Electrolux Z4648 / Cyclone power plus hepa high filtration

...general terms on how the Electrolux performs in relation to the Dyson, based on the demonstrations my kind friends have given me.

My quest for a vacuum cleaner started a few weeks ago when I noticed that my six year old Electrolux Mondo cylinder cleaner simply wasn't up to the job anymore. My house seemed to be getting dustier and dustier. I wasted hours of my life going over and over the same bit of carpet. I decided it was time for ...
...other half and saw the Electrolux Z4648, a Cyclone Power Plus upright cleaner. From the description on the shelf, it looked like it it would meet my suction expectations. We bit the bullet, paid the money and took it home.

We opened the box with excitement; this dwindled somewhat when we realised the cleaner had to be assembled with a screwdriver - the handle had to be attached to the main unit with the supplied screws. However, we ... more

...well not exactly as I am sure few poor men could or would fork out over a hundred pounds for a vacuum cleaner. However, if like me, you want a machine with the suction power of a Dyson but baulk at paying excessive amounts of hard-earned cash for it, this cleaner could be the one for you.

Before I tell you all about my new toy of the moment, please note that I do not own a Dyson or have done so in the past. I am therefore not in the position to make direct comparisons between the two makes, especially in relation to maintenance, etc. However, I do have many Dyson-owning acquaintances and have witnessed their cleaners in actions (yes, I lead a fascinating life!) so I can comment in general terms on how the Electrolux performs in relation to the Dyson, based on the demonstrations my kind friends have given me.

My quest for a vacuum cleaner started a few weeks ago when I noticed that my six year old Electrolux Mondo cylinder cleaner simply wasn't up to the job anymore. My house seemed to be getting dustier and dustier. I wasted hours of my life going over and over the same bit of carpet. I decided it was time for a big change - I had heard good things about upright cleaners and after some research, my heart was set on a Dyson. That is until I saw the prices....

I wanted a Dyson DC07 but as they cost in the region of £200 in the shops (more if you want a fancy version), it was back to researching my options... but I couldn't decide. Then, the other day, I was in Costco with the other half and saw the Electrolux Z4648, a Cyclone Power Plus upright cleaner. From the description on the shelf, it looked like it it would meet my suction expectations. We bit the bullet, paid the money and took it home.

We opened the box with excitement; this dwindled somewhat when we realised the cleaner had to be assembled with a screwdriver - the handle had to be attached to the main unit with the supplied screws. However, we followed the instructions in the manual and overcame this first obstacle.

To test the suction power of the new 1600 watt machine compared to our old 1300 watt cleaner, we vacuumed our lounge thoroughly with old Mondo. This done, we switched on the Electrolux and the excitement began....

Wow, we were horrified about the amount of dirt the new machine picked up. The see through 2.8 litre dust box was nearly full. We had clearly been wallowing in our dirt for months, maybe years! I have to admit though that I was secretly pleased by the amount of dirt that was hoovered up as it proved that our purchase was worthwhile. It's strangely satisfying watching self-generated dirt whirling around in the transparent dust box. Having seen the Dyson demonstrations provided by friends, I would say the Z4648's dirt-pickup is as good.

So what are the features of the vacuum cleaner? The Electrolux website provides more details but in brief...

**Cyclonic action - this basically separates the dirt from the airflow, sucking dirt into the dust bin spins at a speed of over 200 mph (or so the manufacturer claims)
**HEPA filtration of dust, pollen and other microscopic particles (ie, filtration at the highest level) to ensure clean air at home
**Built in hose that stretches to five times the unstretched length and two extending tubes
**Transparent dust box with washable cyclone filter
**Tools (crevice, dust brush, upholstery thingy) which are stored with the machine
**Floor height adjustment so you can adjust the brush function depending on the type of flooring or carpet pile the vacuum machine is being used on

There are a few cleaners in the range - Z4645/4646 - although I don't know what the differences are except for the fact that these do not have HEPA filtration. The Z4648 vacuum cleaner is not as pretty, in my opinion as the Dyson; it's quite a macho design (clear blue with yellow highlights).

**Advantages**
During my brief ownership, I have fallen in love with my new cleaning equipment. Its powerful suction has given my carpets a new lease of life! I have dusted and hoovered everything in sight, including some very dusty lampshades. The brush attachment is useful for cleaning electronic and computer equipment, as well as books.

The vacuum cleaner is relatively low maintenance - the HEPA filter needs to be washed every couple of months and the cyclone filter should be washed when it gets especially grotty. Apart from that, no other action is required. The machine is guaranteed for 12 months. I can't comment on the aftercare service as I haven't experienced any problems yet. The Electrolux website allows you to purchase parts online.

Another plus point is that there is no need to buy bags. I don't know why but I hate buying bags and often forget to purchase them. I also hate changing bags too. But this leads onto a major disavantage...

**Disadvantages**
Emptying the dust box. This is not fun. The box detaches from the machine - you need to tug it a little. You then pull out the filter from the top and empty the nasty stuff into the bin. That bit is okay. However, the filter is clogged up with fluff and dirt which can only be removed by banging it on dustbin or brushing it off. Any emptying (and believe me, you will do it often) must be done outside or you'll have to hoover it all up again!

The machine is mighty heavy at 8.1kg. This means your arm muscles get exercised lugging it about. The machine also has a tendency to topple when the hose is being used. The instructions state that the machine should be positioned sideways to the direction the hose is extended (huh?!) but even when this is followed, it occasionally falls over. I have bruises to prove it.

The machine is mighty noisy - it sounds like a plane taking off. This means I am not allowed to hoover my semi-detached house late at night for fear of waking the neighbour's children.

The hose is also not terribly long so stair cleaning is not as easy as it should be. My husband prefers to lug the thing onto each step to give the stairs the thorough clean they deserve.

**Overall impression**
Based on my experience and needs (couple in house with no pets apart from the neighbour's cat that wanders in occasionally), the vacuum cleaner is excellent when it comes to suction power. As this is the main reason we bought the machine, it more than makes up for the niggling design flaws and annoyances. If you are looking for a decent cleaner but are on a smaller budget, give the Electrolux a try. Your pocket and respiratory system will thank you for it.

- Additional note - the other day, I read in ahem, the Sun, that Dyson cleaners, despite their superb perfomance with regards to suction, have a poor record when it comes to reliability. The Electrolux make ranked higher on this criterion. Just thought you may be interested.... happy cleaning!

 

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