Living in an apartment or a smaller home comes with its own unique set of cleaning challenges. Every square foot is precious, which means storage space is at a premium. I remember my first apartment, a cozy one-bedroom where a full-sized vacuum cleaner felt like an unwelcome, oversized piece of furniture. It was a constant hassle to drag it out of the cramped closet, untangle its beastly cord, and heave it around the tight corners. More often than not, I’d opt for a dustpan and brush, leaving behind a frustrating film of dust and pet hair that a proper vacuum would have eliminated in seconds. This daily compromise between convenience and cleanliness is a story we hear all too often. The dust bunnies multiply under the bed, crumbs find a permanent home along the baseboards, and you start to wonder if a truly clean floor is just a pipe dream without sacrificing your entire hall closet. It’s this exact problem that sends people searching for a solution that is both powerful and compact.
- Lightweight Design: Weighs Less Than 9 Pounds
- Powerful Suction: Easily Cut Through Any Mess
What to Consider Before Buying an Upright Vacuum Cleaner
An upright vacuum cleaner is more than just an appliance; it’s a key solution for maintaining a healthy and comfortable living environment. Its primary benefit lies in its ability to provide deep cleaning power, especially on carpets, thanks to a motorized brush roll that agitates fibers to dislodge embedded dirt, dust, and allergens. Unlike canister or stick vacuums, upright models often offer a wider cleaning path, more powerful motors, and larger dust capacities at a more accessible price point, making them a workhorse for comprehensive, whole-home cleaning. They represent a perfect balance of power, performance, and value for the everyday user.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone with a mix of flooring surfaces, particularly carpets and rugs, who prioritizes powerful suction and doesn’t mind a corded design. It’s perfect for families, pet owners, and anyone living in a small-to-medium-sized home who needs a reliable, all-purpose cleaning tool. However, it might not be suitable for those who live in multi-story homes with lots of stairs and require extreme portability, or for individuals who only have hard floors and prefer the ultra-lightweight convenience of a cordless stick vacuum for quick spot-cleaning. For them, a canister vacuum or a high-end cordless model might be a more fitting choice.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Consider the vacuum’s weight and physical footprint. A heavy, bulky machine can be a chore to use and store, especially if you have stairs or limited closet space. Look for models under 15 pounds for easy maneuverability; ultra-lightweight options like the Dirt Devil Power Express Compact Bagless Upright, which weighs less than 9 pounds, are a godsend for apartments and for users who have difficulty lifting heavy objects.
- Capacity/Performance: Performance is a combination of suction power (measured in Amps or Air Watts) and brush roll efficiency. For homes with pets or high-traffic carpets, stronger suction is non-negotiable. Also, consider the dustbin capacity. A larger capacity (2 liters or more) means fewer trips to the trash can, while a smaller one (around 1 liter) is typical for compact models and requires more frequent emptying.
- Materials & Durability: Most modern vacuums are constructed primarily from durable ABS plastic to keep them lightweight. While plastic is standard, pay attention to the quality of the wheels, the sturdiness of the handle, and the seal on the dust cup. A well-built machine will feel solid and have components that click together securely, promising a longer lifespan than a flimsy, rattling alternative.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Think about the daily experience. How long is the power cord? A short cord means constantly switching outlets. How long is the hose for above-floor cleaning? Look for washable, reusable filters to save on long-term costs. A bagless design with a one-touch empty button is convenient, but ensure it’s well-sealed to prevent dust clouds upon disposal.
Choosing the right upright vacuum involves balancing these factors against your specific needs and budget. It’s about finding the right tool that makes keeping your home clean feel less like a chore and more like a simple, satisfying task.
While the Dirt Devil Power Express Compact Bagless Upright is an excellent choice for a specific niche, 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: A Pint-Sized Powerhouse in Red
Unboxing the Dirt Devil Power Express Compact Bagless Upright is a refreshingly simple affair. There’s no intimidating array of parts or a manual the size of a novel. The vibrant red body immediately stands out, promising a bit of personality for a utilitarian device. Assembly was intuitive and tool-free; the handle clicks securely into the main body, and that’s essentially it. You’re ready to go in under two minutes.
Our first impression upon lifting it was one of genuine surprise. At less than 9 pounds, it feels almost toy-like in its lightness, especially when compared to traditional uprights that often weigh twice as much. This isn’t a criticism; it’s its greatest strength. The plastic construction feels adequate for its price point—it’s not a premium machine, and it doesn’t pretend to be. The focus is clearly on function over form, prioritizing a lightweight frame and a simple, powerful motor over bells and whistles. It was immediately clear this was a no-frills machine, which you can see in its straightforward design, built for people who want to grab their vacuum and get the job done without any fuss.
What We Like
- Extremely lightweight and compact for easy carrying and storage
- Surprisingly powerful suction for its size and price
- Effective multi-floor cleaning on both carpet and hard floors
- Simple, bagless design with a washable filter for low maintenance costs
Limitations
- Relatively loud during operation (rated at 80 decibels)
- The power cord and extension hose are shorter than on larger models
- Small 1-liter dust cup requires frequent emptying
Deep Dive: Putting the Power Express to the Test
A vacuum’s worth is proven not on the spec sheet, but on the floors of a real home, with real messes. We spent extensive time with the Dirt Devil Power Express Compact Bagless Upright, putting it through a gauntlet of tests ranging from fine dust on hardwood to embedded pet hair in a low-pile area rug. Our goal was to push this budget-friendly machine to its limits to see if its “Power Express” name was just marketing flair or a genuine promise of performance.
Featherlight Portability: Cleaning Without the Workout
The single most defining characteristic of this vacuum is its weight. At under nine pounds, it fundamentally changes the act of vacuuming. We found ourselves reaching for it for small spills and quick touch-ups far more often than we would a heavier machine. Carrying it up a flight of stairs is a one-handed job that requires almost no effort. For users in apartments, dorms, or for those with mobility issues, this feature cannot be overstated. It transforms cleaning from a planned, strenuous activity into a simple, on-the-spot task.
Maneuvering the vacuum around furniture is equally effortless. Its narrow cleaning head fits into tighter spaces than many of its larger competitors, and pivoting around table legs and chairs feels nimble and responsive. While it lacks the advanced swivel steering of premium models, its sheer lack of mass makes it easy to guide wherever you need it to go. Storing it is a breeze; its small footprint allows it to be tucked away in a tiny closet or even the corner of a room without being an eyesore or a tripping hazard. This isn’t just a vacuum; it’s a tool of convenience, designed from the ground up to remove the physical barriers that often make us put off cleaning.
Suction Power vs. Reality: Multi-Floor Cleaning Performance
With a 7.2 Amp motor, we were skeptical about how much dirt this little machine could actually pull from our floors. We started on a low-pile area rug where our golden retriever likes to nap. The results were impressive. The brush roll, while simple, did an excellent job agitating the carpet fibers, and the direct suction path pulled up a surprising amount of fine dust and deeply embedded pet hair. We could literally see the 1-liter dust cup filling with fur after just a few passes, proof that the machine was doing its job effectively. The suction was surprisingly robust, a feature that really sets it apart in its price bracket.
Transitioning to our hardwood kitchen floor, we tested it against scattered coffee grounds and crushed cereal. Many lightweight vacuums struggle here, either scattering debris with the brush roll or lacking the raw suction to lift it. The Dirt Devil Power Express Compact Bagless Upright handled it with confidence. It cleanly lifted the debris in a single pass without flinging it across the room. While there’s no brush roll shutoff for delicate floors, we found it gentle enough not to cause any scratching. Our findings were echoed by users, with one noting it “effectively vacuums dust and pet hair,” confirming its capability in homes with furry friends. It confidently straddles the line between being a carpet cleaner and a hard floor specialist, making it a true all-rounder for smaller homes with mixed flooring.
Above-Floor Cleaning and Onboard Tools
A vacuum’s utility shouldn’t end at the floor. The Dirt Devil Power Express Compact Bagless Upright includes a 4.7-foot hose and two simple onboard tools: a crevice tool and a dusting brush. The tools clip securely onto the main body, so they’re always within reach. We tested the hose and crevice tool along baseboards, in couch cushions, and in the tracks of our sliding glass door. The suction through the hose remained strong, easily pulling up dust and crumbs from these hard-to-reach areas.
However, this is where the vacuum’s compact nature presents a trade-off. The 4.7-foot hose is functional for furniture and low-level cleaning, but it’s not long enough to comfortably reach high shelves or ceiling corners without lifting the entire lightweight vacuum unit, which is manageable but not ideal. The tools themselves are basic molded plastic, but they are perfectly functional for their intended purpose. The dusting brush was effective on lampshades and windowsills. For a machine designed for quick, efficient cleaning of small spaces, the above-floor capabilities are more than adequate, providing the versatility needed for a comprehensive clean.
The Bagless Experience: Maintenance and Long-Term Value
Living with a bagless vacuum means dealing with filters and dirt cups. The 1-liter cup on the Dirt Devil Power Express Compact Bagless Upright is, as expected, small. In our pet-filled home, we had to empty it after cleaning a single large room. However, the process is straightforward. A single push of a button releases the cup, and another press opens the bottom lid to drop the contents into the trash. It can be a little dusty, so we recommend doing this outside or directly over a deep bin.
The real star of the maintenance show is the rinseable filter. This cloth filter traps fine dust and is designed to be washed by hand under cool water. This is a massive long-term benefit, eliminating the ongoing cost of replacement filters that can plague other budget vacuums. We found the filter easy to remove and clean. The crucial step is to let it air dry completely for at least 24 hours before reinserting it, as a damp filter can impede airflow and lead to mildew. The simple design, coupled with the money-saving washable filter, reinforces the exceptional value proposition of this vacuum. Considering its already low initial cost, the minimal upkeep makes it an incredibly economical choice.
What Other Users Are Saying
Our positive experience with the Dirt Devil Power Express Compact Bagless Upright aligns well with general user sentiment. Overwhelmingly, customers praise its incredible lightness and straightforward functionality. One user, reflecting a common theme, noted that “The equipment is quite light and easy to use.” They went on to confirm our performance findings, stating that it “works very well, effectively vacuums dust and pet hair,” and concluded they were “very satisfied with the purchase.” This feedback is crucial because it comes from people living with the product day in and day out, confirming that its strengths aren’t just first impressions but lasting benefits. While some users mention the loudness and the short cord as minor drawbacks, the consensus is that for its intended purpose—cleaning smaller spaces efficiently and affordably—it’s an outstanding performer.
How Does It Compare? The Dirt Devil vs. The Competition
No product exists in a vacuum (pun intended). To truly understand its place in the market, it’s essential to see how the Dirt Devil Power Express Compact Bagless Upright stacks up against popular alternatives. While the Dirt Devil Power Express excels in value and simplicity, some users may need different features that come with a higher price tag.
1. Bissell CrossWave OmniFind Pet Cordless Hard Floor Cleaner FurFinder Wet Dry Vacuum
- EVERY PURCHASE SAVES PETS. BISSELL PROUDLY SUPPORTS BISSELL PET FOUNDATION AND ITS MISSION TO HELP SAVE HOMELESS PETS.
- POWERFULLY FIND & CAPTURE PET HAIR AND MESSES.
The Bissell CrossWave OmniFind represents a completely different approach to floor care. This is a cordless, wet-dry vacuum that vacuums and mops hard floors simultaneously. It’s designed for the user who wants an all-in-one cleaning system primarily for tile, laminate, and sealed wood floors. Compared to the Dirt Devil, its key advantages are its cordless freedom and its mopping function. However, it comes at a significantly higher price point, is heavier, and is not designed for deep-cleaning carpets. Someone should choose the Bissell if their home is mostly hard floors and their main goal is to combine vacuuming and washing into a single, efficient step.
2. Kenmore BU4050 Intuition Bagged Upright Vacuum
- Lift-Up Canister: Simply press a button to quickly transition to a lightweight pod for stairs and above floor cleaning.Voltage:120 volts.120.0 watts
- Hair Eliminator Nozzle: Brushroll automatically removes hair from the brushroll so it’s always ready to clean. This full-sized upright leaves dirt nowhere to hide while being lightweight at 14lbs...
The Kenmore Intuition is a step up into the mid-range, premium upright category. Its biggest differentiator is its bagged system, which is superior for allergy sufferers as it traps dust and dander inside a sealed bag for mess-free disposal. It also features a “Lift-Up” design for portable canister-style cleaning and a “Hair Eliminator” brush roll to prevent tangles—features the Dirt Devil lacks. The Kenmore is heavier, more complex, and more expensive. A user should opt for the Kenmore if they have a larger home, deal with significant pet hair, prioritize air quality, and are willing to invest more for advanced features and convenience.
3. Shark Rotator Professional Lift-Away NV501
- Powerful upright vacuum with Lift-Away pod for convenient cleaning of stairs and above-floor areas.
- Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology + HEPA
The Shark Rotator is a perennial bestseller and a direct competitor in the more powerful upright space. Its signature “Lift-Away” feature allows the motor and dust cup to detach, creating a lightweight canister vacuum for cleaning stairs and high places with incredible ease. It offers stronger suction, a larger capacity, swivel steering, and a HEPA filter for superior allergen capture. The Shark is the choice for a user who needs maximum versatility and power for a whole-home cleaning system. While it outperforms the Dirt Devil in almost every metric, it is also significantly larger, heavier, and more costly. It’s for the user who needs one vacuum to do absolutely everything.
Final Verdict: The Right Tool for the Right Job
After extensive testing, our conclusion is clear: the Dirt Devil Power Express Compact Bagless Upright is an absolutely phenomenal vacuum for its target audience. It is not trying to compete with hundred-dollar, feature-packed machines, and it shouldn’t be judged as such. Instead, it perfects the formula for a compact, lightweight, and surprisingly powerful cleaner that solves the real-world problems of apartment dwellers, students, and anyone with a smaller living space. Its brilliant simplicity, coupled with its ridiculously low weight and effective suction, makes it a joy to use for daily cleanups.
While it has its limitations—a short cord, a small dust cup, and a loud motor—these are reasonable trade-offs for its incredible price and convenience. If you are looking for a primary vacuum for a large, carpeted house, this isn’t it. But if you need an agile, affordable, and effective machine for an apartment, dorm room, or as a handy second vacuum for the kitchen, we can’t recommend it highly enough. If that sounds like you, we wholeheartedly endorse this little red cleaning machine. You can check the latest price and see its full feature set for yourself.
Last update on 2025-11-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API