Sometimes, bigger isn't better!
Written: Jan 10 '05
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Pros: Lightweight and compact, powerful, affordable
Cons: Dustbags are pricey and hard to find. Ridiculous exchange rate for online ordering in Canada
The Bottom Line: Why pay more for an enormous cleaner when the EUREKA Mini Mite can do the JOB better with less effort?
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| chiminou's Full Review: Eureka 965 Bagged Canister Vacuum |
After an unpleasant break-up (separation) and a settlement for the furniture/goods, I ended up with NO vacuum cleaner! Being that I share my apartment (my life) with a litter-happy cat (Chiminou). I was in need of a vacuum cleaner and fast! I had a limited budget, considering all the other furniture I had to buy.
The vacuum I owned before was a big Kenmore canister that originally cost 600$ (from Sears). It was efficient, immensely noisy, heavy, cumbersome and, not that good on wooden floors.
I was allowing myself a budget of 100$ maximum for a vacuum cleaner. My new place's floors are all wooden, no carpets, and smaller than my house.
Went to my local zellers to check on affordable models.
None of them caught my attention except for the Eureka MiniMite! This mini vacuum looks neat, the colors are catchy. Looks like a Bee, same color scheme (dark grey and yellow), and a similar round shape. I checked if they had dust-bags and their price. Who wants to buy a device that would cost too much in terms of bags? They were retailed at 3.99$ for 3. Since the bags are small, changing them would happen more often!
The Mini Mite vacuum cleaner costs around 60$(can), with one paper dustbag Type L included.
Boxed
In a neat box, no assembly required apart from the wand (hose).
Packed with the stretch hose : for convenient above-the-floor cleaning jobs
Bare floor nozzle : for cleaning hard surfaces and bare floors while protecting delicate surfaces.
Mini crevel tool (stored on the wand) : For crevices, corners, baseboards, between cushions.
Not for outdoor use.
Thermal Cut Off
This vacuum cleaner has a special thermostat that protects the cleaner in case of motor overheating. If the cleaner suddenly shuts off, push the on/off button once and unplug the cleaner. It never happened to me.
Features
Carrying Handle
On/Off Button
Bag Cover Latch
Hose Inlet
Swivel Cord Hook (to store the cord under the unit)
Disposable Dust Bags
Micron Filter Door
Stationary Cord Hook
SPECS
Power - 1,000 Watts
Weight - 7 lbs.
Cord Length - 16 ft.
Shipping Weight - 13 lbs.
Cleaner Dimensions - 8.5 x 9.75 x 12 (inches)
This compact canister uses a nozzle uniquely designed to clean hardwood and tile floors. Reach further with the included wands and hose and, because this vacuum weighs only 7 pounds, you also get the benefit of a lightweight cleaner. The canister has 2 back wheels and one swiveling wheel in the front. All made of plastic.
My First Impression
WOW, this is FUN! Very easy and effective... almost makes cleaning time FUN.
My experience with the Mini Mite
It is the lightest vacuum I have ever owned. It has as much suction as my big Kenmore, I'd say... it is even more efficient on hard floor than my previous one.
It is not advertised to clean carpets. I do not have any carpets, so this was just fine by me.
The electrical cord is not long enough, adding an extention is no bother. Since it is very lite, it easily tips over. Mine rolls very nicely. Of course if I'm not careful it'll bump everywhere and may damage furniture and such... like any vacuum would do.
The bare floor nozzle is the one I use all the time, it has a small velvet surface that traps in cat-fur and is easily cleanable. It is easy to vacuum under beds and sofas. The problem I've encountered is cat-fur and hair getting tangled around the small wheels of the nozzle. It is a bit of a chore to remove the fur from there! But, even IF the wheels are clogged with the hair and fur, they still roll nicely. The nozzle glides, or actually rolls, easily on the floor, cause of those two small wheels.
The slip ring (plastic air trap) on the wand is located right where the hand holds the wand. Now, after 6 months, this plastic cap slides down by itself, letting all the air out, hence removing all suction ... it is a CON, gotta keep my thump right over it, to keep it closed. I used some scotchtape to fix it permanently. I think this air trap is meant to regulate the suction level.
Another con would be that, the wand disassembles at any moment, if not fitted tightly enough onto the other parts (each part of the wand is removable, they slide onto the other... for versatility purposes). I generally encountered that problem with previous cleaners.
Dust bags
Only the Type L paper bags fit in.
I find I have to change bags often, every 2 or 3 weeks. I live in a 4 room apt and my cat is messy. Those small bags get full faster than bigger bags. As soon as they get about half full, suction is greatly reduced. (as for all my previous vacuums )
They cost 3.99 for 3. And are easy to remove/install. Once installed, no danger of them disconnecting and in the process makin a mess. That is a PRO... I've had that problem with mostly all the vacuums I have ever owned.
The generic dust-bags are cheaper, 6$ for 6. But they do not fit as well, hard to install and they do not provide as much suction. My advice : stick to the Genuine Eureka bags.. well worth the extra cost.
The only place I can find the Eureka bags is at Zellers, and they are short of supplies most of the time. I could order online but the price and exchange rate is a rip-off 2.99$ plus 5.50$ shipping, plus taxes and 50% exchange rate (canada) total cost 14$!!!!! I think it is ridiculous…. (I emailed the company to speak my mind about it too) I have doubts that charging over the actually exchange rate is legal (rate is around 20%)! Company website : www.eureka.com
The bags are easy to install. The first time is a bit awkward but, with the help of the user guide it’s quite easy. The manual is very graphic and easy to follow.
NOISE LEVEL
It is as noisy as the bigger models. I guess it proves the motor's capacity!
It goes without saying that the noise is not very pleasant, but necessary I suppose. I do not mind since the device is so light and makes the job more efficient and faster.
My appreciation of the Eureka MiniMite
I am very pleased with my Eureka Minimite. It does the same job my big kenmore did with half the efforts! My previous canister was too big for stairs and made my vacuuming-task a huge pain! Now vacuuming is almost fun! Even for small jobs, spillage etc. It is easy to go pick up the canister and vacuum the mess! Light weight, easy to carry, 7 lbs feels like nothin' in your hands!
DURABILITY
I've owned mine for over 6 months now and I use it 2 to 4 times per week... my guess is that it is durable. I will update my review from time to time on the subject.
Website
www.eureka.com
Every accessories and parts are available, (oulet/inlet) filters dustbags etc…
Owners guide is also available for download. Easy to read.
Summarizing the PROS and CONS
PROS
Lightweight and compact, great suction, affordable, reaches everywhere, perfect for stairs, can hold the cleaner in ONE hand while the other holds the wand, as powerful as big cleaners, dustbags holds tightly in place even if the unit is tipped over or bumped many many times. Dust bag easily removable. Electrical cord storage under the unit. The cleaner's compact size makes it easy to store in the smallest closet.
CONS
Dustbags hard to find, expensive and they get full fast. Unit tips over easily, slip-ring (air trap) loosens up over time and remains opened, need to keep it closed with the thumb while vacuuming (or scothtape). The wand disassembles easily if not fitted securely. Electrical cord is too short. Fur and hair gets tangled around the little wheels under the nozzle, overtime.
Ordering parts online involves a ridiculous 50% added rate for canadian customers, supposedly for currency exchange purposes!?
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 60$(can)
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Epinions.com ID:
chiminou
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Location: Canada
Reviews written: 22
Trusted by: 12 members
About Me:
Wise women are instructed by reason; Women of less understanding, by experience; The most ignorant...
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