Product Description

By design, many conventional vacuum cleaners scatter dirt back into the carpeting because the rotating brushes and airflow don't work in harmony. But Hoover engineers discovered a way to make the rotating brushes and airflow work in harmony with the power of the wind. It's called WindTunnel technology. Located in the floor nozzle, Hoover WindTunnel technology actually lifts and traps the dirt, so it won't scatter back into your carpet, which means the dirt ends up in the cleaner, not on your floor. The Self-Cleaning HEPA Filter cleans itself every 6 seconds to maintain cleaning power. You never have to touch or replace the main filter. It Traps 100% of dust mites, ragweed and common grass pollen under normal household conditions. Pet hair cleaning turbo hand tool / Upholstery tool / Dusting brush / Crevice tool Telescoping handle with built-in metal wand / 14-inch cleaning path / 6 foot super-stretch hose / Weight - 20 lbs. Manufacturer's US Warranty - 1 year parts, 90 days labor on defects in materials and workmanship

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1940 in Kitchen & Housewares
• Color: Green
• Brand: Hoover
• Model: U8311-900
• Released on: 2006-09-09
• Dimensions: 13.00" h x 17.50" w x 35.20" l, 32.00 pounds

Features

• 12-amp upright vacuum cleaner with WindTunnel 2 technology
• DirtFinder system; automatic brush-roll shutoff for above-floor cleaning
• Telescoping quick-release wand and super-stretch hose; 28-foot cord
• Dusting brush, furniture nozzle, crevice tool, and pet-hair tool included
• Measures approximately 14 by 15 by 43 inches; 1-year warranty

Amazon.com Product Description
Equipped with a powerful yet quiet 12-amp motor, this upright vacuum cleaner features patented WindTunnel 2 technology located in the floor nozzle, which forces the rotating brushes and airflow to work in harmony. It lifts and traps the dirt, keeping it from scattering back into the carpet, so dirt ends up in the cleaner not on the floor. With red and green lights, its embedded DirtFinder system indicates areas that may need more cleaning attention. The green "clean" light remains on while vacuuming except when the detector senses a larger amount of dirt; then the red "dirty" light will come on to suggest additional vacuuming in the area until the light changes back to green.

When in the upright position, the vacuum cleaner's agitator brush roll automatically shuts off, which allows all the suction power to be focused in the hose for effective above-floor cleaning. Attachments include a dusting brush, furniture nozzle, crevice tool, and a powered pet-hair cleaning tool. The unit's handle instantly converts into a telescopic wand, while its Tag Along grip helps guide the cleaner. Combined with the super stretch hose, it offers 12-feet of cleaning reach, eliminating the need to bend or stretch while cleaning.

The vacuum also provides a Breathe-Easy hygienic filter bag system, which makes changing the bag clean and simple. When removed, the bag automatically seals itself closed to keep dirt inside. It also traps 100-percent of dust mites, ragweed, and common grass pollens. The bag effortlessly slides back in from the front when replaced. Other highlights include a handle that adjusts for people of all heights, a headlight to illuminate the cleaning path, soft wheels, a carry handle, and a cord-rewind system that retracts 28 feet of cord quickly and easily at the push of a button. The vacuum cleaner measures approximately 14 by 15 by 43 inches and carries a one-year warranty that covers the entire vacuum, plus a lifetime warranty on the belt.

Customer Reviews

Great Vacuum - Convenient Cord Reel
Vacuum was easy to assemble and quickly ready for use. Did a good job on carpets, even though it is a little heavy and difficult at times to maneuver. The cord is a good length and the cord reel is the feature I like the most. Great vacuum and a great deal at Amazon's sale price.

Great Vacuum
I love the look and style. The attachments work wonderfully and I really do get full extention out of the expandable hose. The automatic recoil in the cord works like a champ. The green and red light dirt indicator is accurate. (I did a controlled test). I have both wood and carpet and I feel so much better after I have cleaned. It does a good job. The only reason I did not give this product a 5 star is simply because it is heavy. I am a slight individual and it is a bit cumbersome. The good news is I live on one floor. No hefting this beast up stairs. One more side note - the weight of this vacuum is comparable to almost all other vacuums with similar features. Plus it was ranked number 2 in Consumer Reports for the price. (I found mine for $175).

Works for me, but pay heed to the low ratings as well
Prior to this vacuum, I had a Sanyo, which I considered expensive ($400), for 8-10 years. I'm not especially gentle with my vacuums, but I do take them in for regular tune up cleanings. I was happy with the Sanyo until we added a long-haired dog to the mix. I bought the Hoover at Costco so I could easily take it back if needed. I tried Hoover's Windtunnel bagless version first and it was just too messy for me when it came to emptying the canister and I wasn't impressed with the suction.

Anyway, as my test, I vacuumed with the Sanyo and then followed up with this, the bagged Hoover. When I was still sucking up a considerable amount of dirt, I was sold.

Since then we've gained two cats (and kitty litter), and I've had the Hoover for a year. We have a two bed, two bath with tile and low-pile sisal and indoor-outdoor rugs. I only vacuum once a week and I pretty much use the vacuum in place of a broom. Because of habit and our tile and low-pile rugs, I always keep it on the lowest setting. When I'm finished, my floors pass the barefoot test. And when we mop right after, I'm really only pulling particle dirt from under cabinets and other places I was too lazy to use the vacuum tube.

Features I like:
*telescoping tube and on-board tools
*auto cord rewind
*dirt finder red/green light system. If was skeptical of this feature initially, but I'm a believer now.
*how much the bags hold, how easy they are to put in and put out--and zero dust leakage!

Features that need improvement:
*plastic connecting parts. I haven't broken anything, but the reviews that mention cheap materials are right
*length of the telescoping tube. I'm 5'5" and it's a stretch for me to reach our 8-ft. ceilings. I think they should offer a tube extender
*cost and availability of the bags
*no "bag full" indicator light. Suction does change when it's full, but still.
*pet hair attachment is great as long as it keeps spinning. Mine needs a jiggle from time to time to keep it going
*a lower profile head. I can't get it under all of my cabinets or chairs