Inexpensive Vacuum Cleaner

So you don't want to spend a lot on a vacuum cleaner. I don't blame you. There are certain situations that call for a more expensive vacuum, but perhaps you are on a budget, or live in a small apartment, or a small home or just don't need a $200+ vacuum.

Usually, the problem is that there are no shortage of (cheap) vacuums, but the quality is so poor you end up spending more money again and again.

So, why have I recommended the Hoover Tempo Widepath Vacuum. The answer is it has many good features that you will find in more expensive vacuums but for less money.

What we love most about the Hoover Tempo Widepath U5140900 upright vacuum is perhaps its most obvious selling point: its price. At $74.00 including shipping, the Hoover Tempo Widepath Vacuum qualifies for the budget vacuum category. The real question, however, is yet to be answered:

How does it perform?

The Hoover Tempo Widepath outperforms many higher-priced vacuums, and has powerful suction that easily conquers carpets in need of a good sweeping. The Tempo Widepath has many of the same features we've come to expect from luxury models. It has a wide 15-inch cleaning path and powerful suction. Plus it comes with an allergen filtration system to capture allergens, dust mites and other pollutants. There are plenty of onboard accessories, including a dusting brush, upholstery tool, crevice tool and two extension wands. (see the diagram below for complete details)

Bag-system vacuums, particularly at this price point, don't always have the details (such as an indicator light) that make operation and maintenance easier. This is not the case with the Hoover Tempo Widepath. We especially like the indicator light that lets the user know when the bag needs to be replaced. It also has a built-in headlight to illuminate the vacuum's cleaning path.

However, budget models often do not have all the features.

For one, this model has a 24-foot cord, compared to many other uprights that have 30-foot cords. There is no turbo tool, powered hand tool or rotating pet power brush.

One of our complaints centers on the attachment hose. Although the length of the Hoover Tempo Widepath attachment hose is about average, we don't really like it. It doesn't quite reach all the areas we need it to -- such as ceilings and light fixtures where cobwebs like to collect -- and when it is stretched, it begins to pull the vacuum with it.

The Tempo Widepath is also a bit noisier than some of its competitors. Our concern, however, has to do with the rotating brushes on the main vacuum head. This vacuum doesn't have the option to turn off the brushes. Why is this important? If one is using the attachments for an extended period of time, it's a good idea to turn off the rotating brushes so they don't cause unnecessary wear to carpets. But, if you do not use attachments all that often, this is not as big of a concern.

Overall, the benefits of the Hoover Tempo Widepath Vacuumfar outweigh our complaints. It works as well as models in the $300-plus category, and has many of the same features, but with a very modest price tag.

Pros: Price, powerful suction, wide path
Cons: Short attachment hose, rotating brush heads don't turn off

Warranty
1 year

Hoover Tempo Widepath Vacuum gets the most support from more than 1,300+ owners who have posted highly positive reviews at Amazon.com. It's also included in Consumer Reports magazine's more scientific roundup of vacuum cleaners.

Overall, owners of the Hoover Tempo Widepath U5140-900 upright vacuum are very happy with their purchase. They cite the vac's low weight (only 16 pounds) compared to others, which makes it easier to push and to carry up and down stairs. Owners are also pleased with the included allergen filter. The Hoover Tempo Widepath gets better feedback from owners than more-expensive vacuums in Hoover's lineup. Because the brush roll can't be turned off, the Widepath isn't the best choice for bare floors because the brush roll can spit debris back out