Eureka Lightweight Powerful Upright Vacuum

Yes. The Eureka NEU280 pulls a surprising amount of pet hair and dirt out of carpets and rugs that looked clean, and it leaves the pile fluffed up afterwards. If fur on the carpet is the main job, it handles it well.

Yes. At 11.5 lb, the NEU280 is light enough to carry up and down stairs, and it's easy to push and steer around furniture. Once you're on the stairs, the quick-release handle and stretch hose take care of the steps themselves.

It depends on your rooms. The NEU280 has a 25 ft cord, and some wish it were longer for big rooms, while it can also reach through several rooms without changing outlets. In a large open space, expect to swap outlets at least once.

About normal for an upright. Most find the NEU280's noise typical for this kind of vacuum or even fairly quiet, though to some ears it's a little louder. Eureka lists it at 88 dB, so it's not one to run while someone's on a call.

With a bottom release. The NEU280's 1.9-liter dust cup detaches and dumps straight into the bin, which is easy and a lot less messy than dealing with bags. Washing the filter now and then keeps the suction where it should be.

A crevice tool, a dusting brush and an upholstery attachment, all stored on the body. The NEU280's handle comes off to act as a wand, which gives the stretch hose extra reach for furniture, drapes and ceiling corners without carrying a separate kit around.