!8: Eureka Vacuum Belt Immediately: November 2011

!±8± Vacuum Cleaner Reviews - Eureka Altima 2991AVZ

The Eureka Altima 2991AVZ is a bagless upright cyclonic vacuum cleaner with HEPA filter and a generous 15 inch cleaning path. This machine includes a turbo nozzle with Power Paw and Riser Visor trademarked technology that allows the operator to clean a larger variety of areas more effectively. The telescopic self-cleaning duster that literally acts like a magnet for dust is a tool for cleaning fine household items and delicate surfaces.

The Eureka Altima 2991AVZ is similar to the Eureka Boss 4D Pet Fresh machine but it does not have the extra Pet Fresh odor fighting capabilities. It does, however, include the Power Paw, an accessory that attaches to the wand and is useful for cleaning stairs and furniture. Other attachments included with this unit include a crevice tool and dusting brush that conveniently fit onto the body of the vacuum cleaner for easy access.

The cleaning path of this model is 15 inches, which is a large size for a residential vacuum cleaner. Slightly lighter than the Eureka Boss 4D Pet Fresh, the Altima model still weighs a hefty 20.8 pounds and may be a bit heavy for some operators to use for sustained periods of time on heavily carpeted areas. The cord length is a standard 30 feet.

Attractive to look at, the body of the Altima is vibrant red and dark gray. The vacuum cleaner shell is made from durable plastic that can withstand every day wear and tear, the only drawback being the clear dirt cup which over time starts to look very dingy, even after a thorough cleaning. Higher priced models utilize two vacuum motors, but the 2991AVZ makes up for this by utilizing a larger single motor system.

There are some substantial quality issues if this machine is compared to higher end models. At a price of about 0 and under, the Eureka Altima 2991AVZ is a pretty basic vacuum cleaner that doesn't really pack a lot of suction power. Other issues that are a problem include a lot of problems with clogging. The hose tends to clog very frequently due to the way it loops over the handle, forming a harsh upside-down "U". Debris gets trapped easily and needs to be constantly fished out of the hardest area of the hose to reach. The filters seem to become blocked far easier than other machines and always need to be rinsed out after each use in order to maximize suction.

There are also other problems with this vacuum cleaner. After only one or two uses, the dirt cup needs to be emptied in an attempt to maximize suction, just as the filters need to be constantly cleaned or replaced. The belts break prematurely and the beater bar ends tend to give off a burning smell-probably because they are melting every time the unit is used. The accessories are a bit skimpy in that they don't reach particularly far and in several cases have actually broken after the first use or just pop off of the machine when it is in use. On hardwood floors, the machine just shoots dirt out the back.

The Eureka Altima 2991AVZ is a perfect example of getting what you pay for and cheap really does equal cheap in this case, unfortunately. Avoid this dust trap at all costs as it is simply a money trap in disguise.