The Eureka Boss SmartVac 4870GZ upright vacuum is a powerful performer with an attractive price tag. It has several extra features and it tackles pet hair with ease -- all for about half the price of its competitors.

This hard-working vacuum easily cleaned carpets of various heights in our tests. Thanks to a brush on/off option, it also can be used on hard surfaces, like wood or tile floors. The option to turn off the rotating brushes on the vacuum head works well with delicate area rugs. It's also a good idea to turn off the rotating brushes when using attachments so they don't excessively clean one area of the carpet.

One distinct advantage of the Eureka Boss SmartVac is the PowerPaw attachment. This mini-turbo is a 5.5-inch brush roll that increases the amount of dirt and dust that is picked up; it is ideal for cleaning stairs. The SmartVac 4870GZ uses a collection bag and comes equipped with a sealed HEPA filter. The filter is relatively easy to change, and will need to be replaced about twice a year (more often if you are battling heavily soiled carpets). The costs of HEPA filters are about $20 each, so plan on figuring this expense into your operating costs.

We especially like the SmartVac's brushview window. By looking through this clear window covering, you can actually see the dirt being removed from your carpet. This Eureka model is meant for serious cleaning, and it makes us feel better when we can see all the pet hair it picks up zipping through the hose. Plus, if the hose ever clogs, we'll be able to see that, too. As with most vacuums we test, we wish the hose had a longer reach. Its accordion design is particularly unwieldy at first, but does offer a bit more flexibility with extended use.

This model has a few details that really make a difference. Its 30-foot power cord gives plenty of room to vacuum from room to room without moving the cord to various outlets. It has helpful onboard accessories, including two nesting wands, a crevice tool, dusting brush and upholstery tool, as well as the PowerPaw tool.

However, the Eureka Boss SmartVac weighs 21 pounds, so it definitely doesn't qualify as a lightweight. Pushing this vacuum can be a workout. It can be a chore to move this vacuum from one floor of a home to another. Vacuuming stairs can also be awkward with this cumbersome model. Overall, the Eureka Boss SmartVac gets high marks for performance and price.


Pros: Stair brush, long power cord, brushview window
Cons: Heavy

Warranty
1 year