Eureka Airspeed NEU10AE4 Review: A Lightweight Vacuum That Gets the Job Done

The Eureka Airspeed Ultra-Lightweight Compact Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner, model NEU10AE4, caught my eye because of its lightweight design and affordability. As someone who values a clean home but hates lugging around heavy cleaning equipment, I was curious to see if this vacuum could offer a practical solution.

The product promises good suction power and ease of use, especially for apartments. It comes with a few basic tools like a crevice tool and a dusting brush, which seemed pretty standard. The vacuum's compact size was appealing, especially since storage space is limited in my home. So, I decided to give it a try and see how it performs in real-world conditions.

What stood out immediately was its weight—at just 7.7 pounds, it's incredibly easy to move around. However, I was skeptical about whether its lightweight design would compromise its performance. After putting it to the test, I found some surprises, both good and bad, which I'll dive into in the following sections.

Overall, my initial impression was cautiously optimistic. It seemed like the kind of vacuum that might be a good fit for pretty straightforward cleaning tasks, but I was curious to see if it could handle more demanding situations.

In terms of value, the Eureka Airspeed NEU10AE4 offers good bang for your buck, especially if you're on a budget. Priced competitively against other upright vacuums, it doesn't break the bank and provides the basic features needed for standard cleaning tasks. It's ranked #2 in upright vacuum cleaners, which speaks to its popularity and general acceptance by consumers.

The washable filter is a nice touch, as it reduces maintenance costs over time. You just rinse it, let it dry, and it's good to go. This is a small but significant aspect that adds to the overall value proposition of this vacuum.

However, if you're expecting a high-end performance, especially on thick carpets or heavily soiled areas, you might end up disappointed. It's essential to set realistic expectations—this vacuum is best suited for lighter cleaning tasks and smaller living spaces like apartments or condos.

So, if you're looking for an affordable, easy-to-use vacuum that covers the basics, this is a pretty solid choice. But for more intensive cleaning needs, it might be worth investing in a more robust model.

The design of the Eureka Airspeed NEU10AE4 is where it really shines if you prioritize convenience. Its lightweight and compact design make it very easy to maneuver around the house. I found it particularly handy for quick clean-ups or when you need to pull out the vacuum without much hassle. It's not cordless, which is a bit of a downside, but the cord length is sufficient for small to medium-sized rooms.

The vacuum is primarily constructed of plastic, which contributes to its featherweight feel, but it doesn't feel flimsy or overly cheap. The bright green color is a bit of a bold choice; whether you find it appealing or not will depend on personal taste. In terms of ergonomics, the handle is comfortable to grip, and the quick-release feature makes it easier to transition from floor to above-floor cleaning.

One aspect of the design that could use improvement is the storage of the attachments. While the crevice tool and dusting brush are within reach, they don't always stay securely in place during use. They tend to rattle around, which can be annoying and somewhat distracting.

Despite these minor issues, the overall design is user-friendly and geared towards efficient storage and mobility. It's a practical choice for those who need a vacuum cleaner that’s easy to grab and go.

When it comes to performance, the Eureka Airspeed NEU10AE4 delivers a mixed bag of results. The vacuum claims to offer powerful all-floor suction, and to some extent, it holds up to that promise. On hard floors, it picks up dirt and small debris without much fuss. The 10.5-inch cleaning path lets you cover ground relatively quickly, which is nice when you're in a hurry.

However, I noticed that on carpets, especially thicker ones, the vacuum struggles a bit. It doesn't completely lose its effectiveness, but it requires a few extra passes to pull up dirt and pet hair. I also found that the hose, while flexible, is a bit short when you're trying to reach higher spots or clean stairs. It can be a stretch, literally, to get into those tighter spaces.

The vacuum’s noise level is something to be aware of. At 90 decibels, it's louder than I expected, which might be a dealbreaker for those who prefer quieter cleaning sessions. The dust cup has decent capacity, so you won't be emptying it constantly, but it fills up faster if you have pets.

Overall, the performance is pretty solid for light cleaning tasks. If you have a lot of complex surfaces or thicker carpets, you might find it lacking. But for straightforward, regular maintenance, it gets the job done.