Well here I am again with another vacuum review, after my last one blew up on me! Hopefully, I'll have more luck with this one and it'll go the distance.
After my past experience with vacuums, I thought I'am not going to waste a lot of money on the next one so thought I'd try a cheaper brand. After some careful consideration and study of reviews on vacuums, I decided to go with Z2274 The Boss by Electrolux.
--FEATURES-- *****************
* Powerful 1600 Watt motor
* HEPA high efficiency filter (retains 99.9% of dust particles such as pollen and dust mites)
* Stair Cleaning (stair cleaning hose reaches a full flight of stairs)
* Carpets and Hard Floors (floor type selector to suit carpets and hard floors)
On receiving my new vacuum, it was packed in a stiff cardboard box. Inside, all the components
were individually wrapped in plastic bags and also wrapped in a soft foam-like paper. All of this was encased in polystyrene blocks. On the whole, it was extremely well packed.
On emptying the box, I found myself with 7 different items. The items being :
On assembling the vacuum cleaner you are required to:
Remove the dustbag cover.
Looking at the front of the vacuum, align the handle with a groove and slide onto the cleaner. I found I needed slight pressure on the handle to achieve this. Ensure that you haven't trapped the cord in the back.
Place the screw into a hole in the back of the cleaner and tighten using a phillips screwdriver.
Connect all the tools to the back of the cleaner and wrap the pipe around the cleaner, as shown in the instructions. It is really * self-explanatory though.
Check that the dustbag is secure in the back of the cleaner before replacing the dustbag cover.
Wind the cord around 2 hooks on the right-hand side of the vacuum cleaner. The manual suggests that you do this in a figure of eight to make it easier to excess the dustbag compartment. Personally, I found that it doesn't make a difference.
--HOW TO USE-- *******************
On the bottom right-hand side, you'll find a chunky yellow knob. When you depress this knob it releases the handle and lowers it down to your required height. It does lower near enough flat to enable you to Vacuum under tables etc..
On the front of the vacuum, you have a slide selector with a chunky yellow knob, which indicates HIGH-LOW. Use this to adjust the height of the brushes, depending on your type of flooring. Tilting back the vacuum, eases this procedure.
On the left-hand side, you'll find another chunky yellow knob. This is the on-off switch.
The vacuum is equipped with a thermal cut-off switch, which is a special thermostat that protects the vacuum in case of the motor overheating. I haven't experienced this, as of yet, but the manual states to turn off the power and leave it to cool down for 30minutes. While waiting, to check if there are any blockages.As previously mentioned, this vacuum cleaner is supplied with
A dusting brush, which is used for furniture, blinds, books, lampshades and shelves. I find this brush is great on my car interior aswell.
A upholstery nozzle, which is used for curtains, draperies, cushions and fabrics.
An extension wand, which is a pipe in a pipe, that you pull apart, turn one round and push them back together for extra reach on your pipe. The inside pipe being a crevice tool.
Crevice tool, which is used for cleaning corners, edges, between floorboards and between cushions.
--MAINTENANCE-- *********************This type of vacuum does not come with a bag indicator, but looking at the dustbag, it has a line ¾ of the way up the bag and states full line. I haven't had to change the bag as yet but they are simple to change. You just pull the bag out forward, on placing a new one in, push the hole in the back of the dustbag into the inlet pipe in the vacuum. Ensure that it is secure.
It is recommended by Electrolux that with each dustbag change, you clean the HEPA filter at the same time. The filter is found at the bottom of the dustbag compartment. To remove the filter, grip and pull it forward out of the vacuum. Shake the filter to remove any dust and put it back into the vacuum before replacing the dustbag. For test purposes, I removed the filter and replaced it. I found this task easy to do. The filter actually looks like a car air filter. I am really interested to find out how much dust this actually collects when I have to change the bag for real. I will keep you posted on this one!
It is also recommended by electrolux, that you regularly check the brush roll belt, which is located underneath the vacuum to the left-hand side of the brush roll. Check that it is in good condition, with no cracks or that it has not stretched. Cut away any hair or threads that has wound around the brush roll or belt pulley.
--CONCLUSION-- ********************
On a whole, I found this vacuum really easy to assemble and even easier to use. The instruction manual is well illustrated, easy to read and very informative. Having the chunky yellow knobs, saves on bending as you use your feet to de-press the knobs. The handle, in my opinion, is really long. This would make it easy for someone who is tall or has back trouble, easy to use, as well as the likes of me. With it being so long though, there is a slight play in the handle if treated roughly.
On testing the vacuum, I found it reasonably quiet. When attempting to vacuum the stairs, the pipe stretched up to the top with ease. I also tested the tools out on various things, e.g. window blinds, curtains and found them to be exceptionally good. With the 14inch cleaning path, it made light work of the floor space. With the vacuum being lightweight also, it is very easy to manoeuvre across the floor. The suction on the vacuum is excellent and I found when I used the pipe extension and tools, there was no loss of suction either. The suction was in fact, very strong.
With my past history of vacuum cleaners, I really hope The Boss can stand the test of time. The story so far looks exceptionally good. I will keep you informed………..
For more information, visit www.electrolux.com Customer Helpline : 08706 055 055
The price : £49.99 Dustbag replacement price : £4.45 (Pack of 5) Replacement HEPA Filter : £5.52 Pack of 2 Belts : £2.62
Would I recommend this vacuum cleaner?? Yes, I certainly would!! Thanks for reading.
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very helpful by (94%):
