The Riccar Supralite RSL3 was not as highly rated as the Hoo
Consumer Reports. The primary reasons are that it is noisier than the Hoover, is not as easy to handle, and it does not deep clean carpets as well. BUT - it's emissions are a bit cleaner than the Hoover. It is also about 50 bucks cheaper than the Hoover, but as Vacuumfreeke says, you also get a mini canister with the Hoover for the $400 price.