Best Self Propelled Vacuum 2020

Last Updated: 31st January 2020

Finding a self propelled vacuum cleaner can be somewhat of a challenge, especially an upright model.

There are very few models that offer the self propelled feature and the only brands I know of that make them are Kirby, Dirt Devil, Eureka and Hoover.

Of course, Robot vacuum cleaners are self propelled and cordless, but I’m only discussing upright models in this review.

After hours of research reading up on vacuum cleaner brands such as Shark, Dyson, Hoover, Electrolux, Kenmore, Bissell, Eureka and Kirby, the best self propelled vacuum cleaner I’ve found is the Hoover Anniversary WindTunnel Bagged Upright.

In fact, it’s really the only self propelled upright vacuum that’s widely available on the market. The Dirt Devil Vision Self-Propelled M087400 and the Eureka Boss 5180 and 5196AT Whirlwind don’t seem to be available to buy brand new anymore. You might be able to pick one up second hand.

Kirby’s G series models are self propelling, but you need to buy them through a Kirby sales agent and they cost around $3000 brand new.

In comparison, you can usually pick a brand new Hoover Anniversary WindTunnel up for less than $200.

Hoover Anniversary WindTunnel Review

This upright, bagged, Anniversary WindTunnel U6485900 from Hoover is self propelled, and has some handy features including allergen bags to trap dust, and sensors to detect dirt on the floor.

Hoover’s WindTunnel technology offers powerful cleaning, and picks up even the most embedded dirt. This self propelling upright is a real workhorse.

The WindTunnel U6485900 is made by Hoover, who are one of the biggest brands in the industry. Indeed, the term ‘Hoover’ is now synonymous with vacuum cleaners.

Today, the US brand of Hoover is owned by Techtronic Industries, but they still use the Hoover logo and still make powerful upright vacuum cleaners for both residential and industrial use.

Why Choose This WindTunnel Upright?

There are a lot of reasons why you may want to choose the best self propelled vacuum model from Hoover’s upright cleaner range, including:

The self-propelling power drive feature means that moving the vacuum back and forth is easy.

Pushing the vacuum cleaner does not require bending or leaning as you might with a smaller model.
The sensors help to ensure that you fully clean your floors.
The WindTunnel Technology offers better suction than you might get from standard vacuums.

The accessories allow you to reach crevices, clean upholstery, and pick up dirt on hard to reach areas.

Could This Upright Be Better?

Not everyone likes this upright vacuum cleaner because:

It can feel bulky compared to canister vacuum cleaners.

This self propelled model is not bagless, and some feel that bagless vacuums with HEPA filters are better for reducing waste than using HEPA allergen friendly dust bags.
It’s not very lightweight at around 20 pounds.
It’s not cordless

What Are Its Best Features?

The DirtFinder will light up green when the vacuum detects that your floor is clean.
The forward and back self-propulsion feature is perfect for those who struggle with mobility.
The no-scuff bumper and edge-cleaning bristles let you clean the whole room without fear of catching walls.

Is This Hoover Self Propelled Vacuum Worth The Money?

This corded, upright, self-propelled vacuum cleaner is a great choice, and well worth the price. Hoover are a trusted brand and this robust vacuum cleaner makes household cleaning a simple, low-energy task. Great for people with reduced mobility.

It can also be used on your upholstery and in your car for cleaning pet hair or other dust and dander your four-legged friends leave behind. You can compare the Air Powered Hand Tool for cleaning up pet dander to a high end portable hand vacuum such as the Dirt Devil.

Who Should Choose This Upright Vac?

This upright vacuum cleaner is ideal for those who may struggle to use other models. The self-propelled nature of the vacuum cleaner makes it handy for people with mobility issues or weaknesses.

In addition, it comes with options for allergen bags, which could be useful for asthmatics and those with other respiratory problems.

Why Choose Hoover?

Hoover is one of the most established brands in the world of vacuum cleaners, and they have traditionally focused on upright vacuums. This self-propelled, bagged upright does all the work for you – it will move back and forth without you needing to push or pull, all you do is steer.

The HEPA bag ensures that dust, dirt and pollen will stay trapped inside, and the bag is easy to change too. This means that you don’t have to worry about making a mess when the bag fills up.

The adjustable height carpet brushes allow you to clean anything from hard wood floors to deep pile carpets quickly and easily. There’s no hassle and no fuss. The no-scuff bumper and the edge-cleaning bristles help you to reach every single square inch of your carpets.

This is a corded vacuum, but the cord is 29ft long, which is more than long enough to allow you to clean up and down stairs, and in big rooms without trouble. The cord is easy to store too.

What Did Real Customers Like?

This is a popular vacuum cleaner and the WindTunnel range has been around for a long time. Indeed, the WindTunnel brand is more than a decade old. This anniversary edition is a re-release of the classic brand, and it works just as well as the originals, proving that it is always work picking up the classics.

There is nowhere for dust to hide between the attachments and the edge-cleaning bristles you should catch all of the dust quickly and easily. Users speak positively of its ability to pick up pet hair and other stubborn bits of dirt and debris in their self propelled vacuum reviews online.

This is an affordable vacuum cleaner, and that combined with the robustness of the Hoover name is a huge selling point. You could pick up many other vacuums for around the same price point from other brands but they would be budget/foreign brands with inferior build quality.

Find more household cleaning tips, consumer reports and detailed vacuum reviews at Show Home Style.

What Customers Thought Could Be Better

One issue that comes up frequently is that of the weight (approx 20 pounds). The vacuum is self-propelling, but this is something of a catch-22. The vacuum is very heavy because it has that self-propelling mechanism in it and might be compared to a more commercial model.

When you are using it on a flat surface, this is not an issue, however when you need to take it up and down stairs you will quickly notice that it weighs in excess of 20lbs. It can be unwieldy to control when working around awkward corners or leaning it to get under certain surfaces.

When cleaning stairs, corners or other awkward places, it’s better to use the extendable hose and wand. Another downside is that it’s quite loud.

Those criticisms aside, it is incredibly well-built, will last forever and does the job of cleaning incredibly well. It is a matter of personal choice whether you prefer something that will clean well and is heavy-duty, or something lighter and more agile that may perhaps need replaced in a few years.

Buying The Hoover Anniversary

This upright, self-propelled vacuum cleaner comes with everything you need for deep-cleaning carpets and floors. It is a popular product, and it can be purchased online via popular retailers such as Amazon and Walmart, as well as at Target, Jet and Kohls. If you’re looking for a cheap deal, you could also buy second hand from eBay.

In most cases, net-day delivery is available. The vacuum comes with a manufacturer’s warranty, and you can optionally upgrade to a two or three year service agreement for a small fee.

This is a Hoover and a popular brand that is easy to repair should something break. If the fans or V-belt go then you can replace the parts yourself. If you break an attachment it is easy to acquire a new replacement. You can expect that this vacuum cleaner will serve you well for years.

Manuals & Documentation

Application Guide [pdf ]

User Guide [pdf ]
User Manual [pdf ]
Warranty [pdf ]