The Panasonic MC UG471 is a fairly basic machine that is not too expensive – a little over 100 USD at most stores.  But it does have most of what counts:  strong suction, HEPA filter, and a range of tools.  It is also noted to be reasonably quiet and very good on carpet (less-so on bare floors). [REF Panasonic Vacuum Cleaner Reviews 2009]

A net-wide review of consumer comments reveals some of the common likes and dislikes related to the Panasonic MC UG471:
 
PROS
- Sturdy
- Strong suction
- Fairly quiet (Panasonic claim it is designed for quiet operation)
- Great on carpet
- Retractable cord
- Consumers like the “Power Paw” tool
- Headlight

CONS
- Cord a little short
- Heavy
- Not particularly good on bare floors

Features
The Panasonic MC UG471 is an upright, bagged vacuum cleaner.  It is equipped with a 12.0 amp motor (fairly standard these days - The maximum amperage permitted for UL Approval of an upright vacuum cleaner is 12.0 Amps).  It also comes with a motor protection system that ensures dust and dirt particles are channeled directly into the bag and do not reach the fan or motor.     

This vacuum is touted by Panasonic as having fully automatic height adjustment.  This is essentially the case as the front nozzle of the vacuum more-or-less floats on the floor/carpet surface and moves up and down according to whatever surface one is vacuuming.  Perhaps a stretch to call it automated but apparently it does work and also the light, floating nozzle helps with maneuverability around furniture.

This vacuum comes with HEPA filtration.  HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air and is a filter that removes 99.97% of all airborne particulates of 0.3 microns or larger that pass through it.  When considering a HEPA capable vacuum cleaner it is important that the unit passes ALL intake air through the HEPA filter prior to exhausting it – otherwise particulate matter is bypassing the filter and being introduced back into the surrounding environment (some vacuums like the Miele have a sealed system to ensure this).  HEPA filtration is particularly popular with asthma or allergy sufferers as it helps to remove pollen and dust mite feces from the surrounding air.

The MC UG471 comes with a range of tools/attachments that sit in a in a side holster on the vacuum.  These include the following:

- 2 thirteen-inch Standard Wands
- Crevice Tool
- Dusting Brush
- Air Turbine

The Air Turbine brush seems to go by several other names such as the Power Paw or the Hand Turbine brush.  This is a small attachment with an air driven revolving brushbar that is effective at removing lint or animal hair from stairs, upholstery, etc.  There are several consumer comments indicating that this tool works well.  The vacuum also comes with a 12.5 foot wire reinforced stretch hose that allows the crevice tool and dusting brush to attach.

The MC UG471 comes with a 15 inch wide cleaning path (fairly wide), a 24 foot power cable (a little short in our opinion – we like 30+ and have even seen some units with over 50 feet), and a headlight (another good feature).  The auto-cord rewind is always popular with consumers and the vacuum dimensions are 12.5”x15”x44.5”.  The Panasonic MC UG471 Upright weighs in a 17.6 lb – a little hefty for some folks, and it comes with a 1 year limited warranty.

How are consumers rating this machine?  Ratings from several quality sources are provided in the table below.  There are higher rated machines out there but these figures are respectable.

Some replacement part information (can sometimes be useful):
HEPA Exhaust Filter:  MC-V194H
Replacement Bag:      U-6
Replacement Belt:      UB8

For those who would like to dig a little further you may wish to read the Panasonic MC UG471 Manual.

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Copyright (C) 2007 Alain Georgette / Copyright (C) 2006 Frantisek Hliva. All rights reserved.