|
Buyers are cautious these days and who can blame them. News of the economy changes daily and it is hard to know what direction things will move in the near future. As a result, more consumers are looking for bargains than ever before. This is also very much the case when it comes to buying a vacuum cleaner.
You can get a good vacuum for $200, $300, $400 or more but is it possible to get a good machine for less than $100? The short answer is “Yes” but you have to look carefully and do your research. To help we’ve put together a list of the best vacuums for under $100 and it includes models by Hoover, Dirt Devil, Eureka and Electrolux. The list contains 2 uprights, 3 canister vacuums and 1 stick vac. The models were chosen based on their features, performance, consumer ratings and low cost.
| Model |
Configuration |
Price* |
Warranty |
| Hoover U514900 Tempo Widepath |
Upright |
$74.54 |
1 year |
| Dirt Devil Dynamite Plus (M084650) |
Upright |
$54.99 |
1 year |
| Eureka 3684F Pet Lover |
Canister |
$99.97 |
1 year |
| Eureka 3670G Mighty Mite |
Canister |
$61.50 |
1 year |
| Electrolux SC3683A |
Canister |
$98.98 |
2 years** |
| Hoover Corded Cyclonic Stick Vac |
Stick |
$89.99 |
2 years |
*Prices based on Amazon July 2011. Please note that pricing may change.
**Most retail sites quote a 1 year warranty for the SC3683A but the manufacturer’s site indicates 2 years (check it here). You may wish to confirm with the retailer prior to a purchase.
Hoover U5140900 Tempo Widepath
There are literally thousands of consumer comments and ratings for this vacuum. From Amazon to Best Buy to Walmart this unit gets good ratings from buyers. It is powered by a 12 amp motor, has HEPA filtration, a headlight and a number of on-board tools (extension wands, crevice tool, upholstery tool, dusting brush). A review of consumer comments provides the following owner insights:
PROS
- Powerful suction
- Height adjustment allows easy transition from hard surfaces to carpet
- Comes with lots of tools/attachments
- Very inexpensive
- Fairly maneuverable
CONS
- Noisy
- Power cord is little short
- Hose is short
- Large head doesn’t fit under low furniture.
Read the full Hoover U5140900 Tempo Widepath review.
Dirt Devil Dynamite Plus
This is a more recent vacuum than the Hoover U5140900 and Dirt Devil have done a good job on this one – especially given the low, low price. Consumer ratings are quite good and owner comments indicate that most buyers are satisfied with their purchase. The Dynamite Plus is powered by a 7 amp motor but still gets good grades from owners with respect to suction. It is also is very light (less than 9 lbs) and very compact, so it is easy to move and store. In addition, it features HEPA filtration. A review of consumer comments provides the following owner insights:
PROS
- Lightweight
- Powerful suction
- Excellent value for the money
- Compact and easy to store
- Dirt canister is easy to detach and empty
- Has HEPA filtration
- Reasonably long power cord
- Comes with on-board tools
- Easy to assemble (requires no tools)
CONS
- Best for vacuuming smaller areas
- A bit loud
- Exhaust blows out the front
- Dirt canister has to be emptied frequently
- Messy job to clean the filter
- Stretch hose is short
Read the full Dirt Devil Dynamite Plus review.
Eureka 3684F Pet Lover Mighty Mite
The Eureka 3684F Pet Lover is very lightweight and good on hard floors. It also comes with HEPA filtration and a special Pet Power Paw Turbo tool for vacuuming up pet hair. The power cord on this machine is a little short and it is only average on carpet but if purchased for the right use this machine provides good value for money. Consumers also give it fairly good ratings and it is around the $100 dollar mark. A review of consumer comments provides the following owner insights:
PROS
- Very Light
- Has HEPA filtration
- Good on hard surfaces
- Compact and easy to store
- Large bag size
- Pet attachment works well
- Not too expensive
CONS
- Hose seems flimsy
- Short power cord
- Not so good on carpet
- No brushbar
- No auto-cord rewind
- A bit loud
Read the full Eureka 3684F Pet Lover Mighty Mite review.
Eureka 3670G Mighty Mite
Make sure not to confuse this machine with the Eureka 3670A. The 3670G is powered by a stronger motor and generally gets better reviews. This machine does not come with HEPA filtration but, like the 3684F Pet Lover, it is very light and it comes with several additional cleaning tools. Owners also indicate that it generates strong suction and is also handy for cleaning cars. In addition, the 3670G features a blower – for removing leaves, or debris from a workshop floor for example. A review of consumer comments provides the following owner insights:
PROS
- Small and easy to store
- Very powerful suction
- Very light (just over 8 pounds)
- Very good on hard surfaces
- Also good for car cleaning
CONS
- Attachment tools not very useful
- Have to wrap cord around bottom of vacuum
- Sometimes considered noisy
- Not great on carpet
- Hose can get easily clogged
Read the full Eureka 3670G Mighty Mite review.
Electrolux SC3683A Commercial Vac
This vacuum is powered by a 10 amp motor and is UL listed for commercial use. It uses HEPA filtration (it is HEPA capable but doesn’t come standard with the filter – you have to buy one if you want it) and also sports a completely sealed filtration system that ensures no dust leakage. It is a little heavier than the 3684F and the 3670G at 10 lbs but is still considered lightweight for a canister vacuum. It comes with several tools – like a crevice tool, dusting brush and floor brush. A review of consumer comments provides the following owner insights:
PROS
- Very strong suction
- Light
- Excellent on bare floors
- Easy to change bags/filters
- Small footprint – easy to store
CONS
- Loud
- Power cord is short
- No automatic cord rewind
- Only average on carpet (although a Eureka Power Paw Turbo tool can be attached but is not included).
- Vacuum and exhaust get fairly hot
Read the full Electrolux SC3683A Commercial Vac review.
Hoover Corded Cyclonic Stick Vac
The Hoover Stick Vac (model SH20030) gets excellent reviews from consumers – some of the best we’ve seen for a stick vac. It is also available for about $90. It doesn’t suffer from any battery issues – often an area of discontent with cordless stick vacuum owners - because it is corded. It comes with a brushbar with on/off ability and is effective on both hard surfaces and carpet. It is also quiet and has an easy-to-empty dirt canister. A review of consumer comments provides the following owner insights:
PROS
- Light and easy to move and maneuver
- No battery to run down
- Dirt canister is easy to empty
- Good on both carpet and bare floors
- Relatively quiet
- Strong suction
- Very small footprint (easy to store)
- Slim design makes it easy to get under and around furniture
CONS
- Short power cord
- Being a stick vac the dirt canister is not that big
Read the full Hoover Corded Cyclonic Stick Vac review.
We have also recently released our list of Best Vacuum Cleaners under $200. This list provides machines that are a little more expensive but they also have better features, warranties, etc.
POST YOUR COMMENTS
|
