Trib Tested: Samsung VU7000 Motion Sync upright vacuum cleaner
The claim: The VU7000 vacuum features an innovative handheld vacuum that can be fully detached from the main body to easily clean hard-to-reach places. The handheld vacuum has its own motor for ultimate portability. As a whole unit, the vacuum provides powerful cleaning on carpets and hard floors. Also, the vacuum features CycloneForce multi™ Technology: 9-Cyclonic chambers that keep fine dust and debris from the filters to offer powerful suction and performance. The VU7000 upright also features revolutionary Motion Sync Design, a swivel brush and large, reverse-cambered wheels for maximum steerability to smoothly tackle corners and sharp turns.
Cost: $499
Where: Best Buy or www.samsung.com
Loved the portability of the Samsung Motion Sync Upright Vacuum. The detachable vacuum is powerful yet light, so I was able to get to a lot of spaces very easily, including the tops of drapes and basement stairs, and it did a great job cleaning them.
The upright vacuum was OK, but I've used better ones. Though it cornered well with a swivel brush, I had problems pushing it along my carpet; it seemed to want to dig in too much. Also, there were many small pieces of fuzz that the vacuum didn't pick up unless I ran over them several times.
This product lists online for about $450. Not sure I could be convinced to spend that much on a vacuum, and I'm not convinced this one is worth that price anyway. Though the portable vacuum is a good product.
The Samsung Motion Sync Upright Vacuum is, after you get used to the “steering,” really good on carpets. Dust, hair, lint from socks and blankets or threads from craft projects — all gone in a pass.
The lift-off handheld vac also has strong suction and was excellent for cleaning around baseboards and ceiling molding, but its heavy-duty “arm” is too thick to reach under appliances, and the test model we had didn't come with the attachments, so I don't know if there is an answer to that issue. The upright and the handheld each have their own dust bins and filters; neither is hard to empty.
One caveat: the Motion Sync packs a few pounds, and it's not something I'd want to carry up and down stairs much.
I've tried other vacuums that have a canister that can be unattached from the main body. The Samsung is unique in that the “Handy Vacuum Cleaner” has its own separate motor and canister. Used alone, it is lightweight and easy to get at all those high spots — the bathroom fan, valances, above doors and curtains. Or into crevices in corners or between furniture cushions. It is my favorite feature on this newly designed vacuum.
With another switch, the brush bar can be turned off or on, according to the surface. Off allows it to skim over hardwood floors without blowing dust around. With the brush bar turned on, the vacuum gives the carpet a solid cleaning. The suction gives a strong pull, grabbing at bits and pieces as it zips over them.
Both dust bin canisters are easily accessed to clean and empty, as is the HEPA filter.
This is one solid machine.
