do not see very many Hoover W/T Supremes. And whenever I see them anywhere, Vac Shops and homes, the handle release is almost always broken. The whole plastic mechanism is either broken off or just not working.
All in out, I think the Hoover is a better cleaner, and a better buy. I am just curious on what everyone else thinks.
~Chase

 

[eurekastar]

I once owned a Eureka Smart Vac. The hose on it was prone to clogging with dog hair. It does have a very good brush roll but the little switch that's supposed to turn off the brush roll never seemed to work. My biggest problem with TTI Hoovers is the motor smell. I've owned two WindTunnels of different iterations and they both emitted a faint electrical smell that never went away. Yet the suction is powerful through the hose!

 

[vacman117]

Well, the actual Hoover Company made the Windtunnel Supremes as well. I have one or two actual Hoovers and one TTI W/T

 

[vacuumfreeeke]

I think the Hoover is better at cleaning and grooming because it has a more aggressive brushroll. The pre-TTI ones did anyway, it was contoured and the bristles angled.... I think the new ones just use a standard round brushroll which is similar to the Eureka. The one I looked at in Bed, Bath, and Beyond was like that anyway. I also like that the switch is right in the handle where it's easier to get to, and that the hose can be activated by just picking it up, unlike the Eureka that requires the use of a dial.

There are many things not to like about the Eureka... the switch isn't right on the handle, dial to change from hose to floor, as you mentioned small diameter hose, hose and and tools fall off all the time, headlight is off to one side so it looks weird, brushroll not as aggressive as on Hoover, bare floor switch at a bad place and hard to manipulate... BUT, all that said, I still love them. Hoovers are loud in comparison... the Eurekas are much quieter, and the handle seems more contoured and easier to use, and at least it has the option to turn the brushroll off.... I think it looks really nice too... the Hoover being more plain in comparison, not many curves or contours. I'd prefer the Eureka over a basic Windtunnel, but a Self-propelled Windtunnel over either.

Maybe the belts on yours need to be replaced before the bare floor switch will work right. Are you trying flip it with the handle upright and the machine off?

 

[scvacuumguy]

Eureka crap

Most of the bulky, eye-catching Eureka vacuums are horrible. The only decent thing Eureka has ever and will ever put out is the basic design that they have used for years on machines like "The Boss."

 

[vacman117]

I finally got it into bare floor mode this after noon. I didn't know you had to use A LOT of force to make it work. I didn't want to break it. It couldn't be the belt, I just replaced it a week ago..
Chase

 

[powertank]

Actually, while I would vote for the Hoover, the Eureka's suction diverter dial is a better system. Hoover plasticrap vacuums leak all over the place because of their hose design. The Eureka, while with a littler hose, uses a more sealed and direct path for the air to flow.

I've got to say, I've always been impressed with the amount of air the windtunnels move. It's really great for an upright.

 

[gusherb]

I like the Eureka and the Windtunnel the same personally. But they both are better at certain points.
The Eureka is much less clog prone, is MUCH quieter and easier to tolerate soundwise, the bag is VERY easy to change, it has a decent Hepa filter design, and it's not as cheap feeling as a S/P Windtunnel. To me they both clean pretty good.
I personally don't have any trouble with the foot pedal or the brushroll on/off switch.

 

[vacman117]

I beg to differ on the cheap feeling. Every Smart Vac I have used and tried, the handle is wobbly and creaks A LOT. I am not saying S/P Windtunnels don't do this, but the Eurekas do just as much.

 

[scvacuumguy]

The Eureka is much more clog-prone than Hoover. Especially on their cheaper "Pet" uprights, etc. I'd say for every 1 Hoover that comes in, 4 Eurekas come in. The other main issue with Eureka is that they do not have the housings sufficiently secured to each other. The design using both the upper and lower housings to hold the brushroll is flimsy and the angle of the belt causes many housings to break or melt out.

 

[gusherb]

huh

It sounds like my own Smart Vac must be a "lucky" one, I've had no complaints about it's structural rigidity besides the fact that it creeks, but nothing wobbles and mine feels very solid. I've never used a Smart Vac besides my own, so I can only speak for mine.

 

[eurekaprince]

Hey Jonathan

Love your YouTube clip of the SmartVac!

EP Brian

 

[queeny77]

eureka smart vac cons
slim belt
agitator switch


hoover windtunnel cons
main power switch breaks easy
filteration poor