would you do it? Should I? help me decide!


Forum Topics & Rules Manuals & Literature	New users Click-here to sign-up

Thread Number: 9276
would you do it? Should I? help me decide!

[Down to Last]

Post# 101948 6/27/2010 at 10:09 (5,048 days old) by vacuumfreeeke ()
Checkrate/Likes Hey guys there's a vacuum I want, but I don't know if I should get it or not. It's the Eureka Boss Smart Vac. There's been a bit of talk about them here lately, and I've always liked them ever since I sold them at Sears back in 02. I have the money, but the thing is that I am pretty frugal when it comes to things that are wants instead of needs. Plus, I'm getting to the point where (not getting to, I'm at the point) I need to get rid of a vacuum if I get a new one. If I get this one, the vacuum I will get rid of is the Sanitaire SC887. It's the chromed dirt cup model. It leaks dust when I use it and is a mess to empty, plus I have so many other F and G type Eurekas it just doesn't make sense to hang on to anything that doesn't bring me joy. Plus, I have some "found" money.... My mom died a couple weeks ago and I went to the memorial yesterday after not having spoken to the entire family for 7 years (gay versus religion issue). I was going to give my uncle some money for the preacher and for the cremation because everyone was chipping in to help pay for it, and he wouldn't take it... he said that was my mom and that I shouldn't need to contribute. So, I have 100 dollars that I was going to give away that is mine again.... found money! Not only do I like this vacuum, but I would enjoy having another machine with on board tools. I'm going to wear my Windtunnel and Dyson out if I don't get them a little "brother" to share the work load! I see them on Craig's List every now and then, but they are often missing attachments or scratched up or smell like dogs (all issues for me!). Wal-mart has this vacuum now for 125... I could try to wait for a "deal" on one, but when I want something, I want it now! It's kind of a big deal because I never buy a new vacuum.... the only thing new I got was my Hoover Steam Vac, and I guess the Windtunnel if you count a big lots refurb as new. I want to make a video comparing it to my Windtunnel and see which one does better (I'm thinking the Hoover will blow the Eureka out of the water). Just think, if I buy this guy new, I will be spending more on it than I did on my 60 dollar Sentria! I have a vacuum friend who told me that these machines are mechanically problematic and that I shouldn't eve want one... but alas I do. That makes me think that a new one is the way to go since I don't know how the old one would have been taken care of by the previous owner. Anyway, what do you guys think? Should I go for it? Thanks!

Post# 101962 , Reply# 1 6/27/2010 at 12:52 (5,048 days old) by bagintheback (Flagstaff, Arizona)
Checkrate/Likes I know some one with a Eureka Boss Smart Vac. It's been going for I think 5 years now. It gets clogged easily but it's a really great vacuum! It's VERY quiet and grooms the carpet beautifully. I also like the true top fill bag. But I'm not sure I would spend that much money on it. It's a great vacuum, but I would save up for something better.

Post# 101970 , Reply# 2 6/27/2010 at 13:43 (5,048 days old) by fairfax88 (Orlando, FL)
Checkrate/Likes *Smartvac...* Bobby, if you really have to have it,I wouldn't spend more than $25-30 on it...I told you that they have problems but,its up too you.Maby you can find a good one depending on how well it was cared for.

Post# 101993 , Reply# 3 6/27/2010 at 18:26 (5,048 days old) by riccarlover ()
Checkrate/Likes *Save your money...* Something else will come down the road and you won't have money. Just a thought! Clayton :)

Post# 102012 , Reply# 4 6/27/2010 at 23:35 (5,048 days old) by vacman117 (Chicago, IL)
Checkrate/Likes Yeah I agree with Clayton. I mean, for like 50 more dollars, you can get a nice Riccar!

Post# 102014 , Reply# 5 6/28/2010 at 01:00 (5,048 days old) by kenmore81 (Warwick, RI)
Checkrate/Likes Hey Bobby, Sorry to hear about your mom, if you got along or not she was still your mom. Anyway, I say if its somethng you really want treat yourself,its not like you buy a New one often, sometimes Big Lots has them for 99.00 lol. But I don't think a used one would be a bad thing if it looks to be in good shape and it don't smell like a wet doggie ;) So my thoughts are if there is something you really need go used,if not the hell with it,its only a hundred bucks.( Not that I have a hundred to blow theese days) But if I see something I want I usualy get it.

Post# 102016 , Reply# 6 6/28/2010 at 01:56 (5,048 days old) by gusherb (Chicagoland)
Checkrate/Likes *If you want it, Don't hesitate!* Yes the Smart Vac has a few design flaws such as the tough foot pedal and the flimsy-ish brushroll switch, but if treated with care those things won't give you any issue. I don't know what you'd have to vacuum up to make one clog - it has a huge air channel that goes through a rather non-restrictive diverter, allowing more airflow to the brush head then a Windtunnel and quieter operation too. I've vacuumed up full paper towels with mine before and had no clogs at all. As with any plasti-vac of that price range they all have some kind of notable flaws. CLICK HERE TO GO TO gusherb's LINK

Post# 102027 , Reply# 7 6/28/2010 at 07:48 (5,047 days old) by thermokid (Casper, Wyoming)
Checkrate/Likes *Eureka Boss Smart Vac!! Oh Yeah!* Sorry to hear about your mom, my heart goes out to you, My little mother died in January and I went through the same thing you are going through with your family. Anyway as far as the Eureka goes I say go ahead treat yourself and get it. I have three of these machines in different colors, and I have never had any trouble with them at all. I do however like my Hoover windtunnels too but these Eurekas are quieter and they pick up as well as a windtunnel.So I say if it makes you happy to get that Eureka!!! Go for it.... Dan

Post# 102028 , Reply# 8 6/28/2010 at 08:39 (5,047 days old) by vacuumfreeeke ()
Checkrate/Likes Thanks guys.... those were my thoughts too.... ALL OF THEM.... don't waste the money... and if it will bring me joy, get it because I do have the extra money! I have some decisions to make. Kenny, I still have your Singer.... I'm waiting on David to get his tail feathers over here to help me take it apart so I can pack it! I wasn't close to my mom because she was an alcoholic and I was taken from her when I was six... but I did get to see her in the hospital one time before she died. She was requesting me and the family found me on Facebook.

Post# 102072 , Reply# 9 6/28/2010 at 23:35 (5,047 days old) by kenmore81 (Warwick, RI)
Checkrate/Likes I usually have mixed thoughts too, but the impulsive side usually wins lol

Post# 102075 , Reply# 10 6/28/2010 at 23:48 (5,047 days old) by vacuumfreeeke ()
Checkrate/Likes Ok, I went for it. Let me start of by saying it was a really bad day. I went to spend the day with my friend Larry and his aunt. We were going to eat out and go to some thrift stores... pretty much the same thing we always do. Well, thrift stores are all closed on Monday apparently (except Salvation Army and Goodwill, and all they have is overpriced junk... they did have a brown Self Propelled Dialamatic for 10 bucks, but I have an orange one already... I'd have gotten that sucker if I didn't already have one.... they also had a Eureka Aero canister that looked to be from late 80s or early 90s for 20 bucks with power nozzle but it was missing attachments and attachment cover). After eating at the chinese buffet for lunch and being disappointed that no thrift stores were open, I had an allergic reaction to something I ate and the pressure on my chest was just unbearable. It's happened before (when I eat bananas, canadian bacon, scallops (hives with scallops) or salmon), but I didn't have any of those things, so I don't know what it was, but I was in AGONY. After it passed, I got such a sinus headache (I'd been stuffy from allergies) I could barely stand, and again I wanted to cry! I took a nap at my friend's aunt's house and then just had to do something to make me feel better. He wanted to clean her great room anyway, and I thought what better to clean it with than a new vacuum.... it would give us a chance to put the machine through its paces. We went to Wal-mart, but theirs didn't have the power paw.... I've never liked turbine tools anyway, but the one that came with my WindTunnel is awesome for getting pet hair off the furniture, so I wanted it. Went to Home Depot, but their selection of vacuums was dismal... they used to have a lot, and the don't anymore. So, went to Lowes, and spent a lot more than I wanted to, but I got the exact machine I wanted with all accessories.... and I was depressed and hurting, but as soon as I got that vacuum in my hand and took it out of the box, all the pain magically went away (trust me, it was the vacuum, the Sudafed had nothing to do with it LOL). It's a beautiful purple color! Plus, I have 90 days to return it if I get buyer's remorse (I shouldn't though, I should enjoy my money every now and then, I work hard for it and shouldn't feel like I need to save EVERYTHING I make, plus since vacuums are my only passion (unless you count food LOL) it's OK to spend a few dollars on them.... I wonder how much money "real" men spend on cars and tools and sporting stuff sometimes!!!). When I turned that sucker on, it practically flew out my hands and across the room! The sound is a nice pleasant throaty sound, and the air flow is clearly heard in floor or attachment mode. We used the power paw, upholstery tool, and dusting brush, not to mention the upright part for all the carpet. It did a great job! Larry even accidentally sucked up a piece of glass fruit (a pepper or mushroom or something) when he was dusting and it didn't hurt the machine at all. This machine was just like the ones I used to sell at Sears save the color and the power paw feature. When we were done, we cut open the bag (I bought extras) to get out the glass fruit and you should have seen all the mess in that thing after just doing one room.... that had just been vacuumed with an Electrolux Discovery mind you. It was crazy! There are a few things I don't like about it and I will list them below: (I knew most of these things already due to my experience with these vacs at Sears, but the good far out weighs the bad) Handle hard to release from and return to upright position Hose doesn't stay securely attached to the clips cord wrap area crowded power paw not powerful, it's effective, but the WindTunnel's blows this one out of the water, also my power paw didn't come with Riser Visor and I'd have liked that for the backs of couches and things bag door won't close w/o a bag bag hard/weird to install, bit of a learning curve needed light off to one side and points at the ceiling instead of the floor... it looks cool, but not effective very heavy nested extension wands weird to figure out power switch too low on machine body to reach easily.... no bag check indicator, not that they work most of the time anyway! manual poorly written, lacks details, and is too short What I love: It's a powerful machine with a great sound and looks awesome, I love the contours, and especially the color. Dusting brush and upholstery tool seem better quality than those included with most modern vacuums brush shuts off when in upright position handle very comfortable rubber coated wheels hose does NOT fight you like and Windtunnel hose, and it's anchored at the bottom so that the machine follows instead of falls... more like a Dyson instead of a WindTunnel cord clip is high on handle and secure.... I use a cord clip on every vacuum that has it and it really helps SEALED hepa filter, rubber gasket to seal the air flow, unlike the Hoover which just has the filter sitting there with no seal at all belt view and brushroll view windows Includes an extra belt, almost NO modern vacuum does that, though they all used to By the way, what did they make that belt out of anyway? Nylon? I guess so it won't snap when the bare floor feature is activated? I think this one uses a tensioner for the bare floor function. If I had a choice between this and the S/P WindTunnel, I'd go for Hoover hands down. It's more powerful, easier to use (bare floor selector is easy, bag change is intuitive, power switch is on handle, wands are both the same), has the bag check and dirt finder indicators... and just a better overall more quality feel. However, I am glad that as collectors, we can have as many vacuums as we can fit in our homes and don't have to chose between one or the other! I may post pics, or a video comparing it with the WindTunnel in a friendly cleaning competition. Winner gets a new HEPA filter for a prize LOL Thanks guys :o)

Post# 102081 , Reply# 11 6/29/2010 at 00:35 (5,047 days old) by kenmore81 (Warwick, RI)
Checkrate/Likes Nice going now I want one again lol. I have't carpets at the moment and the little carpeting upstairs is ready to go,so it would be worth it till I get the new carpet installed.

Post# 102082 , Reply# 12 6/29/2010 at 00:37 (5,047 days old) by rexaird ()
Checkrate/Likes It's a kevlar belt with a rubber coating, the idea was to try and make it last longer, but they seem to need changing just as often as any regular belt.

Post# 102085 , Reply# 13 6/29/2010 at 02:51 (5,047 days old) by gusherb (Chicagoland)
Checkrate/Likes My thoughts are exactly as yours about the vacuum. With many vacuums it's a matter of whether the good outweighs the bad or not, in my case it certainly does outweigh the bad with the Smart Vac. The Windtunnel and this Smart Vac have enough minor dissimilarities that I like them both equally, but not for the same qualities, they each do better at one minor thing over the other. One day I'll also have the Windtunnel in my possession. btw yes the Smart Vac does use a tensioner for the brushroll control.

Post# 102115 , Reply# 14 6/29/2010 at 13:12 (5,046 days old) by riccarlover ()
Checkrate/Likes The purple on that Eureka is to die for!!! Congrats!!! Clayton :)

Post# 102116 , Reply# 15 6/29/2010 at 13:15 (5,046 days old) by riccarlover ()
Checkrate/Likes *Could have saved a few bucks though...* ;) CLICK HERE TO GO TO riccarlover's LINK on eBay

Post# 102127 , Reply# 16 6/29/2010 at 20:58 (5,046 days old) by vacuumfreeeke ()
Checkrate/Likes Thanks guys. I noticed another thing I like better about the Hoover. The turbo tool is easier to clean... just two buttons to open it... the Eureka requires a screwdriver. What a heavy and large machine, but so pretty... that purple really is beautiful. Like all new vacuums it's still plugged in because I'm still using it and it's parked in front of the couch so I can look at it... after the novelty wears off, I'll find a place for it in the collection line up. Clayton, I looked on eBay first. I was watching a red one, but the last day the price spiraled out of control and I thought that with the shipping charges it would have been the same if I got a new one.... plus I'd get the instant gratification of having immediately and easy hassle free returns if buyer's remorse set in. Plus, my last experience with the ruined Hoover Z 400 has put me off from wanting to buy vacs on eBay.... can't trust sellers to ship things properly.

Post# 102169 , Reply# 17 6/30/2010 at 12:01 (5,045 days old) by eurekaprince (Montreal, Canada)
Checkrate/Likes *Some other positive things about the SmartVac* I really like the fact that the SmartVac comes with three separate normal-sized attachments. These attachments are the exact same tools Eureka sold with their World Vac canisters and with their Mighty Mite II's. The upholstery nozzle is quite effective if you have a suction valve on the hose (does the SmartVac provide a suction valve on the hose?). The best tool is the little standard Eureka World Vac dusting brush - there is a nice little pocket to securely store the tool on the upright, and if you want to upgrade, you can buy a really soft horsehair version of the brush that is the same size and will store in the same pocket. I actually like the tool/carpet dial on the top of the machine which diverts suction to a more direct route for carpet cleaning. I really wish some company would come up with a set of deluxe attachments which would include a nice long 8 foot, non-extendable, normal, non-springy hose that could attach to all these powerful 12-amp uprights. I don't care if these full-sized deluxe tools are not on-board - the maker of the kit could provide a nice plastic tool box or tool holder to go with the set like in days gone by. So many of these powerful, bag-first, 12-amp uprights have decent suction through the hose, but the tool set and hose provided are impossible to use. In the old days, Panasonic offered a nice long normal hose that you could insert into the port at the back of the machine for tool use.....I know Riccar offers a stair-kit for their uprights, but the suction through the hose is really weak. It would be great if you could marry a nice long Riccar stair hose to a Eureka SmartVac upright or a Hoover Tempo/WindTunnel Upright or a new Panasonic/Kenmore Intuition. The optional Hoover Extra Reach hose is useless as you are forced to fight with the hose as you clean.

Post# 102348 , Reply# 18 7/2/2010 at 11:33 (5,043 days old) by jfalberti (Visalia, CA)
Checkrate/Likes *I think you made a good choice* I recently came across a Eureka Altima at the Sally Anne for cheap, and picked it up. After a good cleaning, and filter replacement, it works great. Your new machine is very similar to the one I got, and I'm really happy with it. I was lucky enough that it has all of it's attachments, as well as the Power Paw with the Riser Visor. Hope you have as much fun with your new toy as I'm having with mine. This picture is not of mine, but is exactly like it.

Post# 102358 , Reply# 19 7/2/2010 at 15:11 (5,043 days old) by vacuumfreeeke ()
Checkrate/Likes Wow, I don't think the Smart Vac aned Boss are ANYTHING alike! I guess it's a matter of perception. But I'm happy you got a new toy too. Does it have the paper pleated filter in the dirt chamber, or is it cyclonic?

Post# 102359 , Reply# 20 7/2/2010 at 15:22 (5,043 days old) by vacuumfreeeke ()
Checkrate/Likes I meant I don't think the smart vac and altima are anything alike!

Post# 102362 , Reply# 21 7/2/2010 at 16:33 (5,043 days old) by jfalberti (Visalia, CA)
Checkrate/Likes *It has three filters* One hepa filter on the exhaust, and two at the dirt cup. The ones at the cup are not the pleated paper cylanders. Hope you like your new toy too. It's fun with new vacs, then the novelty wears off and they go stand in line when something new comes along.

Post# 419682 , Reply# 22 2/8/2020 at 06:56 (1,535 days old) by Rdwdcp (UK)
Checkrate/Likes In the UK we have the Electrolux Velocity

Post# 419703 , Reply# 23 2/8/2020 at 16:51 (1,535 days old) by sanitairewill (Hampstead maryland)
Checkrate/Likes *How much do you want for the Sanitaire SC887?* I'm a huge Sanitaire guy and need an SC887 to go with all my 886s, and my 888

Post# 419799 , Reply# 24 2/10/2020 at 13:42 (1,533 days old) by Rdwdcp (UK)
Checkrate/Likes *Electrolux Velocity* View Full Size

Forum Index:

Other Forums:

Comes to the Rescue!

Woops, Time to Check the Bag!!!
Either you need to change your vacuum bag or you forgot to LOG-IN?
Discuss-O-MAT Log-In

New Members Click Here To Sign Up.

automaticwasher.org home
Discuss-o-Mat Forums
Vintage Brochures, Service and Owners Manuals
Fun Vintage Washer Ephemera
See It Wash!
Video Downloads
Audio Downloads
Picture of the Day
Patent of the Day
Photos of our Collections
The Old Aberdeen Farm
Vintage Service Manuals Vintage washer/dryer/dishwasher to sell?
Technical/service questions?
Looking for Parts?
Website related questions?
Digital Millennium Copyright Act Policy
Our Privacy Policy