Eureka Vacuum - Bagless Upright Vacuum - 2996AVZ Review

Vacuum Commentary:

My initial reasons for purchasing this Eureka model instead of other Eureka styles and other brand names came down to a few important factors. First, I liked that it was bagless. There were other bagless models also, but I also liked the self- cleaning duster because it was something that wasn't offered on any of the other vacuums in the store. It sounded like a good addition to the vacuum cleaning process, so I decided that Eureka would become my newest appliance.

The first place I tested this vacuum was in the Master Bedroom and initial impression of this vacuum wasn't very good. I didn't pick up the debris on the carpet the way a vacuum should and I found I had to roll the vacuum back and forth over the same area multiple times to get the job done. I might have been having a bad day, because I did notice some improvement in carpet vacuuming the next few times I used it. I still don't consider it anything exceptional in this area, but it rates well enough to give it an average grade in this area. The same cannot be said, however, on bare floors. My new house has lots of hardwood and tile floors and, according to the manufacturer, this vacuum is supposed to be tailor made for vacuuming these smooth surfaces. Well, I am here to tell you the manufacturer is stretching the truth with this claim. The performance on bare floors is poor- so poor, in fact, that I often have to pull out a broom when finished to complete the job. The brush on Eureka 2996AVZ just doesn't seem to get close enough to the floor to pick up the mess and the suction isn't very strong.

The next feature I was anxious to try was the self- cleaning duster. Anything that claims to be self- cleaning is a welcome addition to my household, considering my limited amount of spare time. I had high hopes for this feature but, once again, the manufacturer's claims were a little exaggerated. It doesn't "attract dust like a magnet" like Eureka claims. It actually pushes dust around, with only a small amount clinging to the brush. The telescopic handle is nice and I like the fact that I can store the brush right there, in a special slot on the side of the vacuum. But the performance is less than satisfactory. About the only area that rates highly is the bagless technology. The bagless feature on this vacuum cleaner works pretty well and it's very easy to empty. It is located in the front of the vacuum and it is a matter of simply sliding a plastic bar to one side to release the plastic cup. The cup is emptied and then replaced. Sliding the cup back to the right side, it is locked in place and ready to use again. It works very well, but you need to be careful not to let it overfill. It needs to be emptied after each use to avoid spilling the dust.

This buying experience has really taught me a lesson about impulse shopping. Had I bothered to check the internet, I never would have purchased this or most any other Eureka bagless vacuum because, according to multiple sources, this vacuum rates consistently low. Based on appearance, this vacuum seemed to have a lot going for it. The bagless technology, the special filtering process, the self- cleaning duster, and other extras made this vacuum seem better than the competition. But all of these so- called "extras" turned out to be window dressing for an inferior product.

Bottom Line Viewpoint:

Overall, Eureka 2996AVZ isn't the best vacuum cleaner I have ever owned and it doesn't offer enough quality cleaning or special features to recommend. I will likely keep it around, using it mainly in the upper level of my house where all of the rooms are carpeted. The bagless feature is nice but the inadequate suction and below average cleaning ability on bare floors make this a vacuum to avoid.