The Hoover U8188900 Anniversary Wind Tunnel Bagged and Bagless Upright is nicely priced in the $200-$250 range. This machine utilizes Wind Tunnel Technology (semi cyclonic) and can be used as a bagged or bagless vacuum cleaner which makes it perfect for larger debris jobs as well as normal vacuuming.

The Hoover U8188900 includes a HEPA filter to insure air quality and has a dirt finder light that lights up when vacuuming large amounts of debris. There is also a headlight for vacuuming in dark corners and under furniture. Like most residential vacuum cleaners, the cord is a standard 30 feet and has a long 8 foot hose for reaching under objects and into higher places. The motor is a powerful 12 amp motor for great suction and power.

Some nice features on this unit include the enclosed handle design for a more comfortable grip and wheels with bearings for easier mobility. The wheels are also rubber coated to hold close to the floor and to prevent scratching surfaces. The switch is located on the upper handle for easy turning on and off. The Hoover U8188-900 is equipped with 2 refuse chambers, one that has a filter and one that does not. The machine is available in two nice color choices of bronze or gray.

One of the best things about the Hoover U8188-900 is the impressive tool kit included with the unit and the ease with which the tools store in their own convenient case built right onto the machine. There is a nice assortment of tools including an upholstery tool, square brush, wand, long crevice tool, and roller brush for removing pet hair from furniture. The tools store away on the front top of the machine in a storage compartment with its own door, so that the tools won’t fall out during rigorous vacuuming.

There are a few problems with the Hoover U8188-900. The vacuum cleaner is a bit bulky in design and can feel a bit heavy and cumbersome at times, depending on the job. This machine is also a single motor unit which means that one motor controls both the suction as well as the beater bar. The brush roller is hard to access and needs a screwdriver to open, which is a bit of a hassle and is more time consuming. The bottom of the base is also made of plastic instead of metal and will scratch more easily over time.

The other concern is that this machine is a little loud compared with some residential vacuums.

The Hoover U8188-900 Anniversary Wind Tunnel Bagged and Bagless Upright is overall a nice vacuum cleaner for the price. It has good suction, nice attachments and is able to handle a variety of cleaning jobs. This machine has a nice look to it and has all of the standard features expected in most residential vacuum cleaners, with some nice extras like the dirt finding lights, 5 setting carpet height adjustment dial (conveniently located on the base of the unit), HEPA filtration and a powerful 12 amp motor. The thoughtful design of the tool attachment storage compartment is an unexpected feature and one the user will certainly appreciate as well. If only it were a bit quieter.