Rating the Eureka 4870GZ Boss SmartVac Upright

(4870MZ) click to see it on Amazon

Avg. consumer rating = 79/100 

In this vacuum cleaner review we find that Eureka'’s 4870GZ Boss SmartVac Upright vacuum cleaner has several good features. If you are looking at vacuum cleaner ratings however, this one gets fairly average marks.  The motorised brushroll turns on and off so you can switch from carpet to hard floors with ease and the HEPA filtration removes dirt, dust and allergens down to .03 microns.  Also their is a newer version of this machine - the 4870MZ - but is essentially the same vacuum with a different color scheme.

A wide cleaning path with a brushview window allows you to see the dirt going into the vacuum. An air selector switch allows the operator to control the airflow and optimise the efficiency of vacuuming for different surfaces, from floor cleaning to furniture and upholstery.  The hose stretches to five times it normal length. This enables you to clean in all of those out of the way places. This vacuum also has the distinction of winning Consumer Digest’s Best Buy Award.

The specifications of the bagged 4870GZ Boss SmartVac include a 12 amp motor for maximum cleaning power, a 9 meter cord to reach from room to room, and it weighs in at 9.52 kg. This makes it rather lightweight and easy to move about the home.

What do these features mean to the consumer?

The motorized brushroll is a great feature. You can turn off the brushes with a quick flip of a switch. This prevents the brushes from damaging delicate wood floors. It also enables you to quickly pass from one flooring surface to another without changing vacuum attachments. It’s a handy little feature.

The true HEPA filter will capture and hold dust, dirt and allergens down to 0.3 microns. This means cleaner air, better breathing and a cleaner home for you. When you look at it in percentages, this type of filter removes 99.97% of these particles. Your heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems will run better and more effectively when you remove these particles from the environment. There is less debris caught in those filters and therefore they will perform better. Furthermore, by removing the dirt, dust and dander from the household; carpets and floors stay cleaner. Your flooring is a significant investment in your home and keeping it clean will extend the useful life of the flooring significantly.

The other features are “nice to have”. The brushview window lets you see the dirt being picked up by the vacuum. If you do not see dirt entering the vacuum you know to look for blockage. It’s a good feature to have. The Air suction control is another asset of the Eureka 4870GZ Boss SmartVac. Reducing the airflow of the vacuum while working on drapes and upholstery is useful. Sometimes it can be a battle to get drapes cleaned without the vacuum eating them. A stretchy hose is helpful in reaching into all of those nooks and crannies that are difficult to get to. Another “nice to have” feature is the power paw accessory tool which enables cleaning of pet hair and dirt from stair and furniture.
 
The 12 amp motor gives you lots of airflow for maximum cleaning power. The 9 meter cord allows you to plug into the wall and clean a number of rooms without having to unplug the unit and find a new outlet. At just 9.52 kilograms, it is lightweight and portable. You can carry it up the steps without too much effort and this makes cleaning multiple level homes much simpler.

What do Consumers Report?

In the US and Canada you can purchase directly from a Eureka Store and save on shipping. Price varies greatly from store to store so shop around for the best deal. There is a one year warranty on parts and labour for the Eureka 4870GZ Boss SmartVac upright. In addition to all of the above features Eureka makes it easy to purchase bags and filters for your vacuum. With the Eureka VacCare subscription plan you pay once for a year’s supply of bags and filters and a 6 months supply is sent straight to your door twice a year. This ensures you will never run out of bags or have to go searching for hard to find filters again.

Overall, the Eureka 4870GZ Boss SmartVac is a good buy for the money you pay. If you are looking for a vacuum cleaner with HEPA filtration at a reasonable price this is a good model to look into.   (Update Aug 2009 - the 4870MZ may be even a better deal.  It is slightly cheaper and is essentially the same vacuum).