Hoover’s WindTunnel Air: Multi-Purpose Vacuum
We confess- we've always wanted to have a wind tunnel. It'd be a great way to test out gear, put outdoor stuff like tents and clothing through some gale-force simulated storms. Although today's product won't quite make that wish a reality, it did do a pretty good job of taking airflow and setting it to good use. A solid vacuum is a rare thing, and if you're still using an older model, you've got a lot to learn about some major advances in technology that have made today's vacuums easier to use and more powerful than ever.
Hoover's Windtunnel Air Bagless Upright (model UH70400), is a great example of how to take a simple-sounding technology and refine it. It's well-priced against competitors, and though it doesn't offer quite the same level of power or build quality as more expensive models, it's an amazing value. Upright vacuums take up a bit more space, of course, but this is a great balance, weighing only twelve or so pounds, and able to fit nicely into even smaller closets. Bagless vacuums offer definite advantages over those that require bags- less to buy and thus savings over time (especially with washable filters, like those on this model), plus they tend to still be fairly easy to clean (dumping and cleaning a chamber versus just tossing away a bag).
We liked that the Windtunnel worked great even on reasonably thick carpets, something that many vacuums have trouble with, thanks probably to their 'multi-cyclonic' technology. There isn't a powered head available, so it isn't the best options for larger houses with lots of carpet and serious stains, but pet hair and dirt were removed like a charm, with a single pass for the most part. The cord is plenty long for most people (30 feet), and corded vacuums are still much better than their battery-powered counterparts. The attachments are tools are decent- not amazing, but reasonably good, and they stayed put on the unit when put away, avoiding a problem we've seen on some machines. The hose did seem prone to coming loose, but some careful tightening seemed to fix the issue. Handling was ergonomic- which is to say, adjustable and capable of many degrees of tilting.
All in all, this is one of the better general-purpose vacuums that we've seen. Larger and more expensive models do offer more power, and smaller non-upright units might be a better fit for students or folks with small studios, but most folks will find the Hoover WindTunnel Air do be just right. Available online and in stores for around $150.
About the Author
Greg Greg dreamed up the idea for the Truly Network while living in Hawaii, which began with a single site called TrulyObscure. In 2010, when advertisers and readers were requesting coverage beyond the scope of that site, TrulyNet was launched, reaching a broader audience over a variety of niche sites. Formerly the head technology correspondent for the Des Moines Register at age 16, he has since lived and worked in five states and two countries, helping a list of organizations and companies that includes the United States Census Bureau, TripAdvisor, Events Photo Group, Berlitz, and Computer Geeks. He also served as the Content Strategy Manager for HearPlanet, a multi-platform app that has reached over a million users and has been featured in the New York Times, Hemispheres Magazine, National Geographic Adventure, Fox Business News, PC Magazine, and even Apple’s own iPhone ads. Greg has written as a restaurant critic and feature journalist for a number of national and international publications, including City Weekend Magazine, Red Egg Magazine, the Newton Daily News, Capital Change Magazine, and an arm of China Daily, Beijing Weekend. In addition, he has served as a consulting editor for the Foreign Language Press of Beijing, as well as a writer and editor for the George Washington University Hatchet, the school newspaper of his alma mater. Originally from Iowa, Greg is currently living in the West Village of Manhattan.
Other Articles You May Enjoy
Get Clean Organically with Bayberry Naturals →
Monitor Your Home With Lowes IRIS, Schlage, And Blue Line Innovations →
Rep Your City The Local Way With SOLA Glassware →
