For this review, we assembled a Eureka 3500AE ReadyForce Total bagless canister vacuum cleaner and tested it out on some bare floors and low-pile carpeting. We do not recommend this vacuum cleaner for homes with shag or other deep carpeting.
The 3500AE came to us in need of some assembly, but we are pleased to say that it came together quickly and easily. Its HEPA filter was already installed, and all we had to do was attach the extension wand and hose to the canister. This process did not require any tools and was rather straightforward. Once the vacuum was assembled, we were ready to start vacuuming right away.
On bare floors and low-pile carpeting, the 3500AE easily gathered crumbs, dirt, paper scraps, and other debris. A brushroll on/off switch on the 3500AE's handle allows for easy transitioning between different floor types. While there is an audible difference in operating volume when the brushroll is turned on, the 3500AE's maximum volume is a pleasant 65 decibels. This is comparable to the volume of a busy office or loud conversation. At its quietest, we registered the 3500AE at a whisper-quiet 55 decibels.
At a glance, 3500AE's most apparent feature is its large, clear plastic dust cup. As we vacuumed, it was easy to tell how much dirt and dust we gathered during cleaning. We did not fill it
in our brief cleaning session, but when we experimented with emptying, we found that it was easy to remove and almost too easy to empty. In fact, we recommend keeping a hand on the bottom of the dust cup during debris disposal. Whereas many bagless vacuum cleaner dust cups feature a trap door that drops dust downward, the 3500AE's dust cup discharges its entire bottom half when its release switch is pressed. Our reviewers did not realize this until half of the dust cup fell--dust and all--into the trash can.
Once we had cleaned off the dust cup and returned it to the 3500AE, we decided it was time to carry the vacuum into storage. This was easily accomplished: the 3500AE's suction unit weighs only five pounds, and its power nozzle is as light as a feather. A carry handle below the dust cup allows for easy transport up or down stairs or across wide areas of open flooring.
After testing out this vacuum cleaner, our reviewers agreed that the 3500AE would be a great vacuum cleaner for small homes, apartments, and condos with mostly bare floors and some low-pile carpeting. Its low operating volume, lightweight construction, and budget-friendly price tag also make this an ideal vacuum cleaner for college students who want to keep their dorm rooms and apartments clean.
For more information about the Eureka 3500AE ReadyForce Total bagless canister vacuum cleaner or any of the other Eureka canister vacuum cleaners we carry, please call (866) 972-8227.
