EUREKA Mighty Mite Corded Canister Vacuum NEN170C Review: The Lightweight Powerhouse That Surprised Us

There’s a unique kind of frustration that sets in when you finish cleaning, only to see dust bunnies skittering across your hardwood floors moments later. For years, our household fought this battle. We have a mix of hardwood, tile, and low-pile area rugs, not to mention a golden retriever who sheds with the seasons—which, as far as we can tell, is all year round. We tried everything: disposable sweeper pads that felt wasteful and barely picked up fine dust, and a heavy, cumbersome upright vacuum that was a nightmare to drag out for daily touch-ups. The core of the problem was finding a tool that was powerful enough for embedded pet hair but lightweight and nimble enough for everyday use without feeling like a chore. Failing to find that balance meant our floors never felt truly clean, and airborne allergens were a constant concern.

Your Guide to Choosing the Perfect Corded Canister Vacuum

A canister vacuum is more than just a cleaning appliance; it’s a key solution for achieving a deep, versatile clean across multiple surfaces. Unlike their upright or stick counterparts, canister vacuums separate the motor and dustbin into a wheeled unit, connected to a long hose and wand. This design offers a unique combination of raw power, lighter handling at the cleaning head, and superior maneuverability for reaching under furniture, on stairs, and even up to ceilings. The primary benefits are sustained, powerful suction that doesn’t fade and a capacity to handle everything from delicate hardwood floors to stubborn pet hair on upholstery, making them a true workhorse for comprehensive home care.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone living in a small to medium-sized home, condo, or apartment with mixed flooring types. They likely value power and filtration over the cordless convenience of a stick vacuum. Pet owners, in particular, will find the targeted suction and specialized tools of a model like the EUREKA Mighty Mite Corded Canister Vacuum NEN170C indispensable. Conversely, this might not be the best fit for those in very large, multi-story homes with deep-pile carpeting, where a heavy-duty upright with a motorized brush roll might be more effective. Similarly, individuals who prioritize the absolute convenience of a grab-and-go cordless model for quick spot cleaning might find the cord to be a limitation.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: Canister vacuums require storage space for the main unit, hose, and wands. Measure your closet or storage area to ensure a good fit. Consider the product’s weight (the EUREKA Mighty Mite is 15.1 lbs total) if you’ll be carrying it up and down stairs frequently. The compact nature of this particular model makes it an attractive option for those with limited storage.
• Capacity/Performance: Look at the dust bag or canister capacity, measured in liters. A larger capacity, like the Mighty Mite’s 2.5 liters, means fewer bag changes. For performance, suction power is key; 18kPa is remarkably strong for a compact unit and indicates its ability to lift debris from various surfaces. Also, check the cord length—a longer cord (20 feet in this case) minimizes the need to switch outlets.
• Materials & Durability: The build quality directly impacts longevity. While many modern vacuums use durable plastics to keep weight down, pay attention to the feel of the wands, hose, and attachments. Some user feedback suggests that while the motor on the Mighty Mite is robust, the plastic accessories can feel less substantial, which is a common trade-off in this price bracket.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Features like automatic cord rewind, onboard tool storage, and simple bag replacement are huge quality-of-life improvements. For maintenance, consider the cost and availability of replacement bags and filters. The HEPA filtration system on the EUREKA Mighty Mite is a significant plus, but you’ll need to factor in occasional filter cleaning or replacement to maintain peak performance.

While the EUREKA Mighty Mite Corded Canister Vacuum NEN170C 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:

Unboxing and First Impressions of the EUREKA Mighty Mite NEN170C

Pulling the EUREKA Mighty Mite Corded Canister Vacuum NEN170C from its box, the first thing we noticed was its compact and almost playful design. The silver body with vibrant green accents gives it a modern, energetic look that belies its powerful internals. At just over 15 pounds, the entire kit feels manageable, but the canister unit itself is significantly lighter and easy to carry by its large, integrated handle. Assembly was intuitive and took less than five minutes; the plastic extension wands snap together, and the hose clicks securely into the canister. The included accessory kit—a crevice tool, dusting brush, and the all-important turbo pet brush—feels standard for this category, but having four dust bags included in the box is a thoughtful touch that lets you get cleaning immediately. Compared to older, heavier canister vacuums, the Mighty Mite feels refreshingly nimble, and it’s immediately clear that its design prioritizes portability and ease of use. You can check the latest price and included accessories here.

Putting the Mighty Mite to the Test: A Performance Breakdown

A vacuum’s worth is proven not on the spec sheet, but on the floors of a real, lived-in home. We put the EUREKA Mighty Mite Corded Canister Vacuum NEN170C through a rigorous series of tests over several weeks, tackling everything from fine dust on hardwood to stubborn pet hair on area rugs and upholstery. This little machine is full of surprises, both good and slightly frustrating, and here’s our in-depth breakdown of its real-world performance.

Suction Power & Multi-Surface Cleaning: The Little Engine That Could

Let’s be blunt: the suction on this vacuum is astonishing for its size and price. The 150W motor generates a vacuum degree of 18kPa, a number that translates into genuine deep-cleaning force. On our hardwood and tile floors, it inhaled fine dust, spilled coffee grounds, and stray pet kibble without breaking a sweat. It performed significantly better than disposable sweeper pads, leaving a visibly cleaner surface. Many users confirm this, with one noting it was a massive upgrade from their Swiffer, and another exclaiming it’s “basically a mini shopvac!” We have to agree with that sentiment. The real test, however, came on our low-pile area rugs. With the floor tool’s bristles retracted via the convenient footswitch, the suction was so strong it would actually lift the edges of the carpet, pulling dirt from deep within the fibers. We found this immensely satisfying, as it left those clean vacuum lines that are a hallmark of a powerful clean. The transition between hard floors (bristles out) and carpets (bristles in) is seamless with the footswitch, meaning we didn’t have to bend down once during a full-room cleaning. The sheer power of this vacuum is its main selling point, and it performs this primary function flawlessly.

Portability, Design, and Ergonomics: Freedom with a Few Flaws

The core advantage of a canister vacuum is maneuverability, and the EUREKA Mighty Mite Corded Canister Vacuum NEN170C largely delivers. The canister unit glides smoothly behind you on its wheels, and its light weight makes carrying it up and down stairs a simple, one-handed affair. This was a revelation compared to our old, heavy upright. The 20-foot cord, combined with the long hose and wands, provided enough reach to clean two rooms from a single outlet, a feature praised by many users. The automatic cord rewind is snappy and works perfectly, saving the hassle of manually winding the cord after each use. However, this is where we encountered the most significant trade-offs, which were echoed in several user reviews. The extension wands, made of a softer plastic, do have a noticeable flex when you apply pressure. While they never broke during our testing, we could see why some users found them “flimsy.” One reviewer noted they can become detached during use if not firmly connected, which we also experienced once. Furthermore, a peculiar design choice leaves the air intake (where the bag is housed) open to the room when the hose is disconnected for storage. As one user astutely pointed out, this could lead to spills if the vacuum is tipped over. We adopted their simple solution of placing a small piece of cardboard over the opening when stored, but it’s a design oversight worth noting.

Filtration and Pet Hair Prowess: An Allergy Sufferer’s Ally

For homes with pets and allergy sufferers, filtration isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. The EUREKA Mighty Mite Corded Canister Vacuum NEN170C excels here. Its fully sealed system incorporates a HEPA filter that captures 99.9% of particles down to 0.3 microns. This means dust, dander, and pollen are trapped inside the vacuum instead of being recirculated into the air. The bagged design further enhances this, as all the collected nastiness is sealed away for clean and easy disposal. We noticed a tangible improvement in air quality after cleaning sessions. The true star for pet owners, however, is the included Turbo Pet Brush. This air-powered attachment has a spinning brush roll that actively agitates and lifts embedded pet hair from furniture, car interiors, and carpeted stairs. We tested it on our retriever’s favorite spot on the couch, and it removed a shocking amount of fur in just a few passes. Users with cats and dogs consistently rave about this tool’s effectiveness. Adding to the appeal is the unit’s quiet operation. At just 72 dB(A), it’s noticeably less jarring than many vacuums. We could easily hold a conversation in a normal tone of voice while it was running, a benefit that makes the chore of cleaning far more pleasant for everyone in the house. This feature suite makes it a top contender for pet owners on a budget.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across the board, the sentiment for the EUREKA Mighty Mite Corded Canister Vacuum NEN170C is overwhelmingly positive, focusing on its incredible value. One long-term user, who updated their review in 2024, stated, “All the parts have stayed intact, the suction is the same as day one and it’s given me no issues whatsoever… Hands down one of my best purchases!” This speaks to the durability of the core motor and unit, even if the accessories feel light. Another happy customer was shocked by its performance, saying, “I love this vacuum! Beats my old Dyson by miles! The cord is amazingly long, the suction is so strong!”

However, the feedback isn’t universally perfect. The most common critique centers on the build quality of the attachments. One user bluntly stated, “The extension wands are plastic and did not stay tight,” while another shared a photo of a plastic part that “broke in 3 months.” More alarmingly, one customer reported a serious malfunction: “it started to smell like something was burning… there are literal sparks flying and ashes flying out of it.” While this appears to be a rare and extreme case, it serves as a critical reminder that quality control can be a concern at this price point.

How Does the EUREKA Mighty Mite NEN170C Compare to the Alternatives?

The EUREKA Mighty Mite Corded Canister Vacuum NEN170C occupies a specific niche focused on manual, powerful cleaning at an affordable price. To understand its place in the market, it’s helpful to compare it against different types of cleaning solutions. As you weigh your options, you can always see if the EUREKA Mighty Mite still fits your needs and budget.

1. MONSGA Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum and Mop

The MONSGA robot vacuum represents a completely different cleaning philosophy: automation. While the EUREKA Mighty Mite requires active, hands-on use, the MONSGA is designed to clean autonomously on a schedule. Its strengths are convenience, lidar mapping for efficient coverage, and a self-emptying base that minimizes user interaction for up to 60 days. However, its 5000Pa suction, while strong for a robot, cannot match the raw, deep-cleaning power of the Mighty Mite’s 18kPa. The MONSGA is the perfect choice for busy individuals who want to maintain a baseline level of cleanliness with minimal effort, whereas the Eureka is for those who prefer a periodic, thorough deep clean of floors, upholstery, and above-floor surfaces.

2. Mova P10 Pro Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop 13,000Pa Hot Water Auto Mop

If the MONSGA is about convenience, the Mova P10 Pro Ultra is about premium, high-tech automated floor care. It dramatically outclasses the Mighty Mite in features, offering an incredible 13,000Pa of suction, an extending dual-spinning mop system, and a base that not only self-empties but also washes the mops with 140°F hot water. This is a top-tier, all-in-one floor maintenance system. The trade-off is a significantly higher price point and a focus solely on floors. The EUREKA Mighty Mite, in contrast, is a simple, versatile tool that can clean cars, couches, and curtains for a fraction of the cost. The Mova is for the tech enthusiast with a large budget who wants the best automated floor cleaner, while the Eureka remains the practical choice for all-around home cleaning.

3. ElecKeys Cordless Stick Vacuum 600W 70 Mins Runtime

The ElecKeys Cordless Stick Vacuum is perhaps the most direct philosophical competitor. It prioritizes freedom from the cord, offering up to 70 minutes of runtime for grab-and-go cleaning. Its lightweight, stick-based design is incredibly convenient for quick spills and daily tidying. However, this convenience comes with the limitations of battery life and potentially less sustained power compared to a corded model. The EUREKA Mighty Mite offers unlimited runtime and consistently powerful suction that will never fade mid-clean. The ElecKeys is ideal for someone who values speed and convenience for smaller tasks, while the Mighty Mite is the superior choice for deep, whole-house cleaning sessions where maximum power is required from start to finish.

The Final Verdict: Is the EUREKA Mighty Mite Corded Canister Vacuum NEN170C Worth It?

After extensive testing and analysis, our conclusion is clear: the EUREKA Mighty Mite Corded Canister Vacuum NEN170C is a phenomenal value that delivers performance far exceeding its modest price tag. Its suction power is genuinely impressive, making it a formidable opponent against dust, debris, and especially stubborn pet hair. The lightweight design, HEPA filtration, and quiet operation make it a pleasure to use for everyday cleaning tasks. It is, without a doubt, a workhorse.

However, it’s not without its compromises. The plastic construction of the wands and accessories is its primary weakness and a point of concern for long-term durability. Despite this, for shoppers on a budget—including students, apartment dwellers, or anyone needing a powerful secondary vacuum—the Mighty Mite’s strengths overwhelmingly outweigh its flaws. It proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to achieve a truly deep clean. If you’re looking for a no-frills, high-power cleaning machine that gets the job done, we wholeheartedly recommend you check it out for yourself.

Last update on 2025-11-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API