With a 15-inch path, the Hoover EmPower Bagless Upright Vacuum U5269900 is sure to cut a wide swath in your cleaning chores.

This stylish vacuum has a number of equally attractive features, including bagless operation, onboard tools and a built-in HEPA filter to help remove allergens and dust. It has a folding handle for easy storage, but weighs a hefty 21 pounds, so it can be an awkward task to move it from one level of a home to another. A generous 31-foot power cord offers plenty of mobility, even in large rooms and hallways, which is a benefit. The Hoover EmPower offers plenty of suction power on a variety of carpet piles, but the suction does seem to decrease as the view-through collection canister nears capacity. And, when using the hose attachment, there isn't a switch to turn off the main vacuum head bristles. Because we can't turn off the main bristles, the EmPower seems extra noisy when we use the attachments and could possibly cause friction spots on carpet if left there too long. Not being able to turn off the bristles also makes us leery of this vacuum's performance on hardwood floors. Rather than risk scratching an installed floor, we tested it on a laminate flooring sample, and while it didn't show any immediate damage, we still opted not to take the plunge on a permanent hardwood floor.

We like the ability to adjust the vacuum to the carpet height using an easy-to-turn dial, and it has a power-boost feature for areas that need extra attention. The onboard upholstery attachment has a brush that helps lift soil, crumbs and pet hair as it suctions. The Hoover EmPower has a run-quiet mode, but even in "hush" mode, it's still about as loud as any vacuum we've tried. Although we expect to save money because we don't have to buy bags, replacing the HEPA filter will be an ongoing cost. While there are several features we like about the EmPower, as well as its admirable suction power, there are just too many changes we'd like to see the manufacturer make. Therefore, the Hoover EmPower isn't receiving one of our higher ratings.


Pros: Folding handle, bagless
Cons: Main bristles don't stop when attachments are used, noisy

Warranty
1 year