A Review of the Eureka Optima Lightweight Upright Vacuum Model No. 431f

We purchased the Eureka Optima Model No. 431f Lightweight Upright Vacuum to replace an older Eureka upright that finally bit the dust after seven years of faithful service. First, some quick specifications on the Eureka! Optima Model No. 431f:

Specifications and Dimensions:

Motor: The Optima Model 431f has a 12 amp motor.

Weight: 12 pounds

Cord Length: 21 feet

Height (without handle extended): 34 inches

Height (with handle fully extended): 44 inches. Handle adjusts to different heights to accommodate different users, within the range specified (34-44 inches).

Attachments: The Eureka Optima Model No. 431f comes with a brush hose attachment for use on upholstery and a nooks-and-crevices attachment for vacuuming small, hard to reach areas.

Hose Length: The hose length on the Eureka Optima Model No. 431f is 6 feet, fully extended.

Filter: The Optima 431f comes with a "standard" dust cup filter, however, HEPA filters are available for this model as a separate purchase.

Operating Modes: There are two settings for floor vacuuming; one for bare floors and another for carpeted areas, as well as an additional control for use of the hose attachment.

Cleaning/Maintenance: The maintenance of the Eureka Optima 431f is a fairly simple process that involves removing and dumping the canister and brushing the filter free of dust and other particulates and keeping the brush roller free of hair or other entwined materials.

Price Point: We purchased ours at our local Target store for $59.99 in the bright "safety yellow" color. For the more adventuresome types: We found the same vacuum, in a gold sparkle-flecked pea green, at our local Lowe's for $69.99.

Benefits of the Eureka Optima Model 431f:

Suction: This is a powerful little vacuum. It has more-than-impressive suction power and it seems to pick up everything.

Construction: The front of the brush housing on the Eureka Optima 431f has a lower profile than its predecessors, which means the vacuum reaches further beneath tables, beds and furniture, allowing you to vacuum up those little crumbs that manage to gather just beyond the reach of a full-size vacuum. And the construction on the Eureka Optima isn't flimsy, yet the vacuum is quite usable even for a smaller person, and it maneuvers with ease.

The Eureka Optima 431f also comes with a "Check Brush Roller" light at the front that lights up when the brush roller ceases to rotate. It's a nifty feature that helps save your motor by alerting you to any problems with the roller's operation. You can turn off the vacuum and clear the roller of any entwined hair or other material before the problem escalates.

Drawbacks of the Eureka Optima Model 431f:

After a few weeks worth of use there are only a couple of drawbacks which should be noted:

Cleaning the Filter: The owner's manual to the Eureka Optima Model 431f instructs the user to, "shake and brush dust and dirt" from the filter. As the filter is an accordion-pleated cylinder of a thick paper-like material with lots of nooks and crannies, brushing the dust off while making sure not to damage the filter is a little tricky. I happen to have a big, soft watercolor brush that I use for dusting fragile items but I doubt everyone has something similar lying around the house. I don't think it would've been cost-prohibitive for Eureka to include such a brush as part of the standard equipment for this vacuum.

Cleaning the Brush Roller: The brush roller on the older Eureka we owned had a shallow groove which ran the length of the roller that allowed the user to insert a small scissor tip and snip out hair straight down the length of the roller, a big plus when you have hair that's rolled itself snugly around the brush. The Optima Model 431f brush roller has no such groove, which makes hair removal from the roller quite a bit more challenging.

Overall Rating:

In my book the Eureka Optima Model 431f gets four out of five stars. It's the near-perfect vacuum for an apartment or small house, is easy to maneuver and has power that belies its small size. The brush roller cleaning may take a little longer but the "Check Brush Roller" alert will help ensure more frequent cleaning of the roller than there might be otherwise. Having hose attachments on this size vacuum is a big bonus and the smaller profile makes vacuuming efforts more effective. As mentioned, I've owned a prior model of the Eureka Optima and found it to be a tough little line of vacuums. It's an excellent value and the reasonable price points just make it all that much better. I would definitely purchase this vacuum again.

Sources:

Eureka-Optima Owner's Guide, 430 Series
http://www.eureka.com/service/manuals/75287_eng.pdf