If you are looking for an upright vacuum cleaner with powerful suction at a low budget, you should not miss Eureka NEU280 vs EU188. After experiencing both machines, I conclude the winner is the NEU280.
Eureka NEU280 won my heart with its great suction power. It has excellent cleaning ability on many different types of surfaces, such as hardwood floors, laminate floors, low-pile carpets, and more. Besides, it also has a compact design and a wide operating range. On top of that, its cost is ‘chef’s kiss.’
Eureka EU188 is inferior to none. The HEPA filter is my favorite part of this machine and is what makes it stand out. Besides, it also adds some interesting features, such as LED lights and a pet turbo brush.
Eureka NEU280 vs EU188: Comparison Chart
Eureka NEU280 vs EU188: Differences
After examining the differences between the two machines, I concluded that Eureka NEU280 wins 2:0 and ties 2 against Eureka EU188. Read the analysis below to understand the advantages and disadvantages of each machine.
cleaning performance
The winner: Eureka NEU280
Compatible Floor Type
Both Eureka NEU280 and Eureka EU188 perform well on bare floors. They actually pick up dirt and debris instead of throwing them around. Whether it’s hardwood floors or laminate flooring, they clean dirt effectively. They can suck up dirt and small debris like popcorn seeds easily. For large debris that the cleaning head can not vacuum, you can use the wand instead.
Besides, their carpet cleaning ability also amazes me. I have a big cat, and my home has both large area wool rugs, sisal rugs, and fabric furniture, which gives me many opportunities to experience their ability to vacuum different types of fabric. Generally, they move better on low and medium-pile carpets than high-pile carpets. They pick up cat hair from carpets really well, and no hair is stuck on the brush roll.
Both machines have five nozzle height settings, from bare floor to high-pile carpet. This is a useful feature that helps users manually adjust the height to suit each type of floor to vacuum and move the machine more easily and effectively. In fact, many of the more expensive machines than these two don’t have this feature.
Suction power
Both machines have great suction power. They are powerful enough to clean carpets without damaging rugs and even work well on laminate flooring.
For the Eureka NEU280, the cyclone system has been upgraded to handle larger debris, smaller dirt, and even microscopic dust. Therefore, this machine has better performance even when it sucks up small dirt particles like baking soda.
dirt bin & filtration
Tie
Dirt bin
Both machines are bagless upright vacuum cleaners. Dirt, hair, and debris, after being sucked in, are stored in a dust cup. This cup is transparent, so you can easily see when it’s almost full. To empty it, simply press the release button on the side of the dust container, and its lid will automatically pop out. To prevent dirt from splashing around and adhering to your clothes, make sure you press the release button just below the trash can.
In terms of capacity, the dust container of Eureka NEU280 is almost twice as big as that of Eureka EU188. The bigger dirt bin capacity will require less emptying. This may not seem like a big deal, but it is very useful. Frequently emptying the dirt tank is annoying, especially when you have to vacuum in a large space or somewhere with many rooms and floors.
In addition, their dust container is also very easy to clean. You just need to remove the filter on the top of the dust bin, and then you can take out the cyclone unit and clean it.
Filtration
In this aspect, Eureka EU188 has the upper hand thanks to its HEPA filter. This type can filter 99.97% of particles with a size greater than or equal to 0.3 micrometers in the air (according to US standards). This is useful in filtering out pollen, fungal spores, pet dander, and certain types of bacteria and particles that can potentially cause asthma and respiratory allergies in humans.
For pet owners like me, this filter also eliminates pet odors and makes vacuumed areas smell better. Meanwhile, Eureka NEU280 only owns a normal filter system. It still works fine, but not as well as HEPA filters.
What they all have in common is that they all have their filter above the dustbin, and they are washable filters. Thus, running off to the store is unnecessary to get a new one. Depending on how often you use the vacuum cleaner, the time between cleaning the filter is also different. When cleaning, you need to wash it with clean water and let it dry for at least 24 hours before using it.
design & convenience
The winner: Eureka NEU280
Build quality
First, both machines have a lightweight design. However, Eureka NEU280 offers the same suction power with less weight than the EU188.
In terms of size, they have the same length, width, and height and are all quite compact. They don’t take up much storage space, and when you’re not using them, you can store them in the corner of your bedroom.
They have all tools on board, so when needed, you just need to attach the tools you need and manipulate them without having to rummage around to find them anywhere. The EU188 also has a series of LED lights in front of the cleaning head to help users see clearly hidden places, thereby cleaning the dust in the house more thoroughly.
Besides, these machines are very easy to assemble. It took me less than five minutes to do it. If there’s something you don’t understand, refer to the included instruction sheet carefully, as it’s very easy to follow. All things to do is snap the handle, put the attachments on the machine, and you are ready to go.
Maneuverability
Regarding maneuverability, I do not appreciate the capabilities of these two machines very much. They are lightweight but not really light, either. They move relatively well on bare floors and low-pile carpets but are quite difficult to roll on high-pile carpets despite the nozzle height adjustment function. They also do not have a swivel head, so the cleaning head cannot rotate independently. This reduces the flexibility of the vacuum cleaner relatively.
On the plus side, though, I quite like their handles. They are easy to detach using the cleaning wand. In addition, the NEU280 has a fairly long power cord and hose, so the machine’s operating range is also significantly increased. You can comfortably use this machine to vacuum a large room without changing the outlet. The 7-foot-long hose makes cleaning the ceiling easier.
Meanwhile, the EU188 left me slightly disappointed because the power cord and hose are quite short, especially compared to the machines I have reviewed before.
Noise Level
These two machines are equally noisy. However, this noise level is still acceptable to me, especially considering their strong suction power and extremely affordable price.
In my experience, if you want to vacuum and talk at the same time, you need to raise your voice a bit so that others can hear you better. If you want to listen to the radio or watch TV while cleaning your room with these two machines, you need to turn up the volume a little more.
great for value
Tie
If you are looking for a cheap upright vacuum cleaner that has powerful suction and great cleaning ability, then I highly recommend the NEU280. You only need to spend less than 80 dollars or even less to own this machine. It is lightweight, compact, and has strong suction. Although it’s a bit noisy, for the price, I don’t think it’s going to be a big deal.
As for pet owners looking for a cheap machine with a HEPA filter, the Eureka EU188 is not a bad choice. Compared to the NEU280, you need to spend 10 more dollars. In return, you get a HEPA filter, LED light, and pet turbo brush tool. Not bad, right? The only minus point is that the power cord and hose are too short.
Quick Rundown Of Eureka NEU280
- Upgraded Cyclone System: The Eureka PowerSpeed is now upgraded with new cyclone technology to handle larger debris, smaller dirt, and even microscopic dust.Specific uses:hard floor,carpet,dual action
- Powerful pick-up: Penetrates deep into the carpet to extract embedded dirt, dust, and debris.
- Lightweight: PowerSpeed does all the work while still remaining lightweight.
- 5 Height Settings: The PowerSpeed works well on carpets, shag rugs, and hard floors. Its wheels run smoothly on hardwood floors to prevent scratches or gouges.
- Multiple accessories included: A quick-release handle is connected to the stretch hose for above-floor cleaning. A 7-inch-long crevice tool, dusting brush, and upholstery tool help clean hard-to-reach areas. Extract dirt, and pet hair, and freshen up your car, curtains, ceilings, or door frames. For your convenience, they are all stored right on board.
Quick Rundown Of Eureka EU188
- Multi-floor design deep-cleans carpets, hardwood floors and even area rugs
- LED headlights increase visibility in low-light settings
- Pet turbo brush picks up more pet hair than ever before
- Extra-large dust cup allows you to clean faster and more efficiently
- Foam filter is washable for cost-efficient performance
Product Video
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References:
- Eureka EU188: https://www.eureka.com/us/vacuums/upright/neu188a
- Eureka NEU280: https://midea.encompass.com/model/ERKNEU280
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.