There’s a unique kind of frustration that comes from a vacuum cleaner that fails you. It’s the moment you push it across a carpet thick with pet hair, only to look back and see the furry evidence mockingly clinging to the fibres. It’s the sigh of defeat when you realize the cord is just two feet too short to reach the corner, or the groan when you try to clean a ceiling cobweb and the wand assembly feels more like a puzzle than a tool. For years, we’ve tested vacuums across the price spectrum, and the story is often the same: you either pay a premium for power and features, or you settle for a budget model that barely gets the job done. This search for an affordable yet powerful cleaning solution is what led us to put the Dirt Devil Endura Reach Bagless Upright Vacuum UD20124 through its paces, to see if it could finally bridge that gap between price and performance.
- Quick release vacuum wand + extension
- Rinsable filter with endura technology - no loss of suction
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 maintaining a clean and healthy home environment. These machines are the workhorses of floor care, designed to tackle large areas of carpet and hard flooring with powerful, motorized brushrolls that agitate and lift deep-seated dirt, dust, and allergens. Their primary benefit lies in their sheer power and coverage area, making quick work of living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways. Unlike smaller stick or canister vacuums, a good upright offers a robust, all-in-one system that combines potent suction with a wide cleaning path, reducing the time and effort required for a thorough clean.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the daily challenge of cleaning medium to large-sized homes, especially those with significant carpeted areas. It’s a perfect match for households with pets and children, where tracked-in dirt and shedding are constant battles. However, it might not be suitable for those who live in very small apartments with limited storage space, or for individuals who require an extremely lightweight machine for cleaning stairs or multi-level homes. In those cases, a compact canister vacuum or a cordless stick vacuum might be a more practical alternative. For those needing a powerful, straightforward floor cleaner, an upright is often the most effective choice. When it comes to finding a reliable option, you can see its full feature set and user reviews to determine if it meets your specific needs.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Consider the vacuum’s footprint. Where will you store it? A machine measuring 11L x 10W x 42.5H Centimetres like the Dirt Devil Endura Reach is relatively compact, but you still need a dedicated closet or corner. Also, consider the cleaning head’s profile; a low-profile head is essential for getting under furniture like couches and coffee tables, a common pain point for bulky uprights.
- Capacity/Performance: Suction power, measured in Amps or Watts (the UD20124 has an 8 Amp motor), is paramount. For bagless models, dirt cup capacity is a key metric. A 1.5-liter capacity, as found on this model, is a decent size for cleaning several rooms before needing to be emptied, reducing interruptions. Also, check for features like multi-floor brushrolls that can transition from carpet to hard floors seamlessly.
- Materials & Durability: The trade-off in budget vacuums is often build quality. Look at the plastics used for the body, wheels, and particularly the hose and wand components. User reviews often highlight weak points, like hoses that crack or wands that don’t click securely. While a lightweight design (this one is 4.08 kg) is great for maneuverability, ensure it doesn’t come at the cost of long-term durability.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: How simple is it to operate and maintain? Features like a one-touch empty dirt cup are a huge plus. Consider the filter system; a rinsable cartridge filter, like the one in the Endura line, can save money over time, but requires drying time. Also, assess the ergonomics of the handle and the complexity of using attachments.
While the Dirt Devil Endura Reach Bagless Upright Vacuum UD20124 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:
Our Complete Guide to the Best Upright Vacuums for Carpet and Hardwood Floors in Canada
- 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: Lightweight Design Meets Potent Power
Unboxing the Dirt Devil Endura Reach Bagless Upright Vacuum UD20124, the first thing we noticed was its weight—or lack thereof. At just over 4 kg (about 9 lbs), it feels incredibly light for a full-size upright, making it easy to lift and carry around the house. Assembly was straightforward, requiring just a couple of clicks to attach the handle. The bright red plastic housing is typical of the brand; it’s functional and doesn’t pretend to be a premium product, but it feels solid enough for its price point. The controls are simple and intuitive, with a single power switch accessible by foot. The 1.5-liter dirt cup is generously sized and releases with a simple button press, a feature we always appreciate.
Upon plugging it in and firing it up, the 8-Amp motor roars to life. It’s certainly not the quietest vacuum on the market, but the noise is indicative of its impressive suction. The star features advertised on the box are the Endura Filtration System, promising no loss of suction, and the 10-foot extended reach via the wand. Our initial thought was that this machine seems to pack a surprising amount of cleaning potential into a very affordable and lightweight package, a combination that many households are actively seeking. You can check the latest price and availability to see how it fits your budget.
Key Benefits
- Impressive initial suction power for deep cleaning carpets
- Very lightweight and easy to maneuver around furniture
- Extended 10-foot reach for cleaning high ceilings and curtains
- Large, easy-to-empty 1.5L dirt cup
Limitations
- Build quality concerns and reports of short lifespan
- Awkward and messy hose-swapping system for using attachments
A Deep Dive into the Dirt Devil Endura Reach’s Real-World Performance
A vacuum’s worth isn’t determined by its spec sheet, but by how it performs in the messy reality of a lived-in home. We put the Dirt Devil Endura Reach Bagless Upright Vacuum UD20124 to the test on various surfaces, from low-pile area rugs to hardwood floors and even the dreaded high-pile carpet where pet hair loves to hide. We assessed its core functions, from raw suction to the usability of its signature “Reach” feature, to see if its performance lives up to its promise.
The Heart of the Machine: Endura Filtration and Raw Suction Power
The single most impressive aspect of this vacuum is its suction. From the moment we powered it on, we could feel the 8-Amp motor pulling aggressively at the carpet fibres. We ran it over an area rug that looked clean to the naked eye, and within minutes, the clear 1.5L canister was filled with a shocking amount of fine dust, debris, and cat hair. This experience was echoed by numerous users, one of whom noted, “The photo is what was in the canister after I vacuumed a rug…for about 3 minutes, an area that looked pretty clean but turns out it wasn’t!” This isn’t just surface-level cleaning; the multi-floor brushroll effectively agitates carpets to pull up embedded grime.
Dirt Devil’s “Endura Filtration System” is designed to prevent the loss of suction that plagues many bagless vacuums as their filters clog. In our testing, the suction remained consistent even as the bin filled up. The system works, but it relies heavily on user maintenance. The cartridge filter is rinsable, which is a fantastic, cost-saving feature. However, it’s crucial to clean it regularly and let it dry completely (at least 24 hours) to maintain that peak performance. Neglecting this will inevitably lead to reduced airflow and suction. Transitioning from our plush area rug to laminate flooring, the brushroll handled the switch well, pulling in dust bunnies and stray kitty litter without scattering them—a common failure point for less-designed vacuums. For raw cleaning power on floors, the Dirt Devil Endura Reach Bagless Upright Vacuum UD20124 performs far better than its price tag suggests.
Reaching New Heights: The 10-Foot Wand and Attachment System
The “Reach” in the product’s name refers to its quick-release wand and extension hose, providing a claimed 10 feet of above-floor cleaning range. This is a massive selling point for anyone with high ceilings, curtains, or ceiling fans. One user celebrated this feature, saying, “I have vaulted ceiling‘s…I was never able to reach the skylights to clean out the cobwebs. This vacuum cleaner converts…to a very tall wand to reach high places.” In this regard, it delivers. The handle detaches easily to become a wand, and with the hose and crevice tool attached, we could effortlessly clear cobwebs from a 10-foot ceiling corner.
However, this is where we encountered the vacuum’s most significant design flaw. To use the wand, you must physically detach the main suction hose from its port at the base of the vacuum and reconnect it to the wand handle. This process is not only cumbersome but creates a major problem: the port at the base is now an open hole. Several users reported this with frustration, with one explaining, “all it does it literally blow dust out the whole which makes yours place more dusty.” We confirmed this immediately. When the vacuum is on in wand mode, air and fine debris blow out of this uncovered port, coating the vacuum itself and the surrounding air with dust. It’s a baffling oversight that turns a brilliant feature into a messy operation. It forces you to choose between cleaning high or cleaning low, and requires you to re-vacuum the area around the machine after using the attachments. It’s a functional system for reaching high places, but its execution is deeply flawed.
Design, Durability, and Daily Usability
Living with the Dirt Devil Endura Reach Bagless Upright Vacuum UD20124 day-to-day reveals a mix of clever conveniences and frustrating quirks. Its lightweight frame is a genuine pleasure to use. Pushing it across floors and carrying it upstairs requires minimal effort, making it accessible for a wide range of users. The one-touch empty dirt cup also works as advertised, dropping debris directly into the trash with little fuss. However, the praise for its design largely ends there.
We, along with many users, quickly discovered that the vacuum does not stand upright on its own reliably. It’s poorly balanced and tends to topple over unless leaned carefully against a wall. One resourceful user shared their fix using 10 lb velcro to secure it in the upright position, but this shouldn’t be necessary. Furthermore, the power cord is notably short, requiring frequent outlet changes when cleaning larger rooms. The most significant concern, however, is long-term durability. We read numerous reports of the vacuum failing prematurely, from hoses breaking to motors burning out in under a year. One user stated, “Started off great but did not last long less than 6 months…Started smelling burning and vacuum got very hot near filter.” While our unit performed well during the testing period, this consistent pattern of feedback suggests that the lightweight materials may not hold up to long-term, heavy use, making the 2-year limited warranty an important factor to consider. This machine offers great initial performance, but its longevity is a significant gamble.
What Other Users Are Saying
After our own extensive testing, we dug into a wide range of user feedback to see how our experience compared to the consensus. The sentiment is sharply divided, painting a clear picture of a product with high peaks and low valleys. On the positive side, the praise for its suction power is nearly universal. One happy customer with multiple pets exclaimed, “I have 2 dogs and 4 cats and it picks everything up with hardly any effort.” Another, living in a small apartment, was amazed at its deep-cleaning ability on rugs, calling the machine “insane” and “perfect for a small apartment.” These reviews confirm our findings that for pure, raw cleaning power at a budget price, it’s a formidable contender.
Conversely, the negative feedback focuses on two main areas: the clumsy hose design and poor long-term durability. The issue of dust blowing out of the base port while using the wand was a common and severe complaint. One reviewer detailed this flaw perfectly: “debris flies out of that reservoir and into the air…Carpet fibers everywhere, allergens everywhere!” The other major issue is longevity. We saw numerous reports of the vacuum breaking or burning out within months. “This vacuum cleaner has great suction, only it does not last very long,” one user lamented after their hose broke and they discovered it wasn’t sold as a separate part, rendering the entire unit useless. This feedback is critical: while the initial performance is strong, potential buyers must weigh that against the significant risk of a short product lifespan and frustrating design flaws.
How Does the Dirt Devil Endura Reach Compare to the Alternatives?
No product exists in a vacuum (pun intended). To understand its true value, we need to see how the Dirt Devil Endura Reach Bagless Upright Vacuum UD20124 stacks up against other popular models in the market. Each alternative serves a different type of user and budget.
1. Oreck 2100RHS 8-Pound Upright Vacuum
- Upright vacuum cleaner with 12-inch-wide cleaning path is better suited for cleaning carpets than typical canister vacuum cleaners and takes up less space for storage
- Helping Hand handle has received Ease-of-Use Commendation from Arthritis Foundation; on/off switch is located in handgrip for convenience
The Oreck Commercial 2100RHS is a specialist. It’s built for one primary purpose: cleaning floors quickly and effectively. Weighing an astonishingly light 8 pounds, it’s even more maneuverable than the Dirt Devil. Its strength lies in its commercial-grade durability and powerful, high-speed brushroll that excels on carpets. However, it’s a bare-bones machine. It has no attachments or hoses, so above-floor cleaning is impossible. A user who prioritizes durability and lightweight floor-only cleaning and doesn’t mind a bagged system would prefer the Oreck. The Dirt Devil is the more versatile, all-in-one cleaner for those who need wands and tools.
2. Dyson Ball Animal 3 Upright Vacuum
- Includes de-tangling technology that automatically clears wrapped hair from the brush bar as you clean
- Easy to maneuver with cleaning modes for deep carpet, low pile and hard floors
The Dyson Ball Animal 3 represents the premium end of the upright market. It exists in a completely different league in terms of price, technology, and performance. Featuring advanced cyclonic suction, a de-tangling brushroll head, and superior whole-machine filtration, it’s engineered for homes with serious cleaning challenges, especially those with pets. The Ball technology provides unparalleled maneuverability that far surpasses the simple two-wheel design of the Dirt Devil. A buyer with a large budget who demands the best in performance, air quality, and cutting-edge features would choose the Dyson without hesitation. The Dirt Devil competes on value, not on a head-to-head feature comparison.
3. Kenmore Elite Upright Bagged Vacuum
- BAGGED UPRIGHT VACUUM: Remove pet hair, dust and more with this multifloor, multi-surface designed vacuum for use in your home, den, or kitchen with a wide sweeper path
- PET HANDIMATE: Air driven turbine spins roller brush to high RPM easily removing dander, stubborn pet hair and other debris off furniture, stairs, car and van seats and out of your vehicle
The Kenmore Elite offers a middle ground, leaning towards the premium side. Its key differentiator is its bagged system, which is often preferred by allergy sufferers as it traps dust and dander more effectively and allows for cleaner disposal. It features a powerful 2-motor system and includes a variety of attachments, including a specialized Pet Handi-Mate tool. It’s heavier and more expensive than the Dirt Devil but offers a more robust build and superior filtration. Someone who wants the power of an upright and the air quality benefits of a bagged system would find the Kenmore Elite to be a compelling alternative, sacrificing the Dirt Devil’s lightweight design for better containment and build quality.
Final Verdict: A Powerful But Flawed Cleaner for the Right Price
After extensive use and analysis, our verdict on the Dirt Devil Endura Reach Bagless Upright Vacuum UD20124 is clear: it is a budget champion with significant compromises. Its suction power is genuinely impressive for its price point, capable of deep-cleaning carpets in a way that rivals more expensive machines. Combined with its lightweight design and exceptionally long reach for above-floor cleaning, it offers a feature set that is hard to beat on value alone. It’s an ideal choice for someone in a smaller home or apartment who needs strong performance without breaking the bank.
However, these strengths are matched by equally significant weaknesses. The baffling design choice that allows dust to blow out of the machine when using the wand is a major flaw, and the widespread reports of poor durability and short lifespans are too common to ignore. We can recommend this vacuum, but with a strong caveat: it’s best suited for users who need its power and reach for light to moderate use and are willing to accept the risk of a shorter product life. If you understand its limitations and the price is right, its performance might just win you over. To make your final decision, we recommend you explore the product details and see if it’s the right fit for your home.
Last update on 2025-11-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API