An OK Vacuum Cleaner
SEP
20
2008
Dirt Devil Featherlite M085530 —
Review for the "Dirt Devil Featherlite, Model M085570".I wish that I could have tried this vacuum before purchasing it.
The vacuum claims to be "featherlite" but is rather difficult to push, especially on thicker carpeting. I have large area rugs that aren't very thick, but still it seems like I have to really push to get it to move.
It says that it takes type "U" bags, but when I buy the generic, non-Dirt Devil brand type "U" bags, they don't fit correctly and are too loose. In addition to them being too loose, it is difficult to change the bags on this vacuum, as you have to push the new bag onto a hard plastic area, (which is really just a short circular area, with a slightly longer top ledge), and there is no way to get any leverage to make sure that the bag is secure, even if you get the Dirt Devil brand.
One of the advertized "benefits" of this machine is the "Automatic Height Adjust", which is supposed to raise or lower the vacuum according to your carpet type. I have not seen this actually occur. Ever. I tried this on several different types of carpet, even on hardwood and linoleum, and it seems to make no difference. It seems to pick up dirt based on the dirt type, rather than the carpet type.
I have two cats, and this machine does pick up the cat hair- after treating my carpet with special cat-hair remover and going over it twice. It doesn't seem to be a suction problem, more of a brush problem. To be fair, my current carpet is very dense, so perhaps this makes the hair stick better. I'm not sure.
This model also has a very bright light, which supposedly is to enable you to see the dirt that you need to vacuum up. This light doesn't actually enable you to see anything, as the placement of the light is in the front of the vacuum only when it is in the full upright, locked position. When you release the lock to actually use the vacuum, the light is conveniently shining directly upwards, into your unsuspecting and soon-to-be unseeing eyes. Mine is now covered with tape so that I can use it without being blinded.
Another design flaw is the large, super-sensitive power button, which is really more like a foot-pedal, and placed strategically next to the power cord, so that if you are not paying close attention, the powercord grazes the Power-Pedal and turns it off when you least expect it. This happened to me 3 times before I realized that it was NOT an excessive amount of power being used that was tripping my circuit breaker. Yes, I reset the entire breaker because of that stupid cord. Three times.
On the plus side, this machine does come with all the standard attachments, which work well. To date, I have had no issues with the hose or any of the attachments. I do like that the bottom of the hose actually twists/locks into place, so there is no chance of it coming loose and making me reattach it.
In addition, I have so far not had to replace the belt at all. It still works like it did when I got it. It could be better, but then again, I could have to deal with a broom instead.
I can't say that I would recommend this vacuum. Spend a little bit more and get your money's worth!
Dirt Devil Featherlite M085530 is not recommended by Tripzlyn
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