There’s a familiar story in our house, one that I’m sure echoes in many others. It’s the cycle of vacuum cleaners. It begins with the excitement of a new, often cordless, lightweight model that promises freedom and effortless cleaning. For the first few weeks, it’s a dream. It zips around furniture and tackles dust bunnies with ease. But then, slowly, insidiously, the magic fades. The battery life dwindles, the suction wanes, and you find yourself going over the same spot three times, willing the pet hair to disappear. We’ve been there. We’ve invested in stick vacuums that lost their grit and robotic cleaners that seemed more confused than helpful. The frustration mounts when you realize your home isn’t getting that truly deep-down clean feeling. This journey, this quest for reliable, uncompromising power, is what led us back to a corded upright, and specifically, to test the EUREKA NEU651PL Upright Vacuum Cleaner.
- Flagship Power with Flexible Reach: Eureka’s most advanced line of uprights yet—combines powerful suction, a swivel base, and a detachable lift-up pod for deep cleaning across floors, furniture,...
- Lift-Up Pod for Extended Cleaning Versatility: Detach the main canister in one step to easily tackle hard-to-reach areas—under beds, behind furniture, or up high on curtains and shelves.
What to Consider Before Buying an Upright Vacuum Cleaner
An Upright Vacuum Cleaner is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for homeowners seeking a deep, restorative clean that many other vacuum types struggle to provide. It’s the workhorse of the cleaning world, designed to agitate carpet fibers and pull up embedded dirt, dust, and allergens with sheer, unrelenting power. The primary benefit lies in this raw performance, driven by larger motors and direct power from the wall outlet, eliminating the “battery anxiety” and performance degradation common in cordless models. For homes with pets, children, or extensive carpeting, an upright isn’t just a choice; it’s often a necessity for maintaining a truly clean and healthy living environment.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the daily challenge of pet hair, high-traffic areas, and a mix of flooring from deep-pile carpets to hardwood. They value performance and thoroughness over ultra-lightweight convenience. If you’ve been disappointed by the fading suction of battery-powered alternatives and want a machine that delivers consistent results every time you plug it in, an upright is for you. However, it might not be suitable for those in small apartments with very limited storage space or for individuals who have difficulty maneuvering a heavier machine. For them, a lightweight corded stick vacuum or a high-end cordless model might be a better compromise.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Upright vacuums have a larger footprint than stick vacuums. Consider where you will store it. The EUREKA NEU651PL Upright Vacuum Cleaner stands at 76.2 cm tall, but its weight of 5.9 kg is a more critical factor. While manageable for most, it’s important to be realistic about your comfort level with pushing and carrying this weight, especially if you have multiple floors.
- Capacity/Performance: This is where uprights shine. Look for suction power measured in Air Watts (AW); the 192 AW of this Eureka model signifies excellent deep-cleaning capability. Also, consider the dust cup capacity. A larger capacity, like the 2.3 litres on this model, means fewer trips to the trash can, allowing you to clean the entire house in one go without interruption.
- Materials & Durability: Most modern vacuums are constructed from durable plastics like ABS to keep weight down. Assess the quality of the components: do the wheels roll smoothly? Do the clips and latches feel secure and robust? A well-built vacuum should feel solid and balanced in your hand, without excessive creaking or flexing during use.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: A bagless design is standard now, but look for how easy the dust cup is to remove and empty. The EUREKA NEU651PL Upright Vacuum Cleaner features a washable foam filter, which is a significant long-term benefit. Rinsing the filter regularly not only saves money on replacements but is crucial for maintaining peak suction performance over the life of the machine.
Making the right choice ensures you get a powerful cleaning partner that will serve your home for years to come. Now, let’s see how this specific Eureka model holds up to our rigorous testing.
While the EUREKA NEU651PL Upright Vacuum Cleaner is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- Easily clean around furniture and other obstacles with Swivel Steering
- 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
- Light as It Is Capable: At just 7.7 lb, this canister-style upright glides across hard floors and low-pile carpets without strain, ideal for multi-level homes or small-space living.
First Impressions: Sleek Design and Effortless Assembly
Unboxing the EUREKA NEU651PL Upright Vacuum Cleaner, the first thing we noticed was the thoughtful packaging and the striking purple and black color scheme. It looks more modern and sleek than many of its utilitarian competitors. Assembly was refreshingly simple and intuitive, confirming user reports that it takes only about five minutes. The main components click together with a satisfying and secure feel, requiring no tools or complicated diagrams. From box to fully assembled, it was a hassle-free experience.
In hand, the vacuum feels substantial but well-balanced. The 5.9 kg weight is noticeable, but the ergonomic handle and smooth-gliding wheels mitigate the heft, making it surprisingly easy to maneuver. We immediately compared it to older, clunkier uprights and even some premium models, and the Eureka’s swivel steering felt responsive and agile. Our initial impression was that this is a machine built with both power and user experience in mind. It doesn’t feel cheap; it feels like a serious cleaning tool ready to tackle a real-world mess, a sentiment echoed by users who praised its “great quality” and “sturdy” feel right out of the box. The inclusion of multiple attachments right in the box also signaled that this vacuum was designed for whole-home, floor-to-ceiling cleaning from the get-go.
What We Like
- Incredibly powerful 192 AW suction for deep cleaning carpets and hard floors
- Versatile Lift-Up pod design makes cleaning stairs and furniture effortless
- Effective Anti-Tangle brushroll genuinely minimizes hair wrap from pets and people
- Ten ultra-bright LED headlights illuminate hidden dust and debris
- Large 2.3L dust cup and washable filter offer convenience and low maintenance
Limitations
- Corded design restricts movement compared to battery-powered models
- At 5.9 kg, it may feel heavy for some users during extended cleaning sessions
Performance In-Depth: A True Cleaning Powerhouse
A vacuum’s worth is measured in suction, and this is where our testing began. We put the EUREKA NEU651PL Upright Vacuum Cleaner through its paces on every surface in our home, from high-pile area rugs littered with pet hair to hardwood floors hiding fine dust in their seams. This is where the machine truly comes alive and justifies its existence in a market flooded with cordless options.
Unleashing the 192 AW Suction: A Deep Dive into Cleaning Power
The heart of the EUREKA NEU651PL Upright Vacuum Cleaner is its 960-watt motor, which generates a formidable 192 Air Watts of raw suction. This isn’t just a number on a spec sheet; it’s a tangible force you can feel the moment you turn it on. On our medium-pile living room carpet, which sees constant traffic from two dogs and a cat, the results were astonishing. With a single pass, the vacuum visibly lifted and groomed the carpet fibers, pulling up an embarrassing amount of embedded fur and dust that our previous cordless stick vacuum had clearly missed. This confirmed what one user noted perfectly: “It gets stuff we cant even see.” The large dust cup went from empty to a quarter full in just one room, proving that a deep clean is fundamentally different from a surface-level tidy.
We appreciated the simple, two-setting control for switching between surface types. On hard floors, we used the lower setting (brushroll off) to prevent scattering debris, and the machine powerfully sucked up everything from spilled coffee grounds to cereal without flinging them across the room. Switching to the carpet setting engages the brushroll, which agitates fibers to dislodge deep-down dirt. This dual-mode functionality makes it a genuine multi-surface cleaner, handling transitions from room to room with ease. The sustained, unwavering power is the key advantage of a corded model like this. There’s no performance drop-off, no battery to manage—just consistent, deep-cleaning power from start to finish. For anyone who has felt the disappointment of a dying cordless vacuum mid-clean, this machine’s reliability is a breath of fresh air.
The Lift-Up Pod: True Versatility Beyond the Floor
While raw power is essential, versatility is what makes a vacuum truly great. The “FlexReach” name is fully realized in the Lift-Up pod feature. With the press of a button, the main motor and dustbin assembly detaches from the floor nozzle, transforming the upright into a portable, handheld canister vacuum. We found this mechanism to be smooth and secure, allowing for a quick transition. Weighing significantly less than the full unit, the pod is easy to carry in one hand while you clean with the hose and attachments in the other. This feature absolutely revolutionizes cleaning stairs, a task that is notoriously awkward with a traditional upright.
We used the Lift-Up pod with the included pet tool on our carpeted stairs and were thrilled with the results. We had the power of the main motor right at the point of cleaning, easily removing embedded hair from the corners of each step. This functionality extends to all above-floor cleaning tasks. We attached the crevice tool to the wand and reached cobwebs on the ceiling and dust on top of door frames effortlessly. Cleaning car interiors, upholstery, and curtains becomes a simple task rather than a major ordeal. As one user aptly put it, the Lift-Up design makes cleaning these areas “incredibly convenient.” The hose offers decent reach when combined with the wand, allowing you to clean high and low without constantly moving the pod. This dual functionality is a feature that really sets it apart from standard uprights, effectively giving you two powerful cleaning tools in one.
Designed for Real Life: Anti-Tangle Brushroll and LED Headlights
Two features that might seem minor on paper proved to be indispensable in our daily use: the anti-tangle brushroll and the LED headlights. As a household with both long human hair and shedding pets, cutting tangled hair from a vacuum’s brushroll has been a constant, unpleasant chore for years. We were skeptical of the “anti-tangle” claim, but the EUREKA NEU651PL Upright Vacuum Cleaner delivered. After several full-house cleaning sessions, we inspected the brushroll and found it remarkably free of hair wrap. The design actively works to pull hair directly into the dustbin, which is, as one user called it, a “lifesaver.”
The ten ultra-bright LED headlights on the floor nozzle are another brilliant feature. They aren’t a gimmick; they are a diagnostic tool for cleanliness. The low-angle light illuminates every speck of dust, crumb, and stray pet hair on hard floors, especially in dimly lit areas like under the sofa, beneath the kitchen cabinets, or in hallways. You can see exactly where you need to clean, ensuring you don’t miss a spot. Combined with the excellent swivel steering, which allows you to navigate around furniture legs with a simple twist of the wrist, the headlights create a precision cleaning experience. It’s immensely satisfying to see a dusty path ahead of the vacuum and a perfectly clean one behind it, all thanks to the enhanced visibility the lights provide.
What Other Users Are Saying
After our extensive testing, we dug into a wide range of user feedback to see how our experience aligned with others. The consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with a few recurring points of constructive criticism. The most common praise, by far, is for the vacuum’s phenomenal suction power. Many users, like us, were transitioning from cordless models and were “blown away” and “extremely impressed” by the deep cleaning performance, often stating it picked up dirt their old vacuums left behind. One user declared, “I have tried the cordless and also the robo cleaners but nothing cleans the floor like this one.”
The Lift-Up feature is another fan favorite, frequently cited as the reason for purchase. Homeowners celebrate how it simplifies cleaning stairs, upholstery, and other hard-to-reach areas. On the critical side, the feedback is consistent and fair. A few users found the 5.9 kg (13 lb) weight to be “a bit heavy,” especially during longer cleaning sessions or when carrying it between floors. Another minor critique that appeared in a review was the desire for a slightly longer power cord to cover larger, open-plan spaces without having to switch outlets. Overall, however, the sentiment is that the EUREKA NEU651PL Upright Vacuum Cleaner delivers exceptional value, providing power and features often associated with much more expensive brands.
How Does It Compare to the Alternatives?
The EUREKA NEU651PL Upright Vacuum Cleaner operates in a competitive market. To understand its place, it’s crucial to compare it to some popular alternatives, each of which serves a slightly different purpose.
1. Bissell Revolution HydroSteam Pet Carpet Cleaner
- HYDROSTEAM TECHNOLOGY. The ONLY carpet cleaner with the power of HydroSteam Technology.
- 2X BETTER CLEANING1. Wash & remove embedded dirt, stains and allergens in SteamWash Max Clean Mode.
It’s important to clarify that the Bissell HydroSteam is not a dry vacuum; it’s a dedicated carpet deep cleaner or “shampooer.” While the Eureka removes dry debris like dust and hair, the Bissell uses hot water, cleaning solution, and steam to wash carpet fibers and extract set-in dirt and stains. You would use the Eureka for your weekly vacuuming and the Bissell a few times a year for a restorative deep clean. This is an ideal choice for someone whose primary concern is removing old stains and refreshing dingy carpets, not for daily debris pickup.
2. Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Corded Vacuum
- Never loses suction or power
- Cleans carpets and bare floors
The Shark Rocket is a corded stick vacuum, representing a different design philosophy. Its primary advantage is its incredibly lightweight and slim profile, making it extremely nimble and easy to store. It also converts to a handheld vacuum. However, it trades the Eureka’s robust power and large capacity for this agility. The dust cup is significantly smaller, and its suction, while good for a stick vac, may not match the deep-cleaning agitation of the full-sized Eureka upright on thick carpets. This is a better choice for those in smaller living spaces who prioritize maneuverability and easy storage above all else.
3. Shark ZU503AMZ Navigator Lift-Away Self-Cleaning Pet Upright Vacuum
- SELF-CLEANING BRUSHROLL: Engineered for more pet hair pickup with no hair wrap (vs. Shark bristle nozzles)..Voltage:120 volts. Wattage : 1200 watts
- LIFT-AWAY FUNCTIONALITY: Detachable pod for cleaning under furniture or detach the nozzle to clean above the floor, on upholstery, furniture, stairs, and more.
This Shark Navigator is the most direct competitor to the EUREKA NEU651PL Upright Vacuum Cleaner. It features a similar Lift-Away pod design, is aimed at pet owners, and boasts a self-cleaning brushroll. The key difference lies in the filtration system; this Shark model includes a HEPA filter, which traps 99.9% of dust and allergens, making it a superior choice for households with allergy or asthma sufferers. While the Eureka’s foam filter is effective and washable, a sealed HEPA system provides a higher level of air filtration. One might prefer the Shark if maximum allergen capture is a top priority and they are willing to invest in a well-established brand in this specific category.
The Final Verdict: Powerful, Versatile, and Excellent Value
After weeks of rigorous testing, we can confidently say that the EUREKA NEU651PL Upright Vacuum Cleaner is a formidable cleaning machine that punches well above its weight class. It successfully addresses the most common complaint about modern vacuums—fading suction—by delivering consistent, uncompromising corded power that deep-cleans carpets and hard floors with equal prowess. Its true genius, however, lies in its versatility. The Lift-Up pod is not a gimmick; it’s a brilliantly executed feature that transforms the machine into a portable powerhouse for stairs, cars, and all above-floor cleaning.
While it is heavier than a cordless stick and is tethered by a cord, these are acceptable trade-offs for the sheer performance it delivers. For anyone tired of the battery-powered cycle of disappointment, especially households with pets and a mix of flooring, this vacuum is an outstanding solution. It combines raw power, intelligent design, and thoughtful features like the anti-tangle head and LED lights into a package that offers incredible value. If you’re ready to bring a true deep-clean back into your home, we wholeheartedly recommend the EUREKA NEU651PL Upright Vacuum Cleaner. You can check the latest price and see its full feature set here.
Last update on 2025-11-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API