If you are wondering which upright vacuum cleaner is the better choice for your home, between Hoover Power Drive vs Windtunnel 3, this article is for your reference. Synopsis, the winner is Hoover Power Drive.
The PowerDrive stands out thanks to its versatility on a wide range of surfaces, automatic nozzle height adjustment, compact design, and many other utilities. It is such a great choice for pet owners.
The Windtunnel 3 is no less competitive. It has a carbon HEPA filter, which is extremely suitable for people who struggle with allergies. The length of the power cord and the hose are also impressive and rare. In particular, it works great on low-pile and medium-pile carpets.
Hoover Power Drive vs WindTunnel 3: Comparison Chart
Hoover Power Drive vs WindTunnel 3: Differences
After looking closely at the differences between these two vacuums, I conclude that Hoover PowerDrive wins 3:0 and ties 1 against Hoover Windtunnel 3 thanks to its great cleaning performance, compact design, and other utilities. Check out the breakdown below for more details.
cleaning performance
The winner: Hoover Power Drive
Performance on hard floors
I found that both these upright vacuums perform quite well on hard floors. Typical dirt and small-sized debris can’t make them difficult. With slightly larger debris like Froot Loops, you can use the wand to suck them up more easily.
Besides, both machines have a brush roll turn-off mode, so debris is not scattered when the machine vacuums on hard floors, and your floors are protected from being scratched. You can turn the rollers on when picking up pet hair on carpets and turn them off to gently vacuum on hard floors.
Performance on carpets
Hoover PowerDrive works really well to pick up pet hairs on carpets. I don’t see any hair getting stuck on the brushroll, and I really like this. In addition, it has the ability to adjust the height of the nozzle automatically.
Before using this machine, I thought manually adjusting the nozzle height was always more effective. However, in reality, the automatic height adjustment function of the PowerDrive works much better than expected. My floors are premium hardwood with some carpets, which are seamlessly navigated and cleaned by the machine without adjusting height settings.
As for Hoover Windtunnel 3, it performs great with fine particles like baking soda on carpets. It works best on low-pile carpets, followed by mid-pile carpets. Unlike the PowerDrive, this machine allows users to alter the nozzle height manually so that it can work relatively well on many different carpet types. However, I noticed this machine does not really work with pet hairs, and it has to struggle quite hard to suck out all of the hair on my carpet.
dirt bin & filtration
Tie
Dirt Tank
Both machines are bagless. The dirt, after being sucked in, is kept in a dust compartment that has a bottom-release button. I recommend pressing this button above the trash can or outside so you can empty the dust bin without getting dirt on your clothes. In general, their dust containers are quite easy to clean.
The dirt cup capacity of both machines is not much different. While the Hoover PowerDrive has a capacity of 1.5 liters, the Windtunnel 3’s is 1.42 liters. Compared to other upright vacuums that I have reviewed before, the size of this dust compartment is moderate. The larger the dustbin can, the more dust it can hold, requiring less emptying.
Filtration
Both the Hoover PowerDrive and Windtunnel 3 come with cyclone technology to filter debris and dirt from the airflow to help prevent loss of suction. The air, after being sucked in, goes through two filters; one is a foam filter, and the other is a carbon HEPA filter.
The foam filter is located below the dust cup, and it is washable. You need to rinse the filter under a stream of running water and gently squeeze it to remove excess water. Then, let it dry for at least 24 hours. The second filter is HEPA media with a carbon layer. This filter removes odors and retains 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns. If you have allergies or are looking for a vacuum cleaner with an effective filter, this duo can completely satisfy your wishes.
design & convenience
The winner: Hoover Power Drive
Build Quality
Both machines have relatively good build quality. Although they are mainly made of plastic, they still look pretty solid overall. However, you still need to take good care to prevent some parts from being broken, such as the dust cup.
In terms of both size and weight, the PowerDrive has a more compact design than the Windtunnel 3.
Besides, they are all easy to assemble. With Hoover PowerDrive, all assembly is a snap. Simply attach the long hose attachment and the handle, and you’re good to go. Same with Hoover Windtunnel 3, initial assembly is simple; everything just snaps into place.
Maneuverability
I was really impressed with the Windtunnel 3’s 40-foot power cord length. Normally, the power cord length ranges from 25 to 30 feet with other upright vacuums. Owning a power cord of such length gives you the freedom to clean up in a large room without having to change outlets. However, because the cord is so long, it sometimes gets a little entangled. In addition, the hose is also up to 12 feet long. It allows you to reach farther or higher to vacuum.
Meanwhile, the PowerDrive has a shorter power cord and a shorter hose than its opponent. However, compared to many other upright vacuum cleaners, the length of the power cord and its length are still acceptable.
In addition, the PowerDrive also has a swivel head feature, allowing you to rotate the machine head flexibly to vacuum between furniture. You may take a few times to get used to it. But believe me, this function makes vacuuming so much easier. It makes this machine especially suitable for places with tight spaces and more furniture than the Windtunnel.
Noise Level
In terms of noise levels, the PowerDrive is slightly quieter than its rival. The Hoover Windtunnel 3 produces relatively loud noise, ranging from 75-80 dB, which is slightly above average. However, it’s not so loud that you have to raise your voice to talk to other people, and it doesn’t have a big impact on hearing health.
UTILITIES
The winner: Hoover Power Drive
A special feature you can only find on the Hoover PowerDrive is that when you place the vacuum cleaner upright, the brush will automatically stop. That means you can keep a vacuum on the carpet and use the wand without pulling the carpet too much. Not every machine at this price point is equipped with this feature. Although it is only a small detail, it is still a plus point for the sophistication of the manufacturer.
Quick Rundown Of Hoover Power Drive
- SWIVEL STEERING: This upright vacuum cleaner effortlessly maneuvers around furniture and into tight spaces with ease
- ADVANCED ACTION BRUSHROLL: Engineered to tackle deep down embedded dirt and reduce hair wrap
- MULTI-FLOOR CLEANING: Turn the brush roll “On” for optimal cleaning on carpet and OFF to prevent scattering of debris on hard floor
- XL CAPACITY DIRT CUP: A large easy empty dirt cup means less emptying for a more convenient clean. Motor Amps- 11 Amps. Motor volts- 120 volts
- MULTIPURPOSE PET TOOLS: Reach and remove stubborn dirt and pet hair with the tools you need for a whole home clean.
Quick Rundown Of Hoover WindTunnel 3
- Hoover's best-cleaning bag less upright vacuum
- Quick Pass Brushroll - clean surface debris 2X faster without having to pass over the same area multiple times
- Wind Tunnel 3 Technology - 3 channels of suction to lift and remove surface debris and deep down embedded dirt
- 4-Position Height Adjustment - Easily adjust from deep carpet to hard floor surfaces for the best clean. Fast cleaning of surface areas, Extended cleaning reach
- Includes pivoting dusting tool, pet turbo tool, telescoping extension wand, and crevice tool. Conveniently empty debris with the push of a button, without getting your hands dirty
Product Video
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References:
- Hoover Power Drive: https://hoover.com/products/powerdrive-pet-upright-vacuum
- Hoover WindTunnel 3: https://hoover.com/products/windtunnel-3-high-performance-pet-upright-vacuum-1
Victor K. Giles is a leading consultant and expert in vacuum cleaner technology with over a decade of experience. As a mechanical engineering graduate in the University of Michigan, he specializes in product development, design optimization, and performance analysis. Victor collaborates with manufacturers and educates consumers, making her a sought-after guest speaker at industry events. His work has been featured in renowned publications, and he shares his expertise on his blog, “The Vacuum Teria”. Victor’s passion for cleaner, healthier living spaces drives his to help clients choose the best vacuum solutions for their needs.