PithyTag Say: BestBuy Hoover Commercial Portapower Vacuum Cleaner Online
Totally Perfect for Apartments, At An Awesome Price: Skip the More expensive ones!, 2009-12-17
This review is for: BestBuy Hoover Commercial Portapower Vacuum Cleaner Online
For starters, consider that high-quality consumer vacs are running $200-$300, and substantially more if you go with a Dyson or something. We seriously considered a Dyson canister, and I'm very, very happy that we skipped it. It not only would have been a waste of money, it would have been less convenient.We have a triplex (3-story) apartment in New York. All hardwood floors, and lots of stairs. This thing is absolutely, totally perfect for it. The suction is huge, even after weeks of use in an apartment full of dog hair. It's designed so effectively that all the hair gets sucked deep into the bag, and doesn't block the airflow. The bag is a long-lasting cloth bag that's very easy to remove and empty, and there is no additional cost for consumables. However, if you'd prefer a paper bag that you don't need to empty, you can use those instead. Either way, it works great. It also works great on our area rugs, because the suction is very good.It's very lightweight, and comes with both carry-handle and shoulder-strap. So you can range all over the apartment, over and around things, up and down the stairs, carrying it comfortably all the way. My wife is a little smaller than I, and also finds it very light and great to use.The long, super-strong metal tube, with rotating head, works its way really conveniently underneath and around the table, chairs, and other furniture. It comes with great attachments for baseboards and other needs. The metal tube has a secure locking mechanism, so it's both easier to disassemble than a plastic one that often gets stuck, and easy to reassemble and snap together. It's going to last forever. The flexible hose is made of really strong material, with a rigid, springy coil inside. It doesn't crimp, fold, bunch or otherwise cause problems. It also shrinks nicely when you're not putting any tension on it. Which makes it very convenient to store: it's super-compact to start with, and you can quickly pop the hose & tube off the main body of it, so you can store them wherever they fit best. Incidentally, Hoover also includes a very rugged strap to snap the cord in place when you're not using it. The power cord, by the way, is just incredibly long, so I can do a whole floor of the apartment, and get 2/3 of the way down the stairs, before I need to unplug and move the connection. It's the longest I've ever had, even on a full-size upright.We've had it for a month now, and use it often, and I have yet to find a single flaw with it. I suppose they could round the edges a bit more, so that when I'm dancing around the apartment with it slung over my shoulder, I don't even notice them. But that's about it. Some reviewers suggest they integrate the attachment storage into the body of the vac. But that would dramatically increase weight and size, so it would be stupid. They could give you a little holder for them, but then they'd have to charge you more, and you probably have a bag or drawer or whatever for them already. If you want, you can buy the $20 "PortaPack" carry bag, which includes a spiffier shoulder strap, and a little mesh bag for the attachments. But if you don't need it, they've saved you the $20.Unless you have deep-pile carpets, or a dog/cat that constantly sheds fine hair (and so you need a vac with a powered head), this is a really phenomenal performer, and an amazing value, which is much more maneuverable than an upright could over be.

James Veith Say: BestBuy Hoover Commercial Portapower Vacuum Cleaner Online
A Serious New Flaw, But Still a Good Vacuum, 2009-12-29
This review is for: BestBuy Hoover Commercial Portapower Vacuum Cleaner Online
I have owned and used three of these vacuums in my business over the last 25 years and have always loved them. Good Price, Great Suction, Small, Easy to Use, etc. I can echo all of the other user comments in that this is a great vacuum.But, they changed one thing on the most recent vacuum I bought that I just hate. They made the hose a short springy thing instead of a longer non-springy deal. So, when you set the vacuum down and start using it to clean up, and pull on the hose to extend it, it yanks on the vacuum, even banging it into things or dragging it around. No more setting the vacuum on a ladder to clean something higher up, or setting it on stairs; it would tumble down in an instant. And the hose is so short that you are always pulling on the vacuum with it. I took my old vacuum hose and put it on the new vacuum. Hopefully I won't accidentally step on it and crush it as I have done before, since now I can't replace it except with the new springy one.I called Hoover to complain and ask if the old hose was available. Answer - no. So, as much as I like this vacuum, it is a bit of a deal breaker in ever buying another one, unless I want to spend the time trying to find an older hose or some other hose that would fit it, or making one on my own somehow. The Hoover rep seemed unsympathetic to my problem and offered nothing - just what I expected with the way customer service is these days.As an aside, I bought this on Amazon at a great price, and know I could send it back, but did not. I really love Amazon pricing and service that I have that option.So, keep this new change in mind in deciding whether to buy an otherwise great vacuum.

J. A. OBrien "jenbrensoph" Say: BestBuy Hoover Commercial Portapower Vacuum Cleaner Online
Great vacuum!, 2009-07-31
This review is for: BestBuy Hoover Commercial Portapower Vacuum Cleaner Online
We have tile and hardwood floors with 3 kids and 2 longhaired shelties..this vacuum is perfect for us. It's very light, and the attachments are high quality and don't fall off like some other vacuums. It's great for blinds, furniture, hard to reach areas, and the bag holds a LOT for such a small thing! It's not the best for carpet (we only have a few area rugs), but it does okay. I spent a long time researching which vacuum to buy, and this is worth more than the $119 we paid for it! Would definitely purchase again.

Georgia Gurl Say: BestBuy Hoover Commercial Portapower Vacuum Cleaner Online
Excellent Vacuum, 2009-09-05
This review is for: BestBuy Hoover Commercial Portapower Vacuum Cleaner Online
I bought one of these in the 80's from a store in Naples, Florida and I am still using it today. It has been a workhorse from day one. I originally purchased it to vacuum out my vehicles but now use it for everything. It has no brushes so hair does not cause a problem for this little baby. I have four children and they all use it and I am still using it too. We use it to vacuum rugs, baseboards, the wood floors, furniture, drapes, etc. You name it, we use this little baby for it. I would like to have another because we all seem to want to use it at the same time. I bought one of these for a friend about 10 years ago and she is still using hers too. She just loves it. Need I say more?

RealTime Say: BestBuy Hoover Commercial Portapower Vacuum Cleaner Online
Very clever little machine., 2009-12-05
This review is for: BestBuy Hoover Commercial Portapower Vacuum Cleaner Online
After decades of keeping house and purchasing vacuum cleaners, I think I've found one that's almost ideal. I've had the Hoover Portapower for a couple of weeks and am well satisfied with its convenience and power. I use it almost daily to clean up after a retired husband, two cats and a dog. For years I've bought small canister vacuums for the non-carpeted rooms of our house because they were lightweight, and for years I've struggled with wands that fall apart while I'm vacuuming, short cords, machines that topple over when pulled and/or skin the paint off the woodwork, miniscule bags, low suction, cheap attachments,mega-decibel motors and motors that just plain quit. (Maybe I'm lucky these things didn't happen all at the same time!) So far, this little Hoover has not exhibited any of these shortcomings. The price was moderate, and delivery was super fast (three days and I had my vacuum). I love the extra-long cord. The only drawback I find with the Hoover Portapower is not its fault: I have small hands (ring size 5), and I find the hand grip a little too large to be really comfortable for me. Otherwise, I'm happy to give this vacuum 5 stars. (By the way, I've just ordered one for my son.)

emeleste "armchair traveler" Say: BestBuy Hoover Commercial Portapower Vacuum Cleaner Online
Quest for the Perfect Vacuum: SUCCESS at last!, 2010-04-08
This review is for: BestBuy Hoover Commercial Portapower Vacuum Cleaner Online
As a person with serious mobility issues and a passion for clean floors, I've been looking for a vacuum that would perform up to my expectations, handle quantities of dog hair and dust on both bare floors and area rugs, and yet be light enough that I could handle it, and not injure myself in the effort. I've tried nearly everything, and without exception, nothing up to now worked out as I'd hoped. I've had various upright vacuums, including Kirby, Bissel and Dirt Devil, but after my back injury and advancing arthritis, such machines were too heavy for me to manage, and I found the excess teenager and dog hair caused frequent belt breaking. I switched to "stick-vac" type machines and tried assorted versions. Again, the weight became an issue, plus I was not satisfied with the suction or durability of these machines. They might work fine on the wood floors, but left my area rugs still coated with hair and dust. My attempt at the Roomba was a great thought, but the Roomba was no match for my four dogs. I spent more time cleaning hair and dust out of the machine than I did getting my floors clean. I tried a manual push sweeper, and even the Swivel Sweeper. They were great in theory, but the former's wheels and brushes gummed up too easily and were hard to clean out, and the latter had similar problems, plus the "cordless" machine would not hold a charge. I was beginning to believe I was doomed to shabby floors. Then I tried one last time here at Amazon. And I found the Hoover PortaPower!What a wonderful machine! It's so light that even gimpy and disabled me can carry it (at least for short stints). If I get tired, I can always hang the machine on my rollabout walker. It's quiet too: my husband no longer feels the need to rush out of the house when I'm vaccuming. The machine is well made and sturdy, and I love the metal wands and selection of attachments (all easy to switch out in an instant.) I don't mind that the attachments are not stored "on board". I was always knocking them off when I had them that way on other machines. Now I put them in a little bag and can carry the bag from room to room as needed. I can get between and under furniture with ease with the long wand and slim profile..and the floor/rug head swivels well. I like the hose, too. It's not so long I might step on it or get it hung up on things as I move about the room, and like the rest of the machine, it's study and durable. I also like the long heavy-duty cord; I don't have to stop and change outlets all the time. With a 33 ft. cord I can plug in at a central location and reach all of the main areas of my house: living room, den, kitchen, hall, plus my bedroom, both bathrooms and laundry room. The PortaPower does a great job on the area rugs...no more coating of hair and dust! And on the wood floors it can't be beat. The reusable cloth bag is small, but holds a lot, and is easy to clean (no more paper filters!) I also ordered the disposable bags and adapter, and am very pleased. Changing the bags is a breeze, and I appreciate the cleanliness of the disposable option (dust cups might sound like a great idea, but they really are a pain, the filters wear out quickly, and dust flies everywhere when emptying.) Storing the machine is easy, it's about the size of a briefcase. The cord is stored by winding it up in looped bundle and securing it with a little strap on the vacuum's handle. A bit unwieldy, but not a deal breaker. Oh, and speaking of handles: the "on/off" switch is within easy reach, and one can either use the shoulder strap or carry the vacuum by it's handle on top of the machine. Whatever feels more comfortable for you (remember: the machine is very light!) I really cannot say enough good things about this product. It's given me the independence to keep my floors up to my standards, and that makes me very happy. Highly recommended!

Beer Boy Say: BestBuy Hoover Commercial Portapower Vacuum Cleaner Online
First Usage Report - Not perfect, but worth the money, 2010-11-12
This review is for: BestBuy Hoover Commercial Portapower Vacuum Cleaner Online
I'm a happily married man with two girls, a cat, a dog, and lots of allergies. We had a house built and opted to do hard wood floors on the entire main level. We figured the hard wood would make clean up easier and help control the allergens. Although I love the hard wood, its far from maintenance free. The floor still gets all the dirt and hair that carpet traps, now it just floats around. In the past year, we've tried expensive hard wood floor cleaners, stick brooms, regular brooms, vacuums, swifters, you name it. All seemed to work well for their intended purpose. However, none of them seem to fill the niche of a quick and effective clean up tool. The floor cleaner is cumbersome and takes hours to use (like cleaning your carpets). The broom flips dirt around and doesn't get those hard to reach places easily. The stick broom was light and seemed to work ok, but the capacity is terrible (does a 10x10 and requires a dump and clean). The vacuum was bulky and hard to maneuver. The swifter has limited capacity and requires disposable pads. No matter what I tried, I just couldn't find the tool that allowed me to grab it and quickly clean the entire floor in minutes.In my frustration, I started looking at various high-end stick brooms and other devices. I finally end up at a vacuum store and after talking to the repair guy (the sales guy was out for lunch), I stumbled across this little hoover box vacuum. The repair guy told me these things were good quality and simple to use. He explained that the bulk of these they sell go to the commercial sector. Apparently these are extremely popular with home cleaning companies. I figured it was the fair price, solid design, and extreme portability that made them so sought. Anyway, after some discussion, and a little angst on my part, I decided to give it a try. NOTE: If you buy from a local shop, don't be afraid to negotiate the price. I saved about 10% just by asking if he can cut me a break on the price.I got the vacuum home and found it to be very intuitive to assemble and use. I quickly cleaned two large area rugs and about a 1,000 sq ft of floor space in less than 15 minutes. Although, my floors didn't seem that dirty...the vacuum canister sure filled up. After a quick dump and clean, I vacuumed the entertainment stand, two chairs, and a couch. Again, I couldn't believe the amount of dirt it picked up from a couch that had been vacuumed less than two weeks ago.All and all, I'm very happy with this little vacuum. Here's a quick list of the pros and cons that I noticed. Hope this helps.Pros- Very portable (I put the strap over my shoulder and went to work)- Long cord (I plugged it in to a central wall outlet and did a 1,000 sq ft without stopping once - awesome)- Easy to clean (one lever and a quick dump of the reusable bag)- Powerful (it picked up dirt like a full size upright vacuum)- Small (it was easy to maneuver and get in tight spaces quickly)- Good capacity for a small package (probably not as much as a full size canister vacuum, but enough to do the entire space without stopping)Cons- A little on the loud side (probably no louder than a normal vacuum, but since it was slung over my shoulder...)- Stiff hose (I was fighting the hose the whole time I vacuumed the couch. This will probably loosen up over time, but it was a hassle today)- Not that easy to use on the area rugs (there's no spinning brushes in the head, you flip a level and use elbow grease. Although it worked, it was a pain.)

M. K. Wong "SL Family" Say: BestBuy Hoover Commercial Portapower Vacuum Cleaner Online
Awesome little vaccum, 2009-08-12
This review is for: BestBuy Hoover Commercial Portapower Vacuum Cleaner Online
This light and powerful vacuum is perfect for our house. We have hardwood and cement floors and some rugs. It picks up everything. And best of all, you can just carry it around on your shoulder and not have to worry about dragging something around that may damage your furniture. Highly recommended.

customer Say: BestBuy Hoover Commercial Portapower Vacuum Cleaner Online
Sorry, this vacuum has too many negatives, 2011-06-06
This review is for: BestBuy Hoover Commercial Portapower Vacuum Cleaner Online
I was hoping for a lightweight unit. This unit is heavy to lug around. The electrical cord is the worst. I already had to replace it once. Cord kinks up so bad & twists. I have to constantly stop the vacuum & try to unwind the cord, which is now to the point of impossible. The suction is decent. Cleaning out the reusable bag is tedious. All the dog hair in the house sticks to the cloth material. I just can't shake it to empty it, like the instructions read. I turn in inside out & take a damp towel to remove all the hair & try to clean out the area around the rubber piece.Waste of money, Goodwill store here I come with a donation.

Happy wife Say: BestBuy Hoover Commercial Portapower Vacuum Cleaner Online
This Vaccum ROCKS!!!, 2010-05-05
This review is for: BestBuy Hoover Commercial Portapower Vacuum Cleaner Online
My husband and I put in wood floors and I was looking for a stick vac to help with the dust factor. My husband found this vaccum on Amazon and printed out the info for me. After a week of reveiwing online, going to the stores and sample the usability of the other vaccums we choose this Hover. It is great! It goes underneath all my furniture and works great even picking up large items. It works great on picking up lint and pet hair on the throw rugs also. Our home is a 2 story with 3000 sq. ft. The cord is long enough to vaccum all the wood in the living room, dining room, entry and halls plus I can vaccum the tile in the kitchen, laundry room, the 1st down stairs bathromm and the upstairs bathroom with out moving the plug. I used the vaccum to clean out the light fixture in my kitchen and then to dust the blinds. My 9 year old son even used it to vaccum all the down stairs for me. YEA! I put sheep skin on the shoulder strap just to make it more comfortable. I moved the hose from the vaccum area to the blowing area and blew the flower pedals and leaves off the front porch. The blower is not as good as the yard one but it saved me time and this helps to keep the floors cleaner. I used it on the stairs to pick up small things but I use my big vaccum for the carpets. This is a great vaccum for wood, tile floors spider webs and blinds. It is light weight and all the attachments fit inside a small kids shoe box. I absolutly love it!