Eureka PowerSpeed Lightweight Upright Vacuum Review
I’ll confess something embarrassing. I nearly bought a $60 vacuum based purely on price. My budget was tight. My expectations were lower. Surely anything under $100 meant compromising on everything, right? Then I discovered the Eureka PowerSpeed Lightweight Upright Vacuum features a motorised pet tool. Premium vacuums charge $30-50 extra for motorised attachments. This $70-$90 vacuum includes it. That caught my attention properly. At just 10 pounds, it’s remarkably light. Could something this affordable and lightweight genuinely clean?
The 2.6-litre dustbin capacity intrigued me specifically. That’s larger than vacuums costing five times more. My previous budget vacuum featured a tiny 1-litre bin. Constant emptying drove me mad. Larger capacity at ultra-budget pricing sounded almost too good.
I’ve now tested this vacuum for two months. Daily use in a small 1,200 square foot flat. Mix of low-pile carpet, laminate flooring, and tile kitchen. One cat producing surprising amounts of hair. Real conditions requiring a robust vacuum cleaner.
What I discovered genuinely surprised me. Some features exceeded expectations dramatically. That 10-pound weight makes handling effortless.
This review shares everything I’ve learned through actual use. The impressive bits that justify the ultra-budget pricing. The frustrating limitations that might be deal-breakers. Who should buy this vacuum? Who should invest more money?
I’ll explain exactly what you’re getting for $70-$90. No pressure to recommend blindly. Just an honest assessment from someone who’s tested enough budget vacuums to recognise genuine value. If you’re comparing options, check out our guide to the best upright vacuums for pet hair for broader context.
Let’s talk about whether this Eureka delivers genuine value or false economy.
First Impressions and Unboxing
The packaging arrived adequately protected. Basic cardboard box. Minimal foam padding. Everything was wrapped in plastic bags. Eureka kept costs low everywhere. No fancy presentation.
Inside, you get the main vacuum body, handle assembly, and four accessories. Assembly required connecting the handle with screws. Total time? Perhaps twelve minutes. You’ll need a screwdriver. Instructions were clear enough.
My first reaction? This feels incredibly light. At 10 pounds, it’s shockingly easy to lift. Not premium substantial. More like “is this a toy?” light. The blue and yellow colour scheme looks cheerful. Not sophisticated. Just bright and functional.
The motorised pet turbo tool caught my attention immediately. Budget vacuums rarely include motorised accessories. This felt like genuine added value. Simple but effective engineering.
Initial build quality observations? The plastics feel thin. Not alarmingly cheap. Just clearly budget-appropriate. Everything fits together adequately. Minor wobbles exist, but nothing concerning. The dustbin clicks into place reasonably securely.
Setup took moderate effort. Connect the handle with the provided screws. Attach the accessories. Figure out the height adjustment. I vacuumed within twenty minutes of opening the box. Not complicated but not instant either.
One initial concern? The 25-foot cord looked short. After two months, this proved accurate. Larger rooms require outlet switching. Extension cords become necessary. The cord length feels like an obvious cost compromise.
The 2.6-litre dustbin genuinely impressed. It’s massive compared to the vacuum’s size. This looked like genuine practical thinking. Large capacity reduces emptying frequency significantly.
Check Out Where The Eureka PowerSpeed Lightweight Upright Vacuum Ranks On Our List Of The Best Upright Vacuums For Pet Hair
Design and Build Quality
The construction quality sits firmly in ultra-budget territory. It’s not premium engineering. It’s not even mid-range. The plastics feel thin. Noticeable flex exists during use. However, nothing breaks easily with reasonable care.
Ergonomics works surprisingly well. The 10-pound weight makes handling effortless. Carrying upstairs requires minimal effort. The handle grip feels comfortable enough. Pushing and pulling across floors takes minimal strength.
Colour options are limited. You get blue with yellow accents. That’s it. Personally, the bright colours look cheerful. Not sophisticated. Just visibly affordable appliance styling. Won’t win design awards.
The 5-height adjustment dial allows quick surface changes. Thick carpet to bare floors. The dial turns easily. Switching between surfaces takes seconds. This adds genuine versatility.
Durability concerns? After two months, everything still functions adequately. The wheels show minimal wear. The brush roll spins freely. However, the thin plastics suggest a limited lifespan. This feels like a 3-5 year vacuum, not 10 years.
Compared to competitors, this feels less substantial than everything. The Bissell CleanView feels sturdier. The Shark Navigator feels premium by comparison. You’re getting ultra-budget construction matching the pricing.
Real-world wear observations? The wheels collected the hair wrap quickly. Check weekly. The brush roll requires frequent cleaning. Hair wraps aggressively. The cord doesn’t retract automatically. You’re winding it manually each time.
One minor complaint? The dustbin release button feels flimsy. It works properly. Just feels like it might break eventually. Handle with care becomes necessary. This isn’t “chuck it around” durable.
Key Features
The 10-pound weight represents the standout feature genuinely. This is exceptionally light. Carrying upstairs becomes effortless. Elderly users or those with mobility concerns cope easily. The lightweight design transforms usability.
The 2.6-litre dustbin capacity genuinely impresses. This is larger than vacuums costing $400+. I clean my entire 1,200 square foot flat without emptying. That’s remarkable convenience at this price point.
The 5-height adjustment settings add genuine versatility. Low-pile carpet, medium carpet, high settings for thick pile, bare floor settings. Quick dial adjustment. Each surface type gets optimised cleaning. This genuinely works.
The motorised Pet Turbo Tool comes included. Budget vacuums rarely include motorised accessories. This spins at high RPMs for removing pet hair from furniture. It’s not premium quality. However, it works adequately for the price.
Washable filters eliminate ongoing costs. Rinse under tap water. Let air dry. Reuse indefinitely. No replacement filter purchases needed. Over the years, this has genuinely saved money. Simple but effective cost reduction.
The bagless design with a bottom-release dustbin makes emptying quick. Press the button. The bottom drops open. Debris falls into the bin. No wrestling with dust clouds. Simple and effective.
One feature I wish it had? Automatic cord rewind. Manual winding becomes tedious. Premium vacuums feature automatic rewind. At this price, it’s understandable. Just mildly annoying.
Another missing feature? HEPA filtration. The foam filter works adequately. However, it’s not medical-grade. Serious allergy sufferers should look elsewhere. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, proper HEPA filtration significantly reduces allergens.
Performance and Real-World Testing
Low to medium-pile carpet performance exceeded expectations. The 960-watt motor provides decent suction. Embedded cat hair pulls up reasonably. The height adjustment optimises performance. Low-pile carpets clean adequately for the price.
High-pile carpet performance disappoints significantly. The lightweight design and moderate power struggle here. Thick shag carpets overwhelm it. The vacuum pushes large debris rather than capturing it. Deep pile isn’t this vacuum’s strength.
Hard floor performance frustrates regularly. The forward-facing exhaust vent blasts lightweight debris. Kitty litter scatters frustratingly. Dry food bounces everywhere. You’re chasing a mess rather than cleaning. Multiple passes become necessary.
Pet hair pickup works adequately on carpets. Fresh hair, surface fur, and light tumbleweeds all capture reasonably. The motorised Pet Turbo Tool handles furniture effectively. Embedded fur requires extra passes. Single cat volumes manage fine.
The 2.6-litre dustbin capacity transforms cleaning sessions genuinely. I clean my entire flat without emptying. That’s remarkable for budget pricing. The time savings add up over weeks.
Consistency over two months has remained adequate. Suction power hasn’t faded noticeably. The brush roll still spins freely. However, frequent maintenance is necessary. Hair wrap requires weekly attention. Filter cleaning is needed bi-weekly.
Real-world example? Saturday morning cleaning. I vacuum the entire flat. Bedroom carpet, living room laminate, kitchen tile. The dustbin reaches perhaps 40% full. Previous budget vacuum required emptying twice. The capacity genuinely improves experience.
According to Eureka’s official website, regular brush roll maintenance prevents motor strain. This vacuum requires diligent upkeep. Budget pricing means more maintenance responsibility.
Technical Specifications
Here are the key specs explained simply:
Model Number: NEU181A
Type: Corded upright vacuum
Power: 960 watts. This provides adequate suction for low to medium-pile carpets. Not matching premium 1,300+ watt motors. Sufficient for budget expectations.
Weight: 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms). This is exceptionally light. Easiest vacuum to carry. Stairs become effortless. Elderly users cope easily.
Dustbin Capacity: 2.6 litres. This is genuinely enormous. Larger than many premium models. Budget compromise elsewhere enabled this capacity.
Cord Length: 25 feet (7.6 metres). This is shorter than the competitors. Extension cords become necessary for larger rooms. Cost compromise.
Cleaning Path: Approximately 11 inches. Standard width. Nothing special, but adequate coverage.
Filtration: Washable foam filter. Not HEPA. Adequate for general use. Serious allergy sufferers need better filtration.
Brush Roll: Standard with 5-height adjustment. Not self-cleaning. Requires frequent manual maintenance.
Warranty: 1-year limited. This is the shortest coverage available. Suggests limited confidence in longevity.
Current Price: $70-$90 USD. Ultra-budget pricing.
Why do these specs matter? The 10-pound weight genuinely affects usability. The 2.6-litre capacity improves convenience significantly. The 1-year warranty suggests expected lifespan limitations. The washable filter reduces long-term costs.
Compared to similar products? The Bissell CleanView weighs 15 pounds with a 1-litre capacity. The Shark Navigator weighs 12.5 pounds with a 0.87-litre capacity. This Eureka’s combination of light weight and large capacity stands out.
Check Out Where The Eureka PowerSpeed Lightweight Upright Vacuum Ranks On Our List Of The Best Upright Vacuums For Pet Hair
Accessories and Tools Included
The package includes four useful accessories. You get the motorised Pet Turbo Brush. A crevice tool. A dusting brush. An upholstery tool. All store onboard conveniently.
The Pet Turbo Brush deserves special mention. It’s motorised at ultra-budget pricing. The brush spins effectively for removing pet hair. Furniture cleaning becomes genuinely easier. This accessory alone adds significant value.
Tool quality feels budget-appropriate. The plastics are thin but functional. Everything works adequately. Nothing breaks with reasonable care. Just basic accessories accomplish their purpose.
Which accessories will you actually use? The Pet Turbo Brush gets weekly usage for furniture. The crevice tool handles baseboards. The dusting brush cleans delicate surfaces occasionally. The upholstery tool works for general fabric cleaning.
What additional accessories you might need? Honestly, the included package covers basic needs. Perhaps longer extension wands for higher reach. Eureka sells these separately for modest costs.
Value assessment? The accessory package genuinely impresses for the price. A motorised pet tool typically costs $30-50 alone. Getting it included at $70-$90 total represents remarkable value. This justifies a purchase alone for some.
The onboard storage clips hold accessories adequately. They’re not premium locking mechanisms. Just simple clips that work. Nothing falls off during normal use. Adequate solution.
One nice touch? The quick-release handle connects easily to accessories. Above-floor cleaning becomes straightforward. Switch from floor cleaning to furniture cleaning in seconds.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Incredibly lightweight at just 10 pounds. This is exceptionally easy to handle. Carrying upstairs requires minimal effort. Elderly users or those with mobility concerns cope easily. The lightweight design is genuinely remarkable.
- Huge 2.6-litre dustbin capacity. Larger than vacuums, costing five times more. I clean my entire flat without emptying it. This improves convenience dramatically.
- Motorised Pet Turbo Tool included. Budget vacuums rarely include motorised accessories. This adds genuine value. Furniture cleaning becomes significantly easier.
- Exceptional value at $70-$90. You’re getting functional cleaning at ultra-budget pricing. The included motorised tool alone typically costs $30-50.
- 5-height adjustment adds versatility. Quick dial switching between surface types. Each floor gets optimised cleaning. This genuinely works.
- Washable filter eliminates ongoing costs. No replacement filter purchases needed. Over the years, this saves genuine money.
- Large capacity means less time emptying. More time actually cleaning. The convenience improves the cleaning experience significantly.
Cons
- Struggles significantly on high-pile carpet. The lightweight design and moderate power can’t handle thick shag. Deep pile overwhelms it completely.
- Scatters debris frustratingly on hard floors. The forward-facing exhaust blasts lightweight items. Kitty litter, dry food, and small debris bounce everywhere. Multiple passes needed.
- The short 25-foot cord frustrates regularly. Extension cords become necessary for larger rooms. The cord length limits convenience significantly.
- Requires frequent brush roll maintenance. Hair wraps aggressively. Weekly cleaning is necessary. More work than premium self-cleaning systems.
- Only 1-year warranty. This is the shortest coverage available. Suggests limited confidence in long-term durability. Budget compromise.
- Build quality feels ultra-budget. Thin plastics flex noticeably. Everything functions, but it doesn’t inspire confidence. This feels like a 3-5 year lifespan maximum.
Who This Product Is Best For
This vacuum suits ultra-tight budgets perfectly. Students, young adults, and first flat purchases. You’re getting functional cleaning for $70-$90. Remarkable value for minimal investment.
Small spaces under 1,000 square feet benefit most. Studio flats, one-bedroom flats, compact living. The 25-foot cord manages adequately. The capacity suits smaller spaces perfectly.
Low to medium-pile carpet homes appreciate the performance. The 960-watt motor handles these surfaces adequately. High-pile carpet homes should look elsewhere.
Single light pet situations work adequately. One cat or tiny dog producing minimal hair. The capacity and performance handle light volumes. Multiple pets overwhelm it.
Elderly users or those with mobility concerns appreciate the 10-pound weight. This requires minimal strength to handle. Stairs become genuinely manageable.
Secondary vacuum purposes work brilliantly. Keep it in the garage, car boot, or another floor. Quick clean-ups become convenient. Main vacuum elsewhere.
Budget-conscious buyers testing vacuum ownership should choose this. Minimal financial risk. If you discover you won’t vacuum regularly, you’ve only spent $70-$90.
Alternative Uses and Versatility
Car cleaning works surprisingly well. The lightweight design makes carrying outside easy. The Pet Turbo Tool handles car upholstery effectively. The capacity manages car interior debris.
Workshop or garage quick clean-ups become convenient. Sawdust, wood shavings, and general debris. The large capacity handles messy projects. Just empty carefully afterwards.
Caravan or motorhome cleaning works brilliantly. The lightweight design suits mobile living. The compact size stores easily. The capacity manages small space cleaning.
Pet bed maintenance becomes easier. The Pet Turbo Tool removes surface hair effectively. This extends washing frequency. Saves laundry time.
Stairs and landings clean adequately. The 10-pound weight makes carrying effortless. The hose and tools reach effectively. My back appreciates this significantly.
Quick spot cleaning excels. Spilt cereal, crumbs, small messes. The suction handles quick clean-ups instantly. Much faster than sweeping.
Seasonal use includes entryway debris. Autumn leaves, winter salt, spring mud. The capacity handles seasonal messes. Just empty frequently to prevent clogging.
Check Out Where The Eureka PowerSpeed Lightweight Upright Vacuum Ranks On Our List Of The Best Upright Vacuums For Pet Hair
Value for Money and Comparison
At $70-$90, this delivers remarkable value for specific situations. You’re paying ultra-budget pricing for functional cleaning and motorised accessories. The value proposition is strong for appropriate uses.
What you’re getting versus what you’re paying? Motorised pet tool worth $30-50 alone. 2.6-litre capacity found on premium models. 5-height adjustment adds versatility. A washable filter reduces long-term costs. Genuinely impressive value.
A brief comparison reveals advantages. The Bissell CleanView costs similarly but weighs 15 pounds with a 1-litre capacity. The Hoover MAXLife Pro costs $160-$200 with HEPA but weighs 17 pounds. This Eureka’s combination of light weight, large capacity, and motorised tool stands out.
The Shark Navigator costs $150-$200 with better build quality. However, it weighs 12.5 pounds with just 0.87-litre capacity. You’re paying double for Shark engineering whilst getting smaller capacity.
Long-term value considerations? The washable filter saves money annually. The 1-year warranty suggests 3-5 year lifespan maximum. Budget accordingly for replacement within several years.
Is it worth the price? Honestly, yes, for specific situations. Small spaces, light use, and tight budgets all justify purchase. Minimal financial risk. You could spend more. You’d get better performance and durability.
See how it ranks in our best budget upright vacuums list for detailed comparisons across ultra-affordable options.
Maintenance and Long-Term Ownership
Maintenance is frequent but straightforward. Empty the dustbin when full. Clean the brush roll weekly. Rinse the filter bi-weekly. Check for clogs occasionally.
The washable filter rinses under tap water. Let air dry completely for 24 hours. No replacement costs. Cleaning frequency depends on use. Expect bi-weekly rinsing with regular use.
The brush roll requires weekly attention. Hair wraps aggressively. Remove manually with scissors or fingers. Takes perhaps ten minutes weekly. More work than premium self-cleaning systems.
Common issues to watch for? The wheels collect hair wrap. Check monthly. The belt can slip occasionally. Tighten or replace as needed. The dustbin button feels fragile. Handle gently.
Expected lifespan? Based on build quality and warranty, expect 3-5 years with proper maintenance. The 1-year warranty suggests Eureka expects limited longevity. Treat it gently, it’ll serve you adequately.
Warranty coverage assessment? One year is shortest available. Most competitors offer 2-5 years. This suggests a budget compromise. Keep your receipt. Register if possible.
Replacement parts availability? Eureka maintains adequate parts availability through their website. Filters, brush rolls, and belts are all available. Pricing remains affordable. Parts ship within reasonable timeframes.
The manufacturer recommends cleaning the brush roll and belt every two weeks. This prevents clogging and motor strain. Diligent maintenance extends lifespan.
Reasons to Buy This Product
You should seriously consider this if the budget is absolutely critical. You’re getting functional cleaning for $70-$90. Minimal financial investment. Remarkable value for appropriate uses.
Buy this for exceptionally lightweight portability. At 10 pounds, this is the easiest vacuum to handle. Carrying upstairs requires minimal effort. Elderly users cope easily.
Choose this for small spaces under 1,000 square feet. Studio flats, one-bedroom homes, compact living. The features suit smaller spaces perfectly.
The included motorised Pet Turbo Tool justifies purchase alone. Budget vacuums rarely include motorised accessories. This adds genuine value beyond basic cleaning.
If you need a secondary vacuum, this works brilliantly. Garage, car boot, another floor. Quick clean-ups become convenient. Main vacuum elsewhere.
The 2.6-litre capacity suits extended cleaning sessions. Despite budget pricing, you’re getting premium-sized capacity. This improves convenience dramatically.
Finally, testing vacuum ownership makes sense. If you discover you won’t vacuum regularly, you’ve only invested $70-$90. Minimal financial risk.
Check Out Where The Eureka PowerSpeed Lightweight Upright Vacuum Ranks On Our List Of The Best Upright Vacuums For Pet Hair
Reasons to Skip This Product
You should look elsewhere if you have high-pile carpet. This struggles significantly on thick shag. The lightweight design can’t handle deep pile. Better alternatives exist.
Skip this if you have primarily hard floors. The debris scatter frustrates constantly. Kitty litter, small items bounce everywhere. Hard floor-optimised vacuums exist.
Choose differently if you own multiple pets. The performance handles light volumes only. Two-plus cats or medium-plus dogs overwhelm it. Larger capacity models with better performance exist.
Look at alternatives if you need HEPA filtration. Serious allergy sufferers require medical-grade filtration. This foam filter doesn’t provide that protection.
Avoid this if you expect long-term durability. The 1-year warranty and thin plastics suggest a 3-5 year maximum lifespan. Better-built alternatives exist for modest additional investment.
Conclusion
After two months of daily use, the Eureka PowerSpeed Lightweight Upright Vacuum has earned a qualified recommendation. It’s not perfect. It’s not even particularly good at everything. However, it delivers genuinely functional cleaning at remarkable $70-$90 pricing.
The 10-pound weight genuinely transforms usability. Carrying upstairs becomes effortless. Elderly users or those with mobility concerns cope easily. This is the lightest vacuum I’ve tested. The portability genuinely impresses.
The 2.6-litre dustbin capacity exceeds all expectations. I clean my entire 1,200 square foot flat without emptying. For ultra-budget pricing, this capacity is genuinely remarkable. The convenience improves the cleaning experience significantly.
The included motorised Pet Turbo Tool adds genuine value. Budget vacuums rarely include motorised accessories. This alone typically costs $30-50. Getting it included justifies the purchase for some buyers alone.
However, limitations exist significantly. High-pile carpet performance disappoints completely. Hard floor debris scatter frustrates regularly. The 25-foot cord limits convenience. The 1-year warranty suggests limited longevity. You’re getting budget performance matching budget pricing.
Who should absolutely buy this? Ultra-tight budgets with small spaces and low-pile carpets. Students, young adults, secondary vacuum purposes. You’re getting remarkable value for minimal investment. The financial risk is negligible.
Who should keep looking? High-pile carpet homes. Hard floor-dominant spaces. Multiple pet households. Those expecting 10-year durability. Better alternatives exist for modest additional investment.
The best alternative? If you can stretch to $160-$200, the Hoover MAXLife Pro delivers HEPA filtration and better build quality. If you need lightweight with better performance, the Shark Navigator costs $150-$200 but weighs just 12.5 pounds.
My honest assessment? This represents genuine value for specific situations. The lightweight design genuinely impresses. The capacity exceeds expectations. The motorised tool adds value. The performance handles appropriate uses adequately. For the right buyers, this delivers everything needed.
I’ve recommended this vacuum to two friends on extremely tight budgets. Both purchased it. Both report satisfaction for basic cleaning. The limitations exist, but don’t outweigh the value at this price point.
Is it worth $70-$90? Absolutely for appropriate situations. Small spaces, low-pile carpets, and light use all justify purchase. The motorised tool alone adds significant value. Buy it. Use it for its strengths. Accept its limitations. You’ll appreciate the value immediately.
For more options and detailed comparisons across all budget ranges, visit our complete guide to the best upright vacuums for pet hair. The Eureka PowerSpeed Lightweight Upright Vacuum earns its recommendation for ultra-budget buyers honestly. Your wallet will thank you.
