The Electrolux EL5020A Intensity Upright is a powerful,
lightweight, inexpensive vacuum cleaner. Amazon’s price of 108 bucks right
now (as of this writing) seems like a pretty amazing deal - the Electrolux site posts an
MSRP of 299.99USD. This is a bagged vacuum cleaner. Some people like a
bagged machine because they do not have to consistently clean out a “dirt
receptacle”. However with a bagged machine you do have consumables – in the form of
vacuum cleaner bags. Some folks actually clean out the bags and re-use them a
number of times. [REF Electrolux
Vacuum Cleaner Reviews 2009]
Upright vs Canister The Electrolux EL5020A Intensity is
also an upright. Electrolux makes both upright and canister models (not to mention
a host of other specialized vacuums – stick, robotic, handheld, etc.).
Historically the upright models have been better at cleaning carpets while the canister
vacuums have been better on hard surfaces and tend to be quieter. The canister has
typically (but not always) tended to be more expensive as well. Additionally with
an upright you have to move the entire vacuum back and forth while vacuuming and it can
be difficult to vacuum under items like a bed with low clearance. However, it
should be noted that the distinction between these two types of vacuum cleaners is
becoming more blurred as manufacturers attempt to bridge the gap between strengths and
weaknesses.
EL5020A Features Like many other vacuums this
Electrolux has a 12 amp motor. This motor is usually quite powerful and
provides the unit with significant suction. Electrolux also tout the 3 inch wide
airpath which helps maximize suction. Other features include easy to use
fingertip controls (on top of the handle) that allow you to switch between carpet and
bare-floor modes at the touch of a button, an adjustable height telescopic handle, a 12
inch wide cleaning path with edge cleaning brushes, and indicator lights to tell you when
the bag is full or the filter needs changing. The vacuum measures 17 x 12 x 14
inches when folded and it carries a two-year warranty. In addition
the Electrolux EL5020A utilizes HEPA filtration.
HEPA To the consumer wanting HEPA filtration without
significant expense, the EL5020A is a good choice. What exactly is a HEPA
filter? A HEPA filter (high efficiency particulate air) is a high-efficiency air
filter that is capable of removing at least 99.97 percent of airborne particles 0.3
micrometers or larger. These filters are used for many applications in the nuclear
and biomedical industries but have more recently found a home in the newer vacuum cleaner
models. They are especially helpful to those suffering from asthma and
allergies. The removal of allergens from the home and environment is important
to the health of the individuals living there. Also, the more dirt and dust you remove,
the longer your carpets will last. You will have less strain on your heating and cooling
systems because those filters will remain cleaner. The 12 amp motor in this vacuum
cleaner offers significant airflow which is important in the effectiveness of a
filter.
What are Consumers Saying?
Source
Consumer Rating
#Ratings
Amazon
4 stars out of 5
42
Epinions
4.5 stars out of 5
3
Ciao
4 stars out of 5
1
After perusing all of these reviews the general pros and
cons of the vacuum cleaner as expressed by the consumer are as follows:
PROS Powerful suction. Folds up to a small foot
print. Quiet. Lightweight. Equally good on floors and carpets. HEPA
filtration. Inexpensive.
CONS Disposable bag too small. Doesn’t maneuver
that easily. No tools. Cord is a little short (many people indicated they
used it with an extension cord). Some concerns about durability – especially handle
and wheels.
However Amazon’s price of $108 bucks right now (as of this
writing) seems like good deal. Many folks on the net have paid
substantially more for this machine. The Electrolux site provides an MSRP of
299.99USD. And, if you're afraid of running out of the bags, you can get them at
Amazon (the link/image shown here on the right was recommended by some consumers and they
claim these work well and are inexpensive).
