Vacuum Cleaner Reviews - Hoover Vacuum Cleaners - U8351900

The Hoover WindTunnel 2 Extra Reach Bagless Upright U8351900 is a machine with a lot of extras, designed to reach areas not normally accessible to the operator. This Hoover vacuum includes Hoover's patented WindTunnel technology, a self-cleaning HEPA filter, and a an Extra Reach hose that allows for a whopping 12' reach. Other features include an on-board tool kit with a pet hair upholstery and stair tool that has its own rotating brush. The average price for this Hoover vacuum cleaner is around $250 dollars, making this a lower-priced model in the upright vacuum category.

While the Hoover WindTunnel 2 Extra Reach appears to be a great heavy duty vacuum built for a variety of cleaning environments, there are some issues that are concerning considering the price of this Hoover. For the money, this machine has some serious quality issues. A bagless upright with a bottom-release dirt cup, this Hoover vacuum cleaner is intended to make it easy for the operator to empty. Another feature intended to make it easier for the user is the HEPA filter. The HEPA filter is presented as self-cleaning, cleaning itself 10 times every minute, eliminating the need for the operator to ever have to replace the filter. The problem is that the HEPA filter becomes clogged so easily that it apparently overwhelms the mechanism in place to self-clean it. Also, the HEPA filter, which is situated above the dirt cup, dumps dust every time the dirt cup is emptied. This appears to be due to poor design.

Other issues with this particular Hoover vacuum cleaner include the fact that the Extra Reach hose clogs easily. What seems to be a great solution to cleaning areas that are hard to reach, the Extra Reach hose is actually too long to be efficient. Over just a short period of time, the bends of the hose catch debris to the point that suction is severely reduced. This means that the operator loses a lot of time just maintaining the air flow by having to declog the machine on a regular basis. This is not only time-consuming, but also very messy. As a result of the Extra Reach hose, this Hoover vacuum cleaner also has a harder time having good suction when the hose is extended. The 12' reach sounds great, but when suction is lost, it really defies its original purpose.

There are some nice extra features on the Hoover WindTunnel 2 Extra Reach Bagless Upright U8351900 like the bright headlight, 5 adjustments for floor height, and nifty pet tool, but for the money, these extras are all things that should be included in a vacuum cleaner. The 1 year warranty is a nice touch, but after 1 year, the concern is that this may become a maintenance nightmare. While vacuum cleaners under $150 have often been referred to as disposable, this one at around $250 may very well qualify for that category.

Hoover vacuum cleaners have a reputation for being quality machines with great warranties. While there is no disputing that fact, this particular Hoover model falls short of expectations. Some of the defects in design would be forgivable in a less expensive machine, but at a mid-level price, The Hoover WindTunnel 2 Extra Reach is a design nightmare. There are certainly better machines produced by other companies and definitely better ones produced by Hoover and while there are certainly some positives with this Hoover vacuum, there is still a lot left to be desired.

Great cleaning tips and vacuum cleaner information by Lee Harris can be found at http://www.vacuumcleanersworld.com. Lee Harris is an expert in the cleaning industry and can answer all your questions about hoover vacuum cleaners and how to save money on vacuum cleaners.