A big improvement over the original model
I have been interested for a long time in the Eureka EasyClean 71B which has been advertised as an aggressive pet hair vac. This newer model, the 41A, is being marketed a little differently. Besides the obvious name difference from EasyClean to RapidClean, in addition to being touted for pet cleanup it is now being promoted as also being ideal as a "step" vacuum (such as for staircases).
I never ended up buying the EasyClean so I can't compare them head-to-head, but they are very similar machines. The differences, according to Eureka, are that the RapidClean has a more powerful motor (6 amp vs 5.5 amp), a more comfortable handle and a more versatile brush that adjusts well to vacuuming stairs, a task made easier by the addition of two smooth-rolling wheels on the new model.
One thing that attracts me to both models is that they are AC powered. Unfortunately most cordless hand vacs are still in the stone age as far as the NiCad battery system that they use...
Powerful, but a bear to maintain
I've been using my RapidClean Step for a week now. It's powerful, and does the job well. But I'm very disappointed when it comes to maintaining the unit.
First: the cup fills fast, the filter clogs fast, and both are remarkably messy to empty. Because the cup is so small and the filter takes up most of the space inside the cup, I get dust everywhere each time I separate the three pieces of the filter/cup assembly.
Second: the instructions specifically state NOT to get the filter wet. To clean it, you are instructed to brush off the outside of the filter. Pet dander clogs the filter very fast, and I don't see how just brushing it off will be enough. I've already noticed a decrease in suction power due to the clogged filter.
Third: I have been unable (so far) to take the bottom plate off to clean built-up hair off of the roller brush. I've never owned a vacuum that didn't have a removable bottom plate. This came as an unpleasant surprise. If...
Great Vac for what it does
I am always puzzled by people who complain about certain features that are simply part of the limitations of what they are buying...
If you don't want noise, buy a broom, it is no louder than my higher end Hoover upright. Also, less sound usually means less power at this price point...
As for the cord, then buy a cordless! Honestly, I bought this for its cord because I wanted a more powerful vac--it is very powerful and has great cord length, I can easily vacuum my stairs, which was the main purpose of buying this vac, but I also found that it does a great job on the fabric covered couch and cars--love this thing! The beater brush works great! I was shocked at the cat hair this thing finds--which btw, it does a great job on cat hair.
As for capacity, then buy a bigger vac, if you want a handheld then its capacity is going to be smaller else it is no longer a handheld...
If you don't like the mess of emptying it, then buy a bagged version...
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