Eureka PowerSpeed – pros, cons and model comparison

Eureka vacuums are a household name in America. Globally, they’re a popular choice, ranking among the top brands. Eurekas are loved for their unique cleaning capabilities, usability, affordability, and for being lightweight. Available in virtually every vacuum store, these cleaning machines have held records for the best buy and won awards for being energy efficient. There are different types of Eureka vacuums from uprights, canister, stick to handhelds. The vacuums are also available in many different models which means you can never lack a unit that appeals to your taste or suits your particular needs. The latest line from the company, the Eureka PowerSpeed, offers customers a great way to clean their homes. The vacuums in this series are light, energy efficient, and pretty affordable. Although almost similar in design, each model is designed for different environments and requirements which means some features may or may not be available. They’re the Eureka PowerSpeed Base, Turbo Spotlight, the Pro Swivel Plus, as well as several other variations:

If looking to get yourself a PowerSpeed, you may want to have an idea of what to expect. You can then easily choose the model to buy based on the features it comes with and how well it suits your budget and requirements. Read on and get all the information about this series, from the specs, the unique features, and buying advice. In short, everything about the series. I will also compare the different models to give you a glimpse of what each offers. At the end of the reading, you will have enough information to make a wise buying decision that will see you acquire the right Eureka vacuum for your home.If you’re in a hurry and you don’t have time to read the full review, here’s a table which shows the main differences:

Here are also the visual differences:

Eureka PowerSpeed model comparison

Let’s start with the specifications.

Eureka PowerSpeed Specifications

Cleaning Power

The vacuums are 8-amp engines designed to create strong suction. Apart from the high-performance and powerful 8-amp motor, the vacuums use the cyclonic technology. Cyclonic systems create an airflow powerful enough to pick up even the most stubborn dirt and from any surface. A cyclone also works to prevent most of the vacuumed dirt from reaching the filter, helping to maintain suction at its optimum. The large dust bin of the PowerSpeed is another feature that serves to keep the suction constant. Because it doesn’t fill quickly, the vacuum cleans continuously without loss of suction power. The cleaning efficiency is further enhanced by the powered brush roll. It agitates dirt and helps the cleaning nozzle to pick it up easily. With the powerful motor, cyclonic airflow, large dust bin, and the spinning brush roll, you can bet on the cleaning ability of the vacuums in this collection to be impressive. And it is, judging by the huge number of happy Eureka PowerSpeed owners.

Input Power

All the models require 8 amps to run and are made to be plugged to 110/120V outlets. The low power consumption of these and other vacuums from the company has made the Eureka brand synonymous with energy efficient vacuuming. The company has been applauded for this several times by independent organizations. The notable thing about the low power required to run a these vacuums is that it doesn’t compromise its effectiveness. The vacuums still clean powerfully. With everyone today turning towards eco-friendly appliances, you may want to get yourself the low wattage yet powerful Eureka PowerSpeed.

Dust Capacity

One of the greatest attributes of Eureka PowerSpeed is the large capacity of the dust cup. The vacuums come with a bin that holds an impressive 0.7 gallons (2.6 liters) of debris. Not many uprights can boast a dirt capacity this size. It allows you to clean heavily soiled floors or large rooms without having to stop to empty the bin. It’s one of the reasons these vacuums are popular with people who own large home or those who have more than one pet. The ample space to hold dirt and debris also helps to ensure the suction power of your PowerSpeed doesn’t drop. Once the cylindrical dust cup fills up, you need not worry about discarding its contents. It features a safe and straightforward emptying mechanism. A button releases the bottom cover when pressed and the dirt falls into the trash can.

Eureka PowerSpeed dust capacity

Filtration System Efficiency

A two-stage filtration system serves to ensure allergens are trapped and don’t re-enter the atmosphere of your home. The pre-motor filter is made from foam and re-washable. By regularly cleaning it in water, you can keep your Eureka PowerSpeed performing optimally regarding dust filtration and suction power. The filter is re-usable which saves you the costs that come with replaceable filters or bags. With proper care, the one in these vacuums can last for long enough, almost the entire life of your Power Speed. The filter is not HEPA and may not trap the smallest of particles which makes these vacuums unsuitable for those prone to allergen-induced complications.

Pre-motor filter

Weight and Dimensions

Eureka vacuums are known for being lightweight despite their immense cleaning power. The ones in this series possess this quality, which makes them pretty usable and portable. Almost anyone can use them, from young adults to seniors. Having it in your home means you can even delegate some of the light vacuuming chores to your children. The PowerSpeed Pro models (the Swivel Plus and the Turbo Spotlight) both weigh 10.1 pounds. The PowesSpeed standard models (Base, Lightweight Powerful and Turbo Spotlight) are only slightly lighter, at 9.65 pounds. Not much of a weight difference but worth noting. All models measure 44.49 inches length, 13.78 inches width, and 13.39 inches height.

Warranty

The company backs the vacuums in the PowerSpeed collection with a 2-year warranty. It’s a limited one that only covers specific vacuum parts and workmanship. The warranty is only valid for the products held by the original owner. It also only applies when the vacuum is used for household cleaning. A refurbished or rebuilt Eureka PowerSpeed holds a 1-year warranty. Thought not long enough, the 2- year warranty is what many manufacturers offer.

Accessories

The accessories you receive depend on the retailer and the particular model. Generally, you get the following when you purchase a Power Speed.

• A crevice tool that measures 7 inches long to help you vacuum areas that are hard to reach such as corners, between the cushions of your sofas, baseboards, and to clean dust off various appliances.
• A dusting brush to take care of the dust on a variety of furniture pieces, artwork, blinds or even lampshades. The long soft and soft bristles reduce the chances of damage to the surfaces.
• An upholstery tool to clean your mattresses, curtains, couches, pillows, and any other fabric surfaces in your home.
• A quick-release handle or wand to extend the vacuum’s reach and clean high areas such as the ceiling. Using this tool, you can clean every hard-to-reach space in your home.

Accessories

The Turbo Spotlight and the Pro Swivel Plus come with a turbo brush to help you vacuum a variety of surfaces. The tool consists of a powered brush that rotates to help suck up dirt from stairs, mattresses, sofas and other surfaces. It’s also a handy tool for the removal of pet hair from fabrics. Another item you will find in the box is a user’s manual or guide.

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Special Features

The Eureka PowerSpeed vacuums have been popular since they were released in the early months of 2018. Reasons for that are many and include the impressive features and the price that’s affordable. With functionalities that are found on high-end vacuums, the PowerSpeed is quite a bargain and suitable if shopping on a tight budget. The features include:

A Powerful Cleaning Head

The 8-amp motor of the Eureka PowerSpeed vacuums produces an airflow that powerfully picks up dirt from even carpets. The cyclonic technology improves the suction strength so the vacuum can clean efficiently. It also ensures the filter does not clog and cause suction to reduce. As a result, cleaning a variety of floors using these vacuums is thorough and not time-consuming. Many of those who have used the vacuums in this series report positively about their ability to pick up dirt. Pet owners seem to be the happiest lot. The Eureka PowerSpeed cleans pet hair from bare and carpeted floors superbly, regardless of how heavily soiled the floor is.

On/Off Brush roll

The vacuums allow you to activate or deactivate the beater brush whenever necessary. This feature is useful when you have different surfaces to clean in your home. You turn the brush off when vacuuming delicate hard floors or carpeting and turn it on when there’s no risk of damage. With the on/off function, you can use your Eureka PowerSpeed to clean any floor, from hardwood, tile, to carpet of any pile height.

A 5-Step Height Adjust System

The manufacturer intended the vacuums in this line to clean a variety of floors, from bare to plush carpet. They made this possible by incorporating a 5-step rotary switch that lets you select the setting that matches the surface you plan to clean. Each step adjusts the cleaning head height to a different level that’s suitable for the indicated floor. Most of the adjustments are for various carpet piles which is why Eureka PowerSpeed vacuums perform exceptionally on carpet floors when compared to many other brands.

A Wide Cleaning Nozzle

All the models in the series feature a 12.6-inch nozzle. With such a wide cleaning path, your vacuuming tasks take a shorter time. It makes the vacuums worth having if you have a large home or lots of open areas to be cleaned. With the powerful suction and the wide nozzle, you only need a few passes of the vacuum, and you’re through with your cleaning task.

Light Weight

Weighing around 10 pounds, the Eureka PowerSpeed vacuums are easy to carry around as well as use. Not many uprights can offer you this advantage. It’s one of the reasons many homeowners prefer to purchase Eureka vacuums. Almost every member of the family can use them including kids who are not too young. Seniors, too, will not find these vacuums difficult to pull or push. Being light, you can vacuum with them for extended hours without feeling pain in the hand.

Large Dirt Holder

Considering that many bagless vacuums fall below the 2-liter capacity, the 2.6L dust bin of the Eureka PowerSpeed is commendable. You will not have to make the frequent stops to empty the dirt compartment anymore, especially if you have a high-traffic home and there’s a lot of dirt to pick up. Also, if you have shedding pets and you need a huge space to hold all that hair on the floor and other surfaces. Apart from the convenience the large dust cup accords you, it means the vacuum will always maintain suction power for an entire cleaning session. It helps to make the Eureka PowerSpeed an efficient vacuuming machine for any surface including heavily soiled floors.

Large dirt container

Bright Headlights

This feature is only available on the Turbo Spotlight and the Pro models. The lights are LED which makes them energy efficient yet bright enough to light up dark areas. The headlights allow you to see dirt spots or objects in the vacuum’s cleaning path. That helps you to avoid sucking up things that could cause damage to the vacuum such as rings or coins. You’re also able to determine what areas require height adjustment or several passes of the cleaning head. With the improved visibility, the Eureka PowerSpeed models assure you of an efficient and safe cleaning.

Bright headlights

Onboard Storage

Do you often lose the tools or attachments of your vacuum cleaner? That can never happen with the Eureka PowerSpeed. Every tool and accessory it comes with has its slot on the unit. It offers you convenience, especially during your cleaning activities when you want to attach a specific accessory. The slots also allow for easy storage when not using the vacuum since you do not require a separate storage place.

Large and Smooth Wheels

The wheels are large enough to allow you clean high pile carpets with ease. They don’t get caught in the fibers which means less time to finish your tasks. You also don’t get exhausted quickly since you do not require a lot of force to push the vacuum over the carpet. The wheels are rubber and soft enough on delicate floors. Apart from the smooth glide the rubberized wheels accord the vacuum, you will not need to worry about scratches when vacuuming sensitive hard floors such as hardwood.

Large wheels, especially in the Pro Swivel Plus models

Detachable High-Reach Wand and Handle

The handle of the Eureka PowerSpeed detaches quickly to extend the vacuum’s already impressive reach. The hose is a flexible one that can stretch up to three times its normal length. With the handle detached, the vacuum achieves an impressive 7-foot reach. And that’s without any tool attached. The length allows you to clean high areas such as shelves and ceilings with effortlessly.

Other Features

You can operate these vacuums for extended hours. The handle is an ergonomic shape that helps prevent numbness, fatigue or wrist pain when you have held it for too long. It’s a necessary design if you have large areas to be cleaned for every vacuuming session. The handle also offers a firm grip, featuring a textured non-slip surface. The hose of the Eureka PowerSpeed is made from a translucent material. It allows you to detect clogs early enough and take action to unblock the hose and restore suction. Other useful features, though not available on all PowerSpeed models, include headlight illumination and a swiveling vacuuming head. Both work to increase the maneuverability of the vacuums and offer you a better cleaning experience.

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Usability

Package cover

Assembling a Eureka PowerSpeed is pretty easy and effortless. In fact, there’s almost nothing to assemble. You also do not need any tools whatsoever. The vacuum comes as the main unit, the handle and the various accessories. All you need to do is click the handle into place, and your PowerSpeed is ready to be plugged into a power outlet. The vacuum features no complicated parts or controls, and operating it is a breeze. The on and off power switch is a foot pedal. You don’t need to bend at all, plus it’s conveniently located within quick and easy reach. The floor settings are worked by a rotary switch to allow you quick adjustments to change the vacuum’s cleaning ability. All the three PowerSpeed models feature a 25-foot power cord. The length isn’t impressive but is enough for the average home. If your rooms are too large for the cleaning radius achieved by this cable, you could make use of an extension cord to increase the reach.

Removing the foam filter of Eureka PowerSpeed vacuums for washing is no hassle. The mechanism is a simple lever that lifts to allow you access to the filter. The dust cup is a breeze to empty, too. Lower it into the trash can, push the release button, and the covering underneath the cylindrical dust cup flips open to release the contents downwards. Need to vacuum difficult areas such as the stairs or high areas such as shelves or the ceiling? You only need to detach the handle and the hose, and you get a 7-foot extension of the vacuum’s cleaning head.

Standing on wheels that are large enough, PowerSpeeds are easy to push or pull as you guide the unit around. The wheels are rubber and glide over different floors effortlessly. Two of the models feature headlights to make vacuuming dark areas possible. The Swivel Plus, as its name suggests, comes with a head that rotates in all directions to allow you to guide it around obstacles and under the furniture and appliances in your home. The ease of use and maneuverability of these vacuums is made complete by the low weight and the easy-to-grip handle.

Here’s the presentation video from the producer:

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Pros

Eureka PowerSpeed vacuums are worth considering for many reasons. They’re affordable, clean impressively, and come with features meant to make your vacuuming activities easy. The suction power is excellent, which allows you to clean a variety of floors including the difficult-to-vacuum high-pile carpets. With the 5-stage settings dial, you only need to rotate the switch to point to the setting that matches the floor. The fact that you can switch the beater brush on and off means these vacuums are safe for use on any floor type whether sensitive or not.

It takes you no time to finish your vacuuming tasks when using a Eureka PowerSpeed. The cleaning nozzle is wide enough and the suction adequate to ensure fewer passes for the complete removal of dirt. That, combined with the extended reach the accessories the vacuums come with make your cleaning activities both quick and effortless. The ease of cleaning when using a PowerSpeed is further improved by the ergonomic handle and the smooth wheels.

Because of the light nature of the Eureka PowerSpeed, you don’t labor much to move it around, whether vacuuming with it or moving it from one room to another. Cleaning stairs with the vacuums is also not tiresome. I also find of the onboard storage for the accessories quite useful. It makes them easy to retrieve, unlike when you have to store them far from the vacuuming unit.

Another commendable attribute of PowerSpeed vacuums is the large dust bin. It means fewer stops as a result of a filled up dust cup. It allows you to finish cleaning tasks much quicker since you don’t waste time emptying the bin now and then. Speaking of the time spent to dispose of the collected dirt and debris, the Eureka PowerSpeed comes with an easy emptying mechanism that involves pressing a small button. The filter is a washable one which means you don’t incur the maintenance costs associated with filter or bag replacements.

Many homes have areas that are not well-lit. That shouldn’t be a problem if using these Eureka vacuums. The Turbo Spotlight versions and the Pro Swivel Plus feature strong LED headlights that significantly increase visibility. As a result, you can be sure you’re picking every dirt by there’s to be removed. You’re also able to avoid picking up objects that are not part of the dirt.

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Cons

The base models don’t come with a way to control suction, which can be a disadvantage when vacuuming carpets. The Pro models don’t have this disadvantage:

Eureka PowerSpeed suction control

However, it’s place is taken by the 5-setting height controls that lets you clean bare floor and carpets of different pile heights. Despite the ease of use, all the three models in the PowerSpeed series feature a cord that doesn’t retract into the unit. It makes the vacuums look somewhat bulky in addition to being quite a task to wrap it around the holder. To Eureka’s defense, almost all uprights produced today have the same problem.

Another drawback of the PowerSpeed collection is the lack of adjustment for the handle. You have to do with the height it comes with, which can limit its usage by different people. The PowerSpeed Base in the series lacks some of the features present in the other models. Unless your home is well lit in every corner, buying the PowerSpeed Base would mean finding a way to illuminate the areas with poor lighting. Only the Pro models in this series feature a swiveling head which means the others don’t offer an easy way to work around furniture and appliances when vacuuming your home. The good thing is you can always opt for the model that provides these features when choosing the right PowerSpeed vacuum to buy.

Last but not least, some users find it loud. However, I have to say that taking into account the 72 db which I’ve measured for this vacuum, I’ve tested much louder vacuum cleaners.

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A Comparison of the Different Eureka PowerSpeed Models

There are currently 3 models in the PowerSpeed standard series and 2 in the Pro series. The PowerSpeed Base, the Lightweight Powerful and the Turbo Spotlight are the first, while the Pro Swivel Plus and the Pro Swivel Plus Turbo Spotlight are the later. Each model is different in appearance and to some degree, unique in the features it comes equipped with. An 8-amp motor powers all the vacuums. They have the same length for the power cable, which is the wrap-around type. The dust bin capacity and cleaning head width are similar in all the models. Also, the vacuums’ dimensions for the height, length and width. The only differences are in the type of accessories each model comes with, headlights and swivel. Only the Turbo Spotlight and the Pro series illuminate their cleaning path. Additionally, the PowerSpeed Pro Swivel Plus and the PowerSpeed Pro Swivel Plus Turbo Spotlight are the only 2 models with a swiveling head. To give you a clearer picture of what the different PowerSpeed models have to offer, here is a breakdown of the features common to all the three models.

• Floor head height adjustments
• Require 8 amps to work
• Lightweight design with the three models weighing around 10 pounds
• A wide enough cleaning nozzle measuring 12.6 inches
• Large dust cup that can hold 0.7 gallons of debris
• A foam filter that’s washable
• 25-foot manual wrap-around power cable
• Motorized brush roll that can be turned on and off
• Smooth Wheels
• Ergonomic handle
• Onboard storage for tools and accessories
• A detachable handle and hose that extends the vacuum’s reach by 7 feet

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How Well Does Each Model Suit Your Requirements?

Eureka PowerSpeed Base

It’s suitable if you have a large home that’s mostly open areas. Also, if you have different floor types due to its multi-floor vacuuming head that features a five-stage height adjustment. Because of the powerful motor, the excellent suction power, and the motorized brush roll, the Eureka PowerSpeed can be a good choice if you have a heavily carpeted home. Lacking a swivel head, this vacuum is not suitable if your home has many obstacles around which to maneuver the unit. It also doesn’t come with headlights which can hamper your cleaning activities if your home has areas with poor lighting. Compared to the other models, this one won’t clean tight spots and pet hair from fabrics as efficiently. That’s because it lacks the turbo brush that the other models come with.

Eureka PowerSpeed Base – no LED

Eureka PowerSpeed Lightweight Powerful

Almost identical to the Base, this model has a more inspired name, a different color scheme and 2 additional accessories.

Eureka PowerSpeed Lightweight Powerful – setting the height

Eureka PowerSpeed Turbo Spotlight

Just like the PowerSpeed, this model suits a home that has a variety of floors, from bare to heavy carpeting. The 8-amp motor and the cyclonic technology creates a suction strong enough to lift dirt and debris off any surface. The large dust bin makes it a suitable vacuum if your floors are heavily soiled. Also, if you have a large home and you don’t want to waste time emptying the bin before you’re through with your cleaning. The floor adjustments allow you to transition from bare to carpet floors easily. The Turbo Spotlight comes with headlights which make it an excellent choice if you have dimly lit spots in your home. Do you have pets and lots of hair to pick up? This vacuum could come to your rescue. It features a turbo brush tool that enables it to clean pet hair with ease. It will also clean human hair efficiently. The Turbo Spotlight may not be easy to use if you have a congested home with lots of furniture and appliances. Its head does not swivel, and guiding it around the obstacles would be difficult.

Eureka PowerSpeed Turbo Spotlight – vacuuming a carpet

Eureka PowerSpeed Pro Swivel Plus

This model comes with all the features that make a great vacuum. Apart from the powerful suction, adequate dust capacity and other features common to all the models in the PowerSpeed series, the Pro Swivel Plus comes with additional features to make your cleaning activities a breeze. They include headlights and a smooth swivel head. With these two, you can vacuum poorly lit places as well as a home that’s congested. The reason is you get enhanced visibility and increased maneuverability. No other model in this line (except for the Pro Swivel Plus Turbo Spotlight which is presented below) features a swivel head which makes this vacuum a better choice when compared to the rest. Not to forget that this vacuum is suited for homes with shedding pets. It comes with a turbo brush accessory that improves its ability to pick up pet hair.

Eureka PowerSpeed Pro Swivel Plus – swivel steering and LED lights in action

Eureka PowerSpeed Pro Swivel Plus Turbo Spotlight

This is the most complete PowerSpeed model (together with the Pro version presented above – as they are almost identical). The color scheme is pretty slick too. It comes with just about everything this line of vacuum cleaners can offer:  suction control, swivel steering, LED lights and a good set of attachments (including the turbo brush accessory). You can’t adjust the height, like in the case of the standard units. You can either set it for hard floors or for carpets. However, due to the shape of the nozzle, you don’t really need it, as the vacuum glides smoothly over any kind of surface.

Eureka PowerSpeed Pro Turbo Spotlight – an improved nozzle design

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Eureka PowerSpeed vs Hoover Windtunnel 2 vs Bissell CleanView

Here’s a comparison between the best uprights around $100 from the main competitors, Bissell and Hoover:

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Closing Thoughts

Eureka vacuums are known for their efficiency, usability, and durability. Built to offer the best of suction from a compact size, they’re lightweight and not difficult to operate. They’re also one of the most reasonably priced yet highly efficient vacuums on the market. The PowerSpeed series consists of powerful vacuums that are suited for the cleaning of many different types of surfaces. Go for them if your home is a mixture of bare floors and carpets. Also if it’s high-traffic or if you have pets that shed. The vacuums suck practically every dirt and debris they come across, plus they are easy to push or pull around. When choosing the PowerSpeed model to buy, determine your needs and requirements first. Ask yourself if you want a general vacuum or an all-round one that performs exceptionally in all types of cleaning tasks. That would help you to select the model that will not disappoint you. Apart from the cleaning ability of the Eureka PowerSpeed vacuums, I find them worth buying for their affordability. You won’t harm your finances, yet you end up with a good quality vacuum.